Children’s / Teenage general interest: Communities, places and peoples
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Was Betsy Ross
Book SynopsisBorn the eighth of seventeen children in Philadelphia, Betsy Ross lived in a time when the American colonies were yearning for independence from British rule. Ross worked as a seamstress and was eager to contribute to the cause, making tents and repairing uniforms when the colonies declared war. By 1779 she was filling cartridges for the Continental Army. Did she sew the first flag? That’s up for debate, but Who Was Betsy Ross? tells the story of a fierce patriot who certainly helped create the flag of a new nation.
£7.60
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Was Julia Child
Book SynopsisBorn in California in 1912, Julia Child enlisted in the Army and met her future husband, Paul, during World War II. She discovered her love of French food while stationed in Paris and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu cooking school after her service. Child knew that Americans would love French food as much as she did, so she wrote Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 1961. The book was a success and the public wanted more. America fell in love with Julia Child. Her TV show, The French Chef, premiered in 1963 and brought the bubbling and lovable chef into millions of homes. Find out more about this beloved chef, author, and TV personality in Who Was Julia Child?
£7.62
Grosset and Dunlap Who Was Beatrix Potter
Book SynopsisBorn into wealth in 1860’s London, Beatrix Potter always had a vivid imagination. Her early interests included natural history and archaeology, and Potter delighted in sketching fossils and fungi. After briefly illustrating Christmas cards with her brother, Bertram, Potter wrote and illustrated her well-known book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The book was rejected by several publishes until Frederick Warne eventually took a risk and published the story in 1902 - a risk that paid off. Peter Rabbit was a huge success and readers loved hearing about Peter''s mischevious adventures in the lush English countryside. As she got older, Beatrix Potter became a proud conservationist, working hard to defend the landscape she loved so well against industrialization and logging. Now over one hundred years old, Peter Rabbit and his animal friends have become cultural touchstones and continue to delight readers of all ages.
£7.55
Penguin Young Readers Group Who Was Jesse Owens
Book SynopsisAt the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, track and field star Jesse Owens ran himself straight into international glory by winning four gold medals. But the life of Jesse Owens is much more than a sports story. Born in rural Alabama under the oppressive Jim Crow laws, Owens''s family suffered many hardships. As a boy he worked several jobs like delivering groceries and working in a shoe repair shop to make ends meet. But Owens defied the odds to become a sensational student athlete, eventually running track for Ohio State. He was chosen to compete in the Summer Olympics in Nazi Germany where Adolf Hitler was promoting the idea of “Aryan superiority.” Owens’s winning streak at the games humiliated Hitler and crushed the myth of racial supremacy once and for all.
£6.99
Grosset and Dunlap Who Was Edgar Allen Poe
Book SynopsisFilled with broken hearts and black ravens, Edgar Allan Poe's ghastly tales have delighted readers for centuries. Born in Boston in 1809, Poe was orphaned at age two. Poe devoted his life to writing and his tragic life often inspired his work. He is considered to be the inventor of detective fiction and the father of American mystery writers.
£7.58
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright
Book SynopsisBorn in Wisconsin in 1867, Frank Lloyd Wright became obsessed with a set of building blocks his mother had given to him on his ninth birthday. He grew up to become the father of organic architecture and the greatest American architect of all time, having designed more than 1,100 buildings during his lifetime. These included private homes – such as the stunning Fallingwater, churches, temples, a hotel, and the world-famous Guggenheim Museum in New York City. When asked how he could create so many designs, he answered, “I can’t get them out fast enough.” Frank Lloyd Wright was a man ahead of his time who could barely keep up with his own ideas!
£7.60
Grosset and Dunlap Who Were the Brothers Grimm Who Was
Book SynopsisKnown as the keepers of modern-day fairy tales, The Brothers Grimm are as legendary as their stories. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born in 1780s Germany and were inseparable throughout their childhood. While pursuing their law degrees, the two became fascinated with folktales and folk songs.
£9.15
Grosset and Dunlap Who Is Richard Branson
Book SynopsisWhat would you do with a billion dollars? This question gets a definitive answer from billionaire Richard Branson: do everything! Born into a wealthy family in London, Branson suffered from dyslexia and was a poor student. Still, his knack for business started early with a successful parakeet-breeding enterprise at age 11.The charismatic entrepreneur launched his first major business, Virgin Records, at age 22 and spent the next few decades building the Virgin group that now includes more than 400 companies. Known for his eccentric lifestyle and trillion-watt smile, Branson’s hot air balloon flights, innovative leadership, and world record attempts have made him an instantly-recognizable global icon.
