Under the Mulberry Tree

A moving middle grade novel in verse about a “broken” family and the tender bond between the two brothers putting its pieces back together.

Eli promised his little brother Sam that they’d always stay together. . . but it was a promise he couldn’t keep.

Now, because of their mother’s addiction, their family unit has been broken. Meemaw is dead, Mama is gone, and Sam must live in foster care while Eli stays with their grandfather. Their family isn’t a family anymore. Or at least not like it used to be.

Eli is angry—angry and sad and full of guilt. He broke a promise to his brother and there’s no going back to fix it. What do you do after the worst thing in the world happens to you? he wonders. As Eli tries to mend his relationship with Sam and process his own emotions, mandated therapy feels like just one more thing he can’t control—until he finds an unexpected path toward healing.

Intimate and heartfelt, this novel in verse is the hopeful story of a boy learning to embrace even his most difficult feelings.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs