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.

A beautifully written near-allegory that borrows liberally from classic and contemporary stories. A powerful tale that must be discussed! Best for readers who appreciate depth and significance.

For the answers to many important questions, children should try this "story crammed with baffling word puzzles, a dozen zany characters, uproariously funny situations, and unmitigated slapstick" ("The Horn Book"). Reissue.

Avi's treasured Newbery Honor Book now in expanded After Words edition! Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is excited to return home from her school in England to her family in Rhode Island in the summer of 1832. But she finds herself the lone passenger on a long sea voyage with a cruel captain and a mutinous crew.

19th-century England finds Enola Holmes living quietly alone, if secretly, in a small rented room. Her family relationship is complicated, but when her notorious brother, Sherlock Holmes, becomes embroiled in a mystery of his own, Enola chooses to help. Enola's clever disguises serve her well through this harried plot, protecting her true identity in case she crosses her brother's path. Enola's cl ...

A story of growth toward selflessness disguised as a mystery/adventure. A worthy addition (a prequel!) to the rip-roaring Benedict Society series, but also a great read on its own.

This classic children's story offers a memorable portrait of a friendship between a boy and a wild animal. "Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover".--Chicago Tribune.

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)

When Sugar, living as an orphaned child cared for by fellow plantation workers, decides to befriend the Plantation owner's son, she is rebuked by her "family." When Chinese immigrants arrive to share the workers' responsibility, tension escalates until Sugar's determination deconstructs barriers. Just as healing begins, a dark reminder of selfish unforgiveness rears its ugly head. This time, it ta ...

Helen L. Taylor took John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and simplified the vocabulary and concepts for young readers while keeping the storyline intact. The result was a classic in itself, which has now sold over 600,000 copies. It's both a simple adventure story and a profound allegory of the Christian journey through life, a delightful read with a message kids ages 6 to 12 can understand and remem ...

Wilbur, a lovable pig, is rescued from a cruel fate by a beautiful and intelligent spider named Charlotte. "Told with delicacy, humor, and wisdom . . . a perfect blending of fantasy and complete realism".--"Booklist". Newbery Honor Book; ALA Notable Children's Books of 1940-1970.

When mouse widow Mrs. Frisby needs advice on how to move her children safely, she consults the rats who live under the rosebush. Not only do they help her, they tell her of their escape from a laboratory where experimentation had made them literate, and of the brave death of her husband. Newbery Medal; ALA Notable Children's Book; "Horn Book" Fanfare Book.

Paul Revere didn't make his famous midnight ride alone. Meet a patriot unlike any other: Scheherazade, the mare who doesn't mind mentioning she was once the fastest and most admired horse in the King's army. But on arrival in America, Sherry is quickly let down by her British rider and recruited by Sam Adams to join the Sons of Liberty. Before long, she finds herself teamed with Raul Revere to pla ...

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 ...