£7.58
Penguin Putnam Inc Where Is the White House
Book SynopsisA natural expansion of the exceptional Who Was...? and What Was...? series, Where Is...? launches with four books that focus on a famous place: a landmark, a building or a natural wonder. Original. Simultaneous eBook.
£8.15
Penguin Putnam Inc Where Is Mount Rushmore
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£8.15
Penguin Putnam Inc Where Is the Grand Canyon
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£8.03
Penguin Putnam Inc Where Is Mount Everest
Book SynopsisAs the recent deaths of sixteen Sherpas underscore, climbing Mount Everest remains a daunting challenge. Located in the Himalayas, Everest is the highest mountain in the world at a whopping 29,028 feet. In this compelling narrative, Nico Medina guides readers through the mountain’s ancient beginnings, first human settlers, historic climbs, and the modern commercialization of mountain-climbing. With stories of expeditions gone wrong and miraculously successful summit climbs, this is a thrilling addition to the Where Is? series!
£7.98
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Is Jeff Kinney Who Was
Book SynopsisEven as a kid, everyone thought Jeff Kinney was talented. People loved his drawings, and when he went to college, his comic strip Igdoof was so popular that it spread to other universities! Still, Jeff faced challenges. His cartoons were rejected by syndicates that claimed his art was unprofessional. Then, an idea struck: Jeff would write a journal from the perspective of a child, illustrated with doodles just like a kid might do. And so, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series was born--and it was a hit! In this biography, Jeff''s brother, Patrick Kinney, provides a knowledgeable look at the life of this best-selling author/illustrator. From Jeff''s childhood pranks to his job developing online games, kids will love the chance to learn more about the creator of the popular Wimpy Kid books.
£7.55
Penguin Young Readers Group Where Is Stonehenge
Book SynopsisUnravel some of the riddles of Stonehenge, one of the most famous and mysterious monuments in the world!Where is Stonehenge? That's an easy question to answer. It sits on the Salisbury Plain in Southern England. But what is the meaning of these strange circles of stones? Was Stonehenge a religious site to honor the dead? Or a sacred place of healing? Or perhaps an astrological calendar? These are much harder questions to answer. However, in an engaging and easy-to-read account, True Kelley puts forth all theories—past as well as current ones—about Stonehenge and the people who four thousand years ago managed to build this amazing monument.
£8.09
Penguin Putnam Inc Where Is the Great Barrier Reef
Book SynopsisThe Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. Stretching more than 1,400 miles, it provides a home to a wide diversity of creatures. Designated a World Heritage Site, the reef is suffering from the effects of climate change but this fascinating book shows this spectacular part of our planet.
£8.11
Penguin Putnam Inc Daring Amelia
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£7.07
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Was Lewis Carroll
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£7.58
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Is Hillary Clinton
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£7.57
Penguin Publishing Group Ryan White My Own Story Signet
Book SynopsisA challenging and emotional inspirational memoir of terminal illness, prejudice, and living with HIV/AIDS. NATIONAL BESTSELLERHeartbreaking... A powerful tale.—New York Times Book ReviewIn 1984, when Ryan White received an AIDS diagnosis after receiving a contaminated blood treatment for his hemophilia, he was given six months to live. And although doctors said he posed no risk to other students, concerned parents and teachers who didn’t understand the disease protested his re-admittance to school. This diagnosis rocked Ryan and his family, but his fight for acceptance and understanding in the face of discrimination have given Ryan a place in history as a voice of strength, courage, and compassion amidst the AIDS epidemic. This memoir is a tribute to Ryan’s legacy, and an essential read for anyone seeking both a historical and a human perspective on the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
£999.99
Penguin Putnam Inc Bonnie and Clyde The Making of a Legend
Book SynopsisBonnie and Clyde may be the most notorious--and celebrated--outlaw couple America has ever known. This is the true story of how they got that way.Bonnie and Clyde: we've been on a first name basis with them for almost a hundred years. Immortalized in movies, songs, and pop culture references, they are remembered mostly for their storied romance and tragic deaths. But what was life really like for Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in the early 1930s? How did two dirt-poor teens from west Texas morph from vicious outlaws to legendary couple? And why?Award-winning author Karen Blumenthal devoted months to tracing the footsteps of Bonnie and Clyde, unearthing new information and debunking many persistent myths. The result is an impeccably researched, breathtaking nonfiction tale of love, car chases, kidnappings, and murder set against the backdrop of the Great Depression.Trade Review"Blumenthal has written more than a crime narrative or a biography of the famous outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. The book presents a social and cultural snapshot of the duo’s times" --School Library Journal"Through her use of narrative nonfiction, Blumenthal builds a gripping story for readers of all ages. . .Blumenthal weaves her detailed account of history into a suspenseful tale that reads very much like a novel." --Voya
