Synopsis: Zoologist Nicola Davies presents an illustrated novel for young readers that proves you don’t need two arms to be strong.

Pedru has always wanted to be a great hunter like his father, but after a lion takes his arm, he worries that he’ll always be the crippled boy instead. Pedru longs to kill the lion that mauled him and strengthens himself to be ready for the hunt. But when the opportunity arises, will Pedru have the strength to turn his back on revenge? Zoologist Nicola Davies perfectly merges a heart-pounding adventure with an important message about conservation, and Annabel Wright’s gorgeous black-and-white illustrations bring Pedru’s story to life.

Synopsis: A young boy tries to find his voice with the help of some four-legged friends in this novel from the Newbery-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Zoe’s family rescues dogs in need. There is always the sweet smell of dog and a warm body looking to cuddle or play. There is always a new dog to be saved and loved. Fur flies everywhere. It covers everything. Zoe’s house is never silent.

But the house across the street is always silent these days. A new family has moved in and Phillip, the boy, has stopped speaking. He doesn’t even want to try.

Zoe knows that saving dogs and saving boys are different jobs, but she learns that some parts are the same. Both take attention and care, understanding and time. And maybe just a bit of white fur flying.

From Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan, White Fur Flying is an endearing tale of companionship and hope.

Synopsis: Spanky loves snakes, sketching, camping, and, well, maybe girls. While his dad is fighting grown bullies in Afghanistan, Mack Malone, has Spanky in his crosshairs at school. Worse yet, whenever Spanky needs to defend himself, help a friend, or. . . OMG. . . save his teacher's life, he freezes! The overnight Outdoor Ed camping trip is Spanky's chance to impress a special girl, make his dad proud to have him for a son, and. . . get him suspended. Ultimately, Spanky learns to face his fears and what it really means to be a hero.

Synopsis: An adventure story that also teaches computer science, for ages 9+.

Zuto: The Adventures of a Computer Virus takes place inside a strange, little-known world: a personal computer, the perfect setting for a fast-paced, funny, one-minute-long story.

Zuto, a smart, sneaky computer virus, leads a happy life in his secret hiding place: the Recycle Bin. There, among heaps of junk full of surprising treasures, he plans his tricks. Everything changes when a far more malicious program invades the computer . . . and threatens to end all life in it. Together with his Recycle Bin friends--outdated, buggy programs--Zuto sets off to save his world.

Readers curious about the truth behind this rollicking adventure story will find it in the Zutopedia appendix, which explains concepts such as computer viruses, IP addresses, and binary numbers.

Zuto was first published in Israel, where it was recommended by the Israeli Ministry of Education and voted in the top ten favorite books by children in grades 4-6 nationwide.

Synopsis: Thirteen is when a Beaumont’s savvy hits—and with one brother who causes hurricanes and another who creates electricity, Mibs Beaumont is eager to see what she gets. But just before the big day, Poppa is in a terrible accident. And now all Mibs wants is a savvy that will save him. In fact, Mibs is so sure she’ll get a powerful savvy that she sneaks a ride to the hospital on a rickety bus with her sibling and the preacher’s kids in tow. After this extraordinary adventure—full of talking tattoos and a kidnapping—not a soul on board will ever be the same.

A Discussion Guide to Scumble and Savvy by Ingrid Law

Book Details:Format: PaperbackPublication Date: 3/23/2010Pages: 368Reading Level: Age 8 and Up

Synopsis: Time has never been an issue for Baxter Jacobs, but then she never knew she had the ability to Bend it.

As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Baxter inherits a pendant that will change her life. Connected to the pendant is a dark and mysterious young man named Declan Ashdown. Trapped in a Time loop for the past 122 years, Declan needs Baxter’s help to escape. The only problem is, she has no idea how to do it.

To acquire the power she needs to free him, she’ll become one of the Interred, those whose Magical abilities emerge as they come of age. When she does, she’ll discover that Declan isn’t the only one interested in the fact that she’s a Time Bender.

As the Interment arrives, Baxter knows this will be no Sweet Sixteen. A vengeful relative and the ruthless Council are determined to control her. Declan’s powerful and charming descendant, Jack Ashdown, claims he can save her. She’ll soon have to decide who she can trust, and how to master her new abilities before Time runs out.

Synopsis: Fin O’Connell was repeatedly abused by his mother's brother, Uncle Steve. He made the decision to finally end the abuse at the beginning of his seventh grade year. While sitting anxiously at home waiting for his mother to return, Fin conjured up the courage to finally reveal the abuse he suffered at the hands of his uncle. Fin's mother arrived home and before he could explain to her about the abuse, his mother revealed to him devastating news about her life--she had terminal cancer.

But Fin wasn’t about to give up on himself. With Fin’s two best friends, Joey and Penny, by his side, they took penny hikes through the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts. Fin pushed doggedly ahead into the unknown as life kept throwing him challenges, from facing down a bully to coping with the devastating effects of his mother's terminal cancer. Can Fin find redemption during a troubled and confusing time in his life?

Penny Hike is a story of hope, resolve, and digging deeper than you thought possible. It's a story about finding strength, and ultimately persevering in life, even when your soul has been murdered. Penny Hike delves into the unpredictable world of adolescence and the traumatic effects of abuse.

“Penny Hike is a charmer...there is not a touch of condescension in the way Richardson depicts children. He documents a world unfamiliar to most middle-class readers, creating believable scenes and a likeable hero with an indomitable spirit."
--The Springfield Republican

"Effective consolations on being orphaned...winning girlfriend Penny’s heart, and being the hero...Evocative setting."
--Kirkus Reviews

“Penny Hike is effective in communicating the experience of a thirteen-year-old boy who has endured heartbreak and joys in his life…characters' personalities are all distinct and believable…this book is a labor of love…truly impressive.”
—Dr. Karen Haeberle, Clinical Psychologist