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The Big Wave
by Pearl S. BuckThe author of The Good Earth tells a poignant story about two boys whose friendship and courage help them survive an overwhelming tragedyOn a mountainside in Japan, two boys enjoy a humble life governed by age-old customs. Jiya belongs to a family of fishermen; his best friend, Kino, farms rice. But when a neighboring volcano erupts and a tidal wave swallows their village--including Jiya's family--life as they know it is changed forever. The orphaned Jiya must learn to come to terms with his grief. Now facing a profoundly different life than the one he'd always taken for granted, he must decide on a new way forward. Written with graceful simplicity, The Big Wave won the Children's Book Award of the Child Study Association of America when it was first released. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the author's estate.
The Adventures of Ulysses (Point)
by Bernard EvslinThe legendary voyage of one of Greek mythology's greatest heroesUlysses is the sharpest tactician among the Greeks and the brains behind the Trojan Horse, the ruse that fooled the Trojans and led to the end of the ten-year Trojan War. The Greeks have won, and Ulysses finally sails for home, his ships loaded with treasure. But his journey will be a long and arduous one. He has greatly angered Poseidon, god of the sea, who in his wrath awakens monsters of the deep. Now Ulysses must battle his way home through the worst perils imaginable. In an epic, decade-long journey, Ulysses matches wits and strength with the man-eating Sirens, a Cyclops, the witch-goddess Circe, and a slew of other deadly foes. His wife and son, meanwhile, desperately seek news of him, but begin to believe he was lost at sea. Will they wait for his return, or will his wife remarry?
Hercules
by Bernard EvslinGreek mythology's mightiest hero faces the world's most fearsome beasts, monsters, and demonsHercules, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, was the greatest of the Greek heroes and the strongest man on earth. Three times as big as his fully mortal twin, and imbued with extraordinary courage and ingenuity, Hercules began his remarkable feats while still in the cradle. Zeus's wife, the goddess Hera, jealously schemed to kill Hercules, but the resourceful half-man, half-god escaped her traps and accomplished seemingly impossible tasks. Renowned mythologist Bernard Evslin recounts the famous twelve labors of Hercules, as the warrior tries to break Hera's curse by facing down the Nemean Lion, killing the many-headed Hydra, outwitting the giant Anteus, and more.
Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths
by Bernard EvslinThe bestselling compendium of ancient Greece’s timeless tales and towering figures of mythology from a classics expert. The world of Greek mythology contains some of the most exciting and imaginative stories ever told. In Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths, bestselling author Bernard Evslin shares his passion for these fabulous tales and the eternal themes they so beautifully express. In this accessible overview, you’ll get to know the iconic gods, heroes, and tragic figures: Zeus, the all-powerful king of the gods; Hera, his cunning and jealous wife; King Midas, whose touch could turn anything into gold; the sculptor Pygmalion, who falls in love with his own creation; and many more. With each story, Evslin brings new life to these legendary characters and the magical world they inhabit. Translated into multiple languages, and with more than ten million copies sold, this invaluable resource has become a classic in itself.
The Trojan War
by Bernard EvslinA cinematic tale of passion, war, loyalty, betrayal, and retribution"These events I relate are the living seeds, and they will bear bloody fruit, I promise." So says Ulysses, King of Ithaca, as he recounts the origins of the Trojan War. Renowned Greek mythologist Bernard Evslin masterfully depicts the ten-year war: its beginnings rooted in discord among the gods; the seduction of the famed beauty Helen of Troy; and the spectacular development of the Trojan Horse, Ulysses' cunning ploy to win the war. Evslin brings to life the dramatic twists and turns of this classic tale of human folly, mortal heroism, and the brutality and brilliance that have come down through the ages.
