Mummy and Daddy Duck's Special Gift
After 11 years of trying different fertility treatments, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Wanting to express to him just how special he was, I wrote this book for him on his first birthday. This story about a family of ducks introduces the concept of surrogacy to kids, narrating our journey through surrogacy.
The Many Problems of Rochel-Leah
Named a Best Jewish Children's Book of 2024 by Tablet MagazineA "rousing historical tale"--Publisher's Weekly"This picture book is a delight!"--Historical Novel Society"Jane Yolen tri-umphs once again."--Jewish Book CouncilOnce upon a time, girls were not allowed to learn to read. This is the story of a girl who decided to change that.Award-wining author Jane Yolen mines her family history to bring us this stirring tale of what it feels like to be denied equality and the persistence it takes to work for change and fair treatment.More than anything, Rochel-Leah wanted to learn to read. She wanted to read stories, and recipes, and poems that set your hair on fire. But in her small Jewish village in 19th century Russia, only boys learned to read, as they had for centuries. Still, Rochel-Leah was determined. She asked her mother and her aunties, but they couldn't read either. Her father told her to learn to cook instead. She even asked the rabbi, who said there were rules. But Rochel-Leah knew something important--she knew that rules could be changed.
Escape from Alcatraz (Escape from #4)
"Nonstop action, real history, serious danger. You gotta read these books!" -Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of RefugeeMay 1962In the middle of San Francisco Bay looms Alcatraz, home to America's most infamous prisoners. Also home to Chip Carter and his dad, who works at the high security prison. Their neighbors are former mobsters, gangsters, and murderers, but Chip finds it to be a pretty boring place to live. After all, the inmates can't hurt him--they're locked up in an impenetrable fortress, surrounded by unforgiving waters.Or are they?Inmate AZ1441, aka the Watcher, has a plan to break out of Alcatraz. It's a genius plan he's concocted along with three other inmates. Foolproof. Or so he thought until one of the guard's kids stumbles into the middle of it.Chip is stunned. No one can break out of the Rock. Not unless they have an inside guy. Which it seems like they do ... Chip's dad. They know Chip's onto them, so if he wants to survive, he's going to have to make sure these men stay locked up. But first he has to figure out who is planning the prison break and just how deep into this deadly scheme his dad is. Because given what these men have done to end up in Alcatraz, there's no telling what they'll do to get out.
Skip's Dharma
Skip's Dharma: One Boy's Truest Passion is an inspirational children's story about a boy who loves competition, playing sports, and excels as an athlete. The story follows Skip from his very early years as a young boy and throughout college, focusing his attention on what he loves the most. With determination, discipline, and love, he realizes his truest passion and shares it with others for many years to come. Skip's Dharma is a touching story that encourages children to explore what their own special gifts might be.
Adventures in Desolation Sound
A funny, adventure-packed picture book for children ages 4-7, inspired by radio personality Grant Lawrence's bestselling memoir Adventures in Solitude.The Lawrence family is on their way to a rustic cabin in the remote Desolation Sound, but not everyone is excited. Young Grant and his little sister Heather would rather stay at home in the city and watch TV. The long drive has so many twists and turns that it makes them sick. When the family finally arrives, it's too dark, the toilet is outside, and the neighbors are weird. But slowly, the kids discover the magic of the place and learn that there's a lot more to life than television, gaining confidence through exciting and hilarious adventures with family and new friends. Now they can't wait to come back next summer!
Ochala and The Pilgrims
As the Pilgrims anchor at Plymouth, ten-year-old Ochala becomes the first Native American to witness these intriguing newcomers. His discovery prompts him to rush back to his village and alert his family and the respected sachem Massasoit. Intrigued, the sachem sends Ochala and his father to discreetly observe the Pilgrims from the forest's safety, seeking to understand these strangers.Ochala and the Pilgrims places young Ochala at the forefront of key historical events that unfolded between the Pilgrims and his tribe. The story takes a significant turn when Ochala's actions profoundly impact his life and those around him, following the disappearance of a Pilgrim girl in the woods - an event inspired by true history.The book vividly portrays the Wampanoag way of life, from their skilled woodcraft and agricultural practices to hunting methods, tribal customs, and even their language. It offers insights into how the Wampanoags lived in harmony with nature, in stark contrast to the Pilgrims' initial attempts to settle in Plymouth. The first Thanksgiving is featured near the end of the book.Featuring historical figures such as Massasoit, Squanto, Samoset, and William Bradford, Ochala and the Pilgrims delves into themes of friendship, jealousy, decision-making, and patience.Authored by Michael Tougias, an esteemed expert on this historical era, this meticulously researched tale provides young readers with a unique, enlightening perspective on the Pilgrims' arrival at Plymouth. Tougias has been recognized for his balanced portrayal of both Native American and Pilgrim cultures, earning accolades from Native American groups and the Mayflower Society.
