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 ...

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 alo ...

The Great Depression hits close to home for 11-year-old Margo Bandini when the sheriff starts eviction procedures against her family. Her father has two weeks to pay the bank or they must leave their home forever. Margo is determined to find a way to help Papa save their home, in this debut novel based on the author's own experiences.

The Newbery Medal-winning tale of an orphan boy whose dream of becoming a master potter leads to unforeseen adventure in ancient Korea.​Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a 12th-century Korean village renowned for its ceramics. When he accidentally breaks a delicate piece of pottery, he volunteers to work to pay for the damage. Putting aside his own dreams, Tree-ear resolves to serve the master po ...

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 ...

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 ...

Robin Hood defies authority as he steals from the rich and gives to the poor, in this classic tale of adventure.

A Newbery Honor Book An American Library Association Notable Children's Book A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year Janet Taylor Lisle's captivating Newbery Honor book explores how, like friendship, magic can emerge when you least expect it--and when you need it most. All you have to do is look deep. Anything might happen in Sara-Kate's backyard. For that matter, anything was happening. Fo ...

To Janey Larkin, the blue willow plate was the most beautiful thing in her life, a symbol of the home she could only dimly remember. Now that her father was an itinerant worker, Janey didn't have a home she could call her own or any real friends, as her family had to keep moving, following the crops from farm to farm. Someday, Janey promised the willow plate, with its picture of a real house, her ...

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 ...

"In this (Level 3) I Can Read book, Turner takes a sad episode in history (the Great Depression) and fashions it into a story that has depth as well as drama. . . . Realistic, nicely executed illustrations decorate every page".--"ALA Booklist". Full color.

As she starts middle school, Bess volunteers to work on the school musical in hopes of fitting in. But when she volunteers with her mother at a homeless shelter and gets to know an elderly homeless woman named Gracie, Bess changes her mind about what is really important.

Twelve-year-old David escapes from a grisly prison camp in Eastern Europe with only a compass, a few crusts of bread, his two aching feet, and some vague advice to seek refuge in Denmark. Will he be able to survive? The basis for an upcoming motion picture starring James Caviezel and Joan Plowright.

This story exudes beauty. It is a study in kindness and grace. It shows what knowing how to see beyond personal needs, penchants, and shortsightedness looks like. Nana's wisdom teaches readers to look with eyes that see beyond the surface to love the potential of each individual and to give. Because that is where joy begins. CJ: "How come it's always so dirty over here?" Nana (smiling and poin ...

Sofia and Maddie's friendship is built on trust and encouragement. When Sofia discovers Maddi’s secret, she wants to help by doing the right thing, but it might mean breaking a promise. Refreshing earnestness blends hope and action for addressing childhood hunger.

Sofia and Maddie's friendship is built on trust and encouragement. When Sofia discovers Maddi’s secret, she wants to help by doing the right thing, but it might mean breaking a promise. Refreshing earnestness blends hope and action for addressing childhood hunger.

Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, ...

Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, ...

Generosity of spirit colors conquers all else in dire times. Moral beauty abounds in Mama's thinking as she selflessly transforms a gift for those less fortunate that costs far more than money. Her son, feeling a similar generosity but limited by understanding, blossoms by following in his mother's footsteps. Heartwarming, soul-searching, restoring.