Carly Finds Out
Although Carly’s mom left when she was ten, she continues to expect her mom’s return. Having led a sheltered life with her sister, under the guidance of her protective Nanna, Carly is introduced to a new life--high school. In this book, Rena Roberts Shipp allows readers to peer into a realistic view of Carly’s life, her feelings, and experiences as she asserts her adolescent independence.

What Others Are Saying:

“Remember that first day of high school? Will I be accepted? Did I dress right? Who can I trust? Will I embarrass myself and say something dumb? Walk with Carly as she meets all her new teachers, 'bumps' into new friends, but secretly carries all her past baggage with her from a broken family. A great story of love, trust, forgiveness, and growing up with a substitute support system with which lots of kids will identify.”
-Charles Finley, Senior Editor, Verbatim Editing
Richmond, VA

"The first day of high school is a watershed day for most teens, but in Carly Finds Out [on Her First Day] Carly brings a lot of personal and emotional history with her to color the events of this memorable day. A satisfying end rounds out this second tale of Carly, her sister Lissa and her Nanna."
-Bess Haile, Essex Public Library

Order "Carly Finds Out" for $11.95

I Did It Nanna's Way
When Carly was six, her father walked out. When she was ten, her mother left. It is Nanna who steps in and raises Carly and her sister, Lissa. Come into the world of a 13-year-old girl who strives to be a teenager with values and integrity, while facing the joys and pains of adolescence—peer pressure, class politics, unpredictable relationships, and intense competition. Readers will be able to relate to Carly, as she struggles to have a life filled with meaning and purpose.

What Others Are Saying:

“… I Did It Nanna’s Way is the warm and inspiring story of how Carly, Lissa, and Nanna find their way as a different kind of family, of how Nanna supports the girls while also pushing them to be their best, and of how Carly and Nanna butt heads on occasion as Carly tests her wings and negotiates the setbacks and crises of growing up. We finish Shipp’s engaging account of a kind of family life that is on the rise, grandparents raising grandchildren, delighted with Carly’s vivacity and relieved that the girls have Nanna, a tower of strength and good sense, to count on.”
-Deirdra McAfee, writer

Ms. Shipp captured the essence of predominant youth. You only need to look statistically to find the story and content of "I Did It Nanna's Way" to be a depiction of abundant youth experiences. Her writing style is refreshing and genuine. The basic premise to enjoying this book is conditional on your ability to shun general media depictions of teen ideological progression. It's real life experiences, exposure, and stacked odds to normalcy are expressed genuinely and are paramount to understanding teenage thoughts, beliefs, and goals. A balanced light read for an elementary class assignment.
-Rtylers1992, from Glen Allen, VA

Speaking in the voice of a 13-year old, the author of "I Did It Nanna's Way" takes the reader on a tour of both the crises and day-to-day happenings in the life of a young teenage girl named Carly Adams, while managing never to sound cloying or patronizing ... It is how Carly reacts to life, friendship and love and how she makes choices that will interest young readers who struggle with similar issues.
Author Rena Roberts Shipp avoids the stereotypical problems and solutions and young readers should find it a quick and interesting read.
“Books in Style~I Did It Nanna's Way”
-Reviewed by Nancy Johnson and Donna Doleman
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Order "I Did It Nanna's Way" for $8.95