Close Yet Far

by Roberta R. Carr, Sierra Treewater

Thirteen-year-old Coral Robertson is a popular eighth-grader at Bay Vista Middle School. Her classmate, Shay O'Brien, is a loner who lives in the shadows. The two girls have nothing in common until they become finalists in a speech contest. What begins as a friendly competition escalates into manipulation and bullying. As Coral struggles with pleasing people and Shay teeters on the edge, their worlds start to unravel.

This story is about those moments in life that define who we are. Will Coral and Shay find the courage to face their fears? What is holding them back? Who wins the grand prize?

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

About the author

After a rewarding business career in healthcare, Roberta R. Carr became a full-time writer. She enjoys creating slice-of-life stories that will entertain you, as well as stir new thoughts. Her travel experiences usually weave their way into the plots.

Reviews

[Roberta R. Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a blast writing this middle-school novel with my 12-year-old granddaughter! We worked hard to deliver a fast-paced story that inspired readers. Sierra and I hope you enjoy our labor of love.
-Roberta

[Courtnee Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close Yet Far is a book by Roberta R. Carr and Sierra Treewater. Shay and Coral are eighth graders with very different home and school lives. Coral lives in a house with her parents and brother, while Shay and her mother stay at a campground delegated for homeless people. Coral is held in high esteem by her teachers and close group of friends, but Shay feels ostracized. A speech contest with a large award places Coral and Shay in a competition, and they discover more about themselves as they write and recite their speeches. Each girl has a chance to win and take the prize, but one of the girls may have a little magical help along the way.
Roberta R. Carr and Sierra Treewater have written a fantastic book. Treewater is a seventh grader, so her contribution to the story is impressive! The authors share just enough about the characters to grab the attention of readers and immerse them in the story. The story moves along at a medium pace, and Meli’s appearance, though startling, provides some comic relief and encourages Shay’s confidence. Sensitive subjects like the dangers associated with homelessness, bullying, and gun violence are touched, but the story remains appropriate for the targeted age group. The actions of the principal and Shay’s circumstances would make great conversation-starters, and the guided questions for book clubs are helpful. Close Yet Far is a great gift for a preteen, and the book would make a lovely addition to any middle school library.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that CLOSE YET FAR by Roberta R. Carr has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[Fred Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of a better book for a middle-grader. The story is ripped from the front pages, and the characters are true to life. It is a page-turner. Your middle-grader will not only enjoy the book they will learn some valuable lessons along the way.