Media
Listening To The Land This Earth Day
A reflection on water stewardship, quiet courage, and the inspiration behind The Stars Are Always There.
Praise for The Stars Are Always There
"A wonderfully charming debut with some valuable perspective on social media and the climate crisis."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Featuring a winning heroine at its center, Merrill addresses contemporary issues—water shortages, corporate excess, and the detrimental effects of screens on developing minds—with a breeziness that shields it from charges of heavy-handedness."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Tender, evocative, and inspiring; a coming-of-age story that resonates."
— The Prairies Book Review
"Librarians seeking a middle grade read that is unusually political, socially inspective, and cemented by the first-person revelations of a girl on the path to becoming a force in her world will find The Stars Are Always There highly recommendable."
— Midwest Book Review
"Jess's decision to act emerges organically, shaped by observation, relationships, and a growing moral urgency."
— The Prairies Book Review
"As Jess struggles with what she knows, she must find the courage to speak up in a place where adult authority dominates and challenging the status quo carries real consequences."
— BookLife
About the Book
The Stars Are Always There follows twelve-year-old Jess Lindsey as she spends a phone-free summer on her family's ranch in the Texas Panhandle. What begins as an unwanted separation from the digital world becomes a journey of friendship, community, environmental stewardship, and self-discovery. When Jess uncovers a powerful neighbor's plan to overuse precious water resources, she must summon the courage to speak up before the land, animals, and people she has come to love pay the price.
About Jaime Maria Merrill
Jaime is the author of stories for young readers that explore resilience, environmental stewardship, meaningful connection, and the quiet magic that shapes everyday life.
Press Contact
Email: jaimemariamerrill@jaimeswords.com
Website: jaimeswords.com
The Stars Are Always There Media Kit
A middle-grade novel by Jaime Maria Merrill
Media Downloads
Discussion Topics & Themes
Finding one's voice when it matters most
Environmental stewardship and water use
Connection to animals and the natural world
Digital wellness
Technology and childhood
Read Full Reviews
Library & Education Flyer
A professionally designed flyer for libraries, schools, and reading programs featuring The Stars Are Always There, including book overview, themes, formats, and author visit opportunities.
Contact
www.jaimeswords.com