Marco Polo is a small felt mouse who used to be a Christmas ornament on Anne the librarian's tree. But now he's one of the Book Buddies, toys that can be checked out just like books. Marco Polo may be small, but he's also a brave explorer looking for adventure-if only someone would check him out of the library. Seth is a boy who visits the library with his dad and younger brother. He wishes he could be a little more brave, especially when he goes on his first sleepover. But maybe a small explorer like Marco Polo is just the kind of friend he needs. From Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Lord, here is the second title in a heartwarming series about a group of friendly toys at the library and the children who borrow them.
Ivy used to be Anne the librarian's favorite doll when she was a little girl. And when Anne finds Ivy again in the attic, she brings her to the library to join the Book Buddies, toys that can be checked out, just like books. But Ivy doesn't want to be borrowed. She wants to go back to the way things used to be when she was Anne's favorite toy. Fern, who is spending time with her dad and his new family, doesn't want to go to the library-story time is for younger kids like her stepsiblings, Sophie and Ethan. And she definitely doesn't want to borrow a doll. But Sophie insists and Fern ends up borrowing Ivy. Can Fern and Ivy find a way to help each other adjust to a world that's changed? From Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Lord and celebrated artist Stephanie Graegin, here is the first in a heartwarming series about a group of friendly toys at the library and the children who borrow them.
When Lily's blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it's Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season. After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily's grandfather, and Salma's friendship transforms Lily's summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they'll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?
A moving new middle-grade novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES. When Lucy's family moves to an old house on a lake, Lucy tries to see her new home through her camera's lens, as her father has taught her -- he's a famous photographer, away on a shoot. Will her photos ever meet his high standards? When she discovers that he's judging a photo contest, Lucy decides to enter anonymously. She wants to find out if her eye for photography is really special -- or only good enough. As she seeks out subjects for her photos, Lucy gets to know Nate, the boy next door. But slowly the camera reveals what Nate doesn't want to see: his grandmother's memory is slipping away, and with it much of what he cherishes about his summers on the lake. This summer, Nate will learn about the power of art to show truth. And Lucy will learn how beauty can change lives . . . including her own.
Acclaimed author Cynthia Lord received the Newbery Honor for her debut novel Rules, which School Library Journal called "a lovely, warm read." In Touch Blue, Lord pens a moving tale about the meaning of home. Tess is heartbroken when she learns the state of Maine is about to shut down her small island's schoolhouse, forcing her family to move to the mainland. But Tess' parents have a plan. Increasing the school's attendance by having families take in foster children just might change the state's mind. Tess is sure the plan will work, but she makes a wish on some blue seaglass just in case.
There's a hot rod race today at noon! But before the hamster can enter the big race, he must first find his perfect hot rod. Where will he ever find a car small enough for a hamster? Of course-the One Dog's Junk Yard! Dog tries to help Hamster, but there are so many cars for the hamster to choose from. Old car? New car? Or a shiny, glittering blue car? How will Hamster ever decide which is best for burning rubber? In Hot Rod Hamster, Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Lord pens a delightful tale about a hamster who feels the need for speed. Children will be thrilled to join in as narrator L.J. Ganser's vibrant voice guides them through Hamster's difficult decision and asks, "Which would you choose? Junior racing fans will get a vicarious thrill with this story …"-Booklist
"children will sympathize with the small creature's struggle to compete with bigger, gruffer opponents and cheer him on to the finish line."-School Library Journal
