Great Reads

A young boy tries to find his voice with the help of some four-legged friends in this new novel from the Newbery Medal-winning author of "Sarah, Plain and Tall."

From the "New York Times"-bestselling author of "Chasing Vermeer" and "The Calder Game" comes the story of a girl who falls into Chicago's shelter system, and from there must solve the mystery of her father's strange disappearance.

A new book of sketches, artwork, and personal reflection from the brilliant mind of award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator Tan. Full color.

Flora the pig was born for adventure: âŒIf itâ™s unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. Iâ™m your pig,â#157; she says. The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig. Before she knows it, sheâ™s on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilaratingâand dangerousâadventure of her life. This poignant novel of a purposeful pig is sure to become a favorite with any young readers who have ever dreamed of exploring the great beyond.

Hailee Richardson never realized how much she hated her Salvation Army life and Goodwill accessories until the night her family wins the lottery. All of a sudden she's no longer the only girl at school without a cell phone or a brand-new bike! And the newfound popularity that comes with being a lottery winner is just what she's always dreamed of. But the glow of her smartphone and fancy new clothes wears off when Hailee is transferred to Magnolia Academy, a private school. All of a sudden, her best friend and parents seem shabby compared to the beautiful Magnolia moms and the popular bad-girl Nikki, who seems to want to be her friend. Now, Hailee wants nothing more than to grow up-and away-from her old life. It'll take one very busy social networking page, a stolen first kiss, and a whole carton of eggs for Hailee to realize that not all luck is good, not all change is bad, and a best friend who's just a call away will always be more valuable than a phone.

Full of twists and turns, friendship and adventure, "The Vengekeep Prophecies" is the first in an unforgettable trilogy that takes everything readers thought they knew about fantasy and spins it into pure magic. Illustrations.

Newbery Honor author Lin brings readers another enthralling fantasy featuring her marvelous full-color illustrations. This companion to "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" is filled with Chinese folklore, fascinating characters, and exciting new adventures.

Using a bogus name, the League of Picklemakers, sixth-grader Ben and three recruits start a prank-pulling club and receive funding from their middle school's PTA. Illustrations.

In a fading town, far from anyone he knew or trusted, a young Lemony Snicket began his apprenticeship in an organization nobody knows about. He started by asking questions that shouldn't have been on his mind. Now he has written an account that should not be published, in four volumes that shouldn't be read. This is the first volume.

Rufus is bo-o-o-ored at his grammy's house in the country. But when he follows a girl into the woods and finds a totem in a hollowed-out tree, things become a whole lot more interesting. Especially when he reads the word etched into the magical talisman: "Sasquatch."

One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different. When Liza's brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul. She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him. To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers' nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests'or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever. From New York Times best-selling author Lauren Oliver comes a bewitching story about the reaches of loyalty, the meaning of love, and the enduring power of hope.

An award-winning author returns to modern middle-grade fiction to tell the rousing, spirited story of a girl who is being bullied, a discharged soldier with PTSD, and the ancient, mysterious fox that connects them--and helps them see another way to live.

History is broken, and three kids must travel back in time to set it right! When best friends Dak Smyth and Sera Froste stumble uon a secret of time travel - a hand-held device known as the Infinity Ring - they're swept up in a centuries-long secret war for the fate of mankind. Recruited by the Hystorians, a secret society that dates back to Aristotle, the kids learn that history has gne disastrously off course. Now it's up to Dak, Sera and teenage Hystorian-in-training Riq to travel back in time to fix the Great Breaks ... and to save Dak's missing parents while they're at i. First stop: Spain, 1492, where a sailor named Christopher Columbus is about to be thrown overboard in a deadly mutiny.

