Walking with Miss Millie


Book Description

“A memorable and lovely debut.”--Kirkus Reviews “Walking with Miss Millie is full of subtle wisdom. Its ending is satisfying though sobering and there are elements of this story that stay with you long after the last page has been read.”--Karen English, Coretta Scott King Honor Award Author A poignant middle grade debut about the friendship between a white girl and an elderly black woman in the 1960s South Alice is angry at having to move to Rainbow, Georgia—a too small, too hot, dried-up place she’s sure will never feel like home. Then she gets put in charge of walking her elderly neighbor’s dog. But Clarence won’t budge without Miss Millie, so Alice and Miss Millie walk him together. Strolling with Clarence and Miss Millie quickly becomes the highlight of Alice's day and opens her eyes to all sorts of new things to marvel over. During their walks, they meet a mix of people, and Alice sees that although there are some bullies and phonies, there are plenty of kind folks, too. Miss Millie shares her family’s story with Alice, showing her the painful impact segregation has had on their town. And with Miss Millie, Alice is finally able to express her own heartache over why her family had to move there in the first place. Tamara Bundy’s beautifully written debut celebrates the wonder and power of friendship: how it can be found when we least expect it and make any place a home.




Pixie Pushes On


Book Description

A young girl learns bittersweet life lessons on the family farm after her sister gets polio, in this poignant and funny novel set in the heartland in the 1940s. Pixie's defenses are up, and it's no wonder. She's been uprooted, the chickens seem to have it in for her, and now her beloved sister, Charlotte, has been stricken with polio and whisked away into quarantine. So it's not surprising Pixie lashes out. But her habit of making snap judgements--and giving her classmates nicknames like "Rotten Ricky" and "Big-Mouth Berta"--hasn't won her any friends. At least life on the farm is getting better with the delivery of its newest resident--a runt baby lamb. Raising Buster takes patience and understanding--and this slowing down helps Pixie put things in better perspective. So too does paying attention to her neighbors, and finding that with the war on she's not the only one missing someone. As Pixie pushes past her own pain to become a bigger person, she's finally able to make friends; and to laugh about the fact that it is in places where she least expected it. "Pixie is full of heart! A laugh-out-loud book that also wades into poignant life lessons. A must read!"--Lynda Mullaly Hunt, author of Fish in a Tree "Pixie has bad luck--and is bad luck if you ask her. But she also has grit and gumption, so when her bad luck doesn't let go, she opens her eyes and her heart wider. Her world changes when she changes how she looks at her world. I loved Pixie and her story--a story filled with humor, hope, and everyday heroes."--Lynn Plourde, author of Maxi's Secrets




Behind Closed Doors


Book Description

"First published in Great Britain by MIRA/Harlequin, HarperCollins UK"--Title page verso.




Secrets Uncovered


Book Description




The Bookish Life of Nina Hill


Book Description

*The hilarious new novel from Abbi Waxman - I WAS TOLD IT WOULD GET EASIER - is available now* Abbi Waxman's charming novel follows introvert and bookworm Nina Hill as she discovers if real life can ever live up to fiction... Shortlisted for the Comedy Women In Print Prize, this novel is perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond and Maria Semple. 'GORGEOUS' Marian Keyes 'Like a big slab of your favourite cake in book form' Libby Page, author of The Lido Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own. . . shell. Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, an excellent trivia team and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book. So when the father she never knew existed dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. And if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny and interested in getting to know her... It's time for Nina to turn her own fresh page, and find out if real life can ever live up to fiction. . . Praise for The Bookish Life of Nina Hill... 'Like a conversation with the funniest person you know - just lovely' KATIE FFORDE 'Charmed by its funny loveliness' NINA STIBBE, AUTHOR OF REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL 'Book lovers will absolutely relate' O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE 'Meet our bookish millennial heroine - a modern-day Elizabeth Bennet' THE WASHINGTON POST 'A quirky, eccentric romance that will charm any bookworm' ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY 'I hope you're in the mood to be downright delighted, because that's the state you'll find yourself in' POPSUGAR




Fahrenheit 451


Book Description

A fireman in charge of burning books meets a revolutionary school teacher who dares to read. Depicts a future world in which all printed reading material is burned.




Walking with Miss Millie


Book Description

“A memorable and lovely debut.”--Kirkus Reviews “Walking with Miss Millie is full of subtle wisdom. Its ending is satisfying though sobering and there are elements of this story that stay with you long after the last page has been read.”--Karen English, Coretta Scott King Honor Award Author A poignant middle grade debut about the friendship between a white girl and an elderly black woman in the 1960s South Alice is angry at having to move to Rainbow, Georgia—a too small, too hot, dried-up place she’s sure will never feel like home. Then she gets put in charge of walking her elderly neighbor’s dog. But Clarence won’t budge without Miss Millie, so Alice and Miss Millie walk him together. Strolling with Clarence and Miss Millie quickly becomes the highlight of Alice's day and opens her eyes to all sorts of new things to marvel over. During their walks, they meet a mix of people, and Alice sees that although there are some bullies and phonies, there are plenty of kind folks, too. Miss Millie shares her family’s story with Alice, showing her the painful impact segregation has had on their town. And with Miss Millie, Alice is finally able to express her own heartache over why her family had to move there in the first place. Tamara Bundy’s beautifully written debut celebrates the wonder and power of friendship: how it can be found when we least expect it and make any place a home.




