Based on a true story, young Sadako faces the battle of her life when she is diagnosed with "atomic bomb disease" (leukemia). She turns to her native Japanese beliefs and makes one thousand paper cranes so the gods will grant her wish to be well.

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 ...

Set in the early 1960s, Anna has never seen anyone with dark skin, until she meets Sister Anne. At first Anna is afraid of her teacher, but she quickly discovers how wonder Sister Anne is, especially when she turns a racist remark into a powerful learning experience. Full-color illustrations.

When a tiny snail meets a humpback whale, the two travel together to far-off lands. It's a dream come true for the snail, who has never left home before. But when the whale swims too close to shore, will the snail be able to save her new friend? Full color.

Based on a true story, this is a tale of brave school children who outwit the invading Nazis by sledding 13 tons of gold bricks down the mountain in Norway to a ship waiting to take the country's gold to America for safekeeping. Illustrations.

"In this book sparkling with atmosphere, a small boy experiences the joys of a snowy day. The brief, vividly expressed text points out his new awareness".Q"The Horn Book". Winner of the Caldecott Medal. Full color.

From the popular creators of "The Gruffalo" and "Room on the Broom" comes a fun-filled read-aloud which reminds readers that having a giant-sized heart is even more rewarding than being giantly spiffy. Full color.

Based on Kurlansky's acclaimed bestseller "Salt: A World History, " this picture book explores every aspect of salt: the many ways it's gathered from the earth and sea; how ancient emperors in China, Egypt, and Rome used it to keep their subjects happy; and even how the search for salt eventually led to oil. Full color.

Though the writing is a little difficult to follow in places, and some characters aren't as developed as others, the moral and judicial dilemma "kid lawyer" Theodore must address make this a valuable springboard for a quality discussion of justice and problem solving among middle school readers.

This is a story for anyone who has ever been afraid. Readers cheer as a very creative grandma helps her granddaughter face and conquer her greatest fear. Her quest teaches her that it is ok to be afraid, and that love is stronger than fear. A beautiful celebration of courage and the love that inspires it, this timeless story will quickly become a favorite that begs to be devoured again and again.

This classic tale of a town mouse and a country mouse takes a new twist in the hands of Jan Brett as she introduces two engaging Victorian mouse couples eager to get away from their everyday lives. When the couples agree to switch homes, they find unexpected adventures in every corner. Full color.

Following the demise of bloodthirsty buccaneer Captain Flint, young Jim Hawkins finds himself with the key to a fortune. For he has discovered a map that will lead him to the fabled Treasure Island. But a host of villains, wild beasts and deadly savages stand between him and the stash of gold. Not to mention the most infamous pirate ever to sail the high seas . . . With a wonderfully funny introdu ...

For those who think they know the story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big, Bad Wolf, here it is as they've never heard it before. In this highly acclaimed, laugh-out-loud collaboration between Scieszka and Smith, Alexander T. Wolf tells his side of the incident.

A powerful look at an unforgettable era in history "If we take these children, we can never betray them, no matter what the Nazis do." During the German occupation of France, twenty French children were brought to a refuge in the mountains. One day a young man came to their school with a request: Could they take in, and hide, ten Jewish refugee children? Sister Gabriel spoke up. "The Nazis are l ...

Rhyming text and illustrations introduce adverbs and their uses to younger students.

In this family story-within-a-story, a little red-haired girl curls up by her grandmother to hear how, long ago, another little girl and her brother crossed the Atlantic and came to America. An ALA Notable Children's Book, American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, Parents' Choice Award for Literature, NCTE Teachers' Choice, and NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Bo ...

The mysterious death of an eccentric millionaire brings together an unlikely assortment of heirs who must uncover the circumstances of his death before they can claim their inheritance.

The mysterious death of an eccentric millionaire brings together an unlikely assortment of heirs who must uncover the circumstances of his death before they can claim their inheritance.

Caldecott Honor Book! An evocative remembrance of the simple pleasures in country living; splashing in the swimming hole, taking baths in the kitchen, sharing family times, each is eloquently portrayed here in both the misty-hued scenes and in the poetic text.-Association for Childhood Education International

Inspired by her own family, Polacco beautifully depicts an endearing family reunion that includes all of her aunts, uncles, cousins, and Gramma, who promises to teach the children how to catch RlightningS in a jar. Full color.