"Two-headed monsters, giant tentacles, angry demons -- Lovecraft Middle School is great creepy fun!" --Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children   Strange things are happening at Lovecraft Middle School. Rats are leaping from lockers. Students are disappearing.  The school library is a labyrinth of secret corridors. And the science teacher is acting very peculiar -- in fact, he just might be a monster-in-disguise.  Twelve-year-old Robert Arthur knew that seventh grade was going to be weird, but this is ridiculous!   Professor Gargoyle (Volume I in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series) is full of bizarre beasts, strange mysteries, and nonstop adventure.  It's perfect for readers ages 10 and up. Best of all, the cover features a state-of-the-art "morphing" photo portrait -- so you can personally witness the professor transforming into a monster.  You won't believe your eyes!   "Gilman's debut and series kick-off is great fun for fans of light horror. The changing image on the cover will snag interest, and the spookily realistic black-and-white illustrations throughout complete this slick, scary, funny package. [There are] delectable hints of age-appropriate, Lovecraftian Otherness...with none of the purple prose." --Kirkus Reviews

STAT: Standing Tall And Talented-A slam-dunk new fiction series from NBA superstar Amar'e Stoudemire! Eleven-year-old Amar'e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He plays sports with his friends. He takes his schoolwork seriously. He helps out with his dad's landscaping company. And he loves to go skateboarding in the park.But when an older group of boys start bullying his friends on the basketball court, Amar'e is forced to step in and use his athletic ability and intelligence to save the day. He realizes basketball is his true passion. Based on the life of All-Star NBA sensation Amar'e Stoudemire, who overcame many obstacles to become one of the most popular figures in sports today. Amar'e is just as versatile in his life off the court as he is on. He is devoted to several charities. He promotes literacy and education. He is a media darling. And he has an amazing story to tell in this heartfelt, accessible middle-grade series.

The image of a Native American on horseback has become ingrained in the American consciousness. But the Plains Indians and the horse were not always inseparable. Once, Native Americans used dogs to help carry their goods, and even after the Spaniards introduced the horse to the Americas, horses were considered so valuable that the Spanish would not allow the Indians to have them. But soon horses escaped from Spanish settlements, and Native Americans quickly learned how valuable the horse could be as a hunting mount, beast of burden, and military steed. Follow the story of this transformative partnership, starting in the early sixteenth century and continuing today.

Simonâ™s latest scheme is to gain everlasting fame and glory by winning the school talent show. What stands in his way? A lot. Thereâ™s the fact that he doesnâ™t sing, dance, or play a musical instrument. Thereâ™s Stacy and her distracting brown eyes. Thereâ™s the evil Mike McApline and his cronies. And last, but certainly not least, is the aged Mrs. Anaand, who insists on bombarding Simon and his friends with dangerously hard muffins while they rehearse their act. Utter humiliation is looking a lot more likely than fame and glory for Simonâ™s band, The Groovy Guys. This hilarious chapter book features illustrations, pages from Simonâ™s secret notebook, and a glossary.

Growing up in the shadow of Mount Rushmore Lincoln Borglum was a young boy when his father, the great sculptor Gutzon Borglum, suggested to a group of South Dakota businessmen that he should carve the faces of four presidents into a side of a mountain as an attraction for tourists. But Mount Rushmore would never be finished by Gutzon. It would be his son who would complete the fourteen-year task and present America with one of its most iconic symbols.

"Only boring people get boredâ¦Interesting people can always find something to be interested in." Thatâ™s what Tom Trelawneyâ™s father says, anyway. Tom shouldnâ™t have been interested in playing with matches but he was...bored. Now the shed is in ashes and strange Uncle Harvey is the only one willing to have him stay while his parents vacation. Tom soon discovers Harvey is going to South America on a treasure hunt and though nephews arenâ™t invited, he manages to tag along. Before itâ™s over heâ™ll drive a car, fire a gun and run for his life. Tom realizes that life may be about following the rules, but survival may be about breaking them.

A sweet story of a tree that's literally filled with secrets.

Prince Liam. Prince Frederic. Prince Duncan. Prince Gustav. You've never heard of them, have you? These are the princes who saved Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel, respectively, and yet, thanks to those lousy bards who wrote the tales, you likely know them only as Prince Charming. But all of this is about to change. Rejected by their princesses and cast out of their castles, Liam, Frederic, Duncan, and Gustav stumble upon an evil plot that could endanger each of their kingdoms. Now it's up to them to triumph over their various shortcomings, take on trolls, bandits, dragons, witches, and other assorted terrors, and become the heroes no one ever thought they could be. Debut author Christopher Healy takes us on a journey with four imperfect princes and their four improbable princesses, all of whom are trying to become perfect heroes-a fast-paced, funny, and fresh introduction to a world where everything, even our classic fairy tales, is not at all what it seems.

