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.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

This companion to the "New York Times"-bestselling "Football Genius" featuresTim's memorable hero Troy and delves into the flashy world of American sportsmedia, revealing its dark underside.

Robin Hood defies authority as he steals from the rich and gives to the poor, in this classic tale of adventure.

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.

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 ...

A beautiful portrayal of the value of honesty--with others and with oneself. When it is missing, barriers are easily erected that soon become invisible to us, shortchanging who we are and who we are meant to be. Mrs. Finch's gentleness and wisdom help Annie begin easing her metaphoric umbrella down, smidge by smidge. The power lies in the book's last several chapters.

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 ...

Packed with realistic and endearing characters this fast moving book will capture readers and have them hanging on every word. As the action twists and turns, readers witness the characters learning and growing as quickly and unexpectedly as the game they are playing. A fun read, this book provides lessons in friendship, integrity, and the importance of team in an authentic and engaging way. Reluc ...

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.

For Tottie Plantaganet, a little wooden doll, belonging to Emily and Charlotte Dane is wonderful. The only thing missing is a dollhouse that Tottie and her family could call their very own. But when the dollhouse finally does arrive, Tottie's problems really begin. That dreadful doll Marchpane comes to live with them, disrupting the harmony of the Plantaganet family with her lies and conceited way ...

June’s whole concept of home is shaken when her widowed mother and younger sister must move into a homeless shelter. The embarrassment and the struggles are real. The girls must rise early to get to their school. Mother is noncommunicative and June’s greatest joy, playing the viola, is out of the question. So everything is left to June to navigate the waters of the homeless shelter. She alone ...

June’s whole concept of home is shaken when her widowed mother and younger sister must move into a homeless shelter. The embarrassment and the struggles are real. The girls must rise early to get to their school. Mother is noncommunicative and June’s greatest joy, playing the viola, is out of the question. So everything is left to June to navigate the waters of the homeless shelter. She alo ...

Mysterious and intriguing, Nikola Tesla was endlessly curious and an amazing thinker, able to produce working items without models or trial-and-error. (He just pictured it all in his head first!) Provides an in-depth glimpse of an innovator who is still discussed, debated, and revered.

From the author of the Newbery Honor Book "Lily's Crossing" comes this story of a city girl and a country boy, brought together in 1941 through their love of the Brooklyn Dodgers in a winning novel about the transforming power of friendship. Now available in paperback.

In this Newbery Honor Book, a troublesome 12-year-old orphan, staying with an elderly artist who needs her, remembers the only other time she was happy in a foster home, with a family that truly seemed to care about her.