Theme: Courage

Little Devils

Robert J. Blake shines a light on a little-known animal.Burnie, Winnie and Big Stanley are three Tasmanian devil pups growing up in the wild. Along with their mother, they make one happy family. Since the pups are still so small, Mum does all the hunting. But one night, Mum doesnt come home and the pups [...]

Descriptors: Australia, Early Years (ages 2-6), Fantasy, Picture Book » Other Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

Irena’s Jars Of Secrets

Irena Sendler, born to a Polish Catholic family, was raised to respect people of all backgrounds and to help those in need.  She became a social worker; and after the German army occupied Poland during World War II, Irena knew she had to help the sick and the starving Jews who were imprisoned in the [...]

Descriptors: Europe, Nonfiction, Picture Book, Poland, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

An Elephant in the Garden

Lizzie and Karl’s mother is a zoo keeper; the family has become attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene, who will be destroyed as a precautionary measure so she and the other animals don’t run wild should the zoo be hit by bombs. The family persuades the zoo director to let Marlene stay in their [...]

Descriptors: Europe, Germany, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Tom the Tamer

Tom’s father is afraid of animals. The father learns through Tom’s creativity and courage that he can conquer his fear.

Descriptors: Europe, Fiction, Netherlands, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

Brotherband Chronicles: The Outcasts

They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others – they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger’s Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn’t mean they don’t have skills. And courage – which they will need every [...]

Descriptors: Australia, Fantasy, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

Nowhere Girl

Luchi Ann only knows a few things about herself: she was born in a prison in Thailand. Her American mother was an inmate there. And now that her mother has died, Luchi must leave the only place she’s ever known and set out into the world. Neither at home as a Thai, because of her [...]

Descriptors: Asia, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Realistic Fiction, Thailand » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Dancing on Grapes

It’s September, time for the annual grape harvest, one of the happiest times in Tuscany.
On the first day of the harvest, Claudia’s aunts, uncles, and cousins have come to her home to gather the grapes from the vineyard. Harvesting grapes is hard work, but Claudia knows it can be fun, too. At the end of [...]

Descriptors: Europe, Italy, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

The Dagger Quick

A stirring tale of rousing old-fashioned adventure, THE DAGGER QUICK is the story of twelve-year-old Christopher, a boy with a clubfoot seemingly doomed to follow in the boring footsteps of his father as a cooper in 17th century England. That is, until he meets his uncle- William Quick, infamous pirate, and the only man ever [...]

Descriptors: England (UK), Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

Garden of the Purple Dragon

Ancient China. Han Dynasty. Ping has found peace in the shadow of the Tai Shan mountains where she struggles to rear Kai, the small purple dragon left in her care. But her past is chasing her. Who can she trust? Ping must find a place that is safe for Kai.

Descriptors: Asia, China, Fantasy, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Sundiata: Lion King of Mali

The story of Sundiata, who overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule Mali in the thirteenth century.

Descriptors: Africa, Biography, Mali, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment