Lawrence Normand

Laurence Higgins is an enormously large black cat with an equally enormous secret. Every single day, he enjoys breakfast with Mrs. Higgins, lunch with the Normans, tea with Mr. Mason, and a massive supper with the Barclay-Lloyds. None of his four loving families have any idea that they are sharing their very hungry pet! This luxurious lifestyle works perfectly until all that waddling between houses gives Laurence terrible indigestion. When his friends suggest he needs to slim down to impress a beautiful cat down the street, Laurence reluctantly decides to cut back to just one house a day. But after losing the weight, he discovers a hilarious surprise: his dream girl actually prefers chubby cats! Join this delightfully greedy feline as he learns to embrace his true size in a laugh out loud neighborhood adventure. Sometimes, being yourself means enjoying that fourth dinner.

Step into another beautifully illustrated world from Vern Kousky, the creator of beloved characters like Harold the bear and Otto the owl. In this engaging story, young readers are invited to explore gentle themes of self-discovery, nature, and the importance of being true to yourself. With Kousky's signature lush artwork and compassionate storytelling, this book provides a wonderful reading experience for children who are just beginning to understand their own unique place in the world. Whether read aloud at bedtime or shared in a classroom, it offers the warmth, comfort, and quiet wisdom that parents and teachers have come to expect from this talented author and illustrator. A perfect addition to any growing library.

Stepping into a brand new environment is both thrilling and a little bit frightening. Tiny Mouse has never left the barn, so he is incredibly excited when his big sister Katy promises to take him to the cornfield. As they venture out, everything they pass is a towering, mysterious discovery, from an old boot to a giant tractor. You will share Tiny's wonder and sudden nervousness as he encounters strange bugs, birds, and sights he has never seen before. Through Katy's patient guidance, this beautiful story perfectly illustrates the bravery it takes to explore the wide world and the comfort of having an older sibling to show you the way.

The streets are swarming, and there is nowhere left to hide. Dr. Eggman has unleashed the ultimate nightmare: the Metal Virus. This terrifying plague is sweeping through entire cities, instantly turning innocent people into mindless, robotic Zombots who obey Eggman's every command. Sonic is racing desperately to save everyone he can, but he is carrying a dark secret. He has been infected by the virus himself. Only his constant, blazing speed is keeping the metal from completely taking over his body. But he cannot run forever, and the virus is starting to take a heavy toll. As the Zombot hordes multiply and surround them, even Sonic's closest friends are caught in the crossfire. No one is safe from the creeping metal. It is a terrifying race against time as Sonic fights exhaustion and a rising army to stop the most dangerous threat he has ever faced.

Sonic is used to outrunning trouble. This time, trouble is catching up. Rough and Tumble are back, and they want revenge on Sonic and his friends. But their return is only part of a much bigger danger. Old enemies and new villains are working together, and their latest threat could spread across the whole world. Even Sonic’s speed may not be enough when the danger is a strange virus that keeps moving from one victim to the next. With bold comic art, sharp action, and a darker science-fiction edge, this Sonic the Hedgehog graphic novel gives middle-grade readers a tense adventure about courage, teamwork, and racing against a threat that refuses to slow down.

Lawrence Berra, known to the world simply as Yogi, loved baseball more than anything. From his early days playing in an abandoned dump with his neighborhood friends, Yogi gave the game his all. But when he finally reached the major leagues, baseball didn't seem to love him back. He didn't look like a traditional athlete, and he faced relentless teasing and harsh pranks from sportswriters and fans. Instead of giving up, Yogi channeled his hurt into pure determination. With unmatched skill behind the plate and a knack for saying the most unforgettable, funny phrases, he proved his critics wrong. This dynamic biography captures the heart, talent, and famous wit of the iconic New York Yankee who earned a World Series ring for every finger and forced the game of baseball to love him back.

Alice Lawrence has spent a year trapped in the aftermath of her sister Claire’s murder. Now she is the only witness at the trial, expected to face the accused killer and convince a courtroom that what she saw in the corn maze was real. Then Alice wakes up on Halloween night one year earlier, on the very day Claire is supposed to die. Alice knows horror movies. She knows the rules, the jump scares, the masked killers, and the way danger hides in plain sight. But this time, the story is not on a screen. If she wants to save her sister, she has until midnight to uncover the truth and stop the real killer before another life is taken. Fast, frightening, and packed with slasher-movie tension, How to Survive Your Murder is a young adult horror thriller about grief, sisterhood, second chances, and the terrifying possibility of changing the past.