£14.24
Penguin Putnam Inc Getting Away with Murder
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£12.34
Penguin USA The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution
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£13.29
Penguin Random House India Each Tiny Spark
Book SynopsisFrom award-winning author Pablo Cartaya comes a deeply moving middle grade novel about a daughter and father finding their way back to each other in the face of their changing family and community.A SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD HONOR FOR MIDDLE GRADEEmilia Torres has a wandering mind. It's hard for her to follow along at school, and sometimes she forgets to do what her mom or abuela asks. But she remembers what matters: a time when her family was whole and home made sense. When Dad returns from deployment, Emilia expects that her life will get back to normal. Instead, it unravels.Dad shuts himself in the back stall of their family's auto shop to work on an old car. Emilia peeks in on him daily, mesmerized by his welder. One day, Dad calls Emilia over. Then, he teaches her how to weld. And over time, flickers of her old dad reappear.But as Emilia finds a way to repair the relationship with her father at home, her community ruptures with some
£16.65
Penguin Putnam Inc Each Tiny Spark
Book SynopsisFrom award-winning author Pablo Cartaya comes a deeply moving middle grade novel about a daughter and father finding their way back to each other in the face of their changing family and community.Emilia Torres has a wandering mind. It's hard for her to follow along at school, and sometimes she forgets to do what her mom or abuela asks. But she remembers what matters: a time when her family was whole and home made sense. When Dad returns from deployment, Emilia expects that her life will get back to normal. Instead, it unravels.Dad shuts himself in the back stall of their family's auto shop to work on an old car. Emilia peeks in on him daily, mesmerized by his welder. One day, Dad calls Emilia over. Then, he teaches her how to weld. And over time, flickers of her old dad reappear. But as Emilia finds a way to repair the relationship with her father at home, her community ruptures with some of her classmates, like her best friend, Gus, at the center of the conflic
£8.99
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Is Temple Grandin Who Was
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£7.55
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Was Coretta Scott King
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£7.57
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Was Fidel Castro
Book SynopsisAfter overthrowing Fuigencia Batista in 1959, Fidel Castro became the leader of an island country only ninety miles away from Florida. While in power, Castro outlasted ten US presidents and turned the small nation into a one-party state with influence over the entire world.
£7.58
Penguin Putnam Inc Who Is Pope Francis
Book SynopsisJorge Mario Bergoglio, aka Pope Francis, from Argentina, is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. Since being elected pope he has shown a humbler, less formal approach to his office than his predecessors: a warm style that has been referred to as 'no frills.'
£7.58
Penguin Young Readers Group Where Is the Eiffel Tower
Book SynopsisLearn about the Eiffel Tower, beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world!When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it.This book, part of the New York Times best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.
£8.11
Penguin Putnam Inc Where Are the Galapagos Islands Where Is
Book SynopsisArmchair adventurers can set sail for the remote Galapagos Islands and learn about the strange and unique animals that live there. The Galapagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The isolated location of the islands has allowed a vast number of species to develop that are original to each island, such as the marine iguana, the blue-footed booby, the magnificent frigatebird and of course the giant Galapagos tortoise, which may live to be over one hundred years old. Studied by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle, the island life contributed to his groundbreaking theory of evolution. Today the islands are a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.This book, part of the New York Times best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.
£7.12
Thames & Hudson Ltd Around Antarctica
Book SynopsisTania Medvedeva is a STEAM expert and science populariser, and author of popular science books for kids. As a specialist in radioactive chemistry and nuclear medicine, Tania integrates her experience in applied science into her tailored science courses for students of all ages. Tania is a polar enthusiast currently investigating the impact of Antarctica on the global warming. Her mission is to help children explore our world with all its complexity and beauty, investigate and preserve it. Maria Vyshinskaya is an artist and illustrator from Moscow. She graduated from the Moscow State University of Printing with a major in the art of book graphics. According to Maria, children's illustration makes it possible to never stop exploring the world! And each new book for her is a journey. In children's books, she tries to create an interesting world full of movement, colour and humour. Her main inspiration is travelling and childhood memories.
