Sarah Siegel-Magness

In Harlem in 1987, Claireece "Precious" Jones is a 16-year-old African American girl born into a life no one would want. She's pregnant for the second time by her absent father, and at home she must wait hand and foot on her mother, an angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is chaotic and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and a secret – she can't read.

Third-grader Judy Moody sets out to have the most thrilling summer of her life.

Elle and Joy spend their last week before their next music tour wandering through the heart of Laurel Canyon, whiling away carefree afternoons with their friends as they plan for their own going away party.

While re-evaluating her life, a mother relies on her stoner son and his awkward brother to keep life interesting. When an unlikely romance blossoms between the youngest son and the girl next door, she realizes the key to her happiness can be found where she least expects it.