Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories

Book SynopsisA secret bully and a chance to bring him to justice. Can Kiara and the Spyglass Sisterhood deliver?Kiara, traditionally a loner, doesn''t hesitate to say exactly what''s on her mind. But she''s found good friends among the Spyglass Sisterhood members who appreciate her keen observations and incredible smarts. When a fellow classmate starts to get bullied online, Kiara is determined not only to find the perpetrator(s), but also to bring them to justice. To do that, she''ll need help from her friends and from the Sisterhood''s magical spyglass to gather evidence and put the pieces together.The best-selling author behind the Gifted series and the Replica books, Marilyn Kaye delivers a story filled with light magic and heart in this third book in the Spyglass Sisterhood series. Centered on four best friends--Ellie, Kiara, Rachel, and Alyssa--and a magic spyglass that reveals people''s feelings, the Spyglass Sisterhood series mixes classic friendship themes wi

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Book SynopsisLots of people have inner strength, but one girl wears hers as a bear outside.Some folks have a lion inside, Or a tiger.Not me.I wear my bear on the outside.In this imaginative picture book by Jane Yolen, acclaimed author of many distinguished children's books including Owl Moon and How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, a girl explores the many ways she expresses herself by imagining that she wears a bear as her personal protective shell. They go everywhere and do everything together. The Bear is like a suit of armor and a partner all in one, protecting her from bullies and giving her strength to be bold when she needs it. In turn, she listens to and takes care of the Bear.Jane Yolen's story beautifully portrays the relationships we have with our inner-selves, encouraging readers to stay in touch with and wear these qualities with pride. Her text is paired with the spritely art of Jen Corace, illustrator of bestseller Little Pea

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Book SynopsisBoogie Bass feels like he can''t do anything right, but when he joins an after-school American Sign Language club, he turns out to be a natural!The After-School Superstars--Nixie Ness, Vera Vance, Nolan Nada, and Boogie Bass--are back in a new after-school adventure starring Boogie. He is clumsy and goofy, but now that he is at the American Sign Language camp at his school, he finds his hidden talent. He may not believe in himself, but the rest of his class does, especially when they visit a school for the Deaf and Boogie leads the way with his exuberant personality helping students to learn about each other and make new friends. Vetted by an expert from Gallaudet University and complete with additional material full of facts about American Sign Language, Boogie Bass is an excellent addition to The After-School Superstars series. Each book features recurring characters and highlights one activity they do at their after-school program, along with ill

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Book SynopsisA gigantic tyrannical toddler is out to play . . . with the whole town! A hilarious early reader from comics artist Jeffrey Ebbeler. Molly doesn't want to clean her room; she wants to play. Before Molly can argue with her mom, they hear BOOM! BOOM! A giant toddler is on the loose!Molly watches dumbfounded as Jack picks up cows and plucks airplanes out of the sky all for fun. He even picks up Molly and pretends to fly her around. Vroooom! When his giantess mother calls him home, he gleefully dumps everything and turns to leave. Now it's Molly's turn to say: Stop! This is a giant mess!In this easy reader comic, Jeffrey Ebbeler has created an entertaining tale about cleaning up after yourself. The variety of panel styles, speech bubbles, and fonts are all perfect for engaging developing readers.I Like to Read Comics are created for kids just learning to read. Sequential art and simple text--and a powerful relationship between the two--are the perfect

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Book SynopsisGrab a ukulele and sing along as a dog-owner tries to help a pack of itchy dogs, with tips on how to tune and play your uke and more!I play ukulele and my dog sings alongHer friends all wag to our rocking songA ukulele-playing dog owner sings about a group of sad flea-bitten dogs as they flee from their treatment and cause comical havoc. By the end of the song, order is restored, and itches abated. As the pack starts to feel better, the furry friends overwhelm the singer with gratitude.Written by an author-musician, the book features a mnemonic device and other tips for how to tune and play a ukulele. Sheet music and a brief history of ukes are also included.