Grimm's Fairy Tales: Grimm's Fairy Tales: All 200 Tales And 10 Legends In A Single File, With Active Table Of Contents (Children's Classic Collections)
by The Brothers GrimmThe timeless fables that capture the world's imagination over and over againFrom "Rapunzel" to "Hansel and Gretel" to "Briar Rose" to "Little Red Riding Hood," the German folktales that the Brothers Grimm brought to the world's attention have been captivating readers young and old for more than two centuries. These stories of wicked sorceresses, beautiful maidens, golden geese, and dashing princes have inspired countless adaptations and become part of the very fabric of our culture. To read them again is to be transported to enchanted forests and gothic castles, but also to childhood, and to a realm of the imagination where good always triumphs over evil and the most important life lessons are imparted through the irresistible magic of a story well told. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
Leave Well Enough Alone
by Rosemary WellsIt's going to be a brilliant summer for Dorothy--but suddenly, the sun hides behind the clouds and a secret she couldn't have imagined appears . . .While on a class trip to a museum, fourteen-year-old Dorothy Coughlin can't believe her luck: She practically falls into a summer job as a nanny for a wealthy family in Pennsylvania, in the biggest house she has ever seen. It doesn't even matter that she's not experienced with children, or that the family is a little strange. She'll be paid $400 for the summer--money she can use for college. But her employer, Mrs. Hoade, is awkward and anxious. Is she hiding something? Sweet and harmless Mr. Hoade, on the other hand--with his movie-star looks--has a strange personality. And when Dorothy discovers the secret one of the Hoades is hiding in the guest cottage, everything changes. This summer could change the course of her life, that is, if she survives! This ebook features an illustrated biography of Rosemary Wells including rare images from the author's collection.
The Little Vampire
by Angela Sommer-BodenburgTony loves reading creepy stories about vampires. But when one night he finds a real vampire sitting on his windowsill, he is very surprised and terribly frightened. Luckily the little vampire turns out to be friendly. Thus begin the adventures of Tony, Rudolph, Anna the Toothless, Gruesome Gregory, and Nightwatchman McRookery.
Turkey Monster Thanksgiving
by Anne Warren SmithBefore I knew it, Thanksgiving had turned into a monster . . .Thanksgiving was supposed to be easy for Dad and Tyler and me--spending the day in our pajamas and eating pizza--but I wondered what it would be like to try something else this year. Maybe I'd fix Thanksgiving--and my messy family, too. I couldn't help it. I started making lists . . .
Tails of Spring Break
by Anne Warren SmithEveryone except me was going somewhere for spring break.So I thought I'd start my own business and spend my spring break taking care of lonely pets. But I didn't plan on having awful Claire Plummer as my business partner AND having her stay in my own room. Now my spring break is broken for sure . . .
Bittersweet Summer
by Anne Warren SmithSummer's not as sweet as I thought it would be. In fact, it's pretty strange.My best friend is away on vacation, Dad says we might have to move to the city, and my next-door neighbor Claire is scheming to make our teacher Ms. Morgan her new mom! And then my mom is coming to town with her country music show. Will she ever want to come home and live with us again?