The deafening mills of Lawrence, Massachusetts, have gone silent, replaced by the angry shouts of thousands of striking workers. Rosa is terrified. Her mother and sister have joined the dangerous picket lines, marching against corrupt factory owners. Fearing the violence in the streets, Rosa's mother sends her away on a special train to safety in Vermont, meant for the children of the strikers. On the journey, Rosa is approached by Jake, a desperate boy hiding a dark secret, who begs her to pretend they are siblings. You will follow these two unlikely companions as they navigate a temporary new life with strangers in a quiet farming town. Set against the real-life events of the historic 1912 Bread and Roses strike, this is a profound exploration of class, courage, and unexpected alliances. You will be completely absorbed as Rosa and Jake fight to survive their separation from home, ultimately discovering the true meaning of solidarity and family.

Victoria Wright has no time for nonsense. As a practically perfect twelve year old, she likes her pristine life exactly the way it is. The only smudge on her perfect record is her best friend Lawrence. He is a total disaster, completely lazy, always untucked, and obsessed with playing the piano. Victoria constantly wonders why they are even friends. But then Lawrence vanishes. He is not the only child in town to go missing, either. Victoria launches her own investigation and soon uncovers dark secrets about the local orphanage run by the reclusive Mrs. Cavendish. The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls is not at all what it appears to be on the outside. Children go in, but they come out completely different, or they do not come out at all. Now Victoria must break all her own rules, lie, and sneak around to rescue her friend. If anyone can solve this terrifying mystery, it is Victoria, even if it means getting her perfectly clean clothes a little bit messy.

Do you ever feel like everything is going right in one part of your life, but messy in another? For Kassandra Conner, diving into the pool feels perfect and in control. But outside the water, things are a little trickier. Kass has just started at a new school, St. Lawrence Academy. It's supposed to be great, but her best friend, Aleah, isn't acting the same, and her family's restaurant is having a tough time. Even on the dive team, where she's with the amazing Amber Moore, Kass feels a bit lost. It's like she's trying to keep her head above water! Then Kass meets Miles. He's a diver too, and he understands what it feels like when things don't go your way. As they spend time together, Kass starts to wonder if she can find a way to break free from all the things that make her feel stuck. What will happen if she tries to change her life? Dive into Kassandra's story to find out how she navigates friendship, family, and finding her own way.

You are trapped in the worst possible version of the year 2023. In this chilling alternate reality where Germany won World War II, Henry, Frances, and Lukas find themselves stuck behind enemy lines in Westfallen. Their only hope of getting back to their own timeline lies hidden in the pages of vintage comic books that hold the forgotten secrets of the D-Day invasion. To fix the shattered timeline, you will follow the kids as they team up across decades with their friends Alice, Lawrence, and Artie, who are fighting their own dangerous battles back in 1944. The stakes keep rising. Lukas risks everything to play on a local baseball team while secretly sheltering a young runaway. In the past, Artie makes a devastating discovery about his own father that jeopardizes the cross-time radio keeping the friends connected. With the communication link stolen and the clock ticking, these six friends face an impossible rescue mission. Unlocking the deep secrets of a mysterious well might be their final chance to outsmart history and save your future before it is erased entirely.

Moving from San Francisco to a small town is hard enough, but finding where you fit in is a completely different challenge. Your father expects you to be a star athlete, a champion who commands the field and makes the family proud. But sports just are not your thing. You are much more interested in the quiet beauty of the world, like the sea glass you find along the shore. This poignant story explores the heavy weight of family expectations and the brave journey toward self-discovery. You will navigate the struggles of feeling out of place in your own community and the pressure to conform to an image that just does not fit. As you follow this journey of standing up for your true self, you will discover that real strength is not always about winning a game. It is about having the courage to embrace who you really are, even when it disappoints the people you love.