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Book SynopsisSeparated from his siblings, 11-year-old Virgil must survive a dangerous forest fire using only his wits and the lessons his late mother taught him about the wilderness.Virgil is making his older siblings trek to a mountain lake on a trip unlike any they''ve taken before. They carry precious cargo: the ashes of their beloved mother, who asked that her remains be scattered at her favorite spot. Then a forest fire is sparked by a bolt of lightning at the exact moment when their van breaks down, and the journey quickly turns to disaster.Virgil finds himself separated from his brother and sister. With the fire moving closer and closer, he isn’t sure he can make it alone in the wilderness. But with the memory of his late mother, a science teacher, and all her lessons about the ecosystem and fire safety to guide him, he quickly learns that survival starts with letting go of your fears and taking action.Fire on Headless Mountain is a thrilli

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Book SynopsisAn alien makes an unexpected friend in this irresistible picture book about finding your place in the universe. A Golden Duck Notable Picture Book Marty is a tiny green Martian who lives here on Earth. You've never noticed him before, because he is undercover . . . Marty wears disguises and studies human behavior in order to fit in. He is always watching, learning, and laughing. And then one day, after much preparation, Marty gets a job! He loves to watch his customers, and he even makes some friends. But Marty knows he can never reveal his secret. Humans are terrified of Martians. When his cover gets blown, Marty needs somewhere safe to go. Who will see beyond his strange, green looks to show him kindness?This adorable story of an outsider with a good heart reminds readers that everyone needs a place to call home--and a friend for company. Zoey Abbott's colorful art, full of elaborate costumes and whimsical details, pop

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Book SynopsisThe boy in this book is growing and changing--just like you! Self-acceptance and change are celebrated when a child gives up babyish ways and becomes a big boy! A sweet Level C story that teaches kids that it's okay to change.I am too big for my crib.I am too big for my shirtThe boy in this book is too big for his crib, his shoes, and his tricycle. And he is too big for Grandpa to pick up.But he is just right for his big-boy bed, his new shirt, and his bicycle. And he is just right for a hug from Grandpa, for his sister, and for this book. He is just right!Delightful illustrations by David McPhail make this confidence-building picture book just right for preschoolers and kindergarteners.A celebration of self-acceptance, growth, and change!For readers who have mastered basic sight words, Level C books feature slightly longer sentences and awider range of high-frequency words than Level B books. Level C books

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Book SynopsisWhen wildfires consume their forest home, the animals must flee--but as the flames subside, they return and look to new beginnings . . .At first, they didn't notice the spark flying above the dry treetops. But then the smoke blew from the north, and the flames began to grow. . .This story of recovery and resilience will comfort young readers concerned about forest fires, reassuring them that in time new growth will sprout and, like the wildlife in the story, we can rebuild. Lush watercolor illustrations explore the bittersweet cycle of burning and rebirth in the forest, following a lone deer as it sees its only home scorched by flame--and later, returns to find new plants already sprouting, the promise of a day when the air will be filled with birdsong once again. As a Northern California resident, Gianna Marino witnessed the 2017 Sonoma wildfire firsthand when it came within inches of destroying her property. Her personal experience is pa

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Book SynopsisThis perfect bedtime read-aloud describes that magical time, just as we're drifting off to sleep, when the moon the moon shines brightly and life emerges from the forest.Hello moon,Goodbye sun.Night is near,Day is done.When the sun goes down and most of us are getting ready for bed, the nighttime animals of the forest all wake up to the light of the moon. It calls to the them, from the slyest fox to the tiniest mouse, who feasts on leaves and fruit and scurries beneath the brush.A gentle rhyming text that will appeal to the youngest child is illustrated with soft and dreamy artwork in this perfect bedtime book in the tradition of Goodnight Moon.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

