As if typical adolescent angst was not enough, Cash, Bird and Fitch, three seventh-grade siblings, must deal with their parents’ disintegrating marriage too. Each struggles with a quirky personality, unique habits, and bumpy friendships. But reaching across to help each other through these trials brings them to a unique sense of family.

This engrossing and thorough biography of an American legend reads like a great story. The author, a black woman who passed away in the 1990's, uses the term "Negro" throughout the book (originally published in 1955), so young readers may need instruction regarding the term's background and use. While many books relate Harriet Tubman's story, this one may retell it the best.

The hard-hitting plot creates suspense and action that will appeal to reluctant readers. NOTE: Sensitive readers may have difficulty with brief descriptions of organized dog-fighting. However, the book provides great opportunities to discuss problem-solving and decision-making.

"Did Mama sing every day?"Caleb asks his sister Anna."Every-single-day," she answers."Papa sang, too."Their mother died the day after Caleb was born. Their house on the prairie is quiet now, and Papa doesn't sing anymore. Then Papa puts an ad in the paper, asking for a wife, and he receives a letter from one Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton, of Maine. Papa, Anna, and Caleb write back. Caleb asks if she sin ...

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 ...

Sadness and silence spark miraculous and memorable events in young Cally Fisher's life. Add a lovable dog into the mix, and this becomes a story that will move and enthrall young readers. NOTE: the story features unexplainable events (though an implied explanation is part of the story), and one scene features a father drinking from a beer bottle.

This book purely entertains as it turns all prince and princess stereotypes upside down. Adventure-seeking princesses and adventure-adverse princes get tangled in a witch's terrible plot, while doting princesses and blundering hero-princes weave clever schemes that intersect, transforming themselves, and eventually their kingdoms. Jam-packed with twists, turns, and numerous fairy tale characters, ...

The story's magic-laden background and setting force the main character to face reality, find courage, and take action. An unforgettable, thought-provoking tale with plenty of material to consider and discuss.

A beautifully written near-allegory that borrows liberally from classic and contemporary stories. A powerful tale that must be discussed! Best for readers who appreciate depth and significance.

Unlikely friendships blossom, tenderheartedness starkly contrasts with selfish unkindness, and creative problem solving prevails. What a great recipe for a delightful, inspiring story. Its heroes -- a gorilla, an elephant, and a young girl --may be a fairy tale group, but the theme, compassion often requires courage, is very real and transcendent.

Unlikely friendships blossom, tenderheartedness starkly contrasts with selfish unkindness, and creative problem solving prevails. What a great recipe for a delightful, inspiring story. Its heroes -- a gorilla, an elephant, and a young girl --may be a fairy tale group, but the theme, compassion often requires courage, is very real and transcendent.

Truth is the absence of discord, and at this story's beginning, the word is not even in Delly's vocabulary. All she knows is bad, wrong, and trouble. However, with her younger brother's gentle help and Ferris's silent, cautious friendship, Delly begins to blossom with self-control and an awareness that she is quite capable of good, right, and helpfulness. Soon, truth is a haven; it cannot coexist ...

Truth is the absence of discord, and at this story's beginning, the word is not even in Delly's vocabulary. All she knows is bad, wrong, and trouble. However, with her younger brother's gentle help and Ferris's silent, cautious friendship, Delly begins to blossom with self-control and an awareness that she is quite capable of good, right, and helpfulness. Soon, truth is a haven; it cannot coexist ...

Ten-year-old Justin is glad when his grandfather invites him to his ranch for the summer. Justin's sure he can get away from all the women and do some actual men's work. But back at the ranch, Justin learns some unexpected lessons. Illustrations.

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.

A compelling first novel from an exciting new voice in middle grade literary fiction--a story of family, friendships, and forgiveness, with a distinctively Californian flavor.

Twelve-year-old Annyrose Smith relates her adventures with Joaquin Murieta and his band of outlaws in the California gold-mining region during the mid-1800s, in this acclaimed work by the Newbery Medal-winning author of "The Whipping Boy." Illustrations.

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.