Grace is an amazing girl, overcoming a near-fatal condition at birth and a serious accident later. Now she faces another important battle in her struggle for happiness: her parents have decided to separate, and Grace is convinced it's her fault. Her early traumas, however, have given her great strengths: her incredible power, with the help of the Jellybean tree, to visualize new worlds. And from this fantastic tree comes not only delicious, chewy jellybeans, but a colorful young alien from outer space who thinks he has been rejected by his parents. Grace convinces Jellybean that his parents love him deeply and want him to return home. When he finally returns to his alien mother, Grace realizes she was talking about her own relationships. Suddenly she understands that both her parents love her despite the problems between them. In fact, she makes her own demands on them. "Hug me," she says. "And don't ever let go." The power of hugs is demonstrated sensitively and creatively.

One simple set (the Jellybean tree). Modern costumes. The play premiered at the University of South Alabama with college students handling all the roles.

"When, in a fun, light-hearted way, Grace breaks the fourth wall to chat with the audience and explore options and situations we are drawn into the action...strong messages covertly written into the story provide parents with suggestions for dealing with children and divorce..."—Tracy Lybbert, BYU Book & Play Review.

Other Jackson youth plays: Coffey Pott Meets the Wolfman, Eager Beaver Builds a Dam, Ghoul School, Little Red Riding Wolf, The Princess and the Goblin, Rumpelstiltskin, Wheels, Who Can Fix the Dragon's Wagon?, Wind in the Willows

See also: Plays for Elementary/Junior High and Plays About Family Relationships