The Puzzled Mystery Adventure Series
An adventure series filled with suspense, mystery, and fantasy - for kids ages 9-12 and teensNote: The paperback edition collects books 10-12 in a single volume and is not a boxed set.Even though Xavier is locked away, his ruthless and dedicated followers refuse to give up on the dream their leader has been working so hard to achieve. Xavier's minions, under new leadership, concoct a brilliant plan to make their imprisoned boss's goal to rule the universe become a reality.Peter and his team, miraculously, see a tiny window of opportunity to even the odds in this upcoming showdown of good versus evil. But to take advantage of this chance, they'll have to successfully navigate high-risk missions, and conquer some of the scariest and most mystifying puzzles they've ever faced...Get all 3 books for the price 2 in a single volume! This Puzzled Series Collection includes: - Astonishingly Puzzled (The Puzzled Mystery Adventure Series: Book 10) - Overwhelmingly Puzzled (The Puzzled Mystery Adventure Series: Book 11) - Extraordinarily Puzzled (The Puzzled Mystery Adventure Series: Book 12)The Puzzled Series is a one-of-a-kind mystery adventure that will capture the interest of kids, teenagers, and adults. You'll be scratching your head as you try to solve the puzzles and riddles along with the characters!
I Love America!
America is the most wonderful experiment ever conducted on the frontlines of freedom. Freedom...a revolutionary concept that was once thought to be a preposterous dream and impossible goal. The earliest Americans proved however, that "freedom for all", was attainable, as long as they could set aside their differences, and come together to fight for one noble cause. The challenge we face in our continued fight for freedom has changed, however. It has moved from war rooms and battlefields, to a fight for the hearts and minds of our children. It is my sincerest hope that this book will serve as a simple conversation starter, in homes and classrooms across America. We need to be reminded of who we are as Americans, and we need to teach our children who they are, what rights belong to each and every one of them, and what they can do to protect them.
The Little Girl Who Is Unique
We live in a world that has unique stories and astonishing people. Brinley's story stands out because she is a little girl who is filled with a resilient attitude, a joyful heart, and the knowledge that anything is possible in life. Brinley does this by embracing all her differences that make her special. Meet Brinley, who most people call B. She is extraordinary as she learns to navigate each stage of her life with spirit and an inspiring perspective while using her feet.
I Love America!
America is the most wonderful experiment ever conducted on the frontlines of freedom. Freedom...a revolutionary concept that was once thought to be a preposterous dream and impossible goal. The earliest Americans proved however, that "freedom for all", was attainable, as long as they could set aside their differences, and come together to fight for one noble cause. The challenge we face in our continued fight for freedom has changed, however. It has moved from war rooms and battlefields, to a fight for the hearts and minds of our children. It is my sincerest hope that this book will serve as a simple conversation starter, in homes and classrooms across America. We need to be reminded of who we are as Americans, and we need to teach our children who they are, what rights belong to each and every one of them, and what they can do to protect them.
The Little Girl Who Is Unique
We live in a world that has unique stories and astonishing people. Brinley's story stands out because she is a little girl who is filled with a resilient attitude, a joyful heart, and the knowledge that anything is possible in life. Brinley does this by embracing all her differences that make her special. Meet Brinley, who most people call B. She is extraordinary as she learns to navigate each stage of her life with spirit and an inspiring perspective while using her feet.
The Falls
Target age 9 to 13 and readers over 50. It wasn't her choice to go. But from the moment the bush plane splashed down on the Alaskan lake, there was no turning back for 11-year-old Monty. Her widowed father's job brought them to the edge of wilderness. Her journey that summer of 1953 would take her through rugged terrain, dangerous wildlife and unlikely friendships to the wonder and mystery beyond the Falls. Life at the camp at Brooks River comes with constant contradiction. The more beautiful and interesting something is, the more likely it is to be dangerous. Nothing embodies that more than the Falls. As the only child at the fishing camp, Monty endeavors to make friends, both human and wild animal, while fending off bullies. She learns from her new friend, Mrs. Devon, that even though the plants in the fields are beautiful, some of them are poisonous. Mr. Charles teachers her to appreciate the animals who live at camp but also to respect their power to put her in peril at any moment. But not all the adults at the camp at Brooks River are eager to warn Monty of potential dangers. One fishing guide named Doyle does not think children belong at a fishing camp and is determined to prove it. Through her own loss, Monty is familiar with the harshness of life. She witnesses the fish struggle to survive the bears as they, in turn, struggle to survive the coming winter. Monty and her father come to grips with risk, loss, and life on their Alaskan adventure.