Afternoon of the Elves
by Janet Taylor LisleIn &“this enchanting story about friendship,&” two fourth grade girls discover a magical world hidden in one&’s backyard (Publishers Weekly). No fourth grader trusts Sara-Kate Connolly. Her boots are dirty, her clothes are weird, and she&’s so maladjusted that the school had to hold her back a grade. But Hillary is her next-door neighbor, and can&’t say no when the unusual loner invites her over to play. In Sara-Kate&’s overgrown backyard, Hillary will find proof of a world of magic—the kind that can only blossom between true friends. Among the rusted car parts and wild plants, a miniature village has sprung up. It has tiny houses made from string, sticks, and maple leaves; a well with a bottlecap for a bucket; and even a little playground with a Popsicle-stick Ferris wheel. But there&’s absolutely no sign of who built this miniature world. To Sara-Kate, the answer is clear—only elves could be responsible for something so enchanted. As she and Hillary watch for their elusive new friends, they learn that friendship, like magic, springs up where you least expect it. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
The Dancing Cats of Applesap
by Janet Taylor LisleIn a forgotten small town, one girl and a hundred cats are about to do something spectacularApplesap is a small town smack dab in the middle of New York state, and beyond that geographical oddity, there isn&’t much special about it. It has a dress shop, a run-down movie theater, and two old-fashioned drug stores: Jiggs&’ and the Super Queen. But nobody goes to Jiggs&’. The roof is leaky, the seats are sticky, and the flies have built a kingdom around the soda fountain. Worst of all are the cats—hundreds of strays who wander in off the street to make the store their home. Jiggs&’ is a place for creatures who want to hide from the world, and so it is perfect for Melba. A shy young girl who&’s too timid to talk to other children, Melba makes Jiggs&’ her home-away-from-home. As the old store nears bankruptcy, Melba comes up with a wild plan that will save the pharmacy, make Applesap famous, and change her life forever. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
Forest
by Janet Taylor LisleWar is coming, and it will take two very unusual friends to avert a showdown in the town of ForestUpper Forest is the kingdom of an ancient clan of squirrels. For years they have lived and died in the trees, building an elaborate civilization high above the earth. Since man came to Forest, the trees have been thinned, but there are still enough thick groves where the squirrels can run from branch to branch, going days without touching the ground. To avoid people, their natural enemies, the squirrels make their homes higher than any human can climb--or so they think. But they haven't met Amber Padgett. Swift, bright, and fearless, Amber has never fit in among humans. When she pokes her head into Upper Forest, she begins an unlikely friendship with a squirrel named Woodbine. As this mismatched pair grows close, the worlds of Upper and Lower Forest collide. But Amber's father, and other people in town, think the squirrels are pests and try to get rid of them. Which will triumph: friendship or war? This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author's own collection.
The Lampfish of Twill
by Janet Taylor LisleOn the unforgiving coast of Twill, a boy is sucked into a fantastic adventureThe country of Twill has a notoriously treacherous coastline: rough, rocky, and primed for shipwrecks and drownings. In the salt-scarred port town of Twickham, the locals are dependent on fishing. Everyone pitches in, devising new ways to catch fish and crabs without falling prey to the dangerous rocks and waves. Of all the fish that dart around their deadly shore, none is more prized than the lampfish, a glowing creature whose bones provide the hooks that sustain life on Twill. It takes a group of men to land a lampfish, but once in a lifetime, a hero comes along who can do it single-handed. And Eric wants to be the next champion. Eric, an orphan since infancy, has become mesmerized by the swirling Cantrip&’s Spout—a deadly whirlpool where he has recently spotted a colossal lampfish. Trying to catch that glowing beast will take him on a magnificent journey into the sea and beyond, deep into the darkest parts of himself. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
The Great Dimpole Oak
by Janet Taylor LisleAn ancient oak tree has seen glory and tragedy—but nothing quite as spectacular as the showdown that&’s brewing For nearly a thousand years, the Dimpole Oak has towered over this small East Coast town, witnessing the passage of history: duels and revolution, lovers&’ trysts and traitors&’ hangings, victory parades and midnight conspiracies. The farmer who owns the land beneath the tree likes to tell stories of the murders and witch trials that took place in its shade. Local children play on the oak&’s great roots and dig for buried treasure. The townsfolk plan a Dimpole Oak Day to celebrate their landmark. Meanwhile, far away in India, a swami has a holy vision of the oak, and begins a journey to find it. Back in Dimpole, two boys take inspiration from the blackguards and pirates of the old farmer&’s tales, and challenge a local bully to a confrontation under the oak. As all these plots and plans converge, the mighty oak stands ready to witness another grand event. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
Sirens and Spies
by Janet Taylor Lisle Erica O'RourkeAfter their violin teacher is attacked, two sisters stumble on dark secrets from her girlhood in France during World War IIElsie and Mary's lives are changed when they meet Miss Fitch, a fascinating Frenchwoman who makes her living teaching children the violin. She seems to be everything an instructor should be: stern when her students are slacking; inspiring when they lose heart. She knows how to make her young players believe in themselves. Mary is captivated, though she has no talent for the violin. Her sister Elsie is the natural musician in the family, but suddenly Elsie quits without explanation. Not long after Elsie stops going to lessons, Miss Fitch is attacked in her home. As the girls look more closely at their teacher, they learn that the past can rise up to wreak havoc on even those whose lives seem most exemplary. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author's own collection.
