"Cerra does a good job of re-creating the combination of fear, confusion, patriotism, prejudice and community spirit the attack engendered, and readers should identify with Jake's plight. A perceptive exploration of an event its audience already sees as history." --
Kirkus Reviews "9/11 reverberates in a middle-school boy's life, thrusting him into a bigger and more threatening world. This is history tensely told for readers too young to remember the moment when this century truly began." --Richard Peck, author of
On The Wings of Heroes "Tackling a difficult topic, Kerry O'Malley Cerra captures the mood of the country right after September 11 in a way that's not frightening or sensationalized. This well-told, poignant novel about prejudice, school bullying, and best friends should spark discussion and capture the hearts of young readers for a very long time." --Augusta Scattergood, author of
Glory Be "Kerry O'Malley Cerra's
Just a Drop of Water explores the aftermath of September 11th, but more importantly, she shows how Jake Green, a middle school track star, comes to understand how to be a much needed friend to Sameed Madina, of Muslim decent, and helps to restore peace in their neighborhood. This touching story is like the legend of the origami paper cranes, a symbol of peace, which states that if you fold one thousand of them, your heart's desire will come true." --Kathryn Fitzmaurice, author of
A Diamond in the Desert "Kerry O'Malley Cerra has written a novel that is both brave and true. In showing us the darker sides of ourselves when confronted with tragedy and fear, her characters lead us to the light." --Laurie Calkhoven, author of
Michael at the Invasion of France, 1943 "
Just a Drop of Water brings this generation's young readers a glimpse of
September 11 that is both thought-provoking and real." --Caroline Starr Rose, author of
May B "Memorable characters bring to life a story of friends who, after the tragedy of September 11, must confront the darker side of their community, their families, and their hearts. Kerry O'Malley Cerra is definitely a debut author to watch!" --Christina Diaz Gonzalez, author of
The Red Umbrella and
A Thunderous Whisper