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Book SynopsisA box is never just a box when you have a vivid imagination and a couple stuffed animal friends to join you on a fantastic ocean voyage.I have a box,I want a boat.With nothing but spare text and a bright imagination, I Want a Boat! follows a girl as she finds a way to transform a plain old box in an ordinary room into a magical sailboat, complete with a rudder, sail, and anchor. She and her stuffed-animal friends take to the high seas, encounter raging storms, and make it to dry land, just in time for supper.Award-winning author Liz Garton Scanlon's sprightly text and candy-colored, kid-friendly illustrations by Kevan Atteberry (Ghost Cat, Dear Beast) make this a perfect read-aloud for the youngest child.

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Book SynopsisThird grader Vera Vance has signed up for the comics camp after-school program, but her mother would much rather she focus on academics, athletics, music. . . anything but comics! Now in paperback.Vera loves all things comic books, so she can't wait for the comics after-school class to start--even though her mother wonders whether it's educational enough. But Vera is determined to participate, and starts developing her own comic about Big Spoon and Little Spoon with the encouragement of her enthusiastic friend Nixie and instruction from teachers who are accomplished cartoonists themselves.As the weels go by, the after-school teachers announce that for the final class, students will go on a field trip to a local comic-con--and they can even enter a page from their comics in a contest that will be judged there! Vera isn't surprised when her mother says she can't go. But maybe Big Spoon and Little Spoon can convince her mother to accept her passion.

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Book SynopsisTen-year-old Frank has trouble navigating his relationship with his younger brother Max, who is autistic. Now in paperback.     Frank loves soccer, codes, riding his bike, and playing with his friends. His brother Max is five. Max only eats foods that are beige or white, hates baths, and if he has to wear a t-shirt that isn't gray with yellow stripes he melts down down down.     Frank longs for the brother he was promised by his parents before Max was born--someone who was supposed to be his biggest fan, so he could be the best brother in the world. Instead, Frank has trouble navigating Max's behavior and their relationship. But when tragedy strikes, Frank finds a way to try and repair their fractured family and in doing so learns to love Max for who he is.     In her debut novel, Katya Balen uses her knowledge of autism and experience working with autistic people to create an intriguing and inte

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Book SynopsisBubba Brayna’s legendary latkes lure an unexpected visitor into her home in this playful Hanukkah tale from a master storyteller. Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation.  He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal. However, after her well-fed guest leaves, there''s a knock at the door—it''s the rabbi, and all of Brayna''s other friends, arriving for dinner.  But there are no latkes left—and together, they finally figure out who really ate them. Lively illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka, portraying the sprightly Bubba Brayna and her very hungry guest, accompany this instant family favorite, a humorous reworking of Eric A. K

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly and The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss, a novel about one unadventurous girl who discovers she is anything but.Eleven-year-old Loah Londonderry is definitely a homebody. While her mother, a noted ornithologist, works to save the endangered birds of the shrinking Arctic tundra, Loah anxiously counts the days till her return home. But then, to Loah's surprise and dismay, Dr. Londonderry decides to set off on a perilous solo quest to find the Loah bird, long believed extinct. Does her mother care more deeply about Loah the bird than Loah her daughter? Things get worse yet when Loah's elderly caretakers fall ill and she finds herself all alone except for her friend Ellis. Ellis has big problems of her own, but she believes in Loah. She's certain Loah has strengths that are hidden yet wonderful, like the golden feather tucked away on her namesake bird's wing. When Dr.

