Young Adult Fiction
Date Published: January 31st, 2023
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
North Carolina Simon hates her name. As a fourteen-year-old girl growing up
in the 1970s, she has a lot of challenges. People not only make fun of her
name, but also scoff at her eccentric family. Dad’s a hoarder,
Mom’s an unpredictable artist, and her older sister lives with an
autism diagnosis. After a humiliating middle school event shatters her
confidence as a singer, North determines to break free from the stigma
surrounding her family.
As she starts high school, North tells people to call her Carol. Armed with
a new name, she updates her appearance, befriends a popular boy in hopes of
joining his band, distances herself from her two longtime friends, and
avoids being seen with her adoring and dependent sister. Everything seems to
be going according to plan until her sister suddenly disappears. Carol is
forced to face reality. Should she continue to focus all her time and energy
on fitting in or should she surrender to God’s calling on her life?
Finding True North is a prequel to Sticks and Stones, but each can be read
as stand-alone novels.
About the Author
Dianne Beck has spent most of her career teaching students ranging from
kindergarten through adult and currently works as a high school youth
director at her church. In each of these roles, she hopes to encourage
students to be their own unique selves, to have confidence in who they are,
and to follow their passions. Dianne’s debut young adult novel
Sticks and Stones, winner of multiple awards, was inspired by her years of
teaching, where she saw how an understanding ear and relevant literature
could make a significant impact on students’ lives. She hopes young
people and adults can find faith and strength in her stories.
Contact Links
Instagram: @beck_dianne
