Carnegie Medalist Mal Peet takes a searing look at the world of soccer and pop-celebrity culture — and the lives of three street kids caught in its glare. When a black South American soccer star signs on to a team in the country’s racist south, headlines blare. And when he falls for the sensual Desmerelda, a stunning white pop singer and daughter of a wealthy politician, their sudden and controversial marriage propels the pair to center stage, where they burn in the media spotlight. But celebrity attracts enemies; some very close to home. And its dazzle reaches into the city’s hidden corners, exposing a life of grit and desperation the glitterati could never imagine. When a girl is found murdered, reporter Paul Faustino is caught between worlds as he witnesses the power of the media in making — and breaking — lives. Inspired by Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, this modern tragedy of desire and betrayal, incisively and compassionately told, is a truly enthralling work of crossover fiction.
Americas
Materials from the Americas
3 Tales Retold and Illustrated
Three classic fairy tales all dressed up in new clothes for contemporary readers. Fairy tales play an integral role in child development as they introduce the tenets of storytelling and the concept of good and evil. Here are three beloved fairy tales bound up in one fresh edition, newly retold and illustrated in Edward Miller’s bold and inviting style. This timeless picture book is perfect for parents and children to read together.
Senor Don Gato: A Traditional Song
When he climbs on a roof to read a love letter, a cat has an unfortunate fall with unexpected consequences. Music and Spanish translation at back of book.
James Marshall’s Cinderella
Vain and horrid relatives, tons of laundry, and a fireplace that just never stays clean…this pooped and put-upon heroine needs a little magic in her life! Luckily for her, and for kids and delighted grown-ups everywhere, the inimitable James Marshall cast his wacky brand of enchantment upon Cinderella’s tale-complete with grinning rats, a daffy godmother, and a whole golden coachful of belly laughs! “Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won’t sit there for long!” (Booklist, starred review) “An excellent storytime version of the favorite fairy tale, e.g. A strong addition to any picture book collection…and great fun.” (School Library Journal, starred review)
The Gingerbread Man
Run, run as fast as you can,You can”t catch me, I”m the Gingerbread Man.The Gingerbread Man is chased all the way to the river by the Little Old Woman, the Little Old Man, Humpty Dumpty, the Grand Old Duke of York, Little Miss Muffet, and many other familiar characters. And indeed, none can catch him. But the Gingerbread Man cannot swim . . . . Can he run away from the wily old fox who offers to help him across the river? This is a delightful retelling of a beloved children”s classic fable. Carol Jones” illustrations are beautifully detailed and will give hours of pleasure to children and adults.
The Three Silly Girls Grubb
In this revision of the familiar tale “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” three sisters manage to outwit Ugly-Boy Bobby who spends his time under the bridge they must cross on their way to school.
Goldilocks And The Three Bears
Some stories become favored childhood classics with good reason, such as the tale of Goldilocks. Here, in an abundantly funny retelling, the timehonored drama unfolds. This outrageously frilly, jump-roping Goldilocks skips through the bears’ house, reciting saucy rhymes as she goes. Her wide-eyed glee makes a hilarious contrast with the genteel bear family, and children will love poring over the wonderful visual details, such as the bear-related knickknacks slyly scattered throughout the cottage.
Another outstanding collaboration from Caralyn and Mark Buehner, Goldilocks and the Three Bears is perfect for sharing with children, adults, and fairy-tale collectors alike.
Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox
Goldie Locks haschicken pox;
from head to toe
were polka dots….
When Goldie Locks spies her first spot, her mother knows it must be chicken pox. Soon after, a steady stream of storybook favorites — including the Three Bears and Little Bo Peep — stop by to wish Goldie Locks a speedy recovery. But how will Goldie get well when her little brother just won’t stop teasing her?
Dear Vampa
The Pires are cursed with new neighbors. Things were just fine on Nostfer Avenue until the Wolfsons arrived. There seems to be no end to the new family’s strange rituals. They stay up all day long, lock their windows at night, and bathe—in sunshine. What’s a nice vampire family to do? Ross Collins has created an ironic, laugh-out-loud story that invites you to think about accepting others—perhaps your neighbors are less different than you think.
Dick Whittington And His Cat
When Dick Whittington finally gets a ride from the countryside to London, he anticipates a wealthy paradise where the streets are paved with gold. He is shocked, though, to find that the city is in an even worse state than the country! Dick struggles to survive, barely living off scraps of food, until the wealthy merchant Mr. Fitzwarren offers him a job. Still lonely, Dick purchases a cat to comfort him and to kill the rodents in his bedroom. Little does anyone, particularly Dick Whittington, know that this cat will bring many more fortunes than anticipated! Margaret Hodges retells the optimistic story of Dick Whittington’s luck with beautiful acrylic paintings by Melisande Potter.