Special Collections
Browse by Lexile: 800L - 890L
- Table View
- List View
Before We Were Free
by Julia AlvarezAnita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tio Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government's secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo's dictatorship.
Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind.
From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl's struggle to be free.
Winner of the Pura Belpre Medal
Return To Sender
by Julia AlvarezAfter Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure.
Tyler isn't sure what to make of these workers. Are they undocumented?
And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also increasingly connected her American life.
Her family lives in constant fear of being discovered by the authorities and sent back to the poverty they left behind in Mexico.
Can Tyler and Mari find a way to be friends despite their differences?
In a novel full of hope, but no easy answers, Julia Alvarez weaves a beautiful and timely story that will stay with readers long after they finish it.
Winner of the Pura Belpre Medal
The Underneath
by Kathi Appelt and David SmallThere is nothing lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a while, and then abandoned on the side of the road.
A calico cat, about to have kittens, hears the lonely howl of a chained-up hound deep in the backwaters of the bayou. She dares to find him in the forest, and the hound dares to befriend this cat, this feline, this creature he is supposed to hate. They are an unlikely pair, about to become an unlikely family. Ranger urges the cat to hide underneath the porch, to raise her kittens there because Gar-Face, the man living inside the house, will surely use them as alligator bait should he find them. But they are safe in the Underneath...as long as they stay in the Underneath.
Kittens, however, are notoriously curious creatures. And one kitten’s one moment of curiosity sets off a chain of events that is astonishing, remarkable, and enormous in its meaning. For everyone who loves Sounder, Shiloh, and The Yearling, for everyone who loves the haunting beauty of writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Flannery O’Connor, and Carson McCullers, Kathi Appelt spins a harrowing yet keenly sweet tale about the power of love—and its opposite, hate—the fragility of happiness and the importance of making good on your promises.
Newbery Medal Honor book
Tasting the Sky
by Ibtisam BarakatIn this powerful, groundbreaking memoir, Ibtisam Barakat captures what it is like to be a child whose world is shattered by war.
A Coal Miner's Bride
by Susan Campbell BartolettiA diary account of 13-year-old Anetka's life in Poland in 1896, immigration to America, marriage to a coal miner, widowhood, and happiness in finally finding her true love. Her fascinating diary entries give readers a personal glimpse into what life was like in a coal-mining town during a tumultuous time in the country's past.
Charley Skedaddle
by Patricia BeattyBased on real-life Civil War records and memoirs, young Yankee deserter Charley Quinn learns that his flight from his first battle doesn't brand him a life-long coward.
Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings
by Sophia BennettThree trendy British BFFs help a brilliant Ugandan girl in this heartfelt fashion fairy tale!Once upon a time in London town, there were three fab "birds": Nonie's a freak for fashion. Eco-conscious Edie blogs to save the world--and to get into Harvard. And starter-starlet Jenny just finished filming a small part in a BIG Hollywood blockbuster opposite a drool-worthy boy. But when these trendy Brit besties meet Crow, a refugee girl who happens to be an amazing designer, their worldview gets an extreme makeover. As they learn about the serious situation in Crow's homeland, the three friends decide to mix-and-match their talents to call attention to the crisis of Uganda's Night Walking children.Fashion and compassion: C'est tres chic! Now Nonie's just got to lace up her (always a classic) Converse kicks, put on her (vintage Dior pillbox) thinking cap, and somehow "make it work"!A fierce, sweet, boldface fashion fairy tale!
Dear Dumb Diary Year Two #2
by Jim BentonDo NOT read Jamie Kelly's top-secret diaries! "Sometimes it amazes me how ingenious I am about everything." --Jamie Kelly We've been with Jamie Kelly through her search for inner beauty, poofy bridesmaid dresses, and desperate attempts to make money during summer vacation. Along the way, she's left us with countless gems of wisdom, such as: "If somebody ever asks you to kick her in the face, the first thing she will do is forget that she asked you to do it," and "As long as you keep laughing at how dumb something is, you can secretly enjoy it without risking your cool." Now Jamie's upcoming diaries have a fresh look and a fun twist. It's Dear Dumb Diary: Year Two! The diary entries are still laugh-out-loud funny -- but this is a whole new beginning. Everything is another year dumber! (But Jamie STILL has no idea that anybody is reading her diary. So please, please, please don't tell her.)
Nobody's Perfect. I'm As Close As It Gets
by Jim BentonAs Jamie continues to grapple with middle school's Big Questions, she drops even more snarky gems of wisdom.
