Stronger Together is a heartfelt chapter book about resilience, friendship, and finding your place when life is always on the move. Written by pediatrician and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel A.L. Zeine, this story shines a light on the often-overlooked experiences of military kids.
Chloe is used to moving—it’s part of being an Army brat. But this time, she actually feels at home. Her mom’s schedule is better, her best friend Ella is just down the street, and the Cul-de-sac Kids have welcomed her with open arms. Life is finally settling down.
But Chloe’s heart is still tugged in another direction—back to her old home, where her other best friend Mia feels left behind. When Ella’s dad is suddenly deployed, Chloe’s world shifts again. She wants to be the glue holding everyone together, but how do you stay strong for everyone else when you’re feeling overwhelmed yourself?
Perfect for readers ages 8–12, Stronger Together offers an honest look at the emotional ups and downs of military life, long-distance friendships, and the courage it takes to grow and change. With warmth and empathy, this story reminds us that no matter the challenge, we are always stronger together.
Amanda L. Zeine, DO is a board-certified pediatrician, wife, mother, and retired Lieutenant Colonel. Born and raised in a small town in Central Illinois, she dreamed from an early age of becoming a doctor. After high school, she attended Illinois State University, where she studied Biology and participated in the ROTC program, graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Granted an educational delay by the United States Army, she went on to earn her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. She then completed her pediatric residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. While in residency, she was blessed with a beautiful daughter. Following residency, Dr. Zeine was stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, where she served as both a pediatrician and an Army flight surgeon. During her career, she deployed twice in support of military operations overseas. In 2017, she remarried and now lives in Clarksville, TN. In December 2018, Dr. Zeine sustained a traumatic brain injury that ended her eleven-year medical career. The loss of her professional identity became a turning point, inspiring her to write her first book, Hot Mess to Wellness, a personal story of healing and resilience and simple guide to wellness. She is now the author of Cul-de-sac Kids, a chapter book series for children in military families. Stronger Together is the second book in the series.
