In these four acclaimed novels, National Book Award-winning author Joyce Carol Thomas evocatively captures the triumph and struggles of teens as they come of age, and break and bond with their families. BRIGHT SHADOW (1983) This Coretta Scott King Honor Book and Thomas' sophomore effort continues the moving saga she began in her debut novel Marked By Fire. Abyssinia Jackson is back home from college where she's studying to be a doctor. But she must learn to cope with tragedy when peace is shattered in her Oklahoma countryside and her boyfriend Carl Lee disappears. "Just when a critic thinks he has an author tightly held, a sequel wriggles free of preconceptions and hops away. . . . Sophisticated."--The Purdue Exponent "Amazing."--Panache Post WATER GIRL (1986)In the third book of a compelling saga that began with Marked By Fire, 15-year old Amber makes a startling family discovery that shakes her to her core. "Fans of Marked By Fire will want to read this story of an adolescent search for identity."-School Library Journal "A panorama of human emotions . . . entertaining reading.-VOYA "Teens who liked the first two books won't be disappointed."--BooklistTHE GOLDEN PASTURE (1987) In this ALA Pick of the List, 13-year old Carl's relationship with a wild rodeo horse teaches more about connecting with his dad than about riding. "A spirited, lyrical tale with a memorable cast of characters. . . . Thomas is a weaver of words, combining just the right ones to create a loving picture of three generations."-Publishers Weekly "Thomas' love for Oklahoma and empathy for her well-delineated characters emerge . . . a delight."-School Library Journal JOURNEY (1990) 16-year old Meggie is scared. One by one, her town's teenagers are mysteriously disappearing. What Meggie doesn't know is that her childhood holds the only key to save them. "Spellbinding."-VOYA "Appealing heroine, fast pace, and SF overtones will absorb readers."-Kirkus Reviews