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Book SynopsisTaking it easy is easy peasy, until Mac and Mac give it a try! This colorful graphic novel will have 1st and 2nd grade independent readers laughing out loud at Noodleheads’ funny adventures.Mac and Mac want to take it easy and eat their favorite pie, but making pie isn’t as easy as eating it! Or is it? Along the way they their friends and mom give them tricks to make it as easy as…well pie! But the boys’ shenanigans make things harder than they need to be. Will Mac and Mac get to have their pie and eat it too?  This seventh book in the Noodleheads graphic novel series is perfect for comic fans and reluctant readers. Short chapters--full of wordplay, jokes, and slapstick humor--follow Mac and Mac through their funny adventures. It is co-written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold, known for his popular Fly Guy series. Based on traditional world folktales and stories of fools, the Noodleheads encourage critical thinking. T

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Book SynopsisIntroduce your child to the Paralympics--where physically disabled world-class athletes exemplify strength, determination, and courage.Lucas and Eddie, two physically disabled friends, visit the Paralympics and cheer on blind and physically challenged athletes as they compete in running, swimming, sitting volleyball, para archery, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair basketball, and more. Readers learn about some of the rules that expedite play and that even the playing field. For example, blind runners wear blindfolds so none of the competitors (some totally blind and some with limited sight) have an unfair advantage. Also, all of the blind competitors are tethered to guides. Author Igor Plohl, who lost the use of his legs after a spinal injury, is a teacher and passionate advocate for raising awareness of physical disability. As a teacher, he knows the questions children ask and how to answer them. A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

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Book SynopsisLucas fell, and now he lives with a disability. A story of grit and resilience.When Lucas falls off a ladder, he damages his spine and can''t use his legs anymore. He can''t stand on them and he can''t walk on them.Read about how, with self-determination as well as with the love of friends and family, Lucas can drive a car, play sports, and be a teacher again!The author, Igor Plohl, used his own experiences as a paraplegic and as a teacher to speak to children about disability, resilience, and grit.

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Book SynopsisTwo siblings set off for adventure in the untamed wilds... of their own backyard.Pairing a serious text with charming illustrations that show the mundane truth of the kids'' adventurous roaming, Children of the Forest is an ode to imaginative play and the wild fun you can have while staying close to home.We are wild.We are children of the forest.We were raised by wolves.Grabbing a bow and quiver, a kid sets off, toddler sister in tow, to live off the land-- in the expanses of their own backyard. First, they sneak past their snoozing father to pilfer supplies from the refrigerator, but only what they need. After that, they’re utterly on their own.Out in these uncharted spaces they encounter many dangers, from a ferocious mountain lion (a house cat) to a hulking canine beast (their dog). When the sun dips low, they make a camp complete with defenses to ward off predators.Matt Myers’s cool self-

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Book SynopsisA blow-by-blow account of one of the most famous ferry rides in the world, this Level F book is perfect for kindergarteners and first graders to read on their own.Breathtaking scenes illustrate and illuminate a text that is just right for new readers:We go on the ferry.Let''s go to the window.We see a fort.We see a long, long bridge.Realistic digital etchings of the Manhattan skyline, the escalator to a gangplank, New York City crowds, and landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and more give new readers an experience that builds skills, boosts confidence, and shows how reading is fun!This book has been officially leveled by using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System.Level F books, for early first graders, feature longer, more varied sentences than Level E. Level F books encourage kids to decode new multi-syllable words in addition to recognizing sight wo

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Book SynopsisDe la creadora de Soñadores, éxito de ventas de The New York Times, nos llega una historia conmovedoramente hermosa acerca de crecer, empoderarse y encontrar la propia voz.Contado con la combinación de lenguaje sobrio y poderoso y las metáforas suntuosas y complejas típica de la obra de Yuyi Morales, esta es la historia de una cervatilla que se abre paso a través del paisaje de la frontera, repleto de la flora y la fauna nativas de la región. Una voz dulce, pero que la estimula y le otorga fuerza, anima a la cervatilla a enfrentar sus temores cuando encuentra un obstáculo en forma de una barrera infranqueable. ¡Estás despierta, mi amor! ¡Estás viva! Eres un lucero en nuestros corazones. Este es el primer libro de Yuyi Morales después de Soñadores, éxito de ventas de The New York Times, y está dirigido a l

