The Painted Sky — Yvette Moore

Billy is excited to begin the new school year. He is entering into the first grade. The new year brings new challenges and a new adventure.
Billy struggles to gain his independence from his mom. He wishes he could be like his best friend Jack. Billy's mom notices the change in her son and is struggling to grant him more freedom.
The Christmas season approaches and brings both joy and pain. Billy is happy to be in his first Christmas play. He is also invited to his first Christmas party. But his excitement soon turns into fear, as he becomes the victim of bullying. His decision to run sends him on an adventure far from home.