The Stars Are Always There (Paperback)

Jaime Maria Merrill

ISBN 13: 9798994572108

Published by Murmuration LLC, 2026

About this Item

Paperback. A quiet girl. A threatened landscape. One chance to speak up. Twelve-year-old Jess Lindsey is sent to spend the summer on her family's ranch in the Texas Panhandle, a place rooted in history and shaped by the land itself. Quiet by nature and unsure of her place, Jess expects long days and wide skies-but not trouble. When a wealthy neighboring farmer begins pumping more water than the land can spare, wells start to dry up and tensions rise across the prairie. As drought tightens its grip, Jess senses that the land is trying to speak: animals behave strangely, the wind seems to listen, and the stars overhead feel closer than ever. With the help of a loyal horse, a few unexpected allies, and a whisper of magic, Jess must decide who she wants to be-silent and careful, or brave enough to use her voice when it matters. As she uncovers the ranch's past, Jess learns that protecting the land may also mean discovering her own strength. The Stars Are Always There is a middle grade novel for readers ages 10-12 that explores environmental responsibility, water conservation, and the courage to stand up for what is right, making it especially well suited for Earth Day discussions and classroom use. Available through major library distributors including Ingram. A twelve-year-old girl spends her summer on a ranch in the Texas Panhandle. She discovers magic in nature and menace in a local leader who is overusing water. She finds the courage to speak out and make BIG change happen in the community. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9798994572108

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Stars Are Always There (Paperback)
• Publisher: Murmuration LLC
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798994572108
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

A quiet girl. A threatened landscape. One chance to speak up.

Twelve‑year‑old Jess Lindsey is sent to spend the summer on her family’s ranch in the Texas Panhandle, a place rooted in history and shaped by the land itself. Quiet by nature and unsure of her place, Jess expects long days and wide skies—but not trouble.

When a wealthy neighboring farmer begins pumping more water than the land can spare, wells start to dry up and tensions rise across the prairie. As drought tightens its grip, Jess senses that the land is trying to speak: animals behave strangely, the wind seems to listen, and the stars overhead feel closer than ever.

With the help of a loyal horse, a few unexpected allies, and a whisper of magic, Jess must decide who she wants to be—silent and careful, or brave enough to use her voice when it matters. As she uncovers the ranch’s past, Jess learns that protecting the land may also mean discovering her own strength.

The Stars Are Always There is a middle grade novel for readers ages 10–12 that explores environmental responsibility, water conservation, and the courage to stand up for what is right, making it especially well suited for Earth Day discussions and classroom use.

About the Author

Jaime Maria Merrill is the author of The Stars Are Always There, inspired by summers spent on her great‑uncle Jess Frank Triplett's ranch—an experience that shaped her appreciation for land, community, and quiet attention to the natural world.
Growing up as the middle child in a lively family of seven children, Jaime found contrast and calm in the stillness of the ranch, where nature offered a different rhythm and perspective. Those memories continue to inform her writing for young readers, particularly stories that explore environmental awareness, empathy, and the moment children begin to recognize their own agency.
Jaime lives in Virginia.