Bud Caldwell, the protagonist of Christopher Paul Curtis’s novel Bud, Not Buddy, is on a mission to find the man he believes to be his father––bandleader Herman E. Calloway. In this nonfiction companion to the popular novel, you'll explore what real life was like during the Depression-era setting of the book, who the real jazz musicians of the era were, and what life was like living in a cardboard town called a Hooverville. The Nonfiction Companion series takes popular, grade-appropriate fiction titles and provides a more in-depth understanding of them. What were ration booklets really like? How did barefoot doctors work? Did families really run away to work on farms? Students will love to read about the histories, author backgrounds, and real-life facts surrounding books they already know and love.
In Esperanza Rising, Esperanza lives a comfortable, well-to-do life on her family’s ranch in Mexico. When her life suddenly changes and she must become a farm worker in California, she has a difficult time adjusting. In this nonfiction companion to the popular novel, readers learn about the struggles farm workers faced during the Great Depression, including illness, dust storms, and the decision of whether or not to strike, as well as the small joys, like favorite foods and weekly fiestas. The Nonfiction Companion series takes popular, grade-appropriate fiction titles and provides a more in-depth understanding of them. What were ration booklets really like? How did barefoot doctors work? Did families really run away to work on farms? Students will love to read about the histories, author backgrounds, and real-life facts surrounding books they already know and love.
This masterfully written story of buried treasure, piracy, and swashbuckling on the high seas is an unforgettable adventure, filled with excitement for all ages. It begins in merry ol' England and entwines its way with intrigue and adventure to an exciting climax on an exotic tropical island.
Two boys- one a prince, the other a pauper- look so much alike that no one can tell them apart! Join them in the days of old England, as they switch places- the prince becoming a pauper and the pauper a prince.
Dad was always depressing Abel with his pyramid stories. He was always dooming Abel to a life at the bottom of the pyramid with all the other miserable losers. No matter how much Abel struggled and clawed, he'd never get to the pinnacle of the pyramid. And his mom was absolutely sure of Abel's incompetence at whatever he said.
Carmen Ibarra's larger-than-life father is running for city council against Monte Esposito, the corrupt incumbent- and Naomi's cousin. Ernesto is a little nervous. Deep in his heart he knows that Esposito is not good for the barrio. But he isn't about to upset Naomi's family. So he keeps his mouth shut.
Mark just can't settle into his new life. He misses his friends and has trouble connecting with new classmates. Walking through his neighborhood, he sees an open window. Instantly, everything changes. Maybe he can pretend to be someone else and live a different life ... if only for a moment.
Shipwrecked Viola disguises herself as a boy and enters the service of Duke Orsino and falls in love with him. Orsino sends his servant, Cesario (Viola in disguise) to woo the Countess Olivia on his behalf. Olivia cannot love Orsino, but promptly falls in love with his servant, Cesario (Viola). Viola's shipwrecked twin brother, Sebastian, arrives on the scene creating chaos as it now appears that Cesario can be in two places at once. Will all the confusion end to everyone's satisfaction?
Do UFO's really exist? Could creatures from another planet visit Earth? In The War of the Worlds they do exist and the visitors from the planet Mars come to Earth with not so friendly intentions- to destroy our civilizations! Can humans stop these monstrous invaders before they destroy everything and everyone on Earth?
Deb has reading problems and is self-conscious about it. She doesn't think smart boys will like her. But she's hardworking, helpful, and a girl of her word. Deb turns down a date to rake her sick neighbor's leaves. Ed, smart and handsome, comes by to give her a hand and- perhaps- ask her out.
Oliver Twist is a penniless orphan. What chance has he got on the dangerous streets of 19th century London? Before long, he's taken in by a gang of thieves. The boy's future looks grim indeed, until a few kindly souls enter the picture.
During the perilous French Revolution, the lives of two men who look alike are entwined: One is in danger of being beheaded by the guillotine, and the other, a hero who sacrifices his own life for his friend.
Raul and Juan set out for a few hours of kayaking. The weather is in their favor. It should be an easy ride. Raul, who is nicknamed the Cloud Warrior, prides himself on knowing good weather from bad. But once on the river, storm clouds appear. Their only choice is to keep moving and try to beat them. Soon they learn that a storm is the least of their worries. Some unexpected campers are in the area causing trouble not only for Raul and Juan, but for a girl Raul likes.
Day one at her new school stinks. Andrea wears the wrong outfit. Every subject seems challenging. The two students who show an interest in her spend the afternoon in detention. Only an upcoming ski trip sparks joy. Back home, she was on the ski team. There was nothing like cutting through fresh powder. As the new kid, Andrea hopes to impress her classmates. At the resort, the loose snow is too tempting. The girls ski out-of-bounds. But after a few turns, the mountain rumbles.
As the new kid at school, Tenley has enough to worry about. Then she discovers a secret room in her parents' antique shop. Strange things start to happen when she opens it up. Can Tenley figure out what's going on before anyone gets hurt? In the fictional town of Scarecrow, California, tweens keep discovering mysterious and sometimes magical objects at the Vintage Rose Antique Shop. When they take these objects home, strange things begin to happen. Does the family who inherited the store have an active imagination? Or is the store really haunted? Each story is a tale about a specific relic found at the store. Stories will appeal to the most reluctant reader who enjoys the mysterious and somewhat creepy.
When Alex buys an old TV/VCR at the local antique shop, his friends tease him. But Alex sees something in it that they don’t. Then he starts acting strange. Will his friends figure out what’s happening to him before it’s too late?
On her first day at a new school, Ana finds a surprise from her mom in her backpack. The good luck charm turns her whole day around. But the lucky object has a dark side too. Can Ana get rid of it before her luck runs out?
Kim and her best friend Fran are both interested in a new boy at school, but they don't realize that it's the same boy! Kim figures it out first, and has to decide if she is willing to risk her friendship with Fran.
In this graphic novel version of this early science fiction thriller, the heroes use science and natural resources of the island to create a safe life.
This unforgettable story takes place in nineteenth-century England, through the eyes of Black Beauty. The reader will feel the love and cruelty that this great stallion experiences. Beginning with Black Beauty's wonderful life with his master, Squire Gordon, and the kindness of Jerry Barker to the terrible times as a "cab" horse having to tolerate the torture of the "proper" English bearing reins, Black Beauty's story speaks for all animals that can't speak for themselves.
Race in America has been avoided in children's education for too long. How Can I Be an Ally? explores the idea of how people can use their privilege to advance the culture of inclusion in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. Developed in conjunction with educator, advocate, and author Kelisa Wing to reach children of all races and encourage them to approach race issues with open eyes and minds. Includes 21st Century Skills and content, as well as a PBL activity across the Racial Justice in America series. Also includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, sidebars, educational matter, and activities.
This novel, a sequel to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, told using the first-person voice of Huck Finn follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer while trying to solve a mysterious murder.
A family struggles to survive on a strange tropical island after their ship is destroyed at sea. This timeless tale was inspired by Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe and is a moral and heartwarming tale of a family on the brink. Much more than the classic film, this novel is a delight for children and adults.
Using interviews with people who knew the great Abraham Lincoln, Wayne Whipple tries to build a character that's as great as the 16th President of the United States. Follow his journey from a motherless boy living in a humble hut to his great challenges that ultimately built his magnificent personality and prepared him for his final battle, the battle that would change America forever.
Charles Dickens has written a lovely story perfect for bedtime read aloud. The Magic Fishbone is the story of Princess Alicia, who is given a magic fishbone by her fairy godmother and then uses the fishbone to improve the fortune of her.