Always Rose
"I love life so much I never want it to end..." I was born and I loved life. I was very lucky. And then, like all of us, I discovered death. It was a Tuesday afternoon and Thirsty the goldfish had died. I was very sad, but what was worse, far worse, was that I was told that one day I was also going to die! This little unwelcome piece of information really put a spin on my world and the way I looked at it. I started not liking life so much as I once had. I watched how others reacted differently to this piece of information. It stays with us like a hovercraft just beyond the ears and years and flamingo-coloured fears. All of this will one day be over. It makes us do strange things, this hovercraft. My hovercraft is magenta. How was I going to get all the way back to loving life, whilst also living beside this hovercraft?Always Rose is the fourth of five books in the Past Life Library series where the girl becomes the author: Clare-Rose Trevelyan. She was born loving life so much that she never wanted it to end. So she created the Past Life Library for herself to believe in. So she would meet you and you and you, time and time again, and never have to ever say goodbye. This journal of hers is a random bouquet of thoughts she has thunk throughout her lifetime, about life, love, death, the universe, numbers, atoms... kept in the hope that maybe, it could inspire you to keep your own journal or journals. It is filled with philosophical questions and journal prompts.The related music album, found on all major streaming platforms, includes 3 instrumental tracks for you to make your own songs with.Look out for the Everything-World Blankish Journal, an accompanying storytelling and philosophical activity book where Clare-Rose Trevelyan goes deeper into exploring the questions of BELIEF woven throughout this story.
The Flower Girls
War rips people's lives apart. In 1939 Violet leaves her life of poverty, grime and all she knows in the East End of London for the relative safety of the Surrey countryside and Rose's home. Not a safe enough home for the spoilt Rose whose father sends her to New York to keep her safe as the fear of war becomes a reality. Can Violet's new life become Rose's old life? What if Rose wants it back? Neither girl is safe and neither wants the other in their life, but it could be all they have.
Murder at the Boardinghouse
Set in a 1940's boardinghouse, this novel chronicles a teenager, Anna Elissetche, as she investigates a murder that happens right under her very nose. A witty tale with relatable characters, Murder at the Boardinghouse will delight readers and leave them asking, "WHODUNIT?"
Overwhelmingly Puzzled (The Puzzled Mystery Adventure Series
After returning from his recent rescue mission to Sevlar-where Peter saw firsthand one of Sevlar's most hushed-up, never-talked-about secrets-he realizes how intertwined his life is with the Sevlarian race.Xavier may be imprisoned, but with his prodigy, Randal, now running the show, the ever-growing army of evil weather gods looks to capitalize on their advantage. But Peter's team refuses to let evil conquer good, and regardless of the risks, they do what they can to rise up to the challenge.Peter, his family, his friends, and his vast community of allies band together, needing to accomplish numerous near-impossible tasks simultaneously. Despite his team's ingenuity and bravery, Peter knows that one wrong move or slip-up will allow Randal's forces to claim a quick victory...
Extraordinarily Puzzled (The Puzzled Mystery Adventure Series
Xavier's forces are racing toward Earth, preparing to join Randal to unleash an all-or-nothing assault on the good guys, knowing that victory would allow Xavier to finally achieve his goal of ruling the universe.Xavier and Randal's side currently holds too many advantages: Their army significantly outnumbers (and overpowers) the group waiting in the catacombs on Earth, plus they possess the amulet-which amplifies their strength to an unstoppable level.Peter and Zoltan know that without a "wild card" or "game changer," they won't stand a chance in the upcoming battle.Miraculously, an opportunity to turn the tables presents itself, but coordinating their plan successfully (and in time) is going to be one of the most puzzling things they've ever attempted...
Astonishingly Puzzled (The Puzzled Mystery Adventure Series
Peter's life is turned upside down after finding out the real reason he was chosen to play such a pivotal role in battling the evil weather gods. It would appear that-like it or not-this is actually his destiny.Even though Xavier is locked away, his ruthless and dedicated followers refuse to give up on the dream their leader has been working so hard to achieve. Xavier's minions, under new leadership, concoct a brilliant plan to make their imprisoned boss' goal to rule the universe become a reality.Peter and his team, miraculously, see a tiny window of opportunity to even the odds in this upcoming showdown of good versus evil. But to take advantage of this chance, they'll have to successfully navigate a high-risk mission, and conquer some of the scariest and most mystifying puzzles they've ever faced...