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Book SynopsisFour sisters search for true family in this story of resilience by a Newbery Honor author.When the McCready sisters' parents are washed away in a tsunami, their Great Aunt Martha volunteers to have them live with her on Pine Island in British Columbia. But while they are traveling there, Martha dies unexpectedly, forcing Fiona, the eldest, to come up with a scheme to keep social services from separating the girls - a scheme that will only work if no one knows they are living on their own. Fiona approaches their grouchy and indifferent neighbor Al and asks if he will pretend to be their live-in legal guardian should papers need to be signed or if anyone comes snooping around. He reluctantly agrees, under the condition that they bring him dinner every night.As weeks pass, Fiona takes on more and more adult responsibilities, while each of the younger girls finds their own special role in their atypical family. But even if things seem to be falli

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Book SynopsisHow does this city garden grow? With help from L’il Sissy and her siblings--and love, love, love! A celebration of nature, family, and food.Visiting the city  from her home in the suburbs, an African American girl sees how a few packets of seeds, some helping hands, and hard work transform an empty lot in a housing project into a magical place where vegetables grow and family gathers. It’s the magic of nature in the heart of the city!Bernette Ford’s autobiographical story is a loving glimpse at a girl, her siblings, and her uncle, and  their shared passion for farming. L’l Sissy’s fascination with measurement, comparison, and estimation introduces children to STEM concepts. And the progress of Uncle John’s garden introduces readers to the life cycle of plants.Frank Morrison, winner of multiple Coretta Scott King awards and an NAACP Image Award, depicts dramatic cityscapes as well as the luscious colors and tex

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Book SynopsisOne tiny, happy mouse''s simple Thanksgiving dinner gets bigger and bigger....and bigger! Uh oh!After a Thanksgiving dinner, Mouse peeps out of his hidey-hole and spots a small green pea. It''s the perfect feast for one mouse. But maybe he could add just one red cranberry, and then one shiny black olive, and then just one scoop of mashed potatoes? But how will Mouse ever get everything back home without spilling?Now a board book, perfect for small hands and big stomachs, Mouse''s Thanksgiving is a terrific read aloud where just one more thing might topple the whole adventure. Illustrator Jeffrey Ebbeler lovingly details the cozy mouse, mouth-watering food, and even a sneaky cat in the background.Perfect for fall story times and for Thanksgiving celebrations, where everyone gathers together to laugh and be grateful for one another''s company.

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Book SynopsisA loving look at the ups and downs of being a preschooler in the big city from an award-winning author-illustrator.Thirteen illustrated vignettes capture the wonder and humor of everyday life for a toddler named Ayana. Ayana visits a community garden with her father, gets her face painted at a block party, and has a playdate with her best friend Harris. In these beautifully observed moments, celebrated author-illustrator Amy Schwartz shows us how a young child experiences the warmth of family, friends, and neighbors. A companion book to 13 Stories about Harris, these short, charming tales capture a young child’s view of the world with wit and honesty. With very short text supported by bright illustrations, this is an excellent storytime choice for young readers beginning to read on their own—or a great choice to share together with the ones you love. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection  

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Book SynopsisAll around an old oak tree, baby animals are being put to bed in this sweet reimaginaing of a classic nursery rhyme. Rock-a-bye Squirrel, high in the tree, in Mommy's arms, cozy as can be.  The familiar lullaby takes on a new life in Jane Cabrera's cozy rendition. In the branches and beneath the roots, tucked into nooks and nests, different animals, large and small, are getting ready for bed. The baby bat nestles with its mother, the bunny burrows in safe and warm—even a cheerful, fuzzy spider settles on its sparkling web.  At the end, a human father and his baby watch the tree from a distance, joining in on the sleepy song. With clever new lyrics and bright, sweet illustrations of all kinds of animals, this is an irresistable addition to Jane Cabrera's library of refreshed nursery rhymes. . . and perfect to share with little ones you love.