The final battle for the dragon kingdom has arrived. Princess Shimmer and her loyal companions face their greatest challenge yet as they declare war on the evil Boneless King. Their mission is twofold: they must rescue their kidnapped friend Thorn and reclaim their magnificent underwater home from the tyrant's grasp. This thrilling conclusion to the dragon series thrusts you directly into a high-stakes war filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient vendettas. You will fly alongside dragons and fight beside brave heroes who are willing to risk everything for loyalty and freedom. The underwater battles are fierce, the magic is unpredictable, and the sacrifices are heartbreaking. Through courage and unyielding friendship, Shimmer and her allies must find a way to outsmart a villain who seems practically invincible. Prepare for a breathtaking adventure where the fate of an entire magical species hangs in the balance.

Jump in Three thousand year old Miss Drake is back and she has quite the challenge on her claws. She has enrolled her pet human Winnie in The Spriggs Academy, a prestigious school where magical beings and humans study side by side. While Winnie is busy making new friends and learning science from Sir Isaac Newton himself, a shadowy plot to kidnap her begins to unfold in the heart of San Francisco. Why it pulls you in You will love the witty banter and the unusual reversal of roles between a sophisticated dragon and her energetic human. The mystery of who is after Winnie keeps the pages turning while the magical school setting offers endless surprises. What to expect Prepare for a charming adventure filled with clever humor and magical mishaps. It is a story about a deep and growing friendship that proves dragons and humans make the ultimate team when things get dangerous.

The ground beneath San Francisco is rumbling, and life is about to change forever. Eight-year-old Henry and nine-year-old Chin are best friends who spend their days reading thrilling novels, dreaming of brave heroes and wild adventures. They never expect to be tested in real life. When the massive 1906 earthquake strikes, the city crumbles around them, tearing streets apart and igniting fierce fires. Now, the two boys and their families must fight to survive the devastating aftermath. Told through the alternating perspectives of Henry and Chin, this gripping historical tale plunges you right into the heart of one of the most famous natural disasters in history. You will experience the sudden terror of the shaking earth and the incredible bravery of ordinary people stepping up to save one another. It is a story of resilience, deep friendship, and discovering that you do not need to be in a comic book to be a true hero.

A magical phoenix egg holds the power to change the world, and keeping it safe is going to take a very unusual team. Join a Chinese American boy and his misfit crew, a brilliant monkey, an exiled dragon princess, a clever rat, and a fierce tiger, as they plunge into the depths of the underwater dragon kingdom. Their mission is critical: they must protect the legendary egg from falling into the hands of a dark, ancient evil. This action-packed fantasy weaves rich mythology with high-stakes adventure, taking you on a wild ride through enchanted oceans and dangerous realms. You will encounter treacherous enemies and unpredictable magic at every turn. The unlikely friends must learn to trust each other and use their unique skills to outsmart villains who will stop at nothing to claim the egg. It is a fast-paced journey filled with humor, danger, and the true meaning of loyalty.

Twelve-year-old Casey only knows life on the move, trailing after her gambling father who always promises that their next big win will secure them a penthouse suite. But when an accident lands her father in the hospital, Casey's entire world shifts. She is sent to live with her grandmother, Paw-Paw, in the bustling heart of San Francisco's Chinatown. The crowded streets, the unfamiliar Chinese school, and the language barrier leave Casey feeling completely lost and out of place. She does not know how to fit into a culture she barely understands. Slowly, through Paw-Paw's patient stories about the mother Casey never knew and the family's treasured owl charm, a new world begins to open up. You will follow Casey as she unravels the mystery of her true Chinese name and discovers her own deep roots. This moving story is about finding your identity, bridging the gap between generations, and learning that home is sometimes found in the last place you expect to look.

Jump in Miss Drake is a dragon of a certain age who knows exactly how to handle humans. Or so she thinks! When she inherits a precocious ten year old girl named Winnie, she quickly realizes that this particular human pet is not going to follow the rules. Winnie is an artist who loves to draw the hidden magical creatures of San Francisco, but she soon discovers that her sketchbook has a mind of its own. Why it pulls you in You will be swept away by a version of San Francisco where magic is hiding in plain sight. When Winnie's drawings literally come to life and start causing chaos in the city, the unlikely duo must work together to catch the sketchlings before the secret of the magical world is revealed. What to expect Expect a fast-paced and funny journey that flips everything you thought you knew about dragons on its head. It is a heartwarming start to a series that balances high-stakes magic with the sweet struggle of two very different beings learning to trust each other.