When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary
Bestselling author Alice Hoffman delivers a stunning novel about one of contemporary history's most acclaimed figures, exploring the little-known details of Anne Frank's life before she went into hiding.Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl has captivated and inspired readers for decades. Published posthumously by her bereaved father, Anne's journal, written while she and her family were in hiding during World War II, has become one of the central texts of the Jewish experience during the Holocaust, as well as a work of literary genius.With the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, the Frank family's life is turned inside out, blow by blow, restriction by restriction. Prejudice, loss, and terror run rampant, and Anne is forced to bear witness as ordinary people become monsters, and children and families are caught up in the inescapable tide of violence.In the midst of impossible danger, Anne, audacious and creative and fearless, discovers who she truly is. With a wisdom far beyond her years, she will become a writer who will go on to change the world as we know it.Critically acclaimed author Alice Hoffman weaves a lyrical and heart-wrenching story of the way the world closes in on the Frank family from the moment the Nazis invade the Netherlands until they are forced into hiding, bringing Anne to bold, vivid life.Based on extensive research and published in cooperation with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, When We Flew Away is an extraordinary and moving tour de force.Perfect for Alice Hoffman fans and readers of every age."Adding new poignance to a story whose ending we already knew, Alice Hoffman has deftly recreated the child Anne Frank with all her wit, mischief, and uncertainties. This fictionalized account of the increasingly desperate years that preceded the famous diary breaks readers' hearts one more time. But it reminds us of how important it is to remember and honor all that was lost." -- Lois Lowry, Newbery Award-winning author of Number the Stars"We can highly recommend Alice Hoffman's novel of Anne Frank's life, set in the dramatic and terrible circumstances of those first war years. We hope it will persuade young readers that contributing to a better world is both necessary and possible." --Ronald Leopold, Executive Director, Anne Frank House
Vienna on Fire
Much of Vienna is on fire or will be soon.Eighteen-year-old Greta Kolbe would like nothing better than to savor her youth, her happy home life with her mother and father, to look forward to university in the fall, romance and scholarship. But she lives in Vienna in 1938, and the Nazis have just invaded Austria. Vienna on Fire brings to startling life the awful reality of what happens to normal people when their lives are completely undone by an evil that, months, weeks, days before, would have been unthinkable. To survive, Greta must leave everything she knows behind, leave everyone she loves to their own unknown fate. Her parents have sacrificed everything to see that she gets transport on a ship to America. The problem is, and there are many of them on her perilous journey, she is wanted by the SS and the Gestapo for murder.Greta has been raised a secular Jew who has attended Catholic schools and celebrated Christmas. Now, she is simply a Jew, a criminal on the run. Can she make it to the Netherlands before she is detained and sent to one of the new German camps? Vienna on Fire is a fast-paced Olympian sprint mined with dangers every mile of the way. Evil is palpable. Trust a thing of the past. Greta's life has become a nightmare where the next instant can bring salvation or calamity. Her only hope is her ingenuity, courage and will to survive.
A Traitorous Heart
A noblewoman in the scandalous French court finds herself under the dangerous and watchful eye of the Parisian royalty when she falls in love with the handsome king who is betrothed to her former lover in this bisexual The Three Musketeers by way of Bridgerton and F.T. Lukens. Paris, 1572. Seventeen-year-old Jacqueline "Jac" d'Argenson-Aunis is lady-in-waiting to her best friend and former lover, the French Princess Marguerite "Margot" de Valois, but she dreams of more. If Jac plays her cards right, one day, she'll become a full member of the Societas Solis, a secret society of spies--just like her uncle and guardian, Viscount Gabriel d'Argenson-Aunis. But it's hard to think about her own ambitions while France is on the brink of war, and the only thing that might save the country is an alliance--a marriage between the Catholic Princess Margot and Henry, the awful son of the Huguenot queen. Who would be the perfect person to play matchmaker? Jac, of course. Jac resents lying to her best friend almost as much as she resents the brazen and arrogant King Henry, but it's her one chance to prove to the Societas Solis that she belongs among their ranks before her uncle can marry her off or worse. The more time Jac spends in the French Court's clandestine corners, though, the more she starts to wonder if Henry is...not as terrible as she once believed. And the Societas Solis may not be what they seem. Politics. Spies. Chaos in the French court. Perhaps even witchcraft? Everything's more dangerous when love is involved.
A Thousand Wishes
A Thousand Wishes is a lyrical and tender fable about Lucy, a tiny seed who begins her journey far beneath the earth, cradled in warmth and cared for by bumblebees who whisper stories of the world above. In the quiet darkness, she dreams of sunlight, fresh air, and the mysterious "hat" that will one day reveal who she truly is.When the time comes, Lucy stretches toward the sky and discovers a world filled with wonder. She feels the glow of the sun on her face, the tickle of raindrops on her back, and the playful sway of the wind that makes her laugh. With every passing day, she grows more curious about who she is becoming and whether she belongs among those around her.But Lucy also begins to notice how different she feels-how her place in the meadow does not seem the same as the others. Her journey becomes not only about growing tall and strong, but also about learning what it means to be seen, to be loved, and to recognize her own worth.With graceful prose by Cathrine L. Wilhelmsen and luminous illustrations by Petter Winther, A Thousand Wishes captures both the wonder and the challenges of becoming yourself. It is a story for children and adults alike-an invitation to look at the overlooked, to find beauty where others might not, and to remember that every life, no matter how small or different, carries its own quiet magic.
A New Home for Salvatore
What was it like to immigrate to a new country in the early 1900s? Join Salvatore and his little sister as they leave their small village in Italy and travel to a new home across the Atlantic Ocean.
