When an elf-child unlike any other ever seen in Claustown is born, trouble ensues immediately. The topper, literally, is the shocking jungle of black and gray hair atop his head. Hence his name: "Charcoal."

Reviled, bullied and excluded for being different, he sinks into behavioral and emotional issues, acting out and making things worse. His parents and cousin Trixie, as adored as he is despised, try to be loving and supportive but nothing seems to help until Santa agrees to a daring plan, one which may help save Charcoal as well as those troublesome humans "Down Below" who seem determined to destroy themselves and the very planet they live on.

But unexpected dangers await.

Book One: UP TOP Is the first book in the Charcoal the Elf trilogy. Explore and revel in the coming of age of a troubled, but brilliant young adult as he learns to accept and respect himself while dealing with the scorn of his community.