A witty, determined Marty compels readers to join her quest: to win the school’s “Save the Earth” science contest award. Author, Kate Messner masterfully grows and develops Marty’s character, showing readers that reaching a goal requires patience and determination; while it lacks the glamor and excitement of the beginning and end, the middle is where the most important wo ...

Anyone who has struggled to conquer something seemingly impossible can relate to Abby's challenge—in order to avoid being held back in school, she must move from lazy indifference to responsibility. This timeless tale of conquering obstacles and personal growth is just a small part of this story’s appeal. This is the story of two children who must learn who they are and what to belie ...

Lovers of history, adventure, and the underdog will devour this fast-moving tale of three unique characters who embark on a journey to save the Star Spangled Banner and their families’ honor. Readers enjoy front-row seats as characters put aside selfishness and learn to accept, embrace, and utilize differences in order to become an unbeatable, mystery-solving team. Readers cheer the creativ ...

Gamers, sleuths, and bookworms will revel in the sheer genius of this tale. Grabenstein cleverly weaves the nostalgia of actual board games and today's electronic gaming strategies with well-known children's book titles, sprinkles rebus clues throughout, and adds a dose of fantastical reality-suspension to concoct a brilliant mystery. But if that wasn't enough, themes of accomplishment and kin ...

From a multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winning author comes the story of a brilliant girl that no one knows about because she cannot speak or write. "If there is one book teens and parents (and everyone else) should read this year, "Out of My Mind" should be it.O--"Denver Post."

Nate Brodie is nicknamed Brady, not only for his arm, but also because he's the biggest Tom Brady fan. When he gets the chance to win a million dollars by throwing a pass through a target at a Patriots game, Nate should be excited, but all he feels is pressure to succeed.

This is historical fiction at its best, portraying Revolutionary Boston as seen through the shrewd eyes of a young apprentice silversmith. Features an Afterword by the author.

Unlikely friendships blossom, tenderheartedness starkly contrasts with selfish unkindness, and creative problem solving prevails. What a great recipe for a delightful, inspiring story. Its heroes -- a gorilla, an elephant, and a young girl --may be a fairy tale group, but the theme, compassion often requires courage, is very real and transcendent.

It's 1962, and it seems everyone is living in fear. Eleven-year-old Franny Chapman lives with her family in Washington, D.C., during the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Amidst the pervasive threat of nuclear war, Franny must face the tension between herself and her younger brother, figure out where she fits in with her family, and look beyond outward appearances.

Experienced time travelers, Jonah and Katherine accept the challenge of returning their friend Andrea, who is actually Virginia Dare, to her rightful place and time: the mysterious and seemingly ill-fated Roanoke Colony. However, a strange man calling himself Second intervenes, and nothing in the sixteenth-century colony is as it should be—at least according to history and the time traveler ...

This irresistible tale begs to be read aloud! It unfolds as a play with delightful characters whose traits bubble to the surface during the worst of times, revealing true colors — raccoon brothers who keep their Scout pact, find courage in the face of grave danger (though a weakness for sweet, sugary pies nearly derails their plan) and bravely see a mission through for the greater good; Cha ...

Lovers of the underdog and champions of change will enjoy this fast-paced football story. It is a tale full of change and how courage, friendship, and determination can help a team not only survive but thrive during the unexpected. From the humble star to his faithful friends, readers will be cheering for the whole team to reclaim their season and along the way they learn a few things about flexib ...

A National Book Award Nominee for 2013, A Tangle of Knots is a beautiful story about Cady, an orphan who has a special talent for seeing people and knowing the perfect cake for them. Told from many different perspectives and with many different characters, it takes a little while for the "knot" to be tied but, with a touch of magic, a little mystery, a lot of warmth and humor, and even some great ...

LOOT hits the jackpot. -- Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling authorOn a foggy night in Amsterdam, a man falls from a rooftop to the wet pavement below. It's Alfie McQuinn, the notorious cat burglar, and he's dying. As sirens wail in the distance, Alfie manages to get out two last words to his young son, March: Find jewels.But March learns that his father is not talking about a stash of ...

"The rescue is everything," explains Siria's firefighting father. While watching her courageous father chase sirens through city nights, Siria worries she will lose him, her only parent. Enter a stray dog, suspicions about a close friend who may be an arsonist, and the caring love of several adults, and Siria soon learns despite danger, courage can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As Christmas and ...

Provides a fascinating look at historical medical research within an exciting story.

The sheer will to survive propels Matt through this historical adventure. As he races time to complete his dangerous mission while saving himself, his sister, and his friends, Matt finds himself caught up in the lives of those living this period of history. He witnesses the complexities of the American Revolution and with each decision he makes, his life and beliefs hang in the balance. This book ...

Lily's life is changing fast and she is not happy—really not happy—hide-in-your-room-for-days not happy! Through the guidance of her beloved Poppy, Lily finds the courage to embrace change and find new friends in unexpected places. As she learns to accept all that makes her unique, Lily learns powerful lessons about love, letting go, and family. At the same time Lily's story is told, ...