Anna & Solomon

In 1897 a young man named Solomon fell in love with and married a beautiful young woman named Anna. They lived in Russia, which was dangerous at that time for a Jewish family, so Solomon moved to the United States, where he worked and saved until he had enough money to send Anna a ticket for the voyage across the ocean. But when Solomon went to meet Anna’s ship, Anna’s younger brother was waiting for him. Solomon took in her brother and worried and saved until he could send the money for Anna’s passage again—but this time, Anna’s older brother was waiting. When Solomon sent the money a third time and Anna’s mother arrived, Solomon wondered if he would ever see his dear wife again. Anna & Solomon is based on the true story of the author’s grandparents’ immigration.

My Friend the Painter

A young boy becomes friends with the artist in the apartment upstairs and tries hard to understand when his friend commits suicide.

Mary Smith

In a time before alarm clocks, Mary Smith, a “knocker-up,” walks through the town early in the morning, waking people up by shooting at their windows with her peashooter.

My Day with Anka

When Anka comes each week on Thursday, young Karrie enjoys her Czech cooking and helps her with the housework.

Ndito Runs

Every day many children in Kenya run miles to school–so does Ndito. From her village in the highlands she runs barefoot, across ridges and down hills, under baobab trees and through tall grass

Spirit of Hope

When the Fairweather family almost gives up hope of finding a place to live, the youngest child gives them an idea for a great location.

The Cucuy Stole My Cascarones/El Coco Me Rob Los Cascarones

Mighty Monster Mysteries! Roberto and his mother made thirty dozen confetti-filled eggs, or cascarones, for his birthday party. Roberto can’t wait to crack the hollowed, painted and confetti-stuffed eggs over his friends’ heads. But, when he goes to the kitchen to get the cascarones, they’re gone! The only clue they ever existed is a trail of confetti that leads to a shadow.

Pink Fire Trucks / Los camiones de bomberos de color rosado

Spirited Gladys Elizabeth is at it again! It is career day at school and Gladys Elizabeth boldly announces that she is going to be a firegirl. After a classmate tells her that girls cannot fight fires.

Mermaid’s Shoes

A little girl follows her dream of becoming a mermaid after finding “mermaid shoe” scuba flippers on the beach, a pursuit that has her searching for the sea at the local aquarium, at a river in town, and elsewhere.

Sleep Tight, Anna Banana!

Anna Banana can’t settle down tonight, even though her stuffed animal friends are tired and just want to sleep. They suffer through delay after delay and excuse after excuse, until Anna Banana is finally sleepy. And then, it’s time for their revenge! Her stuffed animals decide to teach her a lesson about respecting others at bedtime.

Worlds of Words

International Collection of Children’s and Adolescent Literature

Fiction