TWIGS

Madeline "Twigs" Henry is a small teen in the shadow of some big problems. Born prematurely, and still so tiny in stature that people think she's in the fifth grade, Twigs has a mighty spirit.

Just like her nickname, 18-year-old Twigs is tiny and tough. But sometimes it feels like life's pressures are bringing her to her breaking point. She's dealing with a splintered family, missing her boyfriend who has moved away for college, and trying to earn some money in a dead-end pharmacy job that doesn't pay enough for the trouble it causes. Twigs will have to count on some unlikely friends to help her learn to bend without breaking. Alison Ashley Formento has crafted a moving story with off-beat characters looking to redefine the meaning of family. This is her debut novel. Merit Press is helmed by Jacquelyn Mitchard, bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean, who hand-picks and edits each title. Alison has previously published a picture book series for Alfred Whitman Publishers. Alison Ashley Formento writes for children and young adults. Her multi-award-winning nature picture books include THIS TREE COUNTS!, THIS TREE, 1, 2, 3, THESE BEES COUNT!, and THESE SEAS COUNT! (Albert Whitman & Co.) Her freelance writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Writer, Parenting and several other publications. Alison's debut young adult novel, TWIGS (Merit Press/Adams Media), will be released in September 2013.