£20.56
Penguin Putnam Inc What Is the World Cup
Book SynopsisGOOOAAAAAL! Get ready for a front-row seat at the world''s most-watched sporting event--the World Cup.Every four years, thirty-two of the best men''s soccer teams from across the globe compete for the title of FIFA World Cup winner. Over one billion people tuned in worldwide to watch the final game of the 2014 competition, making the World Cup the most widely viewed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Summer Olympics! This book takes a look back at what has changed since the first tournament in 1930 and what lies ahead for the most popular sport in the world.
£8.03
Penguin Putnam Inc This Star Wont Go Out The Life and Words of
Book SynopsisNew York Times Bestseller! “This moving read will have you reaching for the tissues and smiling with delight….Stunningly alive on the page, Esther shows that sometimes the true meaning of life—helping and loving others—can be found even when bravely facing death.” -People Magazine, 4 starsIn full color and illustrated with art and photographs, this is a collection of the journals, fiction, letters, and sketches of the late Esther Grace Earl, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 16. Essays by family and friends help to tell Esther’s story along with an introduction by award-winning author John Green who dedicated his #1 bestselling novel The Fault in Our Stars to her.Learn more about Esther at tswgobook.tumblr.com.
£21.84
Penguin Putnam Inc I am Jane Goodall
Book SynopsisThis tenth book in the New York Times bestselling biography series profiles Jane Goodall, the scientist and conservationist who is famous for her work with chimpanzees. (Cover may vary) After receiving a stuffed animal chimpanzee for her first birthday, Jane Goodall''s love of animals only grew. She saw what humans and animals had in common, not what makes us different, and used that to advocate for animal rights everywhere, becoming famous for her work with chimpanzees. This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresist
£12.79
Penguin Putnam Inc I am Jim Henson
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£11.99
Penguin Putnam Inc I Am Helen Keller Ordinary People Change the
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£14.39
Penguin Putnam Inc Worst of Friends
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£16.14
Penguin Putnam Inc Twelve Days of Kindness
Book SynopsisInspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas, this picture book illustrates the many different forms that kindness can take, from veteran picture book author Irene Latham.On the first day of kindness, I will give to you a hug that’s warm and true.There are many ways to be kind. Follow one girl as she expresses gratitude through kind deeds all her own—a smile or encouraging word or even shared snacks—and discovers one act of kindness inspires another. In this heartwarming lyrical text, twelve acts of everyday kindness are set to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Along with vibrant and warm illustrations, this joyous read-aloud celebrates how small acts of kindness can be practiced at any age.
£14.24
Nancy Paulsen Books Our Day of the Dead Celebration
Book SynopsisA family honors their living and dead relatives as they celebrate this holiday with shared food and stories.The Day of the Dead is a happy day when Mar’s family gathers together. There are favorite dishes to enjoy, games to be played, and most importantly, stories to tell. No one in the family is forgotten because this is the day of the year when the dead come to visit the living—and for this holiday it is almost as if they’re alive again, as the family takes great joy in celebrating the things that made them special. Mar realizes she is just like her Grandpa Ramón, who kept a journal. And her sister, Paz, plays accordian, just like their great-grandfather. There are so many things that connect them all—and at dinner, Abuelita spins even more stories that make them feel close to the ones they will love forever. Ana Aranda’s tender text and vibrant art make the joy felt on this sweet day totally palpable.Trade Review"In her authorial debut, Aranda, illustrator of The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra, delivers a charming ode to the Latinx Day of the Dead holiday. A little girl narrates this sweet tale that takes readers through her family’s preparations for the event that occurs