This complex exploration of communication unfolds through the dog's narration. The author imagines what an earnest dog may have said to help his autistic person understand and to encourage him to respond with a spoken word. We, readers, begin to grasp the intracacies of intuition and inference, and the frustrations of misunderstandings. Well-meaning parents and teachers miss the big picture when o ...

By the winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for historical fiction, this middle-grade novel is the perfect curriculum tie-in for classroom discussions about disasters and 19th century America. Eleven-year-old Hallelujah is intrigued by the fires that are starting up all over Chicago in 1877--but what she doesn't realize is that it is the Great Fire and her life will be irrevocably changed.

The classic tale of the boy who loved chocolate is back in this new edition, now in paperback. "Embedded in this tale are lessons in courage, caring, moderation, and prejudice."--"School Library Journal." Illustrations.

When Ann Fay's challenge to recover from polio is compounded by her father's inability to cope with psychological war wounds, Ann Fay's attempts to fix both problems fail miserably. But when she realizes burdens are for sharing and quality relationships require humility and trust, she walks a once-lonely path with help. As she becomes less dependent upon clunky, uncomfortable braces for her polio- ...

This book should win an award for its marriage of creative design, storytelling, and journalism. The first of a planned trilogy, this "docu-novel" capitalizes on Wiles' ability to evoke empathy for her characters while expertly weaving together a time-period collage of images and headlines that set a marked tone and mood for the storyline. Political events impact family and community, and striking ...

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.

Karen Harrington calls upon her experience with an agoraphobic mother to movingly convey her main character's angst in learning to live well through tragedy and extreme circumstances. Already facing difficult teenage years, Mysti suddenly becomes provider and voice of reason when her mother's agoraphobia strips away her ability to cope. While the text seems to go on without resolution for a good p ...

This "Cowibbean" adventure unfolds like a Pixar movie. The creaky Swashclucker steers our stalwart heroes, Chuck (real cow) and Hu'man Dakota ("cowmouflage" cow), toward Coral Crown treasure. But real treasure hunting requires more: strategy, perseverance, courage, and maybe a magic hornpipe whose BLOOP! BLIP! BLOOP! produces the largest, cow-sized, waterproof bubbles ever. When grisly catfish Kin ...

This edition of the classic tale of an orphan who is taken under the wing of a mysterious benefactor features a new Introduction by the author of "Journey to the River Sea."

From the author of the classic Ballet Shoes comes this story of three young girls struggling to get a toehold in the competitive world of professional dance. When Rachel and Hilary go to live with Aunt Cora at her dancing school in London, they compete with Cousin Dulcie for the limelight.

A gripping story told in a unique format.

Dexter hates his new school. He hates that his family moved across the country so his dad can get treatment for his cancer. To make matters worse, Dexter gets into a fight the first day of school. This touching book explores issues of bullying, family, and friendship. Illustrations.

In 1940, the Germans have come to Paris and Bertrand, his mother and sister are fleeing. Meanwhile, the Germans have not come to the south of France, where Zina and her family live--but there's no work for ethnic Russians like Zina's papa. Both Bertrand and Zina must go to America in order to survive. Each shows fear in a different way, but finally, through friendship, finds hope again.

This award-winning Archway paperback is being reissued in Minstrel this month to reach Bill Wallace's wider audience of middle grade readers. A starving stray is looking for food in Ricky's backyard, but Ricky is terrified because he was once bitten by a rabid dog. But when he realizes that the pup could starve, Ricky overcomes his fear and makes a special new friend.

Grover spins a compelling first-person fictional adventure at sea.

RThe author of "Escape from Memory" and the Shadow Children series has penned another suspenseful novel guaranteed to keep readers riveted.S--"Booklist."

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 ...