Ancient magic, clever tricksters, and brave heroes leap off the page in this captivating collection of seventeen traditional Chinese American folktales. Passed down through generations by old-timers who brought their heritage to the United States, these stories are woven with rich cultural history and timeless wisdom. You will encounter mystical creatures, unravel clever riddles, and discover the hidden power of kindness and courage. Each tale transports you to a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, blending myth with the everyday struggles of settling in a new land. Whether it is a story about a foolish magistrate or a magical painted cat, these legends offer a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and dreams of early Chinese immigrants. It is a vibrant celebration of storytelling that preserves the voices of the past while offering thrilling adventures and moral lessons for readers today.

The morning of August 6, 1945, begins like any other for twelve-year-old Sachi and her classmates in Japan, as they work to clear away houses to help the war effort. But in a single, blinding flash of light, their entire world is wiped away. The Enola Gay has dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, unleashing destruction unlike anything humanity has ever seen. This powerful and devastating narrative follows Sachi through the immediate horrors of the blast and the agonizing days that follow. You will witness the terrifying reality of the bombing and its horrific aftermath through the eyes of a young survivor. The story does not shy away from the immense suffering, the ruined city, or the haunting question of whether Sachi will ever see her family again. It is a profound, heart-wrenching account of resilience, the deep scars of war, and the incredible strength it takes to rebuild a life from the ashes.

Survival in nineteenth-century China is a daily battle against famine, ruthless bandits, and bitter family divides. Young Cassia must step up to protect her loved ones when her mother dies and her family begins to splinter. Her father is a passionate revolutionary, deeply involved in the dangerous rebellion against the ruling Manchu dynasty, while her brother clashes violently with their father's ideals. Caught in the middle of this fierce ideological war, Cassia has to find her own strength to keep her family from tearing itself apart. This gripping historical novel immerses you in a landscape of political turmoil and desperate hardship. You will witness Cassia's incredible resilience as she navigates starvation, stands up to dangerous outlaws, and tries to bridge the widening gap between the men in her family. It is a powerful exploration of duty, the harsh realities of rebellion, and the unbreakable bonds of blood in the face of impossible odds.

Gather around for stories of magic, mischief, and deep wisdom. This remarkable collection brings together twenty Chinese folktales that have been passed down by word of mouth for generations. Told by old-timers who left their homelands to start new lives in the United States, these legends carried the spirit of China across the ocean. You will meet clever peasants, wicked landlords, shape-shifting ghosts, and heroes who rely on their wits rather than their muscles to win the day. These tales were more than just entertainment for the early Chinese immigrants; they were a way to remember their roots, teach important lessons, and find comfort in a strange new world. Dive into these enchanting narratives and experience the rich cultural heritage that shaped a community. From eerie ghost stories to triumphant fables, this anthology is a vivid celebration of the power of storytelling and the enduring magic of folklore.

Squeaky Lau's first encounter with the fierce Cassia Young ends with him staring down the sharp end of her sword. But in the dangerous, rebellion-torn landscape of 1855 China, enemies must sometimes become allies to survive. Swept up in the violent local uprisings against the ruling Manchu government, Squeaky soon loses his home and everything he knows. Forced to flee, he embarks on a perilous journey across the ocean to seek his fortune in the gold fields of California. This thrilling sequel blends high-stakes action with complex moral dilemmas. You will follow Squeaky as he navigates the brutal realities of war, the grueling voyage to America, and the harsh, unforgiving life of a gold miner. It is a rich, character-driven story about overcoming differences, fighting for a better future, and discovering what true courage looks like in a world where nothing comes easy.

Stacy Palmer has never really thought much about her Chinese American heritage. She has always just felt like a regular kid trying to navigate middle school. But everything changes when Hong Ch'un, a new student straight from China, arrives at her school. The two girls clash immediately, separated by a massive cultural divide. However, when Hong Ch'un is suddenly accused of stealing and runs away into the sprawling back streets of San Francisco's Chinatown, Stacy knows she has to help find her. As Stacy and her family search the bustling, unfamiliar alleys, she begins to see the world through a completely new lens. You will follow Stacy on a journey of discovery as she gets a glimpse into the vibrant culture her mother grew up in. It is a compelling story about breaking down prejudices, uncovering hidden family histories, and finally understanding what it truly means to embrace both sides of your identity.

