Caleb never meant to lie.
But when the thirteen-year-old blurts out that his mother has left the family, he has no idea how to take the words back. He only wanted Emily to like him. Instead, his new friendship with the girl next door seems destined to fail.
Emily doesn’t need another problem. Her grandmother’s dementia has changed their family, and she feels forgotten as her parents care for Nana and her autistic little sister. The last thing she wants is Caleb invading her favorite place—the hill where she goes to escape it all.
Then, on a clear September morning, Caleb and Emily watch something strange in the sky.
Within minutes, the peaceful hillside is filled with sirens as the world they know is changed forever.
Over the next six days, Caleb and Emily must face fear, anger, guilt, and secrets they would rather keep hidden. And when Caleb risks everything to protect someone Emily loves, both children begin to discover that some things cannot be fixed, some burdens were never theirs to carry, and forgiveness can change a heart.
Devos from Mitzi’s Farm: Trust and Obey:
Engaging Bible studies for children ages 8 – 12, insightful questions that require the student to think before responding, memory verses and activity pages. Book 1 explores the lives of Elijah and Jonah in the Old Testament. Young people will learn about faith from Elijah and the widow of Zarephath and about obedience from Jonah. Great for home school, family Bible studies or personal devotions. A 50 page workbook guide.
When Chickens Have Teeth is a heartfelt middle grade novel set in the streets of Port-au-Paix, Haiti. Thirteen-year-old Frislin Destine is determined to help his struggling family—especially as the oldest of six children. When he spots a scrawny rooster, it feels like hope… until his plans are ruined by Stefan, the neighborhood bully and his sworn enemy.
Burdened by responsibility and unsure how to live up to the quiet faith of his disabled father, Frislin is stunned when he’s sent away to a children’s home in another city. Just as he begins adjusting to his new life, Stefan arrives—bringing old tensions and new challenges.
Can Frislin overcome resentment, find his place, and learn the true meaning of forgiveness? Perfect for readers ages 8–12, When Chickens Have Teeth offers a powerful story of resilience, faith, and what it means to grow up far from home.
Meet the Author: Joyann Dwire
Joyann Dwire grew up on a Pennsylvania farm, where stories, animals, and country life provided the backdrop for a lifelong love of writing. Today, she writes primarily for middle-grade readers, weaving together faith, family, friendship, and the challenges young people face. And don’t be surprised if there’s a farm involved.