An Amethyst Tree

An Amethyst Tree is an original fictional teen novel about a high school girl's relationship with her brothers and parents as she tries to cope with competition, and peer pressure to pretend, act mean, and deceive in order to win. Trying out for choir, cheerleading and an after-school job at a bakery, Jennie juggles her stories and plans, and even has a scheme with her brother, Tim, to borrow the family car. But what will happen after her oldest brother, Brendan, makes her promise to be calm, truthful and honest all year? He even promises her a gem, or precious stone if she complies. Seeing it as a silly social experiment, she agrees. Back at school, Jennie doubts that she can win anything if she is completely honest. She wants to have a gem from her brother, yet she simply cannot survive in high school if she takes him seriously and follows the rule!! This story is a coming-of-age, humorous portrayal of high school when friends become competitors, and there seems to be little room left for generosity or kindness.