What I Don't Know Might Hurt Me
by Jim BentonBestselling author Jim Benton is back, continuing a new spin on a favorite series! Dear Dumb Diary, Just when I was pretty sure we could let the Student Awareness Committee quietly die a dignified death like some majestic old elephant or the Square Dancing Club, Angeline has to be aware of something. Great. And, of course, it couldn't be something interesting like nail polish or why maybe there should be a special class in nail polish and how to get it out of your beagle's ear. (Mom, if you're reading this, I'm not admitting anything. Somebody else could have painted a heart in his ear.) Angeline just had to be aware of one of those THINGS THAT ADULTS LIKE.
Doll Bones
by Holly BlackDiscover the Newbery Honor winner Doll Bones, from Holly Black, the cocreator of the Spiderwick Chronicles. A Kirkus Reviews Best Book. A School Library Journal Best Book. A Booklist Editor’s Choice Books for Youth. A Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book. A NYPL “100 Titles for Reading and Sharing.” A 2013 Goodreads Choice award nominee. A People Magazine “Best New Kids Book.” Six starred reviews!Winner of a 2014 Newbery Honor Medal.Zach, Poppy, and Alice have been friends forever. And for almost as long, they’ve been playing one continuous, ever-changing game of pirates and thieves, mermaids and warriors. Ruling over all is the Great Queen, a bone-china doll cursing those who displease her.But they are in middle school now. Zach’s father pushes him to give up make-believe, and Zach quits the game. Their friendship might be over, until Poppy declares she’s been having dreams about the Queen—and the ghost of a girl who will not rest until the bone-china doll is buried in her empty grave.Zach and Alice and Poppy set off on one last adventure to lay the Queen’s ghost to rest. But nothing goes according to plan, and as their adventure turns into an epic journey, creepy things begin to happen. Is the doll just a doll or something more sinister? And if there really is a ghost, will it let them go now that it has them in its clutches?Doll Bones is a winner of the Newbery Honor, is the recipient of six starred reviews, was on four Best Book lists, and was called "perfect" by The New York Times.
Around the World in 100 Days
by Gary BlackwoodPicking up where Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days left off, Phileas Fogg's teenage son, Harry, is in trouble. He has made a bet that he can drive a steam-powered motor-car around the world in 100 days. So along with a brilliant but shy mechanic, a sly female journalist, and the son of his opponent in the wager, Harry sets off on a race against time. The trip isn't easy, especially with dissension within the group. The question is, will they be able to finish . . . because the stakes are inconceivably high. "A thrilling, thoroughly road-worthy joy ride. " - Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Fun and suspenseful. " - Booklist
The Children of Green Knowe
by L. M. BostonTolly has been at boarding-school while his parents are in Burma, and he longs for a place to call home.
When his great-grandmother invites him to stay with her during Christmas vacation he goes to Green Noah, the estate which has belonged to his family for more than 400 years.
In a portrait above the fireplace he sees three children, and soon he hears their laughter and sees their footprints in the snow.
His great-grandmother tells him stories of their adventures, and past and present flow together. This is a story filled with warmth and magic.
An Enemy at Green Knowe
by L. M. BostonTolly and Ping are both at Green Knowe again, together for the first time. Tolly's great-grandmother, Mrs. Oldknow, tells them the story of Wolfgang Vogel, an alchemist who lived in the house in 1630.
According to the story, all of his books had been burned in a great bonfire. But perhaps at least one has survived - for a strange woman named Melanie Powers is intent upon searching the house to find it.
Melanie uses her dark magic in a series of strategies to drive Mrs. Oldknow and the boys from the house and lay her hands on its hidden treasures.
The River at Green Knowe
by L. M. BostonWhile Mrs. Oldknow is away, two maiden ladies are living at Green Knowe. They invite three children - two war refugees and one English girl - to spend the summer holidays.
The children have a series of adventures as they explore the river near Green Knowe, meeting a hermit, seeing winged horses, and witnessing an ancient ritual. The grown-ups are oblivious to the new realities the children reveal.
Hidden Roots
by Joseph BruchacEleven-year-old Sonny and his mother can't predict his father's sudden abusive rages. Jake's anger only gets worse after long days at the paper mill -- and when Uncle Louis appears. Louis seems to show up when Sonny and his mother need help most, but there is something about his quiet wisdom that only fuels Jake's rage. Through an unexpected friendship with a new school librarian, Sonny gains the strength to stand up to his father, and to finally confront his mother and uncle about a secret family heritage that may be the key to his father's self-hatred.
Best Friends and Drama Queens
by Meg Cabot#1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot's first middle-grade series!
Allie Finkle is excited when a new girl, who comes all the way from Canada, joins her class at Pine Heights Elementary. Now Allie won't be the new girl anymore!
