Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness? Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love.
Realistic Fiction
Realistic Fiction genre
Good Night, Commander
The Commander has lost his mother and one of his legs in the Iran-Iraq war. Now he spends most of his time alone in his room where he recreates the conflict with an imaginary enemy and soldiers, trying to avenge his losses. His father urges him to take off his artificial leg when he is at home, to join his uncles and aunties who have arrived for dinner. But when he does, he finds out that they are all about to go off to meet his “new mother.” Back in his room the imaginary war continues, and he confronts an enemy soldier who is also missing a limb. A battle seems inevitable until The Commander offers the enemy his artificial leg.
See the reviews at WOW Review, Volume 2, Issue 4 & Volume 5, Issue 3.
Camel Rider
Adam and his family live comfortably in a compound with other foreigners who work in the Middle East. When war breaks out and all foreigners try to escape, Adam runs away in an effort to save his dog, which has been left behind. Alone and without resources in the desert, Adam meets Walid, an abused camel boy who has run away from his cruel masters. Together they struggle to bridge wide gulfs between their cultures and languages in order to survive. Ultimately both boys learn about true friendship.
Goal!
A lyrical, strikingly illustrated story celebrates the unifying power of soccer. In a dusty township in South Africa, Ajani and his friends have earned a brand-new, federation-size soccer ball. They kick. They dribble. They run. They score. These clever boys are football champions! But when a crew of bullies tries to steal their ball, will Ajani and his friends be able to beat them at their own game?
Mattoo, Let’s Play!
Nana’s Getting Married
A young boy disapproves of his grandmother dating her boyfriend, Bob, because she spends more time with Bob than with him, and he tries to find ways to separate them before their wedding.
Together
A child’s-eye view of keeping it all together.Acclaimed children’s writer Hazel Hutchins explores the concept of what-goes-with-what in her new picture book for preschoolers — whether it’s buttons that keep your shirt together, or shoelaces that keep your feet in your shoes. Playful text coupled with lively illustrations will keep children engaged and encourage them to build their vocabulary.As young children struggle, literally, with keeping it all together, here’s the book to keep them from coming undone, blowing away or falling apart. From getting dressed at the start of the day to leaving school at the end, there is plenty of opportunity throughout the story to make connections.With Together, Hazel Hutchins has created another rhythmic and imaginative tale, richly realized by Alice Priestley’s vibrant illustrations.
Willow’s Whispers
Willow’s voice, soft and shy as a secret, goes unheard by everyone at school and causes her to no end of troubles. (Having to drink orange juice at snack time when she has asked to nicely for apple is just one disappointment.) After a night of wishing, thinking and planning for a way to make louder words, Willow wakes the next morning with the perfect idea: a magic microphone! But although she fashions if from the sturdiest recyclables, her beglittered invention doesn’t last the school day. Will Willow find another way to make herself heard?
Mr. John Bertrand Nijinsky and Charlie
An older unhappy, unkind gentleman is reminded he was not treated kindly by the other children in school is befriended by a scraggly cat ( with persistence from the cat). He becomes nice again.
Tango
When a Yorkshire Terrier washes up on the shores of Prince Edward Island, his adventure is just beginning. Tango–the privileged pet of a Manhattan couple–will have to adjust to life in a rustic fishing village, make friends with a tribe of feral cats, rescue a runaway girl, and find his way home again…