Book picks similar to
A Cat of a Different Color by Steven Bauer


childrens-fiction
contempoary-fiction
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Afternoon of the Elves


Janet Taylor Lisle - 1989
    Sure, she wears weird clothes and she lives in a dumpy house, but if Sara-Kate's as bad as everyone says, how could she take such good care of the elf village in her backyard? She and Hillary spend hours fixing the tiny stick houses and the miniature Ferris wheel so the elves won't move away. But as Hillary is drawn further into Sara-Kate's world, she learns there are other mysteries besides the elves. Why doesn't anyone ever see Sara-Kate's mother? And why isn't anyone allowed in her house? This updated edition will bring new life to Janet Taylor Lisle's best-selling novel.

The First Rule of Punk


Celia C. Pérez - 2017
    Perez, The First Rule of Punk is a wry and heartfelt exploration of friendship, finding your place, and learning to rock out like no one's watching. There are no shortcuts to surviving your first day at a new school--you can't fix it with duct tape like you would your Chuck Taylors. On Day One, twelve-year-old Malú (Maria Luisa, if you want to annoy her) inadvertently upsets Posada Middle School's queen bee, violates the school's dress code with her punk rock look, and disappoints her college-professor mom in the process. Her dad, who now lives a thousand miles away, says things will get better as long as she remembers the first rule of punk: be yourself. The real Malú loves rock music, skateboarding, zines, and Soyrizo (hold the cilantro, please). And when she assembles a group of like-minded misfits at school and starts a band, Malú finally begins to feel at home. She'll do anything to preserve this, which includes standing up to an anti-punk school administration to fight for her right to express herself! Black and white illustrations and collage art throughout make The First Rule of Punk a perfect pick for fans of books like Roller Girl and online magazines like Rookie.

A Single Shard


Linda Sue Park - 2001
    He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated–until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself–even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission . . . even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.

The Mermaid Summer


Mollie Hunter - 1988
    She was beautiful and dangerous, and the fishermen of those parts were careful to speak well of her. All but Eric Anderson, who scorned her very existence—until the day the mermaid smashed his fishing boat against the rocks, nearly killing him and his crew. Eric bid his family good-bye, for after that, no one would sail with him. His grandchildren, Jon and Anna, never stopped missing him; so from the moment they saw the mermaid for themselves, they knew it was up to them to tame her and bring their grandfather home again...

Half a Chance


Cynthia Lord - 2014
    Will her photos ever meet his high standards? When she discovers that he's judging a photo contest, Lucy decides to enter anonymously. She wants to find out if her eye for photography is really special -- or only good enough.As she seeks out subjects for her photos, Lucy gets to know Nate, the boy next door. But slowly the camera reveals what Nate doesn't want to see: his grandmother's memory is slipping away, and with it much of what he cherishes about his summers on the lake. This summer, Nate will learn about the power of art to show truth. And Lucy will learn how beauty can change lives . . . including her own.

The Incredible Journey


Sheila Burnford - 1960
    And so the doughty young Labrador retriever, the roguish bull terrier and the indomitable Siamese set out through the Canadian wilderness. Separately, they would soon have died. But, together, the three house pets faced starvation, exposure, and wild forest animals to make their way home to the family they love. The Incredible Journey is one of the great children's stories of all time—and has been popular ever since its debut in 1961.

Eloise in Paris


Kay Thompson - 1958
    Here is what Eloise does in Paris: everything. The effect is rawther extraordinaire. If you come to Paris with Eloise you will always be glad you did.

Disney The One and Only Ivan: Draw Me a Story


Beth Ferry - 2020
    Life wasn't always that way, but he has trouble remembering a time when he wasn't living in a shopping mall. In his cage, he draws with crayon and paper, gifted to him from his human friend. There is no doubt that Ivan is special. And he's always been the star of the show. Until the day a little elephant named Ruby enters his world and shows him the significance of the place we call home.Based on a true story, this beautifully illustrated picture books tells the sweet story of Ruby and Ivan. A tale of friendship, courage, and creativity.

The Lonely Doll


Dare Wright - 1957
    Her name was Edith. She lived in a nice house and had everything she needed except someone to play with. She was lonely! Then one morning Edith looked into the garden and there stood two bears! Since it was first published in 1957, The Lonely Doll has established itself as a unique children's classic. Through innovative photography Dare Wright brings the world of dolls to life and entertains us with much more than just a story. Edith, the star of the show, is a doll from Wright's childhood, and Wright selected the bear family with the help of her brother. With simple poses and wonderful expressions, the cast of characters is vividly brought to life to tell a story of friendship.

No Dogs Allowed!


Anne Davis - 2011
    The dog's name is Cookie, and although fun-loving Gabby enjoys Cookie's company, grouchy Bud does not. In fact, Bud gets so fed up with Cookie that he kicks her out of the house. "No dogs allowed " he declares. But when a big black rain cloud approaches and Gabby looks worried, will Bud have a change of heart? Greeting card artist Anne Davis offers sly humor and bold, expressive art in a story that is pitch-"purrfect" in every way.

Snake and Lizard


Joy Cowley - 1997
    but inseparable friends. Snake is elegant. calm and a little self-centered . while Lizard is exuberant and irrepressible. Through a series of small (and not so small) adventures. the two friends bicker. compete with each other. go into business and finally. end up as lifelong friends.There is something the matter with your voice.Ga-runch! Ga-runch! said Snake. Ive got a frog in my throat! she whispered. Lizard said. Oh. I know how to fix that. and he gave Snake a mighty slap on her back. The frog shot out of Snake s mouth. It landed in the grass and. quick as a blink. it hopped away.My supper! cried Snake. That was my supper!

The Cat Who Wouldn't Come Inside: Based on A True Story


Cynthia von Buhler - 2006
    And trust. They want things just so. And, sometimes, they do not want to come inside. But a little patience and a little attention can make all the difference . . .Here’s a loving tribute to feline companionship, sure to warm human and kitty hearts—because cat company is worth waiting for!

Christina's Ghost


Betty Ren Wright - 1985
    After Grandma gets sick, Christina must spend lonely days with her grumpy Uncle Ralph in a spooky, isolated Victorian mansion, but things change when she meets the ghost of a little boy, who may be linked to a thirty-year-old murder.

It's Like This, Cat


Emily Cheney Neville - 1963
    Dave Mitchell and his father disagree on almost everything—and every time their fighting sets off his mother’s asthma, Dave ends up storming out of the house. But when Dave meets a big, handsome tomcat, he decides to bring him home, no matter what his father has to say about it.With adventure-loving Cat around, Dave meets lots of new people—like Tom, a young dropout on his own in the city, and Mary, the first girl he can talk to like a real person.And as his eyes open to those around him, Dave starts to understand his father a little better. They still don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but there is one thing they can both agree on: Having a cat can be very educational—especially when it’s one like Cat.

The Best Pet Ever


Victoria Roberts - 2010
    A rock, a glove, a candy wrapper and even a balloon all serve as substitutes! Until, one day, she carefully opens a box to find a real kitten--and he is the best pet in the WORLD!