An Outbreak of Witchcraft
A gripping tale of paranoia at its worst, this bewitching narrative nonfiction graphic novel visually imagines the haunting details behind the Salem witch trials. From 1692 to 1693, fear reigned in the small village of Salem, Massachusetts. The night Abigail Williams and Betty Paris first accused their servant of witchcraft was only the beginning. Several more accusations would follow suit, sparking a widespread panic that consumed Salem in one of the longest cases of witch trials in America, where more than twenty innocent lives were lost, and mistrust ran amok. The community was in ruins, from the afflicted who fanned the flames of superstition to the judges who used their power unjustly and the accused who were falsely charged and hanged in consequence. In the absence of due process and with hysteria abounding, no one in Salem was safe. Journey into how it all began in this arresting, true-to-life look at how lies became facts, friends turned to foes, and loved ones turned to enemies.
The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra’s Needle
From the author of the My Weird School books, an adventure story that spans centuries and continents. In Central Park, New York, stands Cleopatra's Needle. But what do you know about? Did you know that thousands of people worked in 1461 BCE to build it? Then hundreds more moved it, and erected it in Alexandria, where it stood for 3,000 years? So how did a monolith weighing over 200 tons get moved all the way to New York City--and in the 19th Century, no less? In this historical fiction account by bestselling author Dan Gutman, five kids who watched the Needle at each phase of its history recount the daring story of how something that seemed to be impossible -and that nearly ended in disaster--finally succeeded against all odds. Including photos, diagrams, and illustrations, this book will leave history lovers and fans of problem solving astounded at all that was accomplished. And best of all, it will leave middle grade readers feeling they've just watched a really good movie--they'll hardly even realize they were reading. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Little Manfred
A heartwarming story split between 1966 and the Second World War where past and present collide, unlocking memories and reuniting old friends, showing that people can become family, despite the conflicts dividing them. 'Nobody can balance old and new better, or more convincingly' Observer Charley and Alex's mum loves Little Manfred, a wooden toy dog from her childhood. But since Dad broke one of his wheels, Mum has been devastated. Her grief is a mystery to Charley and Alex until one day, when they meet two old men on the beach.As past and present collide, the memories of war come flooding. They tell a story of friends who always find a way back to each other - and, despite their differences, become family.
Mary Draper Ingles and the Knots That Brought Her Home
In Southwest Virginia, in the Draper's Meadow area the Ingles and Draper families built their homes and started farming. This land was within part of the hunting ground of many Native American Tribes. On July 7, 1755, a group of Shawnee men captured Mary Draper Ingles and other members of her family. They took them on a journey of about 400 miles away from their home. Although Mary was separated from the rest of her family during this time, she eventually escaped and made her way back home.
Blue
In 1933 as the Great Depression worsens, seventeen-year-old Lis and her friends hope the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), a work program for young men, will be a financial answer to prayer. But how will they cope when the young men are sent away to work? BLUE As in Sad Goodbyes, a Changing Sky, and Wedding Ties, jumps between Lis and her friend, Albert's, points of view as each has new challenges to face. Desperate for employment, the men head to Fort Sheridan for training in the CCC. Back home, Lis juggles friend and family problems. While working in the Northwoods, Albert is injured. Immediately, Lis travels by train to visit him, there discovering something she knew all along. In this the fifth book of the series, the main characters learn the value of persevering. This historical fiction novel is written for young adults. Author, Linda Jane Niedfeldt, (right) and photographer, Carla Jane Jahnke, have been a team for decades, first and foremost as a mother-daughter duo and now in bringing to life another delightful Lisenka book. Sometimes they switch roles: Niedfeldt will assist with photos and Jahnke will critique manuscripts, but each has her own forte. It's a love-love relationship. Niedfeldt is married to Tom. They have been blessed with four children and six grandchildren. She has written five historical fiction books, dozens of newspaper stories, a few national magazine articles, and one memoir, Psalms in My Backpack. www.lindajaneniedfeldt.com. Jahnke is married to Dan and they have four children, a dog, a cat, and a flock of pampered chickens. Jahnke has been capturing smiles, relationships, emotions, and love for ten years with her business, Carla Jane Photography. www.carlajanephotographyfdl.com
A Different Anne Boleyn
There is never a reason why history cannot be reimagined, especially when it relates to the captivating Anne Boleyn. Her enduring popularity as an authorial muse centuries after her death speaks to the air of mystery and intrigue that surrounds her. We all know the real Anne - second wife of Henry VIII, executed at the Tower of London on May 19th, 1536. But what if she had survived? This book steps outside the bounds of history to envision another life Anne might have built for herself - one of commitment, diligence, and success elsewhere. Freed from the shadow of the executioner's sword, she emerges here as a clever, adept woman leading a life she may well have wanted for herself. This is the story of that different Anne Boleyn, showcasing an alternative account of the woman who continues to fascinate the centuries after her untimely end.
