PRAISE FOR BEECOMING SOPHIE: Sophie's story is utterly 'bee-coming" and is a delight to the eye as well as the mind. It is an effective way to introduce the plight of the bees as well as the well-known solutions to a youthful audience. I plan to donate my extra copy to the Henry Barnard School on the Rhode Island College campus as a tool for learning about the hives about to be installed. As one who teaches about diversity, I am appreciative of the natural and effective way that the author has for representing multicultural youth and some of the issues international adoptees face in American society. These complex issues are addressed through this lovely story about bees and the environment. The book makes a wonderful addition to your beekeeping library or a great gift to give to a special young person in your life. It is an excellent way to introduce them to the world of bees and their intimate connection to the well-being of our shared environment. --Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban, PhD, RI Beekeepers' Association Secretary, Professor Emerita of Anthropology Rhode Island College, author, educator Adopted teen Sophie Saffron has a secret--the bee that flew in her window one rainy evening is far more than she seems. She is Phoebee, the Queen of the Bees and she carries all the secrets of their ancient wisdom. She has an urgent message for Sophie, who adopts Phoebee and her mission. She must save the honeybees worldwide--before it is too late for them and all mankind. Sophie recruits her brother Rolando, and friend Sokuen to sting the community into bee-conscious action