But after accepting a foolish challenge that puts her brothers in danger, Kaya earns a punishment and an insulting nickname. Illustrations.

    But when she becomes friends with Nellie, she learns that life isn't so easy for everyone. Samantha is determined to help her new friend--but Nellie ends up helping her, too Then Samantha tries to help decorate for Christmas, but is disappointed when her plans are being changed. Discover what happens to help make this Christmas even better than Samantha planned.

    But when the War of 1812 breaks out, Caroline's father is taken prisoner, and everything changes. When Sackets Harbor is under attack, Caroline makes an exceptional sacrifice to defend it. She's determined to make her father proud by staying steady and helpful at home. Then she goes on a risky voyage to deliver a secret message to her father. But will her message help him to escape?

    She’s excited and proud to share a special surprise with her family—she’s been chosen to sing a solo for Youth Day at her church! But what song will she choose? She gets advice from her big brother, and is also inspired by her older sister, but it’s the inspirational words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that help her pick the perfect song.There are many unfair things happening during Melody’s time, even to people in her own family. But it’s an unimaginable tragedy in the South that leaves Melody silent. Who can help her lift her voice and sing —who will inspire her to “keep stepping”?

    But will she be able to raise enough money to build a tower for their flight? Then, on a journey to commemorate the birth of a nation, Julie finds a way to include a very significant signature on the rededication scroll. And when Julie realizes she can make a positive change in punishments at school, she runs for student body president. Will Julie get the votes she needs?

    Then Samantha learns that Nellie and her sisters are in serious trouble. Samantha sets her sights on saving her friend--and fighting for the family she's always wanted. Can she find a way to do both before it's too late?

    Then a valuable trumpet goes missing, and Kit herself is accused of theft. Can Kit prove her innocence and put a stop to the mayhem before the real thief sends the band packing? Includes an "Inside Kit's World" essay about the popularity of jazz and swing music during the Depression.

    Radisson, offers the Walkers a home of their own on the grounds of his fine house in Society Hill. Addy's delight quickly evaporates as she realizes that Mr. Radisson's house holds frightening secrets--one of which leads straight back to the plantation where Addy's family was held in slavery only two years before.

    She dreams of being a star on the silver screen, but her performance this year is on the stage at school. She has to share the spotlight with her cousin Ana, though, and Rebecca fears the audience will laugh instead of applaud. Will Ana hurt or help the performance? Then, being included in a special plan fills Rebecca with joy. But what act of kindness teaches her the true meaning of the holiday season?

    When she discovers a hidden room in the old house, she is sure its secrets will make a great newspaper article. But then Jessamine, Kit's long-lost friend, comes to visit and seems to be in trouble, yet she won't confide in Kit. Determined to help, Kit follows clues, but will both of these stubborn mysteries lead to a story that's bigger than she could have imagined, or will they stay hidden at Rivermead Manor?

    Even better, her aunt has gotten a role in the opera! As Marie-Grace and her friend, Cécile, help out during rehearsals, they're thrilled to meet real opera stars and get a peek into theater life. But thrills turn to chills as the girls make disturbing discoveries behind the scenes! An illustrated "Looking Back" essay describes New Orleans' place as a leading cultural center for opera and theater in 1800s America.

    But what other things might you experience in 1904? Join Samantha on exciting adventures where the two of you can dress up for a fancy dinner or take a trip to her summer home in the mountains. Your journey back in time can take whatever twists and turns you choose, as you select from a variety of exciting options in this multiple-ending story.

    But soon she realizes that she has taken on more than she can handle. Then Julie discovers that an old friend is hiding secrets from her. Could he be responsible for the strange things happening at Ivy's house? Or is someone--or something--else to blame? An illustrated "Looking Back" section describes the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill, plus the increase in vegetarianism in the 1970s.

    Mother's carriage has barely left before a surprise package arrives, holding silver heirlooms that have been passed down in the Merriman family for a hundred years. Felicity doesn't believe in ghosts . . . but what else can explain the odd and eerie things that begin to happen once the heirlooms arrive?Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 3/1/2009 Pages: 184 Reading Level: Age 8 and Up

    The two-time Coretta Scott King Honor Book recipient offers a poignant narrative about a freed slave girl during the Reconstruction Era in the South.