Fifteen-year-old Otter has always lived a life of privilege in China, but a tragic accident forces him to flee his home and seek refuge across the ocean. In 1867, he arrives in America to join his father and uncle, expecting a land of endless opportunity. Instead, he is thrust into the brutal, freezing reality of the Sierra Nevada mountains, where Chinese immigrants labor under horrific conditions to build the transcontinental railroad. You will witness Otter's harrowing transformation from a sheltered boy to a hardened survivor. He must endure bone-chilling cold, the constant threat of starvation, deadly avalanches, and the cruel whip of a racist foreman. This powerful historical novel pulls no punches as it exposes the immense sacrifices made by the workers who helped build a nation. It is a story of grit, the painful shattering of illusions, and the desperate fight for dignity in an incredibly hostile world.

The grand opening of a new restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown is supposed to be a joyous celebration, complete with a spectacular lion dance. But the festivities take a sudden turn when two thousand dollars is stolen right from under everyone's noses. Now, it is up to Lily and her glamorous aunt, a famous Chinese American movie actress, to track down the culprit. This fast-paced mystery plunges you into the vibrant, bustling streets of Chinatown as the dynamic duo searches for clues and interviews a colorful cast of suspects. You will follow along as they piece together the puzzle, outsmarting thieves and uncovering hidden secrets behind the neighborhood's neon lights. It is a thrilling detective story packed with suspense, cultural flair, and clever sleuthing. Grab your magnifying glass and join Lily and her aunt as they race against the clock to crack the case and bring the true thief to justice.

Step into the vibrant and dangerous world of southern China in 531 A.D. through the private diary of a remarkable fifteen-year-old princess. Princess Redbird of the Hsien tribe is not just royalty; she is a crucial peacemaker caught between two clashing cultures. Her tribe's traditional ways are constantly at odds with the local Chinese colonists, and it falls on her young shoulders to act as the vital liaison between them. You will read her innermost thoughts as she navigates complex political tensions, looming wars, and the heavy burden of leadership. The diary format gives you a deeply personal look at the courage it takes to stand up for your people while trying to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. It is a captivating historical adventure that brings an ancient era to vivid life, showcasing a fierce and intelligent young woman determined to forge peace in a time of deep division.

Eight-year-old Moon Shadow is leaving everything he knows in China to cross the ocean and live with a father he has never even met. Arriving in early twentieth-century San Francisco, he finds his father, Windrider, working in a humble laundry. But Windrider has a secret, magnificent obsession: he is determined to build a flying machine. Despite the crushing poverty, the bitter mockery of their own community, and the racial prejudice of the outside world, Moon Shadow grows to deeply respect his father and share his breathtaking vision. You will follow this incredibly moving journey as the father and son bond over blueprints and dreams of taking to the skies. Even when the devastating 1906 earthquake tears the city apart, their determination only grows stronger. This beautifully written historical fiction is a testament to the power of imagination, the unbreakable bond of family, and the courage to chase the impossible against all odds.

Princess Shimmer is a dragon without a home. The wicked sorceress Civet stole her glorious underwater kingdom, trapping the entire sea inside a single, enchanted jewel. Now a renegade, Shimmer is determined to redeem herself, capture the witch, and restore her clan's stolen home. But she cannot do it alone. Along her perilous quest, she crosses paths with Thorn, a young human boy, and the two form an unlikely and powerful alliance. You will dive into a thrilling fantasy adventure woven with rich Chinese mythology, battling terrifying monsters and unraveling ancient magic. The journey is fraught with danger, testing the bravery and loyalty of both dragon and boy as they track down the elusive Civet. It is a fast-paced tale of redemption, unexpected friendship, and the relentless fight to right the wrongs of the past in a world where magic rules.

