The Mirror With Nine Lives deals with some contemporary problems a pre-teenager has with separated parents. This serious issue is dealt with in an upbeat, positive way. By using wholesome language and by embedding two parts of a fantasy trilogy into the story, The Mirror emphasizes the consequences of choices people make and the importance of grandparents in our lives. Alexandra Bowers Chauncey is a computer savvy middle school student. Living with her mother now, Alex is newly enrolled in a private school where she's not anxious to blend in with the sons and daughters of millionaires. Maybe worse, she's actually enrolled in her mother's language arts class. Definitely worse is the loss of her pet cat Sunny. Alex's father precipitated the separation because he didn't re-enlist for his last tour of duty with the Air Force, which means he's giving up his federal retirement package.

Commander J.J. Bowers works for the U.S. State Department at our embassy in Tunisia. He's also Alex's grandfather. Alex and her grandfather write stories together via e-mail. Her grandfather is the last to find out about the separation and he finds a way to surprisingly show up at Alex's new school as a mystery reader during their annual Young Authors Week celebration.

He reads The Mirror With Nine Lives , which he and Alex have written together. Embedded in Alex's story are two parts to a fantasy trilogy she has written with her grandfather: The Mirror With Nine Lives and its sequel The Sands of Thysdrus . These stories deal with a young heroine, problems that arise in her parent's absence, choices, consequences, and the importance of grandparents. Alex's story is uncommon in that her parents rekindle their original commitment to one another, like every teenager who is split between parents would like to happen. To make life even better, Alex is now a published author with new friends, a new kitten, and another surprise waiting for her.