Tillerman Cycle Series by Cynthia Voigt

It's still true...That's the first thing James Tillerman says to his sister Dicey every morning. It's still true that their mother has abandoned the four Tillerman children somewhere in the middle of Connecticut. It's still true they have to find their way, somehow, to Great-aunt Cilla's house in Bridgeport, which may be their only hope of staying together as a family... moreIt's still true...That's the first thing James Tillerman says to his sister Dicey every morning. It's still true that their mother has abandoned the four Tillerman children somewhere in the middle of Connecticut. It's still true they have to find their way, somehow, to Great-aunt Cilla's house in Bridgeport, which may be their only hope of staying together as a family.But when they get to Bridgeport, they learn that Great-aunt Cilla has died, and the home they find with her daughter, Eunice, isn't the permanent haven they've been searching for. So their journey continues to its unexpected conclusion -- and some surprising discoveries about their history, and their future. less

Now that the four abandoned Tillerman children are settled in with their grandmother, Dicey finds that their new beginnings require love, trust, humor, and courage.

Jeff Greene was only seven when Melody, his mother, left him with his reserved, undemonstrative father, the Professor. So when she reenters his life years later with an invitation to spend the summer with her in Charleston, Jeff is captivated by her free spirit and warmth, and he eagerly looks forward to returning for another visit the following year.But Jeff's second summer in Charleston ends with a devastating betrayal, and he returns to his father wounded almost beyond bearing... moreJeff Greene was only seven when Melody, his mother, left him with his reserved, undemonstrative father, the Professor. So when she reenters his life years later with an invitation to spend the summer with her in Charleston, Jeff is captivated by her free spirit and warmth, and he eagerly looks forward to returning for another visit the following year.But Jeff's second summer in Charleston ends with a devastating betrayal, and he returns to his father wounded almost beyond bearing. But out of Jeff's pain grows a deepening awareness of the unexpected and complicated ways of love and loss and of family and friendship -- and the strength to understand his father, his mother, and especially himself. less

A SPEEDING BULLET Bullet Tillerman runs. He runs to escape the criticism of his harsh, unforgiving father. He runs to numb the pain of his mother's inability to express her love. He is the star of the school track team, but he isn't a team man and doesn't want to be. Bullet runs for himself. Bullet is unlikely choice to be asked to coach a new, African-American team member. But in coaching Tamer Shipp, Bullet learns some things about himself -- who he is, and who he can perhaps become.

Although devastated when she is asked to leave an exclusive Connecticut ballet school, Mina Smiths finds solace in her friendship with Tamer Shipp, the summer minister, and learns about his own difficult adolescence, Harlem ministry, and family life.

Dicey Tillerman has big dreams. She's started a boatbuilding business, and she's determined to prove she can succeed on her own. So at first she resists the offer of help from Cisco, the mysterious stranger who turns up at her shop. But running a business doesn't leave much time for the people Dicey treasures-- her grandmother, her younger siblings, and her boyfriend... moreDicey Tillerman has big dreams. She's started a boatbuilding business, and she's determined to prove she can succeed on her own. So at first she resists the offer of help from Cisco, the mysterious stranger who turns up at her shop. But running a business doesn't leave much time for the people Dicey treasures-- her grandmother, her younger siblings, and her boyfriend. When the trust Dicey puts in Cisco turns out to be misplaced, it seems as if Dicey could lose everything -- has she discovered too late what really matters to her? less