The Lost Year
*A National Book Award Finalist*From the author of Nowhere Boy - called "a resistance novel for our times" by The New York Times - comes a brilliant middle-grade survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s. Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. His journalist dad is stuck overseas indefinitely, and his mom has moved in his one-hundred-year-old great-grandmother to ride out the pandemic, adding to his stress and isolation. But when Matthew finds a tattered black-and-white photo in his great-grandmother's belongings, he discovers a clue to a hidden chapter of her past, one that will lead to a life-shattering family secret. Set in alternating timelines that connect the present-day to the 1930s and the US to the USSR, Katherine Marsh's latest novel sheds fresh light on the Holodomor - the horrific famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, and which the Soviet government covered up for decades. An incredibly timely, page-turning story of family, survival, and sacrifice, inspired by Marsh's own family history, The Lost Year is perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys' Between Shades of Gray and Alan Gratz's Refugee.Lexile 710 L.
Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix
A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST SELECTION In the Remixed Classics series, authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens to subvert the overwhelming cishet, white, and male canon. This YA reimagining of The Great Gatsby centers trans love in a cast removed from its cishet white default, finally exploring those longing glances and wistful sighs between Nick and Jay. New York City, 1922. Nicol獺s Caraveo, a 17-year-old transgender boy from Wisconsin, has no interest in the city's glamor. Going to New York is all about establishing himself as a young professional, which could set up his future--and his life as a man--and benefit his family. Nick rents a small house in West Egg from his 18-year-old cousin, Daisy Fabrega, who lives in fashionable East Egg near her wealthy fianc矇, Tom--and Nick is shocked to find that his cousin now goes by Daisy Fay, has erased all signs of her Latine heritage, and now passes seamlessly as white. Nick's neighbor in West Egg is a mysterious young man named Jay Gatsby, whose castle-like mansion is the stage for parties so extravagant that they both dazzle and terrify Nick. At one of these parties, Nick learns that the spectacle is all meant to impress a girl from Jay's past--Daisy. And he learns something else: Jay is also transgender. As Nick is pulled deeper into the glittery culture of decadence, he spends more time with Jay, aiming to help his new friend reconnect with his lost love. But Nick's feelings grow more complicated when he finds himself falling hard for Jay's openness, idealism, and unfounded faith in the American Dream. Praise for Self-Made Boys: "Anna-Marie McLemore cracks the Gatsby story wide open, breathing fresh life into these familiar characters with wisdom, honesty, and real tenderness. An all-time favorite--I was completely transported." --Becky Albertalli, New York Times-bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda"Tenderly written and achingly romantic, Anna-Marie McLemore has crafted a romance for the ages. Their Latinx lens provides more nuance and depth to the classic story. With a breath of fresh life, Self-Made Boys shows us how queer love has flourished in quiet corners across history." --Aiden Thomas, New York Times-bestselling author of Cemetery BoysThe Remixed Classics SeriesA Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. LeeSo Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. MorrowTravelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae SafiWhat Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha SuriSelf-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemoreMy Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn BayronTeach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb RoehrigInto the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie DimalineMost Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa
Plague Thieves
"An absorbing historical novel." -- Booklist "Steal. Trade. Survive." That's what Father tells Rose and Lem moments before he dies of the Great Plague. Orphaned and homeless in London 1665, all Rose and Lem have left are their wits, each other, and three bottles of Thieves Oil -- a medicinal blend Father created that can protect people from the sickness. But then Lem goes missing, and Rose is left to fend for herself. As words of Thieves Oil spread to London's most desperate scavengers, Rose must band together with her fellow street orphans, steal the essentials to survive, and protect herself and her newfound friends against both the Plague and a world filled with dangers.
Colantha
Colantha the World Champion Cow is historical fiction about a real cow in the 1920s that produced more milk and had more calves than any cow in the world.She lived on a unique farm adjacent to a turn-of-the-century mental hospital in Michigan. Patients from the hospital worked on the farm, caring for the animals and tending the crops. This system of therapy epitomized a system of treating the mentally ill with hard work and nature's beauty. The Colantha book highlights the special relationship and love that patients at the Traverse City State Hospital had for the animals, especially the beloved, dependable, and productive cow. The story takes the reader back in time and into now historic barns that still stand. One of the stalls is now a testament to Colantha, her offspring, and her sensitive sire, Admiral Walker. A beautiful botanic garden now exists on the grounds of the farm where Colantha roamed and grazed. The book, along with a headstone, statue, and festival, honor a champion cow that brought comfort and healing to many patients and staff at the hospital.
