Alex Logan never expected the changes that would occur in her life when she stops to save a stricken little gray cat. This act of kindness propels her life into an extraordinary spin. A magical vet, unexpected allies, and strange worlds open for this foster child. Alex learns unimagined assets of other species and gains insights into the animals that live on earth. But who is Silverstar? What does Silverstar have to do with the secretive being known as the Guardian? And who is the enemy nefariously orchestrating the children in hopes of destroying Silverstar and the Guardian? Can Alex and her friends help these unknown beings by defeating the plans of the shadowy figure, or will the mysterious enemy destroy all the worlds, including their own.

Times of transition can be viewed as times of crisis -- epistemologically, morally and socially. They also can come to be seen as fortuitous junctures where the impossibility of preserving old patterns gives rise to a leap into new, productive configurations. In the teaching and learning situations presented here, it is assumed that such a leap is possible among members of a pluralist society. Diversity must work as an asset rather than a liability for minority as well as mainstream candidates. The curriculum needs to be inquiry-based and should be engaging emotionally and imaginatively, as well as intellectually.