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Book SynopsisSundown is near, and it's almost time for the Seder to begin--but where is Pippa's special Passover plate? Pippa the Mouse has been working hard all day--cleaning her house, setting the table, cooking the meal. Everything looks great--but her special Seder plate is missing!Searching through her tiny house turns up nothing, so Pippa ventures out to ask her neighbors if they can help. Bravely, she asks the other animals for help, but the snake, owl, and cat haven't seen her plate, either. But it's almost time for the Seder to begin, so she keeps looking--and when she finds it, she invites all the other animals home to join her celebration.A charming story with a happy ending, Pippa's Passover Plate pairs simple, rhyming text with bright paintings by Jill Weber, illustrator of The Story of Passover and The Story of Esther. In bravely facing her animal neighbors, this adorable little mouse finds not only her missing Seder plate--but new friends.Filled

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Book SynopsisA stuck-up cat and a good-natured dog are pen pals from a distance, until a disastrous sleepover brings them together in this playful illustrated chapter book told in letters.Andy has two pets and two houses: a cat, Simon, at his mom’s house and a dog, Baxter, at his dad’s house. But when Andy’s mom goes on a business trip, Simon must spend a few nights at Andy’s dad’s house. A sleepover with the beast? Simon says, No, thank you.Baxter, on the other hand, is sooooo excited to play together. He and Simon can go on walks! Stay up late! Eat liver treats! He can’t wait to finally meet his pen pal in person. What could go wrong?The big introduction does NOT go well for these wildly different pets. Simon is so desperate to get back home to his quiet, clean oasis that he escapes through a basement window. Can Baxter convince him to return before Andy notices his beloved cat is gone? This funny and heartwarming col

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Book SynopsisA gigantic tyrannical toddler is out to play . . . with the whole town! A hilarious early reader from comics artist Jeffrey Ebbeler.Molly doesn't want to clean her room; she wants to play. Before Molly can argue with her mom, they hear BOOM! BOOM! A giant toddler is on the loose!Molly watches dumbfounded as Jack picks up cows and plucks airplanes out of the sky all for fun. He even picks up Molly and pretends to fly her around. Vroooom! When his giantess mother calls him home, he gleefully dumps everything and turns to leave. Now it's Molly's turn to say: Stop! This is a giant mess!In this easy reader comic, Jeffrey Ebbeler has created an entertaining tale about cleaning up after yourself. The variety of panel styles, speech bubbles, and fonts are all perfect for engaging developing readers.I Like to Read Comics are created for kids just learning to read. Sequential art and simple text--and a powerful relationship between the two--are the perfect

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Book SynopsisA companion novel to Finding Langston, recipient of a Coretta Scott King Writing Honor and winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Behind every bad boy is a story worth hearing and at least one chance for redemption. It's 1946 and Lymon, uprooted from his life in the Deep South and moved up North, needs that chance.Lymon's father is, for the time being, at Parchman Farm--the Mississippi State Penitentiary--and his mother, whom he doesn't remember all that much, has moved North. Fortunately, Lymon is being raised by his loving grandparents. Together, Lymon and his grandpops share a love of music, spending late summer nights playing the guitar. But Lymon's world as he knows it is about to dissolve. He will be sent on a journey to two Northern cities far from the country life he loves--and the version of himself he knows. In this companion novel to the Coretta Scott King Honor wining Finding Langston, readers will see a new sid

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Book SynopsisA celebration of the joy and comfort to be found in alone time and the joy and comfort that a friend can bring.Sometimes it’s nice to be alone.  Just you, eating a cookie, alone. But what if a friend drops in?In Amy Hest and Philip C. Stead’s accomplished hands, anyone can become a potential friend—and that includes horses, whales, crocodiles, and even dinosaurs. The book’s effortless lilt and joyous illustrations are reminiscent of the very best work of Margaret Wise Brown and Charlotte Zolotow.  It’s a complete treat for any introverted kid with a big imagination.

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