every November 1st through 2nd, in which families honor those who came before with altars, poems, marigolds, and sugar skeletons. . . . The importance of family, storytelling, and tradition shines through the text and joyous textured illustrations. . . . Warm and vibrant hues, such as the orange of the marigolds and the bright colors of the papel picado, add to the lively, celebratory mood. . . . Calaveras, or skulls, and living people mingle throughout, but the joy-filled celebration is especially evident during the fiesta scenes. The matter-of-fact text contains not a hint of fear or mourning, which might be just the right tone for some children with a recent death in the family, making this a perennial title and not one to relegate to Day of the Dead shelves or displays. . . . Great fun; a strong choice for picture book collections." --School Library Journal“Mar, Paz, and their parents have much to do to get ready to welcome family for the big celebration: getting marigolds and sugar skulls at the market, making almond cookies, and writing poems. There are special revelations about ways in which the children are like their grandfather and great-grandmother as well as singing and dancing. At the heart of it all, Abuelita is greeted joyfully and shares family stories. The illustrations are appropriately brightly colored and show off many of the elements of the Day of the Dead. The special marigolds, skulls, and symbolic monarch butterflies thread across pages, tying the celebration and the living and the dead together. Aranda explains why the holiday matters as well as the importance of learning about and preserving ancestral memories. Her text contains just enough information to be beneficial to young readers without overwhelming them. The nuances of the connections between ancestors and current generations, and between lost loved ones and living ones, are expertly captured. Above all, the story centers on the joys of family and tradition. Shines a triumphant spotlight on Day of the Dead festivities.” —Kirkus Reviews"Aranda offers a joyful, accessible introduction to a beloved holiday via one family’s preparations. Watercolor, ink, and gouache art, redolent with festive magenta, turquoise, and violet hues, first follows pigtailed siblings Mar and Paz into town to buy marigolds and sugar skulls. Back at home, decorating and cooking give way to arrivals of living relations, portrayed with varying brown skin tones, and of departed relatives. The latter—represented with smiling painted skulls and surrounded by embellishments that reference their passions—hover approvingly alongside the family, rendering the line between past and present a happy blur. The party moves into high gear when Abuelita, who 'knows all the family stories,' arrives in a swirling cloud of monarch butterflies. 'We feel close to everyone,' says Mar, amid the singing, dancing, and reminiscing, 'the living and the dead.'” —Publishers Weekly“Aranda shares a story inspired by her own family. . . . Aranda’s warm artwork incorporates bright and cheerful visual metaphors, such as swirling monarch butterflies, which represent the distance guests travel to return home for the party. The family tree in the opening pages and emphasis on family stories underscores the connection to ancestry the holiday celebrates, and the upbeat and happy tone reminds readers that remembering loved ones, even those we miss terribly, can be a source of joy.” —Booklist
£14.24
Penguin Putnam Inc When the Ground Is Hard
Book SynopsisThis heartrending YA tale set in a Swaziland boarding school and featuring an unlikely friendship between girls of different castes won the LA Times Book Prize and is now available in paperback.Adele Joubert loves being one of the popular girls at Keziah Christian Academy. She knows the upcoming semester at school is going to be great with her best friend Delia at her side. Then Delia dumps her for a new girl with more money, and Adele is forced to share a room with Lottie, the school pariah, who doesn't pray and defies teachers' orders. But as they share a copy of Jane Eyre, Lottie's gruff exterior and honesty grows on Adele, and Lottie learns to be a little sweeter. Together, they take on bullies and protect each other from the vindictive and prejudiced teachers. Then a boy goes missing on campus and Adele and Lottie must rely on each other to solve the mystery and along the way learn the true meaning of friendship.
