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An Unlikely Friendship: A Novel of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley (Great Episodes Ser.)
by Ann RinaldiOn the night of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, his frantic wife, Mary, calls for her best friend and confidante, Elizabeth Keckley. But the woman is mistakenly kept from her side by guards who were unaware of Mary Todd Lincoln's close friendship with the black seamstress. With vivid detail and emotional power, Ann Rinaldi delves into the childhoods of two fascinating women who became devoted friends amid the turbulent times of the Lincoln administration. Includes an author's note, a reader's guide, and a bibliography.
A Ride into Morning: The Story of Tempe Wick (Great Episodes)
by Ann RinaldiA &“suspenseful [and] exciting&” tale of a young woman&’s battle to save her beloved horse during the Revolutionary War, inspired by a true story (Booklist). The Revolutionary War is raging. Food and firewood are scarce, and Tempe Wick is worried that she will not be able to care for her ailing mother and her family and still maintain their farm in New Jersey, where troops are now camped. Her ability to hold on to her world is further threatened when a mutinous soldier demands that she lend him her beloved horse, Colonel, in exchange for keeping her brother&’s rum-smuggling activities secret from the authorities. This dramatic historical novel is based on a real event that has been popularized into American legend. &“Crammed with authentic detail.&” —Kirkus ReviewsA New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
Born Blue
by Han NolanLeshaya is a survivor. Rescued from the brink of death, this child of a heroin addict has seen it all: revolving foster homes, physical abuse, an unwanted pregnancy. Now, as her tumultuous childhood is coming to an end, she is determined to make a life for herself by doing the only thing that makes her feel whole . . . singing.Han Nolan pulls no punches in this hard-hitting story of a girl at the bottom who dreams of nothing but the top. The e-book includes a sample chapter from Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan.
A Summer of Kings
by Han NolanIt's 1963 and fourteen-year-old Esther Young is looking for excitement. Cursed with a lack of talent in a family filled with artistic types, Esther vows to get some attention by initiating a summer romance with a black teen accused of murdering a white man in Alabama. King-Roy Johnson shows up on Esther's doorstep that summer, an angry young man who feels betrayed by the nonviolent teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. Sent north by his mother to escape a lynch mob, he meets a follower of Malcolm X's who uses radical teachings about black revolution to fuel King-Roy's anger and frustration. But with each other's help, both Esther and King-Roy learn the true nature of integrity and find the power to stand up for what is right and true. National Book Award-winning author Han Nolan brings readers a bold new voice--by turns funny and poignant, innocent and worldly--in this powerful coming-of-age story set during the turbulent struggle for civil rights.
When We Were Saints
by Han NolanArchibald Caswell could never please his domineering granddaddy Silas. Now with Granddaddy gone, Archie finds himself lost, confused, and wondering what his grandfather could have possibly meant by his dying words: "Young man, you are a saint!" <P><P> Clare Simpson knows exactly what Silas meant. She convinces Archie to dedicate his life to God, give up his possessions, steal his granddaddy's truck, and head north to the Cloisters in New York, where she and Archie secretly live after museum hours. For Clare the journey is a return to the only place where she has felt happy and loved. <P><P>For Archie, the pilgrimage leads him to a closer relationship with God--and a burning desire for home. <P><P>Includes a reader's guide and an interview with the author.
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
by Gennifer CholdenkoKirsten's parents are barely speaking to each other, and her best friend has fallen under the spell of the school's queen bee, Brianna. It seems like only Kirsten's younger science-geek sister is on her side. Walker's goal is to survive at the new white private school his mom has sent him to because she thinks he's going to screw up like his cousin. But he's a good kid. So is his friend Matteo, though no one knows why he'll do absolutely anything that hot blond Brianna asks of him. <P><P> But all of this feels almost trivial when Kirsten and Walker discover a secret that shakes them both to the core.
SOS Titanic
by Eve BuntingThis tale of an Irish teenager aboard the doomed ship, from a Caldecott Medal winner, is a &“taut disaster story . . . nearly impossible to put down&” (Publishers Weekly). Fifteen-year-old Barry O&’Neill is journeying to New York to reunite with his parents on the maiden voyage of the great ship Titanic. He&’s homesick, and worried about the Flynn boys traveling in steerage, who have threatened to throw him overboard. Little does Barry know that a struggle with the Flynns is the least of the dangers that await him. This &“fast-paced&” and suspenseful young adult adventure story is based on the true and terrible events that occurred as the Titanic sank, and &“immerses readers in the many human tragedies&” (Booklist).
