First Light


Rebecca Stead - 2007
    Peter will get to skip school, drive a dogsled, and finally share in his dad's adventures. But on the ice cap, Peter struggles to understand a series of visions that both frighten and entice him. Thea has never seen the sun. Her extraordinary people, suspected of witchcraft and nearly driven to extinction, have retreated to a secret world they've built deep inside the arctic ice. As Thea dreams of a path to Earth's surface, Peter's search for answers brings him ever closer to her hidden home. Rebecca Stead's fascinating debut novel is a dazzling tale of mystery, science and adventure at the top of the world.

Dragon: Hound of Honor


Julie Andrews Edwards - 2004
    His friend the brave Sieur DeNarsac, captain of the count's men-at-arms, and Thierry, a young page, must now solve the tragic mystery. Yet it is a magnificent white wolfhound by the name of Dragon -- Montdidier's faithful companion -- who brings an unexpected, shocking conclusion to the puzzle of his master's untimely death.New York Times best-selling authors Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton weave a tapestry of intrigue, power, loyalty, and friendship in this novel based on the captivating French legend of Montargis.

Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze


Alan Silberberg - 2010
    The truth is, ever since Milo’s mother died, nothing has gone right. Now, instead of the kitchen being full of music, his whole house has been filled with Fog. Nothing’s the same. Not his Dad. Not his sister. And definitely not him. Ideal for any reader who has endured the loss of a loved one, Milo achieves a rare and easy balance of poignancy and awkward, natural humor, making it deeply accessible to every reader—this is the kind of book that can change lives.

Dogs of War


Sheila Keenan - 2013
    . . on four legs!DOGS OF WAR is a graphic novel that tells the stories of the canine military heroes of World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. This collection of three fictional stories was inspired by historic battles and real military practice. Each story tells the remarkable adventures of a soldier and his service dog and is rendered with fascinating and beautiful detail, bringing to life the faithful dogs who braved bombs, barrages, and battles to save the lives of countless soldiers. Based on the real-life roles of military dogs that served as Red Cross rescuers, messengers, scouts, search-and-rescue teams, sentries, and mascots, DOGS OF WAR captures both the adventure and the devastation brought on by war, as well as the celebrations of life and friendship between boys and their dogs.

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul: 101 Stories of Changes, Choices and Growing Up for Kids ages 9-13


Jack Canfield - 2000
    At this age, youngsters are eager to leave the "kid" stage, yet are uncertain about what adolescence will bring; they'd rather listen to peers over parents, and hear all too often to "wait until you're older." Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul will guide kids through this transition.Written by and for preteens, this uplifting collection of stories touches on the emotions and situations they experience every day: making and losing friends, fitting in while keeping their personal identity, discovering the opposite sex, dealing with pressures at school including violence, and coping with family issues such as divorce. Chapters include: On Love, On Family, On Friendship, On Choices, On Changes, On Overcoming Obstacles, Eclectic Wisdom, Tough Stuff, Attitude and Perspective and Achieving Dreams. Contributors indclude: *NSYNC, Mia Hamm, Beverley Mitchell and Karl Malone.Whether first-time Chicken Soup readers or "graduates" of the bestselling Kid's Soul book, preteens are sure to include this in their backpacks and book bags. Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 10/12/2000 Pages: 380 Reading Level: Age 9 and Up

In Harm's Way: JFK, World War II, and the Heroic Rescue of PT 109: JFK, World War II, and the Heroic Rescue of PT 109


Iain C. Martin - 2018
    Naval Reserve. After completing training and eager to serve, he volunteered for combat duty in the Pacific and was appointed commander of PT-109.On August 2, 1943, Kennedy's PT-109 and two others were on a night mission to ambush an enemy supply convoy when they were surprised by a massive Japanese destroyer. The unsuspecting Americans had only seconds to react as the Japanese captain turned his ship to ram directly into Kennedy's. PT-109 was cut in half by the collision, killing two of Kennedy's twelve crewmen and wounding several others in the explosion.In Harm's Way tells the gripping story of what happened next as JFK fought to save his surviving crew members who found themselves adrift in enemy waters. Photographs round out the exciting narrative in the first book to cover this adventurous tale for young readers.*******Praise for In Harm's Way:The oft-told story of young John F. Kennedy’s World War II heroism is recounted in a fast-paced, gripping narrative... Martin tells the story in vigorous prose amply laced with quotations, taking care to include the stories of the Melanesian men who rescued Kennedy and his crew... An admiring, inspiring portrait of a courageous and selfless natural-born leader. -- KirkusIn this well-researched, dramatic account of JFK’s life, with a particular emphasis on his naval career, Martin reprises famous events in short, riveting chapters enhanced by abundant photographs, World War II facts and trivia, Kennedy family scrapbook items, and quotations from contemporary writings. -- Publisher's WeeklyMartin deftly breathes new life into the familiar story of John F. Kennedy; the 1943 sinking of his boat, the PT-109, off the Solomon Islands; and the breathtaking survival of JFK and 10 members of his crew... It’s an epic story that deserves being discovered by a new generation of readers for whom it will be a revelation and may well inspire further reading. --Michael Cart, Booklistonline.comAn engaging war story about a popular president, this title will entice those with interest in presidential and military history.–Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA – School Library JournalMartin provides a fast-paced account of JFK's heroic actions as commander of a patrol torpedo boat attacked by a Japanese destroyer in 1943. Exceptionally well-researched and -written, the book dramatically portrays Kennedy's courageous efforts to protect his badly injured crew. Captioned archival photos of the Kennedy family and of JFK as a naval skipper are included, in addition to fascinating WWII "Facts and Trivia" sidebars. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. --Spring 2019 Horn Book Guide Reviews.