Building the Bridge School
Intertwining fiction and historical fact, author Laura A. Stewart brings to life the story of a small 19th-century farming community's quest to build Michigan's first public schoolhouse. Set in 1828 near the grape-vined River Raisin in Michigan, this delightful picture book is narrated by Justus, a young boy who has never held a book beyond the family Bible. Now, his close-knit community is gathering to build something he's only dreamed of: a public schoolhouse. Follow along as Justus and other real historical characters reveal a glimpse into early 1800s family and farm life as they work together to build the Bridge School. This unique and uplifting story will interest young children as well as older elementary students with its period-accurate illustrations, historical characters, and sidebars illuminating facts about this fascinating time and place. Building the Bridge School is an invaluable resource for learning about this significant time in Michigan history.
The Beginning
The Beginning is a work of historical fiction which, though classified as young adult reading, is more accurately described as whole family enlightenment and interest. The ages of the characters span over a wide range, allowing readers of all ages to relate to the protagonists' experiences. World War II provides the historical component of the story, specifically the landing of Allied forces on the Normandy coast on June 6, 1944, better known as D-Day - - - but this is only in the background. The real action is centered on the fictional Devereux family, not entirely aware of what is occurring around them as they struggle with everyday life during this period. The village of St.Mere-Eglise near France's Normandy coast is the center of the action, which begins on Sunday, June 4. It presents a typical day under Nazi Germany occupation with the Devereux family preparing to attend Catholic services at the town's ancient church. An unexpected early morning visit by 19-year-old Jean Devereux, the oldest son of Paul-Henri and Maryse Devereux, sets a joyful mood for the day. Concern is also present, however, since Jean is a member of the French Resistance and there are German soldiers and Vichy sympathizers in town. As the story evolves, it relates events or flashbacks about the remaining Devereux members, including Emilie, the fourteen-year-old only daughter and her best friend, Esther, a Jewish classmate. The other two Devereux brothers, Luc, 17, and Marc, 9, find themselves in the middle of a firefight between US Army paratroopers who jumped behind enemy lines in the early hours of the invasion, and occupying German soldiers. The Devereux parents, Paul-Henri and Maryse, give insight to their younger days by recalling past experiences. Each day weaves Devereux events with invasion action until the story ends with an exciting climax on Wednesday, June 7, 1944. A final chapter summarizing the life of each of the main characters ten years later marks the end of t
Eleven
It is 1372 in the fortified Swiss town of Solodurum, and young Benedict, unable to fulfill his dream of becoming a scrivener, joins the City Guard. Wounded in battle and honored as a war hero, Benedict is given the choice duty of standing guard for the Privy Council. He catches the interest of Baron Roland de Cornu, who engages the resourceful Benedict as his personal spy. Through the inadvertent help of his simpleminded friend Connie, Benedict unearths a plot to violently overthrow the city government. However, before he can act against it, he is imprisoned for the murder of his patron, the Baron Roland.
Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed
Holiday cheer turns deadly when tragedy strikes at the new Petersburg Fitness Center in December 1974.As laughter fills the air at the Open House for the Petersburg Health & Fitness Center, little does university sophomore Michelle Kilpatrick know the night will end in tragedy.With the help of her friends from the Commuter Lounge and mystery writer Craig Miller, Michelle is determined to uncover the truth behind the fatal accident. The amateur sleuth soon discovers layers of deceit and betrayal harbored by those around her. But after devising a plan to get to the truth, Michelle realizes it could cost her the trust of her best friend, T.J. Wilson.With time running out, will Michelle be able to solve the crime and save her relationship with T.J., or will her quest for justice lead to the end of a friendship?Don't miss out on the suspenseful, cozy mystery - "Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed," the second book in the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries.
Hannah Alabama
When Kelvin "Cornbread" Smith saves Dominic "Mo" Taylor from the jaws of a hungry alligator, the two preteen boys become fast friends. It's the summer of 1964, and they're determined to spend the sweltering days fishing for catfish and trading jokes and good-natured jabs. But this is rural Alabama, and their multiracial friendship stirs up trouble with the powers-that-be, particularly a corrupt sheriff by the name of Wayne Turner. Cornbread's skin color makes him the target of Sheriff Turner, who orders Mr. Willie, the owner of an illegal moonshine operation, to feed Cornbread to the gator that almost got Mo. Cornbread, though, wins over Mr. Willie. And soon enough, even Mo's father, a decorated war hero who has just returned from the fighting in Vietnam, warms to his charms. As Mo's friendship with Cornbread continues to provoke the predominantly white community, the adults in their lives are forced to come to grips with their own prejudices. Mr. Willie's heart softens, and Mo's father endeavors to make up for his racist past. The clash of values threatens to become deadly when the sheriff and a ruthless outsider try to force Mr. Willie to expand his moonshine operation. Only Mo and Cornbread can save Mr. Willie-and stop the sheriff.