Mickey the Wonder Cat (Book 2)


Book Description

Meet Mickey: The Cat with Dreams as Big as His Whiskers! Step into the whimsical world of Mickey, a charismatic cat whose dreams are as grand as his catnip-infused couch. From wild adventures in dreamland to navigating the hilarious complexities of CatWood, Mickey's journey is a rollercoaster of laughter, love, and unexpected twists. Join him as he paws his way through dreams, talent shows, romantic escapades, and presidential purr-suits. Get ready for a meow-nificent experience with Mickey – the feline with a flair for the extraordinary! Chapter – 6 So, Mickey's having a wild dream about being a cat heartthrob with not one, not two, but three kitty girlfriends – Mona, Maria, and Mira. They're all into him, singing songs and being all cute. But, oh boy, things take a twist when they decide to turn Mickey's ears into elephant-sized flappers. Dream logic, right? Now, back to reality. Mickey stumbles upon a talent show in CatWood, and let's just say it's a comedy gold mine. There's a magician cat named Tiger, whose tricks are more like "whoopsies" than "wow." First, he tries to make fruits disappear, but they're not going anywhere. Then, he promises a candy rain but ends up with a mouse shower instead! Talk about a cat-astrophe! But wait, the real show-stopper is when Tiger accidentally turns the falling mice into autumn leaves. The cats go nuts trying to catch them, leaving chaos on stage. Poor Zima, the host, takes a tumble, and the judges? Well, they're on a mission to catch mice too. Now, here's the kicker – Mickey, who was 11th in line, suddenly becomes the third participant. How? Nobody knows. But Mickey seizes the moment with a barrage of cat jokes that have the whole audience in stitches. As if things couldn't get crazier, Zima, the host, decides to give Mickey a kiss. But hold your paws! Mickey panics, realizing his cat girlfriend might see him on TV kissing another kitty. He shouts a hilarious "NOOOO!" and narrowly escapes a potential broom attack. Chapter 6 is a sidesplitting mix of dreams, talent show disasters, and Mickey's comedic genius, making you wonder what kind of cat-astrophe he'll stumble into next! Stay tuned for more laughs and cat-tastic adventures. Meow on! Chapter – 7 So, picture this: Mickey's enjoying his cat paradise, right? Colorful walls, catnip-infused cookies in the kitchen, and a wardrobe full of stylish bowties. Life is good in CatWood, or so he thinks. Enter the Cat Postal Service, a.k.a. the PostCats. They knock on Mickey's door, delivering not just letters but a whole lot of drama. Mickey, being the lazy cat he is, tries to pass the responsibility to Jessie, his cat wife. But Jessie's having none of it. She's in the bathroom, probably plotting her next move in the ongoing battle for Mickey's attention. The first letter from Julie, the mysterious gray lady, drops a bomb. Turns out, Jessie might have more than just friendly intentions. Julie, being the drama-loving cat, writes a detailed letter to Mickey, exposing Jessie's plans to steal his affection. Mickey, in a panic, decides to hide the letters, fearing Jessie's wrath. But, oh no, clumsy Mickey drops the first letter right in front of Jessie. Chaos ensues! Jessie, discovering the lovey-dovey letter, goes from confused to furious in seconds. She reads aloud, "Meow, meow, and a thousand meows! How's my favourite whisker-twitching, tail-wagging, utterly charming cat doing today?" Jessie's eyes widen, and she starts connecting the dots about a potential kitten-making plan. As Jessie confronts Mickey, accusing him of planning a feline family with the mysterious Julie, things take a turn for the worse. Mickey, attempting a dramatic escape, heads for the window. But Jessie, armed with slippers and a flower vase, goes full-on warfare mode. Slippers fly, vases crash, and Mickey finds himself on the wrong end of Jessie's feline fury. In a dramatic sequence of events, Jessie, with a battle cry, leaps onto Mickey. The heavy, 30-kilogram cat bomb drops, and Mickey lets out a symphony of yowls and cries. In the midst of this love triangle catastrophe, Mickey realizes that being a charismatic cat comes with its share of risks. Will he survive Jessie's wrath? Will the love triangle drama ever end? Stay tuned for the next chapter of Mickey's rollercoaster romantic escapades in CatWood! Chapter – 8 In the heart of the United States of Meow Cats headquarters, President Mickey faces a catnapping plot that takes an unexpected turn. After a triumphant victory in the presidential election, President Mickey is all set for his parade when he gets diverted into a dark and mysterious path by a seemingly trustworthy cat. Little does he know, he's fallen into the clutches of the Anti-President Gang! In the gloomy lair of the Anti-President Gang, Mickey discovers a room filled with cat mischief and rebellious nonsense. From posters declaring "Whiskers Unite Against Mickey!" to a disco ball trying to add glamour to their campaign, it's clear they've gone all out in their anti-Mickey antics. Tied to a plush throne with rainbow-colored yarn, Mickey finds himself at the mercy of the feline villains. The gang, led by the bossy John, reveals their motive for catnapping the president - they can't stand Mickey's rising popularity and want to put an end to it. Negotiations for his release take a hilarious turn when Mickey's urgent need for a bathroom break becomes the focal point. John, fearing the wrath of his own wife, refuses to let Mickey use the restroom unless a hefty sum of Meow Attention is paid. As Mickey desperately tries to hold on, a series of comedic exchanges ensue, painting a vivid picture of the chaotic lair and the absurdity of the situation. In a surprising turn of events, Mickey's bladder gives in, leading to a moment of embarrassment and panic for both him and the gang. Seizing the opportunity, Mickey makes a break for it, running through dark corridors and narrowly escaping the clutches of the Anti-President Gang. The word spreads like wildfire, and soon, Mickey finds himself in the midst of a crowd of concerned citizens, eager reporters, and bodyguards. As questions about his wet pants and the catnapping attempt flood in, Mickey weaves a creative tale about liquid weapons and bravely escaping the clutches of his captors. Chapter – 9 Picture this: President Mickey, reigning over the United States of Meow Cats from his grand office adorned with fish-shaped pens, is in for a claw-some surprise. The country is in the midst of a housing crisis, and the blame game among ministers reaches WWE-worthy levels. Immigration issues, cardboard shortages, and a gang of smugglers add layers to this fur-raising tale. As Mickey grapples with the crisis, enter Tiger, a magician cat with a flair for drama. Meanwhile, the cat cabinet's internal war escalates, with the FBIMC's head officer declaring an unexpected war against Mickey. Amidst political intrigue and feline chaos, Mickey faces the daunting task of untangling the housing crisis. In a chapter filled with meow-dacious twists, comedic turns, and unexpected alliances, readers are in for a rollercoaster ride. Will Mickey emerge victorious, or will the United States of Meow Cats succumb to pandemonium? Find out as this uproarious chapter weaves political satire, feline humor, and unexpected antics that will leave readers clawing for more! Chapter – 10 Cat Dreams to Cat Naps: The Business Saga Mickey, the cat with dreams as big as his catnip-infused couch, decides to become a billionaire entrepreneur. However, his pursuit of wealth takes a hilarious turn when he explores weight loss online, battles with a sassy AI assistant, and gets inspired by the extravagant lives of 'Cat Billionaires' on TV. Mickey's Restaurant: A Love-Infused Catastrophe Launching 'Mickey's Restaurant,' a haven for single girl cats with the irresistible offer of free meals, seemed like a purrfect plan. But when Mickey's romantic pursuits lead to heartbreak, bankruptcy looms. The dream of being a cat billionaire shatters, and bouncers arrive to collect debts. Will Mickey's entrepreneurial dreams survive the chaos of love and finance? From Whisker Wonderland to Business Woes Join Mickey in a rollercoaster ride of whimsical business ventures, heartwarming dreams, and unexpected pitfalls. Can Mickey rise from financial ruin and find the elusive balance between love and business? Find out in the next chapter of Mickey's unforgettable journey!




