Media
Listening To The Land This Earth Day
A reflection on water stewardship, quiet courage, and the inspiration behind The Stars Are Always There.
About the Book
The Stars Are Always There follows 12-year-old Jess as she spends a summer on her family’s ranch in the Texas Panhandle.
When she uncovers a greedy neighbor’s plan to overuse precious water resources, Jess must find her voice, trust her intuition, and fight for the land she loves.
Blending heart, humor, and a touch of magical realism, this story celebrates courage, community, and the bond between kids and animals.
About Jaime Maria Merrill
Jaime is an author of stories for young readers, from middle-grade to young adult. She writes fiction on resilience, 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
Praise for The Stars Are Always There
“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
"The drought-stricken ranch mirrors Jess's own sense of depletion, and as her connection to the land deepens, so does her understanding of her place within it."
— The Prairies Book Review
"Jess's decision to act emerges organically, shaped by observation, relationships, and a growing moral urgency."
— The Prairies Book Review
"Hints of magical realism, including animals that seem to speak, a listening wind, and an almost sentient night sky add a layer of quiet wonder without overwhelming the narrative."
— The Prairies Book Review
"Themes rarely seen in children's books lead middle grade readers to contemplate new facets of their place in the world."
— Midwest 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
Media Downloads
Suggested Interview Topics
Inspirations behind The Stars Are Always There
Magical realism in middle-grade fiction
Writing strong, determined girl protagonists
Environmental stewardship and water use
Ranch life and animals as emotional anchors
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