Twelve-year-old Bird has to become a woman, whether she wants to or not, when she gets her first period and is ditched by her impulsive, free-spirited mom.

Ben Burns, a drug-addicted teenager, shows up unexpectedly to visit his family on Christmas Eve. His wary mother welcomes him, but after finding out he's still in danger, she must to do everything she can to help her family.

Five high school students-- a Rebel, an Athlete, a Brain, a Princess and a Basketcase-- find themselves thrown together serving a Saturday morning detention. They do not have much in common, except giving up their day, sitting in the school library, and writing an essay for the principal. At first, they argue and hate each other, but after smoking some of the Rebel's marijuana, they begin to pour their hearts out to each other. They talk about their...

Hugh Knight is a renowned heart surgeon in Sydney, who believes he can live outside the rules. But after an incident involving drugs and alcohol, he is banned from surgery. Forced to work as a local doctor, Hugh retreats to rural Wyhope, his rarely visited hometown, which, he assumes, will be distraction-free. He couldn't be more wrong.

Even more so than family, friends are able to influence each others recovery from drug addiction, but to do so requires a thorough understanding of the situation. Readers will learn the signs of abuse for various drugs, along with reasons for abuse, how to confront the friend, and how to encourage treatment. The many sources for further reference fulfill Common Core Standards by offering a means through which readers may draw on information from other...