Make the Sky Blue


Book Description

In the early ’70s, husbands had jobs outside the home and wives had jobs at home. Sally and Ken Lansing and their baby Tiger live in a rural area, and Beth and Laurence Wellcroft in a wealthy subdivision with Beth’s mother and her black caregiver, Verna. Adultery by Ken and an unplanned pregnancy upend Sally’s life. Beth’s miscarriages and inability to conceive and her mother’s deteriorating health challenge Beth. A Thanksgiving surprise for Verna with son Jeff propels the two women to take a trip to the Sierra to visit Sally’s friends. Laurence, meanwhile, travels to China on business and has an adventure. Living during the rural to suburban transition and the beginning of feminism bring Sally and Beth closer together. Sally phones Beth about Tiger and about her husband, Ken, having an affair. Beth phones Sally over infertility and her mother’s Alzheimer’s. These two women, different in age and background, forge a friendship of mutual solace. Their friendship shows how women’s friendships are necessarily life-changing and life-affirming.




Genre-Based Strategies to Promote Critical Literacy in Grades 4–8


Book Description

Draws on critical and radical change theory to equip both aspiring and practicing library and teacher candidates with practical, research-based ideas for enacting critical literacy practices in middle grade libraries and classrooms. Genre Based Strategies to Promote Critical Literacy in Grades 4-8 provides strategies and lesson plans with additional resources and tools for school librarians and teachers to engage middle grade students in reading children's literature through a critical literacy lens. To be critically literate readers and thinkers, students must learn to question what they read, asking themselves who wrote the text, why the text was written, and how the text positions its readers and others. Teaching students how to read from a critical literacy stance is a timely and relevant practice in a world in which text is available instantly and on nearly any mobile device. In many cases, preparation programs for school librarians and teachers do not teach candidates how to incorporate critical literacy practices in library and classroom settings. This book provides both pre-service and in-service school librarians and teachers with that professional development and guidance for teaching critical literacy in children's literature courses.