Eva of the Farm — Dia Calhoun

A girl's struggle to save her family's farm, told in verse, stands as a testament to the power of hope.

Twelve-year-old Eva is trying to remain hopeful as banks threaten to foreclose on Acadia Orchard, the apple and pear farm in Washington state that's been in Eva's family for generations. Acadia Orchard is long on lovely but short on cash and luck -- and things go from bad to worse as one of the fruit crops is ruined, Eva's parents start bickering, and her baby brother gets very, very sick.

Ever resourceful, Eva turns to her imagination for help. Soon, the importance of poetry and art become clear, not only as valuable means of expression, but also for their ability to connect people in profound and unique ways (and maybe even earn a few dollars).

Told in verse from Eva's perspective, this is a lush, moving portrait of a family in flux, and the transforming powers of imagination and hope.