Although his circumstances appeared to be an insurmountable challenge for realizing his musical passion, Louis (and readers) realize the powerful beauty of kindness given (and accepted) and the reward of hope and dependability. A valuable read.

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 power of courage and hope transcended Helen's disability. This concise but rich retelling of Helen's life shows that growth and overcoming is possible through resilience, and this is evidenced first by Helen's parents, her teacher Annie, and then another teacher Sarah who believed Helen could accomplish even more. Well-written for young readers.

Mistaken as a doll's head in 1991, the Ice Mummy has been frozen for 5,000 years. Written for the first time in an easy-to-read format, this is his story. Color photos.

In his own folksy voice, Johnny Appleseed tells his story to a couple of entranced children. Illustrations.

When Julian finds out that his dad has always wanted snakes for a birthday present, he realizes he'll need more than good intentions--he'll need courage.

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.

It isn't easy being Julian's younger brother. When Huey wants to study animal tracks with Julian and his friend Gloria, Julian tells him he's too young. But he's not a little kid. He's six years old and he's an adventurer, a chef, a tracker, a scout--and much more!

The first black man to play professional baseball, Jackie Robinson helped break down walls of segregation in many walks of life. His biography is the story of one man's struggle to overcome great odds through hard work, skill and courage.

In this classic, inspiring story based on true events, a girl's loyal Labrador goes blind. Helping him cope becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail.

"The rescue is everything," explains Siria's firefighting father. While watching her courageous father chase sirens through city nights, Siria worries she will lose him, her only parent. Enter a stray dog, suspicions about a close friend who may be an arsonist, and the caring love of several adults, and Siria soon learns despite danger, courage can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As Christmas and ...

Everyone in the Yang family is a talented musician except for nine-year-old Yingtao, the youngest Yang. Even after years of violin lessons from his father, Yingtao cannot make beautiful music. Now that his family has moved from China to Seattle, Yingtao wants to learn English and make new friends at school. Still, he must make time to practice his violin for an important family recital to help his ...