"White Fang" by Jack London is a classic novel that tells the story of a wild wolf-dog's journey from the wilderness to domestication. Born in the harsh Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush, White Fang learns to navigate the brutal realities of survival and encounters both cruelty and kindness from humans. The novel explores themes of instinct versus nurture, the bond between humans an…
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—growing up in Civil War-era Massachusetts. Despite financial hardships, the sisters share a strong bond and support each other as they pursue their dreams. Meg, the eldest, marries John Brooke and starts a family; Jo, a tomboy with a passion for writing, moves to New York, meets Professor Bhaer, and eventually opens a school for boys with him; Beth, shy and musical, rem…
Vashti, a young girl, believes she can't draw. In art class, she sits in front of a blank sheet of paper, feeling frustrated and defeated. Her teacher gently encourages her to "make a mark and see where it takes you." In defiance, Vashti jabs the paper with a dot and hands it to her teacher. To Vashti's surprise, her teacher asks her to sign it.
"The Gardener" by Sarah Stewart is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of Lydia Grace Finch, a young girl sent to live with her stern uncle in the city during the Great Depression. Through a series of letters to her family, Lydia Grace shares her experiences and her passion for gardening. Despite the challenges, she brings joy and transformation to her uncle's bakery …
"Ever After High: A Wonderlandiful World" by Shannon Hale is a thrilling installment in the Ever After High series. The story follows the adventures of the children of famous fairy tale characters as they navigate their destinies at Ever After High. In this book, the characters find themselves caught in a magical mess when Wonderland's magic spills into their world, causing chaos and confusion.…
"Shadow" by Marcia Brown is a captivating picture book that explores the imaginative relationship between a boy and his shadow. Through evocative illustrations and minimal text, the book follows the boy as he interacts with his shadow, which takes on a life of its own. The story unfolds in a dreamlike manner, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and encourages readers to ponder the n…
"David Gets in Trouble" by David Shannon is a humorous children's book that follows the misadventures of a young boy named David who finds himself in trouble for various antics throughout his day. Through lively illustrations and straightforward text, Shannon captures the essence of childhood mischief and the lessons learned about responsibility and forgiveness. This book is part of the popular…
"How I Became a Pirate" is a delightful children's book by Melinda Long with illustrations by David Shannon. The story follows Jeremy Jacob, a young boy who joins a band of pirates on an exciting adventure. As Jeremy experiences the pirate life, he learns about the fun and challenges of being a pirate, ultimately realizing the comforts of home. The book's engaging narrative and vibrant illustra…
"The Relatives Came" is a heartwarming children's book by Cynthia Rylant with illustrations by Stephen Gammell. The story describes the joyful visit of extended family members who come from far away for a summer reunion. Through engaging text and lively illustrations, the book captures the excitement, warmth, and chaos of a large family gathering. It highlights themes of family bonds and the ha…
"Paddle-to-the-Sea" is a classic children's book that tells the story of a small carved wooden figure, Paddle-to-the-Sea, and his journey from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. Through beautifully detailed illustrations and engaging narrative, Holling Clancy Holling provides readers with an adventurous tale that also teaches about geography, nature, and the interconnectedness of waterways.