An Acquaintance with Darkness (Great Episodes)
by Ann RinaldiFourteen-year-old Emily Pigbush suspects that her uncle is involved in body snatching. Meanwhile, her best friend's family is accused of plotting to kill Abraham Lincoln, and Emily is left unsure of whom she can trust. Includes a reader's guide.
Finishing Becca: A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold (Great Episodes Ser.)
by Ann RinaldiAn independent-minded young maid tells the story of social-climber Peggy Shippen and how she influenced Benedict Arnold's betrayal of the Patriot forces. Revolutionary Philadelphia is brought to life as Becca seeks to find her "missing pieces" while exploring the complicated issues of the war between the impoverished independence men and the decadent British Tories. "This tale of treachery comes alive under [Rinaldi's] pen."--Kirkus Reviews
Cast Two Shadows: The American Revolution in the South (Great Episodes)
by Ann RinaldiA young girl living in South Carolina during the American Revolution discovers the duplicity within herself and others.
Or Give Me Death: A Novel of Patrick Henry's Family (Great Episodes)
by Ann RinaldiA surprising Revolutionary War tale of a family beset by a mother&’s mental illness: &“Often gripping…the portrayal of Patrick Henry is unusually complex.&”—Publishers Weekly Patrick Henry, the famous statesman of the American Revolution, has a secret: He keeps his wife in the cellar. It&’s the only alternative to an asylum, for, slowly losing her mind, Sarah Henry has become a serious danger to herself and her children. Narrated by the Henrys&’ two daughters, Patsy and Anne, who must take on new responsibilities, this compassionate novel explores the possibility that Patrick Henry&’s immortal cry of &“Give me liberty or give me death&” may have first been spoken by his wife as she pled for her freedom—and &“delivers another intriguing spin on history&” from the popular author of young adult fiction (Kirkus Reviews). Includes a reader's guide
The Secret of Sarah Revere (Great Episodes)
by Ann RinaldiThe daughter of Paul Revere tells of her father&’s secret—and her own: &“A lively, exciting picture of Boston going to war…excellent.&”—VOYA Thirteen-year-old Sarah Revere knows her father is a Patriot hero, a champion of the Colonies against the British. But she also knows that Paul Revere guards a secret about the start of the Revolutionary War that he will tell no one—not his new wife, not his best friend, not even his trusted daughter. It seems everyone in her family has secrets. Sarah&’s even got one of her own—and it's tearing her apart…. This is a &“beautifully crafted&” novel of a young girl growing up—and a country&’s battle for independence (School Library Journal). &“As usual, Rinaldi has done her homework; the book is solidly researched and extremely well written. Readers will not soon forget these characters…Vivid in the best sense of the word.&”—Kirkus Reviews A New York Public Library &“Book for the Teen Age&” Includes a reader's guide
Sacajawea
by Joseph BruchacA novel of the Shoshone woman&’s epic journey with Lewis and Clark from an American Book Award winner: &“A grand adventure . . . not to be missed.&” —Kirkus Reviews Captured by her enemies, married to a foreigner, and a mother at age sixteen, Sacajawea lived a life of turmoil and change. Then in 1804, the mysterious young Shoshone woman known as Bird Woman met Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Acting as interpreter, peacemaker, and guide, Sacajawea bravely embarked on an epic journey that altered history forever. In this novel her extraordinary story is told in alternating chapters by both Sacajawea and by William Clark, including parts of Clark&’s original diaries. From a winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Writers Circle of The Americas, it also includes a map showing Lewis and Clark&’s trail. &“Bruchac&’s fascinating story of the life of the woman who was pivotal to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition is an outstanding example of historical fiction told from multiple perspectives.&” —School Library Journal &“The author adheres closely to journals kept by members of the expedition, creating characters who are both lifelike and compelling.&” —Publishers Weekly
Pocahontas
by Joseph BruchacIn 1607, when John Smith and his "Coatmen" arrive in Powhatan to begin settling the colony of Virginia, their relations with the village's inhabitants are anything but warm. Pocahontas, the beloved daughter of the Powhatan chief, is just eleven, but this astute young girl plays a fateful, peaceful role in the destinies of two peoples.Drawing from the personal journals of John Smith, American Book Award winner Joseph Bruchac reveals an important chapter of history through the eyes of two legendary figures.Includes an afterword, a glossary, and other historical context.
