"This full-length junior novel should hold a place with the best Civil War fiction for young people. The fighting takes place in the West. . . . A young farm boy joins the Union forces, becomes a scout . . . There is suspense in the telling and many a colorful character".--The Horn Book.

A 1967 Newbery Honor Book While awaiting trial for murder and withholding from the king the obligatory fifth of the gold found in Cibola, Esteban, a seventeen-year-old cartographer, recalls his adventures with a band of conquistadors.

In this mystery set in the 19th century, a spunky girl uses her wits to try to save the family estate from ruin, and restore respect for her late grandfather's reputation.

Deep inside the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage, two mice live in great style. But when evil Aunt Ivy, a squeamish schoolteacher, and pirating pond rats threaten the safety of those they hold dear, the courageous pair will stop at nothing to save the day.

Back in print A longtime favorite of several generations of Tar Heels, Taffy of Torpedo Junction is the thrilling adventure story of thirteen-year-old Taffy Willis, who, with the help of her pony and dog, exposes a ring of Nazi spies operating from a secluded house on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, during World War II. For readers of all ages, the book brings to life the dramatic wartime events ...

Time travel enables an intergenerational friendship (and interesting family relationship) that will ultimately change both boys beyond their on-stage experiences. A beautiful story that celebrates family and grit! Note: “fart|farting” is used in describing a dog

Miriam and her Jewish family leave New York City for a new life in a small town upstate. Her parents have bought a sad, run-down motel and plan to turn it around, but Miriam is struggling to face the challenges this brings. Two friends come alongside to help her, Uncle Mordy who comes for repairs, and Maria, the housekeeper. Another eleven-year-old, Kate, makes friends with Miriam, and together th ...

When Leela is pronounced a widow at 12 years old, a life of certain heartache was dramatically diverted by those who envisioned a better future for her and who chose to exert their influence. A thoughtful story of tradition, change, and growth.

How do you decide when the better option means great personal loss? Gripping adventure surrounds a tale of identity and impossible decision in this latest installment of Haddix's unforgettable "The Missing" series. (Book Two in Missing Series)

Truth is the absence of discord, and at this story's beginning, the word is not even in Delly's vocabulary. All she knows is bad, wrong, and trouble. However, with her younger brother's gentle help and Ferris's silent, cautious friendship, Delly begins to blossom with self-control and an awareness that she is quite capable of good, right, and helpfulness. Soon, truth is a haven; it cannot coexist ...

Riveting action/adventure uses time travel to tell remarkable experiences that parallel Bible characters. Volume 2 comprises three books in one: Glannall's Betrayal (Joseph), Draven's Defiance (Elijah), and Fendar's Legacy (Moses).

Riveting action/adventure draws readers into meaningful story lines that parallel Bible character experiences. Volume 1 is a collection of three books in one: Darien's Rise (David); Arin's Judgment (Noah); Annison's Risk (Esther)

Words with Wings is like a jewel box. Each free verse poem poses a thought, quandary, or observation and sparkles with precise word choice, exploration of emotion, irony, or contrast, and delightful metaphor. Each brief facet imaginatively unfolds this poignant story like a series of photographs, calling attention to important details otherwise unnoticed. Collectively these verses applaud teachers ...

Courage can require more than a brave act; it can call on on to overcome the past and its associated fears to act for the benefit of others. This story, set in Northeastern Pennsylvania's col country, explores themes of courage, family, friendship, and acceptance. A gentle yet powerful reading experience.

"A “chip off the old block” Ali Cross is the perfect image of his D.C. detective dad, Alex Cross. However, he is still a kid with typical growing-up issues like obedience to parents, impulsivity, and appropriate cell phone use. His loving family and his best buds are there to help. At a local concert in the park, one of his pals is shot in the hand leading Ali and the gang to doggedly pursue t ...

Take the challenge! Stella Diaz takes the challenge on multiple levels. As a new fourth grader she must take on the challenge of more homework and social relationships – boy-girl dynamics and teamwork assignments. She also challenges herself in her two favorite areas – oceanography and art. But, oh my! Can she take the challenge of a new family dynamic? Can she fulfill her dreams?

In 1920 three American navy officers were on a routine practice run by balloon. A sudden storm hit sending them drastically off course. Subsequent actions to avoid a crash led them even further north into the snowy Canadian wilderness. Each man uses his strengths to encourage the others’ weaknesses. Kloor is the youngest, the most fit, and the best trained balloonist. Farrell is the oldest and l ...

Talk about pre-teen girl angst! Nurah and her Muslim family choose to make a new life in Peachtree City, Georgia, a very long way their home in Karachi, Pakistan. They bring with them a love of family and a desire for American opportunities. While Owais, her older brother, fits in by making friends and winning swim meets, Nurah struggles with everything: lunchtime friendships, unfamiliar clothing, ...