The Gold Dust Letters (Investigators of the Unknown #1)
by Janet Taylor LisleWhile searching for her fairy godmother, a young girl uncovers a world of magic It starts with chocolates. Dreaming of a box of chocolates that never empties, Angela writes a letter to her fairy godmother asking for one. To her surprise, the fairy writes back! A letter appears on her mantelpiece from &“Pilaria of the Kingdom of the Faeries,&” written on ancient parchment with purple ink, and covered in a gold dust that vanishes as soon as it flies into the air. Is this really a letter from the land of magic? And if so, what does it mean? Angela and her two best friends begin investigating the mystery, searching Angela&’s house for clues. But out of the blue, more letters appear on Angela&’s mantelpiece. Pilaria is lonesome, and as curious about the girls&’ world as they are about her kingdom. What they learn from their correspondence with this enchanting godmother will change everything they know—about magic and reality—forever. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
Looking for Juliette (Investigators of the Unknown #2)
by Janet Taylor LislePoco is horrified when Angela&’s cat disappears while under her watch. Is magic involved?Together, Angela, Poco, and Georgina have investigated some peculiar happenings. They are just on the verge of a major magical breakthrough when Angela&’s father moves to Mexico, taking Angela and breaking up the trio of friends. As consolation, Angela gives Poco her cat, Juliette, to care for and talk to while she&’s gone. Talking to animals is Poco&’s special skill, but no words can stop Juliette from running into the street in front of a car. Though she survives the accident, Juliette vanishes, and it will take a miracle to find her. With the help of Walter Kew, a secretive boy in her class, and his Ouija board, Poco scans the neighborhood. When all mystical signs point to Miss Bone, the strange old spinster who&’s been taking care of Angela&’s house, Poco is quick to face her fears. She&’ll do anything for Angela—and for Juliette. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
A Message from the Match Girl (Investigators of the Unknown #3)
by Janet Taylor LisleIn search of the truth about his heritage, Walter only finds more mysteryWalter Kew has grown up without a past. Orphaned since birth and raised by his grandparents, he knows nothing about his parents, who died in an accident. Obsessively curious about the mother he never knew, he turns to the occult, using Ouija boards, crystal balls, and spells to reach out to the other world. But he&’s never had any luck—until now. Walking home from school, Walter hears what he thinks is his mother&’s voice—faint, but very real. Although he can&’t quite understand her words, he&’s convinced she&’s trying to tell him something. With his friends Georgina and Poco, he looks for clues. Their quest takes them to a statue of the Little Match Girl in the park, where infant Walter was once photographed with his mother. As the three investigators chase the mystery, Walter will learn more about his past—and his present—than he ever thought possible. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
Angela's Aliens (Investigators of the Unknown #4)
by Janet Taylor LisleWhen their best friend changes drastically, the Investigators suspect extraterrestrial troubleGeorgina and Poco should not be climbing an apple tree in the dark. But Poco, who talks to animals, has recently developed a serious crush on a robin, and she gets worried when the bird doesn&’t return to his nest one night. Poco convinces her friend to come with her to check on the nest, and while they&’re peering through the tree branches, they see strange glowing objects in the sky. The array of lights can only mean one thing: aliens. The next morning, Poco&’s robin returns and, more importantly, so does Angela. Angela had been the girls&’ best friend before moving to Mexico a year ago, but she comes back totally changed. Before, she was short, chatty, and imaginative. Now she is tall, sullen, and cold. When Georgina reminds her of their former club, the Investigators of the Unknown, Angela shrugs her off. Paco and Georgina realize that the aliens have claimed their first victim, and they will have to move fast to save their friend. This ebook features a personal history by Janet Taylor Lisle including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author&’s own collection.