Crusader
by Edward BloorRoberta Ritter hopes to be a journalist one day, but for now she's stuck working at her family's arcade in a dilapidated shopping mall. From her vantage point behind the counter, she sees all the goings-on at the mall--and some things she sees are disturbing. Racism, dirty politics, and drugs are all part of the scene. Roberta doesn't like it, but she's just a fifteen-year-old--so what can she do? Roberta is surprised to find out just how much power she does have. To hone her journalistic skills, she begins to investigate hate crimes at the mall. In the process, she uncovers some shocking information concerning her own mother's death. And as she learns to stand up for herself and the truth, Roberta becomes the kind of person who makes things happen--a crusader.
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
by Melissa Sweet Catherine ThimmeshThis updated edition of the bestselling Girls Think of Everything, by Sibert-winner Catherine Thimmesh and Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet, retains all the integrity of the original but includes expanded coverage of inventions (and inventors) to better reflect our diverse and technological world. In kitchens and living rooms, in garages and labs and basements, even in converted chicken coops, women and girls have invented ingenious innovations that have made our lives simpler and better. What inspired these girls, and just how did they turn their ideas into realities? <p><p> Retaining reader-tested favorite inventions, this updated edition of the best-selling Girls Think of Everything features seven new chapters that better represent our diverse and increasingly technological world, offering readers stories about inventions that are full of hope and vitality—empowering them to think big, especially in the face of adversity.
The Black Pearl
by Scott O'DellFrom the depths of a cave in the Vermilion Sea, Ramon Salazar has wrested a black pearl so lustrous and captivating that his father, an expert pearl dealer, is certain Ramon has found the legendary Pearl of Heaven. Such a treasure is sure to bring great joy to the villagers of their tiny coastal town, and even greater renown to the Salazar name. No diver, not even the swaggering Gaspar Ruiz, has ever found a pearl like this!<P><P> But is there a price to pay for a prize so great? When a terrible tragedy strikes the village, old Luzon’s warning about El Diablo returns to haunt Ramon. If El Diablo actually exists, it will take all Ramon’s courage to face the winged creature waiting for him offshore.<P> Newbery Honor book
Secrets of Sound: Studying the Calls and Songs of Whales, Elephants, and Birds (Scientists in the Field Series)
by April Pulley SayreCan whales communicate across miles of vast ocean? Can elephants talk to one another with sounds we cannot hear? These are the kinds of questions that drive the work of acoustic biologists. Follow three creative scientists-Christopher W. , Clark, Katy Payne, and Bill Evans-as they research why and how animals communicate. Through remarkable photographs and stories about all sorts of animals, this book celebrates the challenges of lab work and fieldwork and the thrill of discovery.
100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses (100 Words)
by Editors of American Heritage DictionariesThe 100 Words series continues to set the standard for measuring and improving vocabulary, with a new title focusing on words that are best known for getting people into linguistic trouble. 100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses is the perfect book for anyone seeking clear and sensible guidance on avoiding the recognized pitfalls of the English language.Each word on the list is accompanied by a concise and authoritative usage note based on the renowned usage program of the American Heritage® Dictionaries. These notes discuss why a particular usage has been criticized and explain the rules and conventions that determine what's right, what's wrong, and what falls in between. Troublesome pairs such as affect / effect, blatant / flagrant, and disinterested / uninterested are disentangled, as are vexing sound-alikes such as discrete / discreet and principal / principle. Other notes tackle such classic irritants as hopefully, impact, and aggravate, as well as problematic words like peruse and presently.A great graduation gift or stocking stuffer for anyone who cares about language, 100 Words Almost Everyone Confuses and Misuses is guaranteed to help keep writers and speakers on the up-and-up!
100 Words Every High School Freshman Should Know
by Editors of American Heritage DictionariesFollowing the success of 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know, the editors of the American Heritage® Dictionaries have developed this new book of 100 words tailored especially to high school freshmen. This second book in the 100 Words series focuses on the kinds of words that a successful middle school graduate can learn from rigorous coursework in a variety of subjects and that nearly every freshman will encounter over the course of the school year.The words have been chosen with various criteria in mind. Some represent key concepts in important areas of the curriculum, while others are more familiar in meaning but present challenges of spelling or usage. All are words that students can expect to see regularly in their high school reading and beyond. And each word is fully defined as well as shown in typical contexts with example sentences and quotations, many of which are taken from award-winning authors such as Harper Lee, George Orwell, Katherine Paterson, and John Knowles. Together, these 100 words represent the increasingly sophisticated and complex vocabulary that freshmen must master as they continue their education at the next level. To learn them is not only to gain useful knowledge -- it is to step into a broader world.