But her excitement turns to dismay when the new girl, Cheyenne, starts telling everyone in the fourth grade what to do! Soon Cheyenne has everyone, including Allie's best friends, Caroline, Sophie, and Erica, believing that if they don't do what she says, they'll be what Cheyenne accuses them of being - babies!
Blast from the Past
by Meg CabotAllie returns with new rules in the sixth book of the acclaimed series!Allie's excited about her class field trip. Sure, it's to a historic one-room schoolhouse, built back before there was the Internet or even cell phones, and Allie's teacher is encouraging everyone to dress up in old timey costumes, which some of Allie's friends are actually doing. GAH! But at least she gets to ride on a bus, which she's never gets to do, living so close to school that she actually has to walk there every day!But then Mrs. Hunter announces that every student in Room 209 has been assigned a "buddy" for the day--from Allie's old 4th grade class at Walnut Knolls Elementary School, with whom Pine Heights Elementary is pairing up for the trip. And Allie's buddy just happens to be her ex-best friend Mary Kay, who betrayed Allie right before she moved! Allie is going to have to spend a whole day sharing an old-timey desk with a big crybaby!
Glitter Girls and the Great Fake Out
by Meg CabotAllie's back with a brand-new set of rules!Allie plans on having the best weekend ever when she finds out Erica's sister Missy is in the regional Twirltacular baton competition-until Allie's mom announces that she has to go to Brittany Hauser's birthday party instead. But Allie doesn't even like Brittany Hauser, nor does she want to go to a party with Brittany and all her snobby friends.But when Allie finds out Brittany's party includes taking a stretch limo to Glitterati, the store of the girls' dreams, and spending the night at a deluxe hotel suite, she decides maybe Brittany's not so bad after all.
Moving Day
by Meg CabotWhen nine-year-old Allie Finkle's parents announce that they are moving her and her brothers from their suburban split-level into an ancient Victorian in town, Allie's sure her life is over.
She's not at all happy about having to give up her pretty pink wall-to-wall carpeting for creaky floorboards and creepy secret passageways-not to mention leaving her modern, state-of-the-art suburban school for a rundown, old-fashioned school just two blocks from her new house.
The New Girl
by Meg CabotThere's a whole new set of rules to learn when you're the new girl!
When you are starting at a brand-new school, you have to wear something good.
Allie Finkle's starting her first day of school at Pine Heights Elementary! Plus, she's getting a new kitten, the first pick of show cat Lady Serena Archibald's litter!
But being the New Girl is turning out to be scary, too, especially since one of the girls in Allie's new class -- Rosemary -- doesn't like her. In fact, Rosemary says she's going to beat Allie up after school.
Stage Fright
by Meg CabotMeg Cabot's youngest star is headed for the stage. . .at her school. For parent's night. But still, it's a starring role!
The fourth grade puts on a play written by Mrs. Hunter! Allie is sure she will walk away with the most coveted role--that of the princess, naturally-but one of her friends gets the part!
What Allie doesn't realize is that the part she does get--that of the evil queen--is actually a better (and bigger) role. But Allie isn't content with just starring in the play.
She goes full-on method and borrows some false eyelashes to wear for the play, which (what else is new?) causes a great deal of excited controversy.
Allie learns it's not the size of the part, it's the size of the heart that matters.
The Tequila Worm
by Viola CanalesStory of Sofia, growing up in the barrio, full of the magic and mystery of family traditions. When she is singled out to receive a scholarship to an elite boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio.
Winner of the Pura Belpre Medal
The Field of Wacky Inventions
by Patrick CarmanThe final adventure in bestselling author Patrick Carman's delightfully wacky Floors trilogy!
Taking mystery and adventure to the next level.
It's not every day that a hotel loses its top floor. Then again, the Whippet Hotel is no stranger to wackiness. So when the entire floor is hoisted into the night sky by a nearly invisible airship, Leo and Remi know they're in for the ride of their lives.
But little do the boys know just how amazing their voyage will become. They are headed to the field of wacky inventions, where they will have to compete against a number of foes for an incredible prize.
It will take all of Leo and Remi's bravery, skill, and burping power to decode the outrageous puzzles hidden among the floors of Merganzer D. Whippet's newest and most peculiar construction. But they must -- because if they don't, they'll lose their beloved Whippet Hotel forever.
Floors
by Patrick CarmanCharlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.
The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange and mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them - he is the maintenance man's son, after all.
But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances. Leo had better be quick on his feet, because the fate of the building he loves is at stake . . . and so is Leo's own future!