Anela's Club

"An inspiring story of teenage resilience and how trauma need not be an insurmountable obstacle." - Kirkus Reviews
"Anela's inspiring journey is a testimony to how we all can rise from traumatic darkness to brilliant change and growth." -Joanne P. McCallie, Six-Time NCAA Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, Duke University, Author of Secret Warrior (Köehler)
When Anela Lee's brother, Jake, dies on the football field, her family is shattered. Her parents never wanted her, and without her biggest cheerleader, she withdraws into her pain and insecurities. Even school, once a refuge, means nothing anymore. Only one teacher refuses to give up on her, pushing her to enter an essay contest that gives her a shot at Harvard. Still, self-doubt holds Anela back.
Then a senator teaches her about the many world leaders who have used their childhood trauma to do great things. The hope that Anela can turn her pain into something beautiful gives her back her spark and encourages her to enter the contest. But does she have the confidence to share her essay in front of an audience?
Anela's Club is a coming-of-age story about rising above tragedy and learning to view life through a lens of hope and love.