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RESERVE — Shelley Pierce, a former Reserve resident, is passionate about capturing children’s attention with stories that are engaging and relatable. Her two newest books, “624 Juniper Street” and “High-water Hattie,”are packed with lessons that can last a lifetime.

“624 Juniper Street” is the third book in The Crumberry Chronicles Series. The award-winning series also includes “The Wish I Wished Last Night,” released in October 2017, and “Battle Buddies,” released inSeptember 2018.

In “624 Juniper Street,” beloved character Jase Freemanfeels apprehensive about some big changes coming to his home. Thanksgiving Break at his grandparent’s farm is the perfect distraction and a place to contemplate forgiveness.

“The inspiration was to have some fun material out there for middle grade kids that also helps them to be better human beings,” Pierce said. “It makes them think about how they treat other people and what their view on life is. That’s why there’s been a separate lesson in each one of the books. The first one, Jase had to deal with his mother’s sorrow and a bully in school. The second one had a lesson on friendship. The third one is more of a lesson in forgiveness and how powerful forgiveness is in life.”

The family-friendly books carry a Christian theme. While the series is geared toward middle school students in fifth through eighth grade, Pierce said The Crumberry Chronicles has readers ages 8 to 80. Jase Freeman is a character both children and adults can relate to.

“He might appear confident on the outside, but on the inside, he’s insecure. He’s trying to figure out who he is and how to be friends with everybody without compromising his own beliefs or what he thinks is important,” Pierce said. “He wrestles a lot with doing the right thing, and he messes up a lot even though he doesn’t mean to.”

Pierce is currently working on book four in the series, which will be told from the perspective of a girl in Jase’s close-knit friend group.

Pierce’s other new book, “High-Water Hattie,” was released on May 7 for a younger audience. Children in kindergarten through third grade will enjoy the inspirational picture book.

“It’s about a little girl who is very quirky and independent. She’s got her own style, and she doesn’t care what anybody else thinks about it. At the same time, she’s very empathetic and kind,” Pierce said.

Pierce moved to Reserve as a child and attended elementary through high school in the St. John the Baptist Parish school system. Shecurrently resides in Greeneville, Tennessee, with her husband Tommy. They have four grown children and now enjoy the gift of grandchildren. She has been on staff at Towering Oaks Baptist Church for more than 18 years, serving as the director of preschool & children’s ministries.

Being immersed in the world of children inspires Pierce to write stories for children that are both engaging and comical.

Her other work includes “Sweet Moments,” “Insight and Encouragement for the Pastor’s Wife” and picture book “I Know What Grandma Does While I’m Napping.” Pierce is also a contributor to various publications such as “LifeWay Kids,” “The Upper Room,” “Power for Living,” “The Mighty Pen,” “Short and Sweet” and “Guideposts: The Joys of Christmas 2016.”

Pierce’s books can be purchased online at Amazon and ElkLakePublishingInc.com. For more information, visit pierceshelley9.wixsite.com/mysite.