Breaking Free

Book excerpt: Jody, a teenager with literary talent, moves to the American Southwest. In the face of family turmoil, she resolves to develop her craft no matter what. Befriending a couple of free-spirited boys, Jody learns about who she is, and what it means to be true to herself. By joining forces, the unlikely triumvirate of Jody, Miguel and Tony, demonstrate that racial differences can be the glue that binds people together. Encouraged by others, she learns to give vent to feelings previously repressed, and that this can lead to healing. Due to her strong sense of social justice, Jody writes about controversial subjects that draw national attention to a website for young writers. When Jody decides to attempt legal emancipation, she enlists the services of a Navajo Indian and attorney. Despite being at the twilight of his career, Mr. Red Cliff takes on her case. He must find a way to win Jody's freedom, without exposing her family to humiliation. Will Jody be given a fair hearing? Will Red Cliff's consultant, Jaime, be able to unearth evidence that Jody's mother has an illness she refuses to disclose? This coming of age novel will appeal to adults and adolescents looking for a fast-moving story. A story of an exceptional girl with an insatiable curiosity, along with a steadfast determination to escape an intolerable family situation.