Benny Kaminsky and Thunderbolt Dobney lead a rag-tag gang of neighborhood rowdies. Their territory is the New Cut on London's South Bank--a place bristling with swindlers, bookies, pickpockets, and the occasional policeman. And their aim is to solve crimes. When counterfeit coins start showing up in their neighborhood, Thunderbolt fears his own father may be behind the crime. But his friends devise a way to trap the real culprit. Then the gang takes on the case of some stolen silver. They have just two clues--a blob of wax, and an unusually long match. But even this slippery thief is unmasked by the determined kids of the New Cut. Filled with silly sleuthing, improbable disguises, crazy ruses, and merry mayhem, these stories are action-packed romps from one of the best storytellers ever--Philip Pullman. From the Hardcover edition.

A fresh, modern spin on a classic fairy tale - from bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski! In this fresh, funny new middle-grade novel, bestselling YA author Sarah Mlynowski writes for a younger audience for the first time! In each book, Abby and her younger brother Jonah visit the magic mirror in their basement at night, and the mirror transports them inside a different fairy tale. In the first magical adventure, Abby and Jonah find themselves tangled in Snow White's story. Once there, they accidentally change key events in the tale! In order for Snow White to get her happy ending, it's up to Abby and Jonah to make things right.

Award-winning author Tom Angleberger flexes his comic muscle in this hairy adventure story with twists at every turn. Regular kid Lenny Flem Jr. is the only one standing between his evil-genius best friend--Casper, a master of disguise and hypnosis--and world domination. It all begins when Casper spends money from his granny on a spectacularly convincing fake mustache, the Heidelberg Handlebar #7. With it he's able rob banks, amass a vast fortune, and run for president. Is Lenny the only one who can see through his disguise? And will he be able to stop Casper from taking over the world? Praise for Fake Mustache "There's no twist too goofy or absurd as Angleberger pulls out all the stops for this unabashedly silly story." -- Publishers Weekly "Angleberger's foot-on-the-floor zaniness helps pull it off, fueled by a steady stream of gags and utter ridiculousness that make Saturday-morning cartoons seem reasonable in comparison. Pure, unfiltered hilarity." -- Booklist "The 2012 campaign season just got a little hairier. Kids will delight in the various ways in which Casper exploits his power over grownups." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Appropriately goofy." -- The Horn Book "Angleberger severs all ties with sanity in his latest farce for preteens with hilarious results. There's plenty of action and goofiness. Fans of Angleberger's previous efforts won't be disappointed. Total deadpan lunacy." -- Kirkus Reviews

Includes a Fold-out Commemorative Quarter Collector!The perfect guide for your next family adventure, this fun-filled book explores more than 75 U.S. parks, monuments, and landmarks, from Maine's Acadia National Park to California's Sequoia National Park. From Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty, from Gettysburg National Battlefield to Mount Rushmore, National Parks is the only kid-friendly, family-oriented book that covers all of the U.S. national parks, plus famous monuments and landmarks. With a lively text and hundreds of color illustrations and photographs throughout, it offers fascinating, memorable information on every aspect of the parks, such as the history, geography, natural wonders, native wildlife and birds, and unique features that make each park special. Organized alphabetically by state, National Parks takes readers on a whirlwind trip to 75 locations, including Denali National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Everglades National Park, Fort McHenry, White Mountain National Forest, Ellis Island, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Zion National Park, Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, Mt. Hood National Forest, and many more. Also included are dozens of activities, such as quizzes, word and picture hunts, and car games, as well as a detachable national-park quarter collector, so kids can collect each of the 56 commemorative quarters to be issued by the U.S.

Eleven-year-old Jon Whitcroft and new friend Ella summon the ghost of Sir William Longspee, who may be able to protect Jon from a group of ghosts that threatens him harm from the day he arrives at Salisbury Cathedral's boarding school. Includes historical notes.

This tale of a girl who discovers a hidden room in her uncle's strange house--a garden with a tragic secret--is inspired by the classic "The Secret Garden."

