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.

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.

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

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.

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 ...

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.

The dull, dreary lives of Kate and Tom are interrupted by their mysterious Uncle Herbert who sends them on an adventure aboard a magical steam train, the Silver Arrow. They cheerfully assume the tasks of conductor, fireman and engineer while boarding animal passengers who can talk to them and each other. As the story unfolds, Kate realizes all of the animals are really from endangered species and ...

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

Grit flowed through Nellie Bly's veins. Undeterred at every turn, she became a successful journalist (multiple times), a world traveler, and one of the most famous people of her era. An unforgettable character beautifully and engagingly presented in this can't-stop-reading biography.

Anya's fourth-grade classmates don't understand why she wears a wig, but when it falls off in front of the whole class, she reveals that she has alopecia areata, a disease that results in hair loss. Keely wants to find a way to help Anya. But what can Keely do when all Anya wants is to have hair again?

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.

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

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)

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)

As a third child in a society that allows only two children per family, Luke Garner discovers that living among the Grant family might be deadlier than he ever imagined.

Nina Idi has been arrested for falsely accusing some classmates of being illegal third children--a capital crime in their society. Now she is being asked to betray others--or risk being executed.