Take the challenge! Stella Diaz takes the challenge on multiple levels. As a new fourth grader she must take on the challenge of more homework and social relationships – boy-girl dynamics and teamwork assignments. She also challenges herself in her two favorite areas – oceanography and art. But, oh my! Can she take the challenge of a new family dynamic? Can she fulfill her dreams?

Kanella, a scrawny, fearful mongrel does not fare well among her fellow canine and feline city dwellers. So, when boatloads of strangers begin filling the streets, she follows them to a makeshift camp where she experiences kindness, a full belly, and purpose. Told from Kanella's perspective, her story parallels the painful existence and longing over a million migrants and refugees experienced whil ...

In 1920 three American navy officers were on a routine practice run by balloon. A sudden storm hit sending them drastically off course. Subsequent actions to avoid a crash led them even further north into the snowy Canadian wilderness. Each man uses his strengths to encourage the others’ weaknesses. Kloor is the youngest, the most fit, and the best trained balloonist. Farrell is the oldest and l ...

Talk about pre-teen girl angst! Nurah and her Muslim family choose to make a new life in Peachtree City, Georgia, a very long way their home in Karachi, Pakistan. They bring with them a love of family and a desire for American opportunities. While Owais, her older brother, fits in by making friends and winning swim meets, Nurah struggles with everything: lunchtime friendships, unfamiliar clothing, ...

Young Derek faces multiple end-of-year stresses at once. First, there are annual tests and standardized tests at school with results enhanced by a dare from an ace student. Then there is the pending loss of one of his best friends who is moving to China. And, of course, his Yankees are in the playoffs against the other best team of the league. Dealing with all the stress Derek must remind himself ...

Chattana is a fantasy city entirely sustained by the Governor who brought peace long ago. But the price was crippling loss of personal freedoms. Three unlikely preteens begin to question his “law and order” message. Pong is an observant boy who escapes from Namwon prison where he was born and hides in a Buddhist monastery where he learns patience and compassion. Perfectionist Nok is the warden ...

In 1910 West Texas, the last camel of the US Army roams the desert. Zada has lived a long and adventurous life from Turkey to America. She’s made friends with fellow camel racers for the Pasha and with many more camels on a rocky sailing ship. She has lately befriended two kestrels and their hatchlings. But the real adventure begins with a huge sandstorm when the parent birds are blown away. Zad ...

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 ...

Precious little Jillian suffers from extreme shyness and will talk to only a few, select friends and never in class. Her loving grandmother has always encouraged her to open up to others, but Grandmother died last year. Jillian’s shyness has only worsened. Enter a bold, but sensitive 5th grade teacher! Only she can see Jillian’s intelligence and sensitivity. Throughout the year she brilliantly ...

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 ...

It’s time for little Maximillian to go to school! His wealthy parents have chosen the most perfect school for him where he will learn to be kind and no one will bully him, or call him names, or hurt him – ever! Why? All of the students except Max are really good robots! He never guesses they aren’t real and makes a best friend in Josie. She opens his eyes to all sorts of innocent fun things ...