£10.09
Penguin Putnam Inc GiantSized Butterflies on My First Day of School
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£15.19
Nancy Paulsen Books Letters from Cuba
Book SynopsisPura Belpré Award Winner Ruth Behar's inspiring story of a young Jewish girl who escapes Poland to make a new life in Cuba, while she works to rescue the rest of her familyThe situation is getting dire for Jews in Poland on the eve of World War II. Esther's father has fled to Cuba, and she is the first one to join him. It's heartbreaking to be separated from her beloved sister, so Esther promises to write down everything that happens until they're reunited. And she does, recording both the good--the kindness of the Cuban people and her discovery of a valuable hidden talent--and the bad: the fact that Nazism has found a foothold even in Cuba. Esther's evocative letters are full of her appreciation for life and reveal a resourceful, determined girl with a rare ability to bring people together, all the while striving to get the rest of their family out of Poland before it's too late.Based on Ruth Behar's family history, this compelling story celebrates the reTrade Review“A delightful, heartfelt book about holding on to who you are and where you’re from when far from home, and the joys and benefits of welcoming other cultures and communities into your own. Will reaffirm your faith in humanity.”—Alan Gratz, author of Refugee“This is a quiet story of determination, and an openly loving tribute to the author’s grandmother, who made the real journey that inspired Esther’s fictional one.”—The New York Times Book Review* “Pura Belpré Award winner Behar’s newest story is based on her own grandmother’s immigration journey. Eleven-year-old Esther bravely travels to Cuba from Poland to help her father earn enough money for the rest of their family to join them, including her mother, grandmother, three brothers, and cherished sister Malka. The narrative is told in a series of letters from Esther to Malka, chronicling her journey across the sea and her experiences in this new homeland. . . . Throughout the story, readers learn that many Jewish people are arriving in Cuba, trying to escape the Jewish persecution in Europe, despite Nazi sympathy infiltrating the island. Readers dive into the story headfirst as they get to know Esther, her family, and her newfound friends. Esther’s first-person descriptions of people and the island craft a vivid experience of Cuba’s sights, sounds, and culinary delights. Readers will not want to part with this story of resilience. A World War II refugee tale that spotlights dedicated hard work. A must-have.”—School Library Journal, starred review* “After three years abroad, Papa’s saved only enough money to send for one of his children. Thus Esther boards the steamship alone even though she’s not quite 12. Cuba is a constant surprise. . . . In glowing letters to her sister back in Poland, Esther details how she’s learning Spanish through the poems of José Martí. She introduces her sister to her beloved new friends. . . . Esther’s first year in Cuba is marked by the calendar of Jewish holidays, as she wonders if she can be both Cuban and a Jew. As the coming war looms in Europe, she and her friends find solidarity. . . . An author’s note describes how the story was loosely inspired by the author’s own family history. Warmhearted cross-cultural friendship for a refugee on distant shores: both necessary and kind.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Esther’s poignant letters to her sister reveal the heartbreaking stories of the people—the displaced, the downtrodden, the dreamers—she meets along her journey, even as she exposes injustices among class and religion and within ethnic groups, all in parallel to her family’s experience in 1938 Poland. Belpré-winning Behar’s epistolary novel, based on a true story, addresses identity, family dynamics, culture, tradition, and acceptance as loving Esther opens her heart to her friends and neighbors in Agramonte while learning about issues both in her new home and abroad. Complemented by a vibrant supporting cast and an extensive author’s note about the Holocaust and Cuban refugees, Esther’s tale is one of adaptation and perseverence . . . while also fighting for her rights and for peace in her new home.”--Booklist “The story is in some ways refreshingly optimistic. . . . Behar creates a welcome portrait of a warm, diverse community—one that supports the family members when they do face local antisemitism. . . . But the novel doesn’t paint an overly sunny picture. . . . An author’s note cites connections to Behar’s family history and to Karen Hesse’s Letters from Rifka.”—Horn Book“Inspired by her own grandmother’s life, Behar (Lucky Broken Girl) crafts a series of loving letters from Esther to her sister, describing the perilous journey and Esther’s first year in Cuba. . . . Global issues such as Hitler’s rise, anti-Semitism, slavery, and worker protests are neatly woven into Esther’s narrative. . . . Behar’s appreciative descriptions of Cuba and Esther’s close, protective bonds with her father and sister make for an engaging read.”—Publishers Weekly
£16.19
Nancy Paulsen Books Letters from Cuba
