Sadness and silence spark miraculous and memorable events in young Cally Fisher's life. Add a lovable dog into the mix, and this becomes a story that will move and enthrall young readers. NOTE: the story features unexplainable events (though an implied explanation is part of the story), and one scene features a father drinking from a beer bottle.

Warning: this heartwarming, poignant story is not without its sad moments. However, the beauty of budding friendship and trust make it a worthwhile and beautiful tale.

Jess and Leslie, competitors at first, then unlikely friends who create a magical land called Terabithia, are the unforgettable protagonists in one of the most celebrated children's novels of all time. This classic has been adapted into a live-action picture from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media.

Marting explores loss, grief, and loneliness by interweaving three seemingly disparate stories in alternating chapters. Readers follow heartbreaking and heartwarming moments of a stray dog, the tragedy and restoration of a family who suffers life-changing loss, and the growth of a boy who knows, especially after his best friend moves away, that a dog would fix his sad heart. While the mood is heav ...

Ruby Lavender has fun with her grandmother Miss Eula as they rescue chickens, paint a house pink and run their own secret post office. But what can Ruby dowhen Eula goes away?

When compared to her nearly perfect little sister, Phoebe Paz Petersen feels she doesn't measure up in her parents' eyes. Okalee is smart and beloved for her sunny disposition, which makes it hard for Phoebe to stand out in their small town in Montana. But if she can get picked for the coveted solo in the school choir, she'll stop being a middle-school nobody and finally get her chance to shine.De ...

In Caitlin's world, everything is black or white. Anything in between is confusing. That's how Caitlin's older brother, Devon, always explained it. But now Devon's dead. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an 11-year-old girl with Asperger's, she doesn't know how.

As 11-year-old Caitlen seeks closure following her brother's loss, readers empathize with her sadness and admire her wisdom. She courageously shows her dad how to make something strong and wonderful out of terrible sadness. A touching story that helps readers understand how a child with Asperger's might think and act, offering moments of laughter and thoughtful reflection.

Don't miss how a lovable new puppy melts Kristine’s anger caused by losing the family’s horse.

Ellie is a tough and brave orphan living in the fantastical island City ruled by cruel Inquisitors. One day she rescues a boy from the belly of a dying whale, and he has no memory. But the Inquisitors believe he is the Evil Enemy who drowned the world and insist on burning him at the stake. Against all odds she rescues the boy again and manages to hide him while trying to discover his true identit ...

The Civil War may be over, but for 12-year-old Will Page, who considers the Yankees responsible for the deaths of his parents and brother and sisters, the pain will never end. And now Will has to go live with his Uncle Jed, who refused to fight for the Confederate cause. But is Uncle Jed the traitor and coward Will believes him to be? An ALA Notable Book. Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award.

Having been critically acclaimed when it was first published, "Tuck Everlasting" has become a much-loved, well-studied modern-day classic. This anniversary edition features an in-depth interview conducted by Betsy Hearne in which Babbitt takes a look at the book 25 years later.

A beautiful portrayal of the value of honesty--with others and with oneself. When it is missing, barriers are easily erected that soon become invisible to us, shortchanging who we are and who we are meant to be. Mrs. Finch's gentleness and wisdom help Annie begin easing her metaphoric umbrella down, smidge by smidge. The power lies in the book's last several chapters.