Told in free verse, this is a tale of survival and the human spirit. The African land of Darfur is the home of Amira, a young girl with hopes and dreams of going to school. But her village is very poor, and her mother believes she must forgo learning and focus on her family. When neighboring Sudanese tribes attack and her father is killed, Amira, her mother, and sister must leave and make the peri ...

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.

Naomi's love for her parents drives her to action, and in so doing, damages the one thing that provides for their living. However, this accident proves to be a door of opportunity. A beautiful story.

Naomi's love for her parents drives her to action, and in so doing, damages the one thing that provides for their living. However, this accident proves to be a door of opportunity. A beautiful story.

This classic by the Newbery Medal-winning author relates the incredible adventures of Professor William Waterman Sherman, who in 1883 sets off in a balloon across the Pacific. Illustrations.

Thirteen-year-old Rosie Beckett embarks on the adventure of her life when her family takes a trip to the World's Columbian Exposition, a.k.a. the Chicago World's Fair, in 1893. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

It is 1848 and 14-year-old Francis Tucket is heading west on the Oregon Trail. When he lags behind to practice shooting his new rifle, he is captured by Pawnees. It will take wild horses, hostile tribes, and a mysterious one-armed man to help Francis come of age and survive the gritty frontier.

A captivating sequel to Mr. Tucket.

Paulsens Newbery Honor Book tells the story of 13-year-old Brian Robeson, the sole survivor of a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness. This 20th anniversary commemorative edition features a fresh new look and a new reading group guide, along with new content from the author. Illustrations.

This tale has all the ingredients of a rewarding read: suspended reality (a bright blue mouse whose tap-dance keyboard messages forge a human-friend bond), heart-pounding adventure (of his 90+ siblings who escaped their lab-captors, Isaiah-the-bright-blue-mouse narrowly escapes recapture and plans a risky rescue), and rich vocabulary (urbane, dulcet, cowlicky, and so much more!). Every chapter beg ...

This tale has all the ingredients of a rewarding read: suspended reality (a bright blue mouse whose tap-dance keyboard messages forge a human-friend bond), heart-pounding adventure (of his 90+ siblings who escaped their lab-captors, Isaiah-the-bright-blue-mouse narrowly escapes recapture and plans a risky rescue), and rich vocabulary (urbane, dulcet, cowlicky, and so much more!). Every chapter beg ...

"A “chip off the old block” Ali Cross is the perfect image of his D.C. detective dad, Alex Cross. However, he is still a kid with typical growing-up issues like obedience to parents, impulsivity, and appropriate cell phone use. His loving family and his best buds are there to help. At a local concert in the park, one of his pals is shot in the hand leading Ali and the gang to doggedly pursue t ...

Eleven-year-old Joe Hanada's world falls apart after Japanese planes bomb Pearl Harbor. When the government orders people of Japanese heritage living on the West Coast to move to internment camps, Joe turns to the journal his father gave him to record his thoughts and feelings.

Two-time Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson's critically acclaimed original fairy tale about an arrogant prince and his search for a bride is now available in a reformatted chapter book edition. Line art.

Who is the man called Sabura, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor? And what is his connection with Yosida, the harsh and ill- tempered master of feudal Japan's most famous puppet theater? Young Jiro, an apprentice to Yosida, is determined to find out, even at risk to his own life. Meamwhile, Jiro devotes himself to learning puppetry. Kinshi, the puppet master's son, tutors ...

Jess and Leslie, competitors at first, then unlikely friends who create a magical land called Terabithia, are the unforgettable protagonists in one of the most celebrated children's novels of all time. This classic has been adapted into a live-action picture from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media.

This is historical retelling that engrosses and educates. Lyrically written text guides readers through the challenges of firefighting and how the relentless demands on firefighters required rethinking the way these services were managed. The setting comes alive with fast-paced drama driven by misguided choices and dire consequences. Timelines of the location and related events, and of the world g ...