Safiyyah's War
Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during World War II, Hiba Noor Khan weaves a breathtaking tale of suspense, compassion, and courage, starring an extraordinary young heroine readers will never forget. CARNEGIE MEDAL FINALISTKIRKUS PRIZE FINALISTA BOOKPAGE BEST BOOKA KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOKFOUR STARRED REVIEWS!Safiyyah loathes the brutal Nazi occupation of Paris, even though her Muslim identity keeps her safe--or, at least, safer than her Jewish neighbors. Violence lurks in the streets, her best friend has fled, and even her place of refuge--the library--has turned shadowy and confusing, as the invaders fear the power of books.Safiyyah longs to fight back and hates feeling powerless to help her Jewish friends. Worse yet, her father--who taught her to always do the right thing--is acting strangely and doing nothing to help them either. Or is he? Unravelling the mystery of her father's odd behavior draws Safiyyah deep in the heart of the perilous underground resistance to the Nazis, where her bravery is put to the ultimate test...
The Door of No Return
From the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning author Kwame Alexander, comes the first book in a searing, breathtaking trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family. In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. He's warned though, to never go to the river at night. His brother tells him "There are things about the water you do not know. "Like what?" Kofi asks. "The beasts." His brother answers. One fateful night, the unthinkable happens and in a flash, Kofi's world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves. This spellbinding novel by the author of The Crossover and Booked will take you on an unforgettable adventure that will open your eyes and break your heart. The Door of No Return is an excellent choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, book groups, and homeschooling. An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!
Sticker Dolly Dressing Travel
Dress the dollies as they travel around the world, checking in at the airport, boarding an inter-city train, enjoying a cycling tour, pony trekking and lots more. With over 250 stickers of sunhats, snowsuits, suitcases, hiking boots, summer dresses and more.
Lion of the Sky
An evocative historical novel in verse about a boy and his family who are forced to flee their home and become refugees after the British Partition of India. Perfect for fans of Other Words for Home. Twelve-year-old Raj is happiest flying kites with his best friend, Iqbal. As their kites soar, Raj feels free, like his beloved India soon will be, and he can't wait to celebrate their independence.But when a British lawyer draws a line across a map, splitting India in two, Raj is thrust into a fractured world. With Partition declared, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim families are torn apart--and Raj's Hindu and Iqbal's Muslim families are among them.Forced to flee and become refugees, Raj's family is left to start over in a new country. After suffering devastating losses, Raj must summon the courage to survive the brutal upheaval of both his country and his heart.Inspired by the author's true family history, Lion of the Sky is a deeply moving coming-of-age tale about identity, belonging, and the power of hope.How does a boy hold on to hope when his country, and his heart, are broken in two?Hindu-Muslim Friendship: Raj is Hindu and his best friend, Iqbal, is Muslim. Their bond is put to the ultimate test when the new border threatens to tear them apart forever.A Refugee Story for Children: Forced to leave the only home he's ever known, Raj must find the courage to start over and build a new life from the ashes of the old.South Asian History for Kids: Told in stunning, accessible verse, this novel makes the complex history of the Partition of India understandable for young readers.Inspired by a True Story: Based on the author's own family history, this novel provides a personal and deeply felt look into the turmoil of this historic event.
Sudoku Magic
Sudoku needs no elaboration now. It has become more popular than crossword puzzle. It is the fastest growing mind game. GenX is crazy about Sudoku puzzles and some youngsters have become addicted to solving Sudoku riddles-even at the cost of their homework and tutorials! It has become the most challenging pastime for youngsters. The more complex a Sudoku, the more enjoyment they get!So, here is the latest riddles of Sudoku... Get set your brains... Put on the magic gown and take on the magic wand... to solve this Sudoku magic!
Tantric Transformation
This life is a gift from existence, to be lived and enjoyed. But with the seemingly impossible and conflicting demands of society, morality and culture, people struggle with feelings of unfulfilled potential, frustration and guilt rather than living full lives.This uplifting book gives a taste of Osho's life-affirmative, accepting and far-reaching wisdom, as he comments on The Royal Song of Saraha and answers questions. Saraha was an 8th century Indian sage who left his opulent life in the royal court to live with an arrowsmith woman. Inspired by her single-pointed awareness, and the potential of living each moment, Tantra was born.The world of Tantra has no division between higher and lower. The simple, ordinary things of life are transformed into great things when we enter into them totally - be it car fixing, floor cleaning or lovemaking. Osho shows how, living this vision, new heights of consciousness and freedom are realized.
The Wonderful Winter (Yesterday's Classics)
Young Sir Robert (Robin) Wakefield, badgered by his spinster aunts and a disagreeable tutor, takes his puppy, Ruff, and runs away to London and finds himself in the crowd milling around the Theatre where one of Mr. Shakespeare's plays was being presented. Robin goes home with the great actor, John Heminges, to the suburban cottage where Mrs. Heminges and the Heminges children soon make him feel at home. More than that, Robin learns to play small parts, to make himself generally useful around the theatre. With many adventures the winter turns out to be a wonderful one.
