My YA novel is the extraordinary story of Emma Rodriguez, a fourteen year old Mexican/American girl living in Santa Barbara, California who experiences an incredible and unbelievable journey of transformation and personal growth. Along her mystical voyage she is exposed to numerous people and situations that teach her the true meaning of love, kindness, gratitude and respect. But can she forgive the most grievous of acts? Does she have the courage to be steadfast in the face of real fear? Will she demonstrate compassion for others in the midst of danger? As Emma encounters challenging situations no young child should be exposed to, she gains the wisdom, awareness and insight of a lifetime. Life’s lessons and society’s complexities meet her head on as she attempts to discover who she is and who she will be at the end of her mysterious odyssey. From the gripping opening scene of Emma’s death in an auto accident, caused by sixteen year old Ashley, to the surprising ending of Emma as a unique presence on Earth using her unlimited super powers to help others, my tale grabs the reader and holds him in suspense. Along the way contemporary teen topics such as family separation and loss, texting and sexting, gay bashing, school shooters, injustice, insecurities, immigration, sexual harassment, homelessness and tragedy are addressed and serve as a catalyst for conversation. I believe young readers of my story will imagine themselves in Emma’s role - strong, courageous and authentic – and find it informative, empowering, purposeful, entertaining, inspiring, adventurous, and humorous.

Young Adult,

Emma is riding in the family car on the way to Christmas shopping when she is killed in an accident. She has a near death experience and believes she is an angel with super powers, which she uses to help others in need through current situations, such as immigration problems, gay situations, sexting

Santa Barbara, CA

No

Internal Journey/Rebirth

Twist, Coming of Age, Meaningful Message, Happy Ending, Philosophical Questions

Information not completed

Name: Emma Rodriguez

Age: 14

Gender: Female

Role: Skeptic

Key Traits: Naive, Adventurous, Aspiring, Beautiful, Desperate, Extraordinary Powers and Abilities, Heroic, Confident, Empathetic, Funny, Honorable, Strong Moral Code

Name: Ashley Reagan

Age: 16

Gender: Female

Role: Emotional

Key Traits: Clumsy, Desperate, Insecure

Name: Leon Shannon

Age: 16

Gender: Male

Role: Antagonist

Key Traits: Blunt, Complex, Insecure, Masculine, Villainous, Aggressive, Badass, Criminal, Desperate

Name: Hannah

Age: 14

Gender: Female

Role: Sidekick

Key Traits: Charming, Clumsy, Desperate, Faithful, Insecure, Modest

Age: 13-17

Target Gender: Universal

Information not completed

Status: No

No

Information not completed