Book SynopsisPura Belpré Award Winner Ruth Behar''s inspiring story of a Jewish girl who escapes Poland to make a new life in Cuba, where she works to rescue the rest of her family The situation is getting dire for Jews in Poland on the eve of World War II. Esther''s father has fled to Cuba, and she is the first one to join him. It''s heartbreaking to be separated from her beloved sister, so Esther promises to write down everything that happens until they''re reunited. And she does, recording both the good--the kindness of the Cuban people and her discovery of a valuable hidden talent--and the bad: the fact that Nazism has found a foothold even in Cuba. Esther''s evocative letters are full of her appreciation for life and reveal a resourceful, determined girl with a rare ability to bring people together, all the while striving to get the rest of their family out of Poland before it''s too late. Based on Ruth Behar''s family history, this compelling Trade Review“A delightful, heartfelt book about holding on to who you are and where you’re from when far from home, and the joys and benefits of welcoming other cultures and communities into your own. Will reaffirm your faith in humanity.”—Alan Gratz, author of Refugee“This is a quiet story of determination, and an openly loving tribute to the author’s grandmother, who made the real journey that inspired Esther’s fictional one.”—The New York Times Book Review* “Pura Belpré Award winner Behar’s newest story is based on her own grandmother’s immigration journey. Eleven-year-old Esther bravely travels to Cuba from Poland to help her father earn enough money for the rest of their family to join them, including her mother, grandmother, three brothers, and cherished sister Malka. The narrative is told in a series of letters from Esther to Malka, chronicling her journey across the sea and her experiences in this new homeland. . . . Throughout the story, readers learn that many Jewish people are arriving in Cuba, trying to escape the Jewish persecution in Europe, despite Nazi sympathy infiltrating the island. Readers dive into the story headfirst as they get to know Esther, her family, and her newfound friends. Esther’s first-person descriptions of people and the island craft a vivid experience of Cuba’s sights, sounds, and culinary delights. Readers will not want to part with this story of resilience. A World War II refugee tale that spotlights dedicated hard work. A must-have.”—School Library Journal, starred review* “After three years abroad, Papa’s saved only enough money to send for one of his children. Thus Esther boards the steamship alone even though she’s not quite 12. Cuba is a constant surprise. . . . In glowing letters to her sister back in Poland, Esther details how she’s learning Spanish through the poems of José Martí. She introduces her sister to her beloved new friends. . . . Esther’s first year in Cuba is marked by the calendar of Jewish holidays, as she wonders if she can be both Cuban and a Jew. As the coming war looms in Europe, she and her friends find solidarity. . . . An author’s note describes how the story was loosely inspired by the author’s own family history. Warmhearted cross-cultural friendship for a refugee on distant shores: both necessary and kind.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Esther’s poignant letters to her sister reveal the heartbreaking stories of the people—the displaced, the downtrodden, the dreamers—she meets along her journey, even as she exposes injustices among class and religion and within ethnic groups, all in parallel to her family’s experience in 1938 Poland. Belpré-winning Behar’s epistolary novel, based on a true story, addresses identity, family dynamics, culture, tradition, and acceptance as loving Esther opens her heart to her friends and neighbors in Agramonte while learning about issues both in her new home and abroad. Complemented by a vibrant supporting cast and an extensive author’s note about the Holocaust and Cuban refugees, Esther’s tale is one of adaptation and perseverence . . . while also fighting for her rights and for peace in her new home.”--Booklist “The story is in some ways refreshingly optimistic. . . . Behar creates a welcome portrait of a warm, diverse community—one that supports the family members when they do face local antisemitism. . . . But the novel doesn’t paint an overly sunny picture. . . . An author’s note cites connections to Behar’s family history and to Karen Hesse’s Letters from Rifka.”—Horn Book“Inspired by her own grandmother’s life, Behar (Lucky Broken Girl) crafts a series of loving letters from Esther to her sister, describing the perilous journey and Esther’s first year in Cuba. . . . Global issues such as Hitler’s rise, anti-Semitism, slavery, and worker protests are neatly woven into Esther’s narrative. . . . Behar’s appreciative descriptions of Cuba and Esther’s close, protective bonds with her father and sister make for an engaging read.”—Publishers Weekly
£8.54
Penguin Putnam Inc Old Rock is not boring
Book SynopsisQuirky charm infuses this tale of Old Rock's life story, which is much more exciting than you'd expect.Old Rock has been sitting in the same spot in the pine forest for as long as anyone can remember. Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be boring, but they are in for a wonderful surprise. Fabulous tales of adventurous travel, exotic scenery, entertaining neighbors, and more from Old Rock's life prove it has been anything but boring.Great storytellers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and Old Rock's stories are sure to inspire questions that lead to wonderful conversations about the past and the natural world.
