In this novel that unites characters from "The Giver" and "Gathering Blue," Matty, a young member of a utopian community that values honesty, conceals an emerging healing power that he cannot explain or understand.

When Will finds a bird with a broken wing, he takes it home and cares for it, hoping in time it will be able to return to the sky.

When twelve-year-old Ellie and her family lose livelihood and move to a mountain cabin in 1934, she quickly learns to be an outdoors woman and, when needed, a healer.

"Sylvie and her mother and grandmother are beloved, trusted healers in their medieval French village, though some whisper that fifteen-year-old Sylvie and her grand-mere deal in more than herbs and medicines...After her grandmother dies, and an attempt to use magic to heal her mother's grief brooks tragic consequences, Sylvie leaves her village in search of a teacher"--

"A little light: connecting children with their inner light so they can shine. Follow the adventure of our hero, a little light, as he grows from the smallest spark of essence into a beautiful boy. Some life challenges dull his light, but with the help of his community, he learns to shine again. This story emphasizes the importance of the body, mind, and spirit in healing the whole person."--back cover.