Theme: Determination

My Rows and Piles of Coins

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

The market is full of wonderful things, but Saruni is saving his precious coins for a red and blue bicycle. How happy he will be when he can help his mother carry heavy loads to market on his very own bicycle–and how disappointed he is to discover that he hasn’t saved nearly enough! See the [...]

Descriptors: Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction, Tanzania » Other Themes: , , , , » 1 Comment

Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

On an island called Puerto Rico a boy named Roberto Clemente dreamed of nothing but winning at baseball. With no money–but plenty of determination–Clemente practiced on muddy fields with a glove made from a coffee sack. Little League became minor league, which turned into winter league and, finally, he made it to the major leagues! [...]

Descriptors: Biography, Caribbean, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Puerto Rico » Other Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Secret Garden

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

The beloved original text now offered in a definitive gift edition by esteemed illustrator Inga Moore. First published in 1909, THE SECRET GARDEN has entranced readers with the courage and strength of two unhappy and withered children who become determined to make their lives and the lives of others around them more joyful. In this [...]

Descriptors: England (UK), Fantasy, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , » 1 Comment

Johnny Hazzard

By Kathy G. Short | Published: March 14, 2007

Fifteen-year-old Johnny Hazzard’s seventh obligatory summer in London with his divorced father livens up when Johnny meets an older girl named January.

Descriptors: England (UK), Europe, Fiction, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: » Comments closed

Uncle Peter’s Amazing Chinese Wedding

By Kathy G. Short | Published: March 14, 2007

A Chinese American girl describes the festivities surrounding her uncle’s Chinese wedding and the customs behind each one.

Descriptors: Asia, China, Fiction, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: » Comments closed

First Apple

By Kathy G. Short | Published: March 14, 2007

The author describes 1940s China and her quest, as a nine-year-old girl, to buy a precious apple for her grandmother’s birthday. By the author of A Day on a Shrimp Boat.

Descriptors: Asia, China, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Comments closed

The Wolfhound

By Kathy G. Short | Published: March 14, 2007

Pavel saves the life of the enormous dog he finds half-frozen in the snow, but since only nobles and dukes and the tsar himself keep wolfhounds, Pavel fears he will be punished for stealing.

Descriptors: Europe, Fiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Russia » Other Themes: , , , , , , , , » Comments closed

The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela: A Tale from Africa

By Kathy G. Short | Published: March 14, 2007

In the Ethiopian mountain village of Lalibela, famous for its churches and honey, a young girl determines to find a way to be a beekeeper despite being told that is something only men can do.

Descriptors: Africa, Ethiopia, Fiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , » Comments closed