Life is somewhat boring in the suburban neighborhood of San Diego where 14-year old Billie Barnett lives. She spends most of her free time at the skateboard park or finding ways to avoid her ever-increasing homework load. One evening, an earsplitting sound and terrifying vibrations start a chain of events that will change her life forever. Although Billie is a superstar on her board, it is that same extraordinary skating talent that catapults her into outer space and possibly away from her family forever! For Parents and Teachers: "FREE BILLIE" is an exciting adventure-filled sci-fi journey that illustrates the idea of empathy for each other and particularly for animals. The messages within this book can help young people understand the value of empathy in a new and contemporary way.