families

Eleven-year-old Verbena Polter gets through a difficult summer of turbulent emotions and the revelation of a disturbing family secret with an odd new friend who believes she is the ghost of a girl who drowned many years before.

When sixth-grader Livvie decides to throw a chain letter in the trash, bad luck ensues.

Pa's homestead thrives, Laura gets her first job in town, blackbirds eat the corn and oats crops, Mary goes to college, and Laura gets into trouble at school, but becomes a certified school teacher.

Twelve-year-old Charles experiences many difficulties in adjusting to a new stepfather, stepsister, and stepbrother.

Zamora, 13, lives in the country, has chores in the morning, and attends school in the afternoon. She shows us how the homes in her village are built around a common courtyard to help protect them from the elements. Twelve-year-old Madina lives in Kabul. After school and the midday meal she shares with her family, Madina helps with household chores like vacuuming and ironing, then enjoys an afternoon snowball fight.

After beating up Maurice on the playground, Butterball is forced to see the school therapist.

Nervous about being a big sister to her new baby brother, Mindy, who tries to be helpful, feels she can't do anything right until she finds her own special way to pitch in and prove she can be the best big sister ever.

"Eleven-year-old Mattie Marvelwood comes from a family of traveling performers who have a deep secret. The acts they perform are not just acts -- their powers are real. In all their wanderings, the Marvelwoods have never met performers with gifts like theirs -- until they join Master Morogh's Circus of Wonders! But it seems that Master Morogh's true talent is stealing the gifts of others. When he steals Mattie's brother's vanishing ability, the family must decide whether to run, leaving Bell's gift behind to save the rest of them, or risk exposure by trying to beat the duplicitous ringmaster at his own game?"--.

"When her Grandpa finally arrives, a young child shows him all her favorite things and wishes he could stay longer but knows their short time together will be even sweeter and more special"--Provided by publisher.

"Since before Miguel was born, his family has had one rule: NO MUSIC! But Miguel has a secret he wants to share with his great-grandmother Coco. He wants to be a musician! Will he follow the wishes of his family, or will he follow his heart?--Back cover.