Warriors and Guardians of Ga'Hoole fans have a new animal adventure series to sink their teeth into! When a hurricane forces his family to evacuate without him, Shep the German Shepard is confused. Where is his boy? Will he ever return? And what will Shep do in the meantime, now that the extra bowls of food -- not to mention all those tasty things he found in the big cold box -- are gone? Then another dog shows up at Shep's window and convinces him to escape. There's food outside, and a whole empty city to explore. Shep just wants to go home . . . but the adventure of a lifetime is just beginning. "Curl up with your kibble and savor this incredible story of dogs left behind when a hurricane sweeps through their city. This page-turner follows stalwart Shep and intrepid Callie, who despite her 'yapper' size is up to her muzzle in courage, as this extraordinary canine duo braves their new environment and forms a new pack. Dayna Lorentz has delivered a book with bite--and with a great heart." Kathryn Lasky, author of The Guardians of Ga'Hoole and Wolves of the Beyond

Buckle your seatbelt for the first-ever follow up to Ian Fleming's only children's story. When the Tooting family finds an old engine and fits it to their camper van, they have no idea what kind of adventure lies ahead. The engine used to belong to an extraordinary car . . . and it wants its bodywork back! But as the Tootings hurtle across the world rebuilding the original Chitty, a sinister baddie is on their trail - one who will stop at nothing to get the magnificent car for himself. Fueled by wry humor , this much-anticipated sequel to the children's classic by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond - fe aturing a contemporary family and a camper van with a mind of its own - is driven by best-selling, award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce and revved up by Joe Berger's black-and-white illustrations.

Introducing P.K. Pinkerton, Master of Disguise When twelve-year-old P.K. (Pinky) Pinkerton's foster parents are murdered by Whittlin' Walt and his gang of ruthless desperados, Pinky goes on the run. He's forced into hiding with Ma's priceless last possession: the deed to a large amount of land and silver mines in the Nevada Mountains. But relying on disguises will only keep Pinky hidden for so long, and the desperados are quickly closing in . . . Narrated by the incredibly lively Pinky, this thrilling high-speed chase through the Wild West will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

A brilliant portrait of two American heroes from the award-winning creators of The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy)! John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different. John Adams was short and stout. Thomas Jefferson was tall and lean. John was argumentative and blunt. Tom was soft-spoken and polite. John sometimes got along with almost no one. Tom got along with just about everyone. But these two very different gentlemen did have two things in common: They both cared deeply about the American colonies, and neither cared much for the British tyrant, King George. With their signature wit, impeccable research, and inventive presentation style, award winners Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham masterfully blend biography and history to create a brilliant portrait of two American heroes who bravely set aside their differences to join forces in the fight for our country's freedom.

Jason, Piper, and Leo, three students from a school for "bad kids," find themselves at Camp Half-Blood, where they learn that they are demigods and begin a quest to free Hera, who has been imprisoned by Mother Earth herself.

"Bumble-Ardy" has evolved from an animated segment for "Sesame Street" that aired in the early 1970s to a glorious picture book about a mischievous pig who has reached the age of nine without ever having had a birthday party.

 Naamah is the wife of Noah, and her name means great singer. For 40 days and 40 nights, as the Ark tosses on the storm-wracked seas, Naamah sings to the animals.

Twitch, the school yard squirrel, has really gotten himself into a bind this time. While trying to escape from a hungry owl, he roused the principal's dog and got chased into the school. Now he's locked in for a dangerous and disastrous night. Can Green Eggs and Hamster, Sweetie the library rat, and the other school pets save Twitch from the crazed dog, Cuddles? In this uproarious chapter book, a group of small animals manages to turn an elementary school into a real zoo.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends with very different personalities. But their differing views on how to run the newly created United States turned them into the worst of friends. They each became leaders of opposing political parties, and their rivalry followed them to the White House. Full of both history and humor, this is the story of two of America's most well-known presidents and how they learned to put their political differences aside for the sake of friendship.

Rebel. Champion gymnast. Intergalactic traveler? Trix can deal with being an orphan charity case at a snotty boarding school. She can hold her own when everyone else tells her not to dream big dreams. She can even fight back against the mysterious stranger in a silver mask who tries to steal the meteorite her parents trusted her to protect.But her life is about to change forever. The Circus Galacticus has come to town, bringing acts to amaze, delight, and terrify. And now the dazzling but enigmatic young Ringmaster has offered Trix the chance to be a part of it.