£13.99
Nancy Paulsen Books Ice Cream Face
Book SynopsisThe Ezra Jack Keats Award–winning creator of Brick by Brick brings to delicious life the anxiety and elation involved in waiting in line to get ice cream.As far as this ice-cream-loving kid is concerned, every meal should include ice cream. In any form, in every flavor, he loves it all. But what he doesn''t love is seeing other people with ice cream . . . while he''s still waiting in line for his. That''s when he can get his mad, no-ice-cream-yet, waiting-in-a-long-line face--until he finally gets his cone, and his mad face melts into something sweet. Heidi Woodward Sheffield gently explores a range of emotions as they relate to this delicious, everyday experience.Trade Review"Ice cream elicits an impressive repertoire of expressions from this book’s narrator, a self-named 'ice cream kid.' . . . Sheffield employs photographs—most evocatively of the coveted ice cream scoops—digital painting, and subtly mottled collage in this amiable meditation on the joys of a rich emotional life starring a funny, self-aware protagonist who wears their ice-cream-loving heart on their sleeve."--Publishers Weekly“Now here’s a young man who knows his ice cream. . . . The narrator for this tasty outing is an appealing Everykid with a mischievous, anticipatory smile stretched across his expressive brown face, and his keen observations of the many ways to enjoy a cone (from dribblers to ice cream-bearded babies) ring true. Sheffield’s collage artwork is especially evocative in its consistent contrast between grainy cut paper figures and backdrops mixed with photographs of the ice cream itself—smooth, glossy, and technicolor-bright.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
£14.24
Penguin Putnam Inc Lola
Book SynopsisTrade Review★ "The Spanish in this edition of Islandborn feels familiar and representative of the community of which Diaz writes. Espinosa’s illustrations beautifully center Afro-Latinidad, which is something that is lacking in other children’s books about Latinx people...This rich celebration of heritage and diversity will spark curiosity in young readers to learn their own family histories." —Booklist, starred review
£17.09
Penguin Putnam Inc Can I Play Too
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Kids, as well as their adults, will likely appreciate the supportive, thoughtful, and positive approach to dealing with emotions and responses, along with the themes of sharing, collaboration, and being considerate of others." —Booklist"A wonderful choice for anyone seeking books on social-emotional development or for use with helping kids on the spectrum better understand social cues." —School Library Journal
£16.19
Penguin Putnam Inc The Many Masks of Andy Zhou
Book Synopsis“Another beautiful book by Jack Cheng.” —Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, UniverseCreative and brave sixth grader Andy Zhou faces big changes at school and at home in this new novel by the award-winning author of See You in the Cosmos, for fans of When You Trap a Tiger and The Stars Beneath Our FeetAndy Zhou is used to being what people need him to be: the good kid for his parents and now grandparents visiting from Shanghai, or the helpful sidekick to his best friend Cindy’s rebellious plans and schemes.So when Cindy decides they should try out for Movement at school on the first day of sixth grade, how can Andy say no? But between feeling out of place with the dancers, being hassled by his new science partner Jameel, and sensing tension between his dad and grandfather, Andy feels all kinds of weird.Then, over anime, Hi-Chews, and Andy’s lizard-inspired artworTrade Review* A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year *“This book sings with beautiful writing and rich detail. Seeing Andy come into his own is a joy and a journey.” —Tae Keller, Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger★ “The Many Masks of Andy Zhou is a brilliant, heartfelt story of self-discovery. Andy faces challenges that Cheng deftly tackles without ever weighing down the story or pausing its momentum. . . . Complex, earnest, [and] authentic.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review)“There’s an aching poignancy [here]. This moving novel about self-discovery will resonate with kids navigating the shifting waters of middle school.” —BCCB"Cheng’s comedic timing and poignant use of metaphor make it easy to picture Andy’s anxiety and self-consciousness, [and] rich descriptions abound of Andy’s Chinese and Jameel’s Chaldean cultures . . . A beautiful, contemplative novel that will stay with readers. Recommended for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Nicole Melleby." —School Library Journal“This thoughtful novel beautifully and naturally depicts Chinese American family life and the first year of middle school. [It] explores necessary topics and productively packages them in a great story about friendship, forgiveness, and family.” —Common Sense Media“Readers will find a friend in Andy—a kind-hearted kid trying to find his footing while caring for those around him. Andy contains multitudes, like all of us. Another beautiful book by Jack Cheng.” —Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe"Beautifully written and contemplative, [full of] complexity and nuance." —Book Riot“Andy’s quiet courage and budding artistry have readers cheering him on as he searches to define himself and learns there are no boundaries to who we are—and who we can become. With honesty and gentle humor, Jack Cheng explores the joys and heartaches of growing up.” —Paula Yoo, National Book Award longlisted-author of From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry“Cheng draws on personal experience, detailed in an author’s note, to pen this novel of internal and interpersonal tensions that touches on mental health . . . The message of becoming one’s authentic self comes through loud and clear.” —Publishers Weekly“Cheng succeeds in capturing the nuances of shifting relationship dynamics during the vulnerable early years of adolescence, including mental health struggles. . . . The story has a sincere heart that will resonate with tweens as they recognize themselves and their friends in the pages. A perceptive coming-of-age tale that captures the joys and complex anxieties of middle school.” —Kirkus
£16.19
