Part mystery, part adventure, the fast-moving story explores themes of honesty, power, family, and friendship. Memorable characters create opportunities for prequels and sequels, yet the story is satisfying on its own.

This fast-paced tale of two adventurers invites readers on a quest filled with mystery, danger, and a whole lot of excitement. As readers get to know Emily and James, they learn important lessons about choices and consequences, friendship, and what home really means. Whimsy and literary references mixed with technology make this story a modern classic. School drama and family conflict offer authen ...

Ranger, a brave dog, wants to convince kids that reading can lead to amazing adventure. History comes alive as Ranger races through time helping young people overcome danger and evil in their quest to stay alive. Ranger and the boys he partners with are the perfect combination of bravery, curiosity, and loyalty. This story presents life-lessons like honesty, standing up for what is right, and how ...

Love and patience enable the young protagonist to reevaluate and accept the past, deal effectively with the present and hope for the future. Unique free verse presentation.

Beneath this comical adventure, quirky characters, and high-flying drama lies a beautiful unfolding of understanding. Kate DiCamillo has developed her characters so well that readers feel their pain when challenged to put aside their long-held beliefs about others. Wise Mrs. Meecham gently helps remove blinders and Flora's heart starts to hope while her squirrel, whose heart was open from the star ...

The Newbery Medal-winning author of "The Tale of Despereaux" returns with this story about a toy rabbit named Edward Tulane. When he becomes lost, Edward takes an extraordinary journey and shows readers a true miracle. Illustrations.

This conclusion to an outstanding series tells a story of self-discovery, courage, and family, and poses questions on how an individual becomes who he/she is intended to be and what can be accomplished as a result. Haddix allows this volume, as well as the entire series, to raise important and significant ideas that are as engaging to consider as the incredible adventures her time travelers exper ...

This story is a rare jewel in the world of young adult literature. Readers are treated to an extraordinary male protagonist who is honorable and inspires hope in all that is good. From unlikely partnerships to gut-wrenching choices, the plot grows to fit this amazing young man and his quest to reclaim his horse. Readers are not only entertained but fully engaged, emotionally and intellectually, an ...

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.

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.

A mystery, a school story, and an adventure all wrapped up in one book. Great past-meets-present-and-influences-future plot!

When Benjamin Franklin decides to quit, it's up to the Blast to the Past friends to find him and get history back on track in this sixth book in the Blast to the Past series. Abigail and her friends can't believe it--Babs Magee has finally convinced someone to quit, and that someone is Benjamin Franklin! Not only is he an important Founding Father, he invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and more ...

Third graders travel back in time and find Professor Alexander Graham Bell, who's given up on the telephone annd is working on a new invention. Abigail and her friends must get him back on track. Illustrations.

Deep inside the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage, two mice live in great style. But when evil Aunt Ivy, a squeamish schoolteacher, and pirating pond rats threaten the safety of those they hold dear, the courageous pair will stop at nothing to save the day.

Urban's bite-sized "chapters" paint just enough detail to reveal a perspective or quirk of each character, making this reading experience a smorgasbord of delightful tastes and textures. This is an uplifting celebration of how lemons become lemonade, for parents just as much as their kids: disappointment confronted with determination can garner reward; crippling insecurities grow weaker with skill ...

Record-breaking snowfalls in Rambletown have postponed Opening Day of the Rounders' baseball season three times! As the team tries to warm up on the icy field, they welcome a new center fielder: Orlando Ramirez. He's as fast as a cheetah and catches everything--right before smashing into the outfield wall. Just like a crash-test dummy. The Rounders will need a miracle--or a really big shovel--to p ...

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.

It is circa 2600 B.C. in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, and Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. Alone in a strange city, the siblings must put aside old resentments to survive.