An ex-librarian, Ruby now writes full-time, in addition to speaking to bookish groups, presenting at writing workshops, and touting literacy and the joys of nourishing, thought-provoking reading in schools across the country. Her fiction runs the gamut from contemporary to historical and from realistic to paranormal. lifelike and sympathetic portrait of two complex adolescents.' - Publishers Weekly 'Thought-provoking.' - School Library JournalĪbout the Author Lois Ruby is the author of 18 books for middle graders and teens, including Steal Away Home, Miriam's Well, The Secret of Laurel Oaks, Rebel Spirits, Skin Deep, and The Doll Graveyard. ' exposes a powerful issue-faith in God versus faith in doctors. As her illness rages on, Miriam will teach Adam the meaning of love and faith-and he will give her a reason to live. In order for Miriam to forgo treatment, Adam's father sues the state on her behalf-even as Adam himself tries to convince her to accept the doctors' help. Miriam is a member of a devout religious sect in which women have little power and medicine is strictly forbidden. She believes that God will heal her, but if He doesn't, she plans to let herself die.

But when she passes out while they're working on an English assignment, Adam takes Miriam to the last place she wants to go: the hospital. She says she's fine, and he wants to believe her.

She's an oddball, a student who hardly talks, never makes eye contact, and wears clothes that seem straight out of the 19th century. Book Synopsis A terminally ill teenager is forced to choose between her religion and her life Adam doesn't think much of it when Miriam faints in class.

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