Rich descriptors establish this memoir’s compelling setting so that readers feel the African heat , the desperation of starving families seeking sustenance from dry, barren farmland, and the wind’s power to help a helpless community. Against this backdrop a small, young boy with an insatiable appetite for knowledge lets curiosity drive his desire to help his family and his village. T ...

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 ...

Thirteen-year-old Rosie Beckett embarks on the adventure of her life when her family takes a trip to the World's Columbian Exposition, a.k.a. the Chicago World's Fair, in 1893. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

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.

Though the writing is a little difficult to follow in places, and some characters aren't as developed as others, the moral and judicial dilemma "kid lawyer" Theodore must address make this a valuable springboard for a quality discussion of justice and problem solving among middle school readers.

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.

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.

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 ...

After clearing enough Ohio forest to build a log cabin in 1803, Pa sets off for Pennsylvania to fetch the rest of the family, while brothers Daniel and Will stay behind. But when Pa doesn't return, the boys must survive the winter with only an axe, two knives, a sack of cornmeal, and their ability to improvise.

In this Coretta Scott King Honor Book, young Paris isnt thrilled to be in yet another foster home. No matter how hard she tries to fit in, she cant ignore the feeling that she never will--especially in a town thats mostly white while she is half black.

When James drops magic crystals by the peach tree, the toy peach starts growing. Before long, its as big as a house and contains a secret entranceway.

While many books on Jamestown chronicle Pocahontas, this captivates readers with Samuel Collins's struggle to survive in a hostile environment. Through well-written text, readers grow to understand how uninformed England was of the Colonists' dire situation.

When Ruben and Jed find a dead body on the Rhode Island shore, they are certain it has something to do with smuggling liquor. Suddenly, the boys find themselves caught in a war between two Prohibition gangs.

Set in 1976 Georgia, this is the poignant story of Gabriel, a white boy who is afraid of everything; his best friend Frita, the only black girl in school; and the summer they learn to face down their fears.

Eleven-year-old Adam suddenly finds himself alone when his dog and his father--a wandering minstrel--suddenly disappear. Set in 13th-century England, "Adam of the Road" is a Puffin Modern Classic.

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.

Morey uses uncluttered text to lead readers through the unforgiving Alaskan setting to the tender heart of a small boy who cannot comprehend cruelty. Beautifully crafted with a clear portrayal of good and consequences of evil. Completely satisfying read.

Now available in paperback--this moving, award-winning story is based on the author's own experiences of growing up with her beloved uncle Punky, who had Down's syndrome.