The quest to restore the dragon kingdom continues, but the stakes have never been higher. Princess Shimmer, the fierce dragon without a sea, must mend a magical cauldron if she ever hopes to pour her stolen ocean back where it belongs. To accomplish this impossible task, she assembles a truly bizarre and unforgettable team. Join Shimmer, a brilliant but mischievous monkey wizard, a newly reformed witch trying to make amends, and two brave human companions as they set off on a perilous journey. You will travel alongside them through treacherous landscapes filled with dark magic, ancient secrets, and monstrous enemies determined to stop them. The fractured group must learn to trust one another and combine their unique powers to survive. This action-packed fantasy is a thrilling ride full of humor, danger, and the enduring power of friendship as they fight to bring a lost world back to life.

Moving to a new town is hard, but for fifteen-year-old Joan Lee, it feels like landing on another planet. Leaving behind their familiar life in Ohio, Joan and her Chinese American family arrive in a small West Virginia town in the 1920s to open a laundry business. Almost immediately, they are met with suspicious stares, cruel whispers, and a community that treats them like complete outsiders. Joan is caught between two worlds, struggling to translate and navigate the harsh prejudices of their new neighbors while trying to support her hardworking parents. You will feel Joan's frustration and resilience as she fights to carve out a place for herself and her family in a town that refuses to welcome them. This powerful, emotionally resonant novel explores the painful realities of discrimination and the fierce determination required to build a home and bridge the gap of understanding in an unwelcoming world.

Princess Shimmer's clan is suffering. Stripped of their home and forced into brutal slavery at the underwater forges of the High King, her people are losing hope. Determined to free them, the renegade dragon princess and her loyal human companion, Thorn, must face their most dangerous challenge yet. They have to confront the jealous, treacherous Dragon King himself. You will be pulled into a deep-sea world of glittering magic, shifting alliances, and deadly political games. Shimmer and Thorn must use every ounce of their wits and courage to outsmart a tyrant who wields immense power and holds a bitter grudge. As they fight to break the chains binding the dragon clan, their friendship is tested in the fires of the underwater forges. It is an epic fantasy adventure filled with breathtaking battles, daring rescues, and the unbreakable will to fight for freedom against impossible odds.

Ballet is Robin's absolute passion, the one thing that makes her feel truly alive. But her dreams come crashing to a halt when her family's money has to be used to bring her grandmother from Hong Kong to America. Suddenly, the ballet lessons stop, and Robin's life is turned upside down. To make matters worse, her grandmother is strict, distant, and seems to favor Robin's younger brother, leaving Robin feeling resentful and invisible in her own home. The tension in the house grows until Robin discovers a startling, hidden truth about her grandmother's past. You will follow Robin as she slowly peels back the layers of a painful family history, learning about the physical and emotional scars her grandmother carries. This deeply moving story is about letting go of jealousy, understanding the sacrifices of the older generation, and finding a new, unexpected connection that bridges a deep cultural divide.

Tom Lee never asked to be a magical guardian, but the fate of the world is now resting squarely on his shoulders. The evil Lord Vatten is gathering his monstrous forces, determined to capture the magical phoenix and plunge the human realm into eternal darkness. To stop this ancient villain, Tom must unite a wildly unpredictable band of allies. Side by side with shape-shifting tigers, legendary dragons, and his closest friends, Tom prepares for the ultimate showdown. This ancient alliance is the only thing standing between Vatten and total victory. But as the final war looms closer, Tom realizes that raw magic will not be enough to save them. He must unlock the true power hidden within his own bloodline and learn what it really means to be a leader. Get ready for a breathless adventure packed with Chinese mythology, high stakes, and the ultimate test of loyalty. Will Tom and his team be strong enough to protect the phoenix and save humanity before time runs out?

A mysterious girl is found half starved and abandoned on an uninhabited island off the coast of England in May 1915. Alfie and his fisherman father rescue her, but she has absolutely no memory of who she is or how she survived. She can only speak a single word: Lucy. As Alfie's family nurses her back to health, the local villagers grow suspicious, wondering if she might be an enemy spy washed ashore from a U-boat. Meanwhile, across the ocean in New York City, a girl named Merry and her mother board the magnificent ocean liner Lusitania, desperate to reunite with Merry's wounded father in England despite rumors of danger. As the two distinct stories unfold from different sides of the sea, they slowly weave together into a breathtaking mystery. This sweeping tale explores the devastating impacts of war and the incredible power of kindness.