Black and Blue Magic
by Zilpha Keatley SnyderFrom a three-time Newbery Honor author: Harry Houdini Marco had it hard enough as a normal clumsy twelve-year-old—but growing wings made it even worse. Except for his unusual name, Harry Houdini Marco is unremarkable in every way. While his namesake was the greatest illusionist of all time, Harry can&’t even catch a ball. He is on the verge of a long, boring summer—and he is dreading every moment of it. Then he meets a mysterious traveling salesman named Mr. Mazzeeck. But Mr. Mazzeeck is more than a traveling salesman, he&’s a wizard—at least, he claims to be. Before he leaves town, Mr. Mazzeeck gives Harry a bottle of magical oil, saying that the potion will give him wings. And to Harry&’s amazement, the oil works: He gets wings! Now he just has to figure out how to use them. This ebook features an extended biography of Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
Cat Running
by Zilpha Keatley SnyderAn award-winning, thoughtful, and moving glimpse into life during the DepressionCat is the fastest kid at her school—and with Play Day is coming up soon, she will be able to show off her speed to everybody. Unfortunately, her old-fashioned father forbids her to wear pants, even while playing sports. So Cat refuses to race, and Zane, an Okie boy whose family works on a nearby farm, wins. Cat is furious that Zane is so fast, and angry that he was able to beat all the sixth-grade boys, even in his bare feet. Though Cat hates Zane at the start, soon the two become friends. They are the school&’s best runners, after all. But while Cat&’s family is doing well, Zane&’s family has lost everything in the Depression. All Cat can offer Zane&’s family is sympathy and friendship . . . until Zane&’s sister gets pneumonia and Cat and Zane are forced into a race for the little girl&’s life. This ebook features an extended biography of Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
Gib and the Gray Ghost (Gib #2)
by Zilpha Keatley SnyderGib might have finally found the family he&’s always wanted. Will he be adopted for good?No child wants an extended stay in the Lovell House Home for Orphaned and Abandoned Boys. And in the sequel to Gib Rides Home, Gib, a smart, resourceful eleven-year-old orphan, returns to the Thornton family&’s ranch, hoping for a much happier experience this time. Instead of the farm labor that most orphans his age are forced to do, he gets the benefits of being part of the family: reduced chores and the freedom to go to school. Luckily, Gib also has a way with horses—and life with Livy, the irrepressible Thornton daughter, proves that horses can be much easier to deal with than people. When a whipped and starved horse comes to the Thornton Ranch during a blizzard, Gib finds a way to save this incredible creature. And while helping the horse recuperate and acclimate to his new home, Gib realizes that he may have finally found a permanent home of his own. This ebook features an extended biography of Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
Gib Rides Home (Gib #1)
by Zilpha Keatley SnyderAll Gib ever wanted was to be adopted, but life with a family isn&’t quite what he thought it would beGib was sent to an orphanage when he was six years old, and with each year, he knows it becomes less likely that he will be adopted into a loving family. As kids get older, they are more likely to be adopted onto a farm, meaning a hard life of unpaid labor. And after seeing a friend come back battered and near death, Gib is understandably worried. When his turn for adoption finally comes, Gib is surprised to learn that life on the farm isn&’t too difficult. His new &“parents,&” the Thorntons, are kind to him, and his job in the stables is fun and interesting. It is as close to the home of his dreams as he could possibly imagine. And though Gib doesn&’t remember much of his past before the orphanage, as time passes, Gib realizes that his new family may be more connected to his real family than he ever imagined. This smart, touching novel is based on the life of author Zilpha Keatley Snyder&’s father and his experience as an orphan in the 1900s. This ebook features an extended biography of Zilpha Keatley Snyder.