Nora Shalaway Carpenter

After a chance encounter, loner photographer Len and volleyball star Sage develop an unlikely friendship that enables them to begin facing their inner demons.

In rural West Virginia, anti-fracking teen Viv discovers an ability to sense forests' energy, a power that becomes heightened the more she interacts with Dex, the new boy in town.

"For most of America's history, rural people and culture have been casually mocked, stereotyped, and, in general, deeply misunderstood. Now an array of short stories, poetry, graphic short stories, and personal essays, along with anecdotes from the authors' real lives, dives deep into the complexity and diversity of rural America and the people who call it home. Fifteen extraordinary authors--diverse in ethnic background, sexual orientation, geographic...

Sixteen extraordinary authors subvert mental health stereotypes in this powerful and uplifting mix-genre collection of fiction. A boxer whose strength is tested more outside the ring than in it. A hiker who develops magical powers when her serotonin is finally balanced. A teen activist wrestling with protest-related anxiety and PTSD. A boy whose uncontrollable tears help enable another's healing ... In this inspiring, unflinching, and hope-filled...