Project Mulberry
by Linda Sue ParkJulia Song and her friend Patrick would love to win a blue ribbon, maybe even two, at the state fair. They've always done projects together, and they work well as a team. This time, though, they're having trouble coming up with just the right plan. Then Julia's mother offers a suggestion: They can raise silkworms, as she did when she was a girl in Korea. <p><p> Patrick thinks it's a great idea. Of course there are obstacles-for example, where will they get mulberry leaves, the only thing silkworms eat?-but nothing they can't handle. <p> Julia isn't so sure. The club where kids do their projects is all about traditional American stuff, and raising silkworms just doesn't fit in. Moreover, the author, Ms. Park, seems determined to make Julia's life as complicated as possible, no matter how hard Julia tries to talk her out of it. <p> In her first novel with a contemporary setting, Linda Sue Park delivers a funny, lively story that illuminates both the process of writing a novel and the meaning of growing up American.
Catherine, Called Birdy (Pathways To Critical Thinking Ser.pathways To Critical Thinking Series)
by Karen CushmanCatherine, a spirited and inquisitive young woman of good family, narrates in diary form the story of her fourteenth year—the year 1290. A Newbery Honor Book.
The Loud Silence of Francine Green
by Karen CushmanFrancine Green doesn't speak up much, and who can blame her? Her parents aren't interested in her opinions, the nuns at school punish girls who ask too many questions, and the House Committee on Un-American Activities is blacklisting people who express unpopular ideas. There's safety in silence. Francine would rather lose herself in a book, or in daydreams about her favorite Hollywood stars, than risk attracting attention or getting in trouble.But when outspoken, passionate Sophie Bowman transfers into Francine's class at All Saints School for Girls, Francine finds herself thinking about things that never concerned her before-free speech, the atom bomb, the existence of God, the way people treat each other. Eventually, Francine discovers that she not only has something to say, she is absolutely determined to say it.Once again, Karen Cushman follows a young woman's progress toward her true self, this time exploring the nature of friendship and the experience of growing up Catholic in an era that is both fascinating and relevant to today's young people. Author's note.
The Presence: A Ghost Story
by Eve Bunting<P>A brutal car accident that claimed the life of her best friend has left seventeen-year-old Catherine in a state of shock and severe depression. She longs to move forward with her life, but feels she can't until she is somehow assured of her friend's forgiveness. On a Christmas visit to her grandmother in Pasadena, a mysterious and handsome stranger approaches Catherine at church claiming that he can put her in touch with her dead friend. <P> Catherine is wary of the stranger's claims and his ghostly appearance but feels he may be the only key to escaping her past. She tells no one of the meeting but is approached by an elderly woman who warns her of the stranger's powers. The woman's teenage diary and eerie rumors surrounding other troubled girls who have disappeared from the church community leave Catherine fearful of the stranger's true intentions. She realizes she must find some way to confront this supernatural presence as well as the ghosts of her past. <P>A classic ghost story from one of Clarion's most distinguished authors. Eve Bunting brings a new edge to the genre of suspense by interweaving contemporary issues with sharp and frightful storytelling.
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
by Gary D. SchmidtIt only takes a few hours for Turner Buckminster to start hating Phippsburg, Maine. No one in town will let him forget that he's a minister's son, even if he doesn't act like one. <P><P> But then he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a smart and sassy girl from a poor nearby island community founded by former slaves. Despite his father's-and the town's-disapproval of their friendship, Turner spends time with Lizzie, and it opens up a whole new world to him, filled with the mystery and wonder of Maine's rocky coast. The two soon discover that the town elders, along with Turner's father, want to force the people to leave Lizzie's island so that Phippsburg can start a lucrative tourist trade there. Turner gets caught up in a spiral of disasters that alter his life-but also lead him to new levels of acceptance and maturity. <P> This sensitively written historical novel, based on the true story of a community's destruction, highlights a unique friendship during a time of change. <P> Newbery Honor book