Summer of Brave
Summer of Brave
Twelve-year-old Lilla Baxter-Willoughby doesn’t lie. She’s just a little bit…selective. To keep her parents happy, Lilla hides how much she hates moving back and forth between their houses, and she stomps down her doubts about that elite high school they’re pushing her toward. To keep peace with her best friend Vivi, Lilla doesn’t share that she got the junior camp counselor job that Vivi wanted. And even though—no, especially because—he seems into it, Lilla does not tell the boy she grew up with about all the little sparks that flared up inside her the day she noticed his Suddenly Adorable Freckles.
So when Vivi dares Lilla to start telling the truth as part of their Summer of Brave, Lilla hesitates. Because if she says out loud what she really wants, her whole life might crash down around her. And she doesn’t need that. Except maybe she does.
Sometimes It’s Hard to Be Nice
Sometimes being nice means being patient with your little brother who doesn’t know how to treat your favorite things. Being nice can mean going to your sister’s boring dance recital. Or tasting a tuna noodle casserole your grandma made—when you can’t stand tuna noodle casserole. Being nice takes practice, and that’s okay. You just keep trying, and soon you discover how GREAT it feels…to be nice!
Snow Day in May
Raven is having the worst week ever. Her best friend Belle has just moved away, and tomorrow is Voices of History Day. Raven and Belle were working on their project together, and now Raven has to present alone—in front of the whole class. But when Raven stumbles upon the Wish Library and asks for school to be canceled, she faces a whole new challenge—and finds that just maybe she had the bravery she needed all along.
Shaped By Her Hands
The most renowned Native American Indian potter of her time, Maria Povika Martinez learned pottery as a child under the guiding hands of her ko-ōo, her aunt. She grew up to discover a new firing technique that turned her pots black and shiny, and made them—and Maria—famous. This inspiring story of family and creativity illuminates how Maria’s belief in sharing her love of clay brought success and joy from her New Mexico Pueblo to people all across the country.
Sam Is My Sister
Evan loves being big brother to Sam and Finn. They do everything together—go fishing, climb trees, and play astronauts. But lately, Evan notices that he and Sam don’t look like brothers anymore. Sam wants to have long hair, and even asks to wear a dress on the first day of school. As time goes by, Evan comes to understand why Sam wants to look like a girl—because Sam is a girl. Sam is transgender. And just like always, Sam loves to dream with Evan and Finn about going to the moon together. Based on one family’s real-life experiences, this heartwarming story of a girl named Sam and the brothers who love and support her will resonate with readers everywhere.
Principal for a Day
When Raven leaves for vacation, Luca finds himself on his own again. As the new kid at Lincoln Elementary, he’s tired of getting told what to do by everyone around him. So despite his best friend’s warnings, Luca visits the Wish Library and asks to be the one in charge. But even rule makers need to compromise sometimes.
Listening to the Stars
A biography of astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who helped build a radio telescope that contributed to her discovery of pulsars, a new type of star. Some scientists consider it the greatest astronomical discovery of the twentieth century. Despite this achievement, she was overlooked in favor of two male colleagues when the Nobel Prize for physics was awarded. Bell is still working and teaching today, recognized for her contribution.
I’m a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog
Chewie’s nose always knows. That’s why he’s training to be a gluten-detection service dog for Alice. His job will be to keep Alice from getting sick. But Chewie gets distracted by bugs in the air and pizza on the sidewalk. He must find a way to focus and complete his training—because Alice needs him.
I Am Tucker, Detection Expert
Spend the day in the life of a detection dog! Tucker the beagle is more than just a friendly face at the airport. As part of the “Beagle Brigade,” he helps keep out invasive species that could hurt the environment. It’s a job that would be almost impossible for humans—but for Tucker, it’s all in a day’s work. Told from the dog’s perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.
I Am Skye, Finder of the Lost
Spend a day in the life of a search and rescue dog! Skye the border collie has spent her life comforting people after disasters. Lately, she’s also been training to help find people who have gone missing in her national park. But is Skye ready to make her first rescue? Told from the dog’s perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.