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 ...

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 ...

This striking 40th anniversary edition of this acclaimed bestseller by Newbery Medalist McKinley brings a beloved classic to a fresh audience. Ideal for fans of Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine.

Cleverly blending reality with fantasy and the scientific method, the author leads readers on a humorous, though daunting, problem-solving quest to provide just what newborn hippogriffs need to survive. With her mom's help, Zoey sets up experiments to predict outcomes and compare results that, with persistence, lead to a breakthrough just in time. A delightful read.

This tale stages a meetup between extraordinary and ordinary. The learning is messy and extraordinary turns out to be unconventional, but Bloom the magical fairy believes her new "ordinary" friend, Genevieve, can save the kingdom. Genevieve's confidence grows with each success under Bloom's gentle direction. Lively, airy illustrations capture the delight and strength of a heart and mind equipped t ...

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.

In this classic, a young man receives two presents that will change his life: a plastic miniature Indian that magically comes to life inside a mysterious old cupboard.

This wholly visual experience whisks readers into a make-believe world, where imagination offers freedom, comes to the rescue, and leads to friendship. Unfolding like a silent movie, the story vividly portrays adventure, danger, and exhilaration. We, the reader-audience, cheer the heroine through disappointment, into a steampunk-like setting where wits and creativity rescue not only herself, but a ...

Time travel enables an intergenerational friendship (and interesting family relationship) that will ultimately change both boys beyond their on-stage experiences. A beautiful story that celebrates family and grit! Note: “fart|farting” is used in describing a dog

Multiple Nebula and Hugo award-winner Le Guin contributes a new Introduction to this edition of McDonald's tale of a princess whose discovery of a secret stair at the top turret of a castle leads to a wonderful revelation.

From page one, this coming-of-age tale is unlike any other. Its unusual plot—chock-full of stunning detail and all things unexpected—and its strikingly real characters, draw readers into the story's emotion and the authentic "growing up" struggles it personifies. Each character offers a deep and differing look into the struggles kids face as they mature and, thrown together on an unl ...

Part mystery, part adventure, the fast-moving story explores themes of honesty, power, family, and friendship. Memorable characters create opportunities for prequels and sequels, yet the story is satisfying on its own.

Magic Tree House Books have a combination of facts and adventure that is perfect for beginning and reluctant readers. In this newest story, Jack and Annie are whisked back to Elizabethan England where they meet the Bard of Avon himself, William Shakespeare, and luckily for them he is desperate for two small actors for his latest play.

In the third book of the American history cluster, Jack and Annie are whisked to a midwestern prairie in the 1870's where they visit a school, learn about pioneer life and run from a twister. Illustrations.

Magic is always the special of the day at the Van Gogh Cafe in this series of vignettes from Newbery medalist Cynthia Ryland.