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 Lucy books, such as this one, are much more than they seem at first glance. A dog story? Sure, but so much more. Bobby, the main character in these stories, grows in some way in each book. Here, Bobby must find the confidence to help get Lucy to the vet, to share his love for Lucy via poetry in front of an audience, and to become the big brother he will need to be. A gentle and delightful sto ...

In the tradition of Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Little Princess come Noel Streatfeild's tales of triumph. In this story, three orphan girls vow to make a name for themselves and find their own special talents. With hard work, fame just may be in the stars! Originally published in 1937.

It's 1936 Flint, Michigan. Times may be hard, and 10-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy, but Bud's got a few things going for him: 1. He has his own suitcase full of special things; 2. He's the author of "Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself"; 3. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: posters of Herman E. Cal ...

A captivating sequel to Mr. Tucket.

A new neighborhood. A new school. An unhappy birthday. Things aren't looking great for Gregory. But when he discovers an abandoned chalk factory behind his house, something magical happens: a beautiful garden and a quiet friendship spring up within its walls.

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Now, 200 years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city.

Lina and Doon go back underground to the dying city of Ember as bestselling author DuPrau juxtaposes yet another action-packed adventure with powerful themes about hope, learning, and the search for truth.

Provides a fascinating look at historical medical research within an exciting story.

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 his best friend, Gloria, receives a new bicycle, seven-year-old Julian spends the summer avoiding her because of his fear of bikes.

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.

This tale of 10-year-old Milo and his experiences in the "Lands Beyond" has become a modern-day children's classic.

In this prequel to her acclaimed "The City of Ember" and "The People of Sparks," Jeanne DuPrau investigates how, in a world that seems out of control, hope and comfort can be found in the strangest of places.

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.