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Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story by Lila Perl (1999-11-03)

Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story by Lila Perl (1999-11-03)

Author: Lila Perl Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

The twentieth-anniversary edition of Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s acclaimed Holocaust memoir features new material by the author, a reading group guide, a map, and additional photographs. “The writing is direct, devastating, with no rhetoric or exploitation. The truth is in what’s said and in what is left out.”—ALA Booklist (starred review)Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s unforgettable and acclaimed memoir recalls the devastating years that shaped her childhood. Following Hitler’s rise to power, the Blumenthal family—father, mother, Marion, and her brother, Albert—were trapped in Nazi Germany. They managed eventually to get to Holland, but soon thereafter it was occupied by the Nazis. For the next six and a half years the Blumenthals were forced to live in refugee, transit, and prison camps, including Westerbork in Holland and Bergen-Belsen in Germany, before finally making it to the United States. Their story is one of horror and hardship, but it is also a story of courage, hope, and the will to survive.Four Perfect Pebbles features forty archival photographs, including several new to this edition, an epilogue, a bibliography, a map, a reading group guide, an index, and a new afterword by the author. First published in 1996, the book was an ALA Notable Book, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and IRA Young Adults’ Choice, and a Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and the recipient of many other honors. “A harrowing and often moving account.”—School Library Journal Read more

Lost Evangeline (The Norendy Tales)

Lost Evangeline (The Norendy Tales)

Author: Kate DiCamillo Genre: Mythology Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

“A tender tale featuring a young protagonist who possesses equal parts yearning and spunk, to great effect.” — Kirkus Reviews When a shoemaker discovers a tiny girl (as small as a mouse!) in his shop, he takes her in, names her Evangeline, and raises her as his own. The shoemaker’s wife, however, fears that Evangeline has bewitched her husband, so when an opportunity arises to rid herself of the girl, she takes it. Evangeline finds herself far from her adopted father and her home, a tiny girl lost in the wide world. But she is brave, and she is resourceful, and with the help of those she meets on her journey—including a disdainful and self-satisfied cat—she may just find her way again. Return to the magical land of Norendy in this third original fairy tale by renowned storyteller Kate DiCamillo, perfect for savoring alone or for reading aloud with someone you love. Graced with exquisite black-and-white illustrations by Sophie Blackall, this timeless story of a girl and her father will make you believe in the impossible. Read more

The Kid: What Happened After My Boyfriend and I Decided to Go Get Pregnant

The Kid: What Happened After My Boyfriend and I Decided to Go Get Pregnant

Author: Dan Savage Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

Dan Savage's nationally syndicated sex advice column, "Savage Love", enrages and excites more than four million people each week. In The Kid, Savage tells a no-holds-barred, high-energy story of an ordinary American couple who wants to have a baby. Except that in this case the couple happens to be Dan and his boyfriend. That fact, in the face of a society enormously uneasy with gay adoption, makes for an edgy, entertaining, and illuminating read. When Dan and his boyfriend are finally presented with an infant badly in need of parenting, they find themselves caught up in a drama that extends well beyond the confines of their immediate world. A story about confronting homophobia, falling in love, getting older, and getting a little bit smarter, The Kid is a book about the very human desire to have a family. Read more

Four Perfect Pebbles: A True Story of the Holocaust – An ALA Notable Middle Grade Memoir of Courage and Hope

Four Perfect Pebbles: A True Story of the Holocaust – An ALA Notable Middle Grade Memoir of Courage and Hope