Desperate to escape the suffocating prison of her wealthy aunt's mansion, Blue Laurence runs away to join the Magnifico Family Circus. It is 1932, and the Great Depression has its harsh grip on the country, but the traveling troupe brings dazzling glamour and much-needed laughter to every rural town they visit. Blue manages to hide her crippled legs and deep scars behind the sparkling costume of a beautiful mermaid. But she is definitely not the only performer hiding a dark and dangerous secret. The circus is full of mystery, from a bearded lady with a very familiar laugh to a real skeleton dangling in the House of Horrors. You will be captivated by this thrilling journey as Blue realizes that a cunning murderer is hiding right among them, waiting for the perfect moment to strike again.

The year is 1942, and the United States is reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. But in Concord, Massachusetts, the March family is grieving an entirely different tragedy: the heartbreaking loss of their sister, Beth. Under the heavy weight of their sorrow, the remaining March sisters begin to drift apart as they forge their own paths through a world at war. Jo throws herself into the war effort, nursing her emotional wounds by building airplanes in Connecticut. Meg stays behind, holding down the home front with Marmee while grappling with the expectations placed upon her. Meanwhile, Amy harbors a secret life serving coffee and doughnuts as a Red Cross volunteer in London, the very same city where Theodore Laurence is stationed as an army pilot. Told from the distinct perspectives of each sister, this compelling reimagining of a beloved classic weaves together three prose narratives with Beth's lingering voice in verse. As the world undergoes catastrophic change, the sisters must navigate grief, forbidden love, and self-discovery. Ultimately, they will have to learn how to live without their sister while letting the power of their family bond pull them back together.

What if the classic story of the March sisters had a different ending? It is 1869 in Concord, Massachusetts, and Jo March is reeling from a massive surprise: her simple book of scribbles has become a runaway bestseller. Now, her publisher and her passionate fans are demanding a sequel, but Jo is entirely out of inspiration. Desperate for a spark, she travels to New York City with her dearest friend, the boy next door, Theodore Laurence. Their week is a whirlwind of museums, operas, and a magical reading by Charles Dickens himself. But Laurie has more than just friendship on his mind. Despite her own confusing feelings, Jo's fierce desire for independence leads her to reject his heartfelt marriage proposal, sending a heartbroken Laurie away to college. When he eventually returns to Concord with a sophisticated new girlfriend on his arm, Jo must face a difficult truth. Will she finally find the courage to communicate her true feelings, or will she lose the love of her life forever?

With the devastating threat of World War II looming right on their doorstep, the children of Greenwich, England, are forced to board trains to be evacuated to the safety of the countryside. But four young people sitting in the same carriage make a bold, split-second decision: they simply aren't ready to leave their home behind. Climbing out of the train window just in the nick of time, Laurence, Gemmy, Franklin, and Olive forge an unlikely but fiercely loyal friendship. Heading back into the heart of a city preparing for war, they spend their days trying to be as useful as possible. Laurence constructs a secret machine, Gemmy searches bombed-out homes and rescues an adorable stray mutt, Franklin lies about his age in desperate hopes of joining the fire service, and Olive tenderly cares for her broken-hearted firefighter father. Together, the four friends roam the shifting streets of London, discovering their own incredible resilience. But as the Blitz finally unleashes a merciless barrage of bombs, turning the night sky a ragged, fiery red, can they possibly keep each other safe? Beautifully researched and deeply moving, this is an unforgettable celebration of hope and friendship during the darkest of times.

Mary Church Terrell fought segregation with learning, strategy, persistence, and a refusal to accept second-class citizenship. The daughter of a formerly enslaved man, she became one of the most educated Black women of her generation and used her voice in schools, organizations, speeches, and protests. Fight On! introduces teen readers to Terrell’s long life of activism, from her work in education and civil rights to her role among leaders such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Ida B. Wells. The biography gives special attention to her battle for integration in Washington, D.C., showing how determination across a lifetime can help change public life. With endnotes, bibliography, and index, it is a serious and inspiring nonfiction account for readers studying civil rights, women’s history, and American reform movements.