From the author of the classic Ballet Shoes comes this story of three young girls struggling to get a toehold in the competitive world of professional dance. When Rachel and Hilary go to live with Aunt Cora at her dancing school in London, they compete with Cousin Dulcie for the limelight.

This edition of the classic tale of an orphan who is taken under the wing of a mysterious benefactor features a new Introduction by the author of "Journey to the River Sea."

This "Cowibbean" adventure unfolds like a Pixar movie. The creaky Swashclucker steers our stalwart heroes, Chuck (real cow) and Hu'man Dakota ("cowmouflage" cow), toward Coral Crown treasure. But real treasure hunting requires more: strategy, perseverance, courage, and maybe a magic hornpipe whose BLOOP! BLIP! BLOOP! produces the largest, cow-sized, waterproof bubbles ever. When grisly catfish Kin ...

Karen Harrington calls upon her experience with an agoraphobic mother to movingly convey her main character's angst in learning to live well through tragedy and extreme circumstances. Already facing difficult teenage years, Mysti suddenly becomes provider and voice of reason when her mother's agoraphobia strips away her ability to cope. While the text seems to go on without resolution for a good p ...

It's 1962, and it seems everyone is living in fear. Eleven-year-old Franny Chapman lives with her family in Washington, D.C., during the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Amidst the pervasive threat of nuclear war, Franny must face the tension between herself and her younger brother, figure out where she fits in with her family, and look beyond outward appearances.

This book should win an award for its marriage of creative design, storytelling, and journalism. The first of a planned trilogy, this "docu-novel" capitalizes on Wiles' ability to evoke empathy for her characters while expertly weaving together a time-period collage of images and headlines that set a marked tone and mood for the storyline. Political events impact family and community, and striking ...

When Ann Fay's challenge to recover from polio is compounded by her father's inability to cope with psychological war wounds, Ann Fay's attempts to fix both problems fail miserably. But when she realizes burdens are for sharing and quality relationships require humility and trust, she walks a once-lonely path with help. As she becomes less dependent upon clunky, uncomfortable braces for her polio- ...

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.

By the winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for historical fiction, this middle-grade novel is the perfect curriculum tie-in for classroom discussions about disasters and 19th century America. Eleven-year-old Hallelujah is intrigued by the fires that are starting up all over Chicago in 1877--but what she doesn't realize is that it is the Great Fire and her life will be irrevocably changed.

This complex exploration of communication unfolds through the dog's narration. The author imagines what an earnest dog may have said to help his autistic person understand and to encourage him to respond with a spoken word. We, readers, begin to grasp the intracacies of intuition and inference, and the frustrations of misunderstandings. Well-meaning parents and teachers miss the big picture when o ...

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.

The most intriguing book yet in an outstanding series. The adventure surrounding one of history's brightest minds sparks an exploration deeper truths. Will appeal to young adventure lovers and readers who want more to think and talk about once the final page is turned. (Book Five in Missing Series)

Two young girls, Lulu and Serena, find themselves alone parked in Dad’s SUV at a campground in Montana. Their mother has recently died of cancer, and their dad is now missing. Lulu is twelve with a strong sense of “stepping up” to problems, but the problem to care for herself and her sister is enormous. Money is limited to $67 and winter is coming. Being new to the area, they don’t have an ...

Two young girls, Lulu and Serena, find themselves alone parked in Dad’s SUV at a campground in Montana. Their mother has recently died of cancer, and their dad is now missing. Lulu is twelve with a strong sense of “stepping up” to problems, but the problem to care for herself and her sister is enormous. Money is limited to $67 and winter is coming. Being new to the area, they don’t have an ...

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 ...

A captivating sequel to Mr. Tucket.

Call Across the Sea tells of Henny Sinding, a Danish girl who grew up piloting her father’s delivery boat across the inlet to the Baltic Sea. During the increasing NAZI occupation of 1943, she evades soldiers and distributes forbidden news while fearing for her Jewish neighbors. All of her skills and her courage will be needed to spirit Jewish families safely across the sea to Sweden. Her ingenu ...