Starring on the soccer field comes more easily to 7-year old Lola than being Squirrel #2 in the class play. But in characteristic Lola fashion, she rises to the occasion to avert a drama disaster in this laugh out loud saga!
Lola Levine, Drama Queen
Once a shelter dog, Strudel is now a proud, healthy, and happy dachshund who lives with Jake and his mom. Together, Strudel and his family make mostly good decisions as they learn about everyday goings-on and each other. Humor from the dog’s point of view as they deal with recognizable issues will engage young readers.
Strudel’s Forever Home
The story of a small dog, the girl who loves her, and the girl’s struggling father come together in four acts. Brief text and detailed, black/white illustrations that appear as though in a spotlight effectively convey the daily intersections of these lives. Touching, dramatic, and gently humorous, Lucy — as the dog comes to be known — steals the show!
Lucy
Each member of the Ellis family excels at something; that is, everyone except their dog, Ed. Ed’s confidence soars, however, when he’s recognized for being an excellent greeter, dropped-food-cleaner-upper, and more. Everyday activities are shown in a loving family with their insecure but loving mutt.
Excellent Ed
Charlie learns that wishes granted by a magic fish do not work as planned. In fact, Charlie learns that it sometimes takes a lot more to confront the most difficult things, including her older sister’s heroin addiction.
The Seventh Wish
Gianna Zales enjoys lots of things but doing a research project is not one of them. Achieving a balance between school work and family is presented through humorous, recognizable characters in a well-paced plot.
Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z
Middle school is stressful for everyone, especially for Ava. When she discovers her pencil can answer questions, Ava learns that there’s more to consider than just being right. Magic allows tough topics to be tackled.
All the Answers
Simple, everyday activities enjoyed by a father and his children become a vivacious romp as this is no ordinary family. They are, after all, alligators (though their antics are highly recognizable!) making the joy even more jubilant and the frolic more playful.
Gator Dad
Henry is a tireless toddler, generally outlasting each member of the family with his desire for more music, more stories, more attention! That is until at last, the baby is tuckered out and goes to sleep with “more!” kisses from his loving family.
Henry Wants More!
A father tells a story about each tattoo which combine to present a family history. Told as a conversation between father and son, this gently illustrated story is very contemporary but with an old-fashioned warmth.
Tell Me a Tattoo Story
A preschool child imagines that his dad goes to school to learn all the things that dads do — from making awesome snacks to telling silly stories. But this dad and his child know that the most important job is “being my dad.”
Dad School
Have you ever wondered what your dad would be like as an animal? Siblings who usually like their real dad (except when he’s “grouchy, bossy, or just totally gross…”) imagine with very funny results their dad as various animals.
Be Glad Your Dad Is Not an Octopus!
Inge Maria leaves her beloved Copenhagen to live with Dizzy, her seemingly stern grandmother. But Inge Maria brings mischief, laughter, and warmth to Bornholm, her new island home. The tale unfolds through Inge Maria’s naïve and good-natured voice.
When Mischief Came to Town
Soledad and Ming have migrated to Louisiana from the Philippines. Their father has returned to their homeland leaving the girls with Vea, the girls’ unhappy, mean-spirited stepmother. As their world expands and fact and fantasy collide, the real world, friendships, and understanding also expand.
The Land of Forgotten Girls
The four Fletcher boys (each from a different background; each adopted) and their two fathers vacation in New England. Together the boys and their neighbors, the Galindo girls, help solve the mystery of the closed lighthouse in this fast-paced novel with recognizable events and personalities. The characters in this stand-alone book were first introduced in The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher.
The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island
He is named after his father and is known as Little Thunder. But Little Thunder wants his name to reflect something special about him, what he does or who he is. Together with his dad, the perfect name is found. Vibrant illustrations and engaging narration present a recognizable concern.
Thunder Boy
The narrator is a rule-follower; his sister Jenny is a rule breaker. When Jenny breaks a rule, her brother must break a few in order to save her from the unique and quite humorous monsters she released. The outrageous tale is told and illustrated with verve and wit.
Rules of the House
Mei Mei and her grandfather do tai chi together in Gong Gong’s backyard. Gong Gong even tries to learn a bit of yoga with Mei Mei. The warm relationship between adult and child is evident in expressive, sometimes humorous illustration and playful text. A guide to basic tai chi and yoga moves concludes the book.
A Morning with Grandpa
Becoming a family can be hard, especially when the child doesn’t look like his/her parent. A small puppy narrates how “Mom is learning how to be my mom and I am learning how to be Mom’s kid. We are learning how to be a family.” Soft illustrations and gentle text tell an encouraging story.
My New Mom and Me
One morning, the young narrator cannot find his much loved toy, Bongo. He finally finds it but comes up with a smart plan to prevent Bongo from running away again. Lushly hued, expressive illustrations and a narration that incorporates Spanish words and phrases create a memorable family story.
Looking for Bongo
Meet a grand old woman who lives in a shoe with lots and lots of children. She also makes stew for the diverse cast of kids (and animals), mends their clothes, and fixes broken furniture! A well-known rhyme becomes new again in bright illustration and fresh verse.
There Was an Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe
A mother warns her seven children not to open the door in her absence, but alas, the children are duped by a tricky witch named Heckedy Peg. Their mother’s wisdom, however, cleverly saves the day. Told in the cadence of a folktale, this richly illustrated tale makes a fine read aloud.
Heckedy Peg
From sending invitations to preparing party games, the queen makes certain that all is just perfect for an upcoming birthday party. Whose birthday is it? Her daughter’s! Bouncy illustrations and a relaxed text are sure to inspire party planners everywhere.
The Birthday Queen
In this follow-up to the Newbery-winning novel The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship, take center stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read. This electric and heartfelt novel-in-verse by poet Kwame Alexander bends and breaks as it captures all the thrills and setbacks, action, and emotion of a World Cup match!