Jaime Maria Merrill
Author and Observer of Humans in Transition
Who Owns the Water?
We take water for granted. We turn on the faucet and expect clean water to flow—but this is a luxury. Much of the world still struggles to find, collect, and make water safe to drink.
"A wonderfully charming debut with some valuable perspective on social media and the climate crisis." — Kirkus Reviews
"Featuring a winning heroine at its center..." — Kirkus Reviews
A timeless middle-grade adventure about friendship, courage, environmental stewardship, and discovering what matters when the phone gets left behind.
Introducing My Debut Novel:
The Stars Are Always There
Twelve-year-old Jess would rather spend her summer on her phone than at her family's Texas ranch. Cut off from her usual digital distractions, she expects two months of boredom. Instead, she discovers talking animals, unexpected friendships, and a community fighting to save its way of life.
A wealthy farmer is pumping more water than the earth can spare. Wells run dry, tempers flare, and strange things are stirring on the prairie: animals are trying to tell her something, the wind is listening, and the stars feel closer than normal.
As Jess uncovers the ranch’s secrets, she must decide who she wants to be; quiet and careful like always, or brave enough to speak up when it matters most. With a loyal horse, a few unlikely allies, and a whisper of magic guiding her, Jess sets out to protect the place that’s starting to feel like home.
Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about friendship, animals, nature, courage, and discovering what matters beyond the screen.
Sometimes it only takes one voice—one gutsy kid—to show that the land, like family, is always worth protecting.
A middle grade novel for ages 10–12—perfect for families, classrooms, and readers who love thoughtful stories.
Read Chapter 1 of
The Stars Are Always There
The Stars Are Always There
is now available everywhere.
A quiet girl. A threatened landscape. One chance to speak up.
For Educators & Librarians
Available wherever books are purchased, including major retailers and library suppliers.
Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9945721-0-8
Available for ordering through institutional suppliers.
eBook ISBN: 979-8-9945721-1-5
Available for ordering through Overdrive
About Jaime Maria Merrill
Jaime is the author of The Stars Are Always There, her debut novel. She wrote it to capture memories of her great-uncle Jess Frank Triplett's ranch, where her family vacationed each summer.
Jaime grew up the middle child in a large family (seven children, two large dogs, and two exhausted parents). Chaos reigned throughout the year—amid sibling squabbles, barking dogs and parental admonishments—but the summers at the ranch were magical. The stillness of nature had a calming effect—banishing conflict and letting in peace; the best time of their lives together.
Contact
www.jaimeswords.com