Author: Lila Perl Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

The twentieth-anniversary edition of Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s acclaimed Holocaust memoir features new material by the author, a reading group guide, a map, and additional photographs. “The writing is direct, devastating, with no rhetoric or exploitation. The truth is in what’s said and in what is left out.”—ALA Booklist (starred review) Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s unforgettable and acclaimed memoir recalls the devastating years that shaped her childhood. Following Hitler’s rise to power, the Blumenthal family—father, mother, Marion, and her brother, Albert—were trapped in Nazi Germany. They managed eventually to get to Holland, but soon thereafter it was occupied by the Nazis. For the next six and a half years the Blumenthals were forced to live in refugee, transit, and prison camps, including Westerbork in Holland and Bergen-Belsen in Germany, before finally making it to the United States. Their story is one of horror and hardship, but it is also a story of courage, hope, and the will to survive. Four Perfect Pebbles features forty archival photographs, including several new to this edition, an epilogue, a bibliography, a map, a reading group guide, an index, and a new afterword by the author. First published in 1996, the book was an ALA Notable Book, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and IRA Young Adults’ Choice, and a Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and the recipient of many other honors. “A harrowing and often moving account.”—School Library Journal This unforgettable testament to the strength of the human spirit details one family’s courageous journey through one of history’s darkest moments. A Firsthand Holocaust Account: Told from the perspective of Marion Blumenthal Lazan, who was only a child when her family was trapped by the Nazi regime. From Nazi Germany to Bergen-Belsen: Follow the Blumenthal family’s harrowing six-and-a-half-year ordeal through refugee, transit, and concentration camps. The Hope of Four Pebbles: Discover Marion’s secret game of finding four perfectly matched pebbles—a simple act that became a powerful symbol of her family’s will to survive together. Essential World War II History: A vital resource for students, this young adult nonfiction memoir includes archival photos, a map, and a reading group guide to bring this important story to life. Read more

Mom’s Mysterious Trunk and Big P (Embracing the ABC with Love)

Mom’s Mysterious Trunk and Big P (Embracing the ABC with Love)

Author: Ofra Peled Genre: Early Readers Illustrator: Mina Rakic

Are you looking for a children's book that entertains and teaches at the same time? Your search ends here! Mom’s Mysterious Trunk and Big P is the 16th in a series of 27 books that will help your children learn the English alphabet, while taking them on a magical journey through the world of letters! The books adopt a learning method based on the view of Prof. Gerhard Roth, an esteemed neurologist. “Embracing the ABC with Love” series offer: Implications and teasers to stimulate children and spark their interest in the entire series of books; Letter-shaped objects (both uppercase and lowercase), floating trains and a BIG SECRET, revealed only in the last book, to engage our little readers and keep them amused A creative way of learning and absorbing new information Children get: Command over the English alphabet as a by-product of reading an interesting story A great preparation for their primary education Less stress while passing from preschool to school Learning habits developed naturally, rather than being forced upon them A positive experience that they will have fond memories of You want to help your children learn? These books do more than that! Get them and help your children fall in love with learning! Read more

The Legacy of the Holocaust

The Legacy of the Holocaust

Author: Fern Schumer Chapman Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

True Stories That Inspire, Educate, and Cultivate Empathy in Young Readers The Legacy of the Holocaust is a compelling series of historical nonfiction books designed to gently introduce middle schoolers to one of the most significant and tragic chapters in modern history—the Holocaust. Each book weaves together real-life stories of courage, loss, identity, and reunion , helping young readers understand the human side of history. Through vivid storytelling, historical photographs, and primary source documents, this series makes Holocaust education accessible, meaningful, and age-appropriate. In Middle School Sleuths , follow an 8th-grade class on a journey that reconnects two Holocaust refugees—72 years after they first met. The heartwarming reunion even caught the attention of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Facing the Past transports readers to a small European town as modern-day citizens confront their community’s Holocaust history by honoring one family through the Stolpersteine memorial project. In Three Stars in the Night Sky , young readers will witness a family's emotional journey escaping Nazi Germany through a little-known program, providing powerful insights into the trauma and resilience of the immigrant experience. Perfect for classrooms, book clubs, or at-home discussions, this series supports social studies curricula , citizenship education , and conversations about moral responsibility . Ideal for grades 5–8, it fosters empathy, historical awareness, and critical thinking. Whether you're a teacher, librarian, parent, or student, The Legacy of the Holocaust series brings history to life with hope, humanity, and heart .

Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack #1

Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack #1

Author: Jim Davis Genre: Comics

The perfect holiday gift for fans of the flabby tabby , this rollicking collection includes three books in one: Garfield at Large, Garfield Gains Weight, and Garfield Bigger Than Life . Witty, urbane, sassy, and downright delightful, here are the first three original books of pure Garfield collected in one packed volume. They tell the story of the feisty feline's birth, adoption, and growth into general wonderfulness—just in case you've forgotten