The making of "Show ways," or quilts which once served as secret maps for freedom-seeking slaves, is a tradition passed from mother to daughter in the author's family.
In 1859, eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, which is a haven for slaves fleeing the American south, uses his wits and skills to try to bring to justice the lying preacher who has stolen money that was to be used to buy a family's freedom.
Matteo Alacran was not Born; He was Harvested. His DNA came from El Patron, lord of a country called Opium -- a strip of poppy fields lying between the United States and what was once called Mexico. Matt's first cell split and divided inside a petri dish. Then he was placed in the womb of a cow, where he continued the miraculous journey from embryo to fetus to baby. He is a boy now, but most consider him a monster -- except for El Patron. El Patron loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself. As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister cast of characters, including El Patron's power-hungry family, and he is surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive. But escape from the Alacran Estate is no guarantee of freedom, because Matt is marked by his difference in ways he doesn't even suspect. Another title that is excellent on audio!
When Kenny's 13-year-old brother, Byron, gets to be too much trouble, they head south from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama to visit Grandma, the one person who can shape him up.
By Meindert De Jong, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Young Tien Pao is alone on his parents' boat when it breaks free of its moorings and plunges down river into Japanese occupied territory. Bravely, he starts the long journey back to his village. The boy and his pet pig, Glory of the Republic, meet sixty American pilots stationed in China during World War II who care for him. Based on a true story.
During the summer of 1944, Lily and her new friend Albert cook up a plan to reunite with Lily's father and Albert's sister, both in Europe for the duration of the war.
This determined woman overcame tremendous odds to pursue her dream of a musical career. With grace, poise, and overwhelming talent, she confronted the racial restrictions of the period.
Life in a Finnish-American logging community at the turn of the last century in remote Washington state is not easy for a girl with seven brothers, but our only May Amelia has learned that survival requires humor as well as determination.
Hope, a sixteen-year-old waitress, tackles life with energy and enthusiasm and stays Hope-ful through change and difficulties. She also gives great tips for food service!
Perennial new kid Roy Eberhardt is trying to survive middle school in Coconut Grove, Florida, when he spots a strange boy running through the neighborhoods of his bus route.
Corrupt developers, bullies, and child abuse all play a part in this ecological mystery.