Includes: Book Discussion Guide and Resource Section with over 300 character-building books and videos "One of the most significant books published this year." -- "Publishers Weekly" "No parenting book I know of offers so many practical insights, workable strategies, and inspiring stories, books, videos, and other family-friendly resources for intentionally teaching these crucial character strengths." -- from the foreword by Thomas Lickona, author, "Raising Good Children" "A much-needed antidote to the waves of incivility, intolerance, and insensitivity sweeping through our nation's youth culture. Dr. Michele Borba offers parents a treasure trove of ideas for building the most neglected intelligence around: our kids' moral intelligence. I'd like to see a copy of this book in every home across America!" -- Thomas Armstrong, author, "7 Kinds of Smart, Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom," and "Awakening Your Child's Natural Genius" "If you care about the future of ourchildren and our nation, read this important book! Perfectly balancing cutting-edge research with practical strategies, engaging anecdotes, and wise insights, Michele Borba shows us how to do what really matters most'to help our kids become good and caring human beings." -- Jack Canfield, coauthor, "Chicken Soup for the Parent's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul," and "Chicken Soup for the Father's Soul "This brilliant book will help anyone who lives or works with children build the skills and moral values that make cruel, selfish, and destructive behavior unthinkable. This book will save lives." -- Jane Bluestein, author, "Creating Emotionally Safe Schools and Parents, Teens and Boundaries: How to Draw the Line"

Historical Fiction. After his family loses their home during the Great Depression, 11-year-old Oscar has to give up his beloved model trains and move in with his strict aunt. But when he visits one of his trains at the lobby of the bank that bought it, Oscar interrupts a robbery and experiences a magical rescue, which catapults him on a cross-country, celebrity-studded train trip...through time. History buffs and kids who like old-fashioned stories should all come aboard for this rollicking journey through the 1930s and '40s!

Science Fiction/Adventure. In this rip-roaring sequel to Larklight, it's up to Art and Myrtle to save the universe -- again! Hoping to escape the temporary chaos of their alternate-universe Victorian England home (which they're having redecorated), the siblings and their four-and-a-half-thousand-million-year-old mother accept a mysterious invitation to Starcross, a seaside resort in the asteroid belt. Rather than relaxing, they discover mind-altering alien top hats, intergalactic spies, knitting goblins, dangerous puppets, and a plot to conquer the British Empire! If dashing heroes in peril and Lemony Snicket-style humor are your cup of tea, check out this thrilling and decidedly silly series.

Fantasy. It's the late 1880s, and house-mouse Helena and her siblings have a dilemma: the human family whose home they occupy is making a voyage overseas -- meaning that crumbs will be in short supply for a while -- but mice are terrified of water. As head of her household since her parents' demise, Helena makes the bold call to stow away in the Cranstons' luggage, and many ship-board adventures follow. Clever, fun, and packed with memorable characters, this animal fantasy should be a winner with fans of other mousy tales like Lois Lowry's Bless This Mouse or Avi'sPoppy.

Science Fiction. Thirteen years ago, an airline employee was gazing out the terminal window when a plane suddenly appeared on the tarmac out of nowhere. This plane wasn't scheduled to land, there was no pilot on board...and the only passengers were 36 unsupervised babies. Skip to the present: now the babies who were on that plane are teenagers, and each of them has begun to receive mysterious letters that say things like, "You are one of the missing" and "They're coming back to get you." Readers who enjoy suspense, action, and mystery will be mesmerized by this 1st book in a new series.

Picture Book. Are you fascinated by different types of houses? This book presents intricate, nearly-3D collage illustrations of dwellings from many regions of the world and throughout history -- from a Southern U.S. "dogtrot log house" to a Chileanpalafitos (a house raised on stilts) to a Mongolian yurt and more! In addition to describing a wide variety of dwellings, this unusual book also briefly explains howdifferent people live -- and why they live the way they do. For another book that compares life in different cultures (and has a similar style of pictures), check out Jeannie Baker's award-winning Mirror.