Alone


Megan E. Freeman - 2021
    She’s alone—left behind in a town that has been mysteriously evacuated and abandoned.With no one to rely on, no power, and no working phone lines or internet access, Maddie slowly learns to survive on her own. Her only companions are a Rottweiler named George and all the books she can read. After a rough start, Maddie learns to trust her own ingenuity and invents clever ways to survive in a place that has been deserted and forgotten.As months pass, she escapes natural disasters, looters, and wild animals. But Maddie’s most formidable enemy is the crushing loneliness she faces every day. Can Maddie’s stubborn will to survive carry her through the most frightening experience of her life?

A Dog Called Kitty


Bill Wallace - 1980
    So when a stray puppy comes sniffling around the farm, Ricky tells it to get lost. But the puppy keeps trying to play with Ricky. And every time Ricky's Mom feeds the cats, the little dog comes running. The cats aren't sharing their food, however, and the poor pup is slowly starving. If Ricky doesn't overcome his fear, the little puppy may die -- but if he lets himself get close enough to feed it, he may find the best friend he's ever had! Winner of the Texas Bluebonnet, the Oklahoma Sequoyah and the Nebraska Golden Sower Awards.

No More Dead Dogs


Gordon Korman - 2000
    And after he handed in a scorching book report of the classic novel, Old Shep, My Pal, detention is just what he’s been handed. He is sure he’s done nothing wrong: he hated every minute of that book, especially when the dog dies in the end! Why do dogs always die at the end? Wallace refuses to do a rewrite of his report, so his English teacher, who happens to be directing the school play of Old Shep, My Pal, forces him go to the rehearsals to teach him a lesson on why the story is the way it is. Surrounded by theater kids who are apprehensive of him, Wallace sets out to prove himself. But not by changing his mind. Instead, he changes the play into a rock-and-roll rendition, complete with Rollerblades and a moped!

Sheep


Valerie Hobbs - 2006
    Thepuppy had never been so scared or so excited in his life. Soonhe was racing, feinting, dodging - learning what it means to beone of the proud breed of Border collies, the finest sheepherdersin the world. Then, almost overnight, his life is turned upsidedown. He finds himself in a series of strange places, with nosheep, his family gone. With nothing but the courage he wasborn with and a dream, he searches for the life he once knew,gathering names and adventures as he goes. For a short time,he's called Blackie. To the Goat Man, he's Shep. To Hollerin,he's Spot. There's one name that threatens to forever haunthim - Sparky, the name Billy the circus man calls him when hereaches for the whip. But there's another name that he is given,one that finally makes him feel at home . . .Known for her rich character development, the author bringsall her skills to delving into the mind of a clever, philosophical,and hopeful dog searching for a home.

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray


Ann M. Martin - 2005
    Their mother nurtures them and teaches them the many skills they will need to survive as stray dogs. But when their mother is taken from them suddenly and too soon, the puppies are forced to make their own way in the world, facing humans both gentle and brutal, busy highways, other animals, and the changing seasons. When Bone and Squirrel become separated, Squirrel must fend for herself, and in the process makes two friends who in very different ways define her fate.

Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam


Cynthia Kadohata - 2007
    The fate of entire platoons rests on her keen sense of smell. She's a Big Deal, and she likes it that way. Sometimes Cracker remembers when she was younger, and her previous owner would feed her hot dogs and let her sleep in his bed. That was nice, too. Rick Hanski is headed to Vietnam. There, he's going to whip the world and prove to his family and his sergeant -- and everyone else who didn't think he was cut out for war -- wrong. But sometimes Rick can't help but wonder that maybe everyone else is right. Maybe he should have just stayed at home and worked in his dad's hardware store. When Cracker is paired with Rick, she isn't so sure about this new owner. He's going to have to prove himself to her before she's going to prove herself to him. They need to be friends before they can be a team, and they have to be a team if they want to get home alive. Told in part through the uncanny point of view of a German shepherd, Cracker! is an action-packed glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler. It's an utterly unique powerhouse of a book by the Newbery Medal-winning author of Kira-Kira.

Breathing Room


Marsha Hayles - 2012
    Evvy is frightened by her new surroundings; the rules to abide are harsh and the nurses equally rigid. But Evvy soon falls into step with the other girls in her ward. There’s Sarah, quiet but thoughtful; Pearl, who adores Hollywood glamour; and Dena, whose harshness conceals a deep strength. Together, the girls brave the difficult daily routines. Set in 1940 at a time of political unrest throughout the U.S. and Europe, this thought-provoking novel sheds light on a much-feared worldwide illness. Hundreds of thousands of people died each year of TB, and many ill children were sent away to sanatoriums to hopefully recover. This is a masterful novel—both eloquent and moving—that gives voice to those who fought hard to overcome the illness.

Serendipity and Me


Judith L. Roth - 2013
    She surrounds herself with pictures of cats, stuffed cats, even cat-headed slippers. But she’s never been allowed to have a real cat of her own. Her father has always told her no, for reasons he won’t explain. So when a fluffy snowball of a kitten darts through their front door and into her life, Sara believes her dream might finally come true. But convincing her father to break his strict No Cats policy seems impossible. She has less than a week to persuade him that this kitten is exactly what their lonely, broken family of two needs to heal. Told in lyrical, spare verse, Serendipity & Me is a sparkling novel that elegantly handles the topic of loss for a middle grade audience.

A Writing Kind of Day: Poems for Young Poets


Ralph Fletcher - 2005
    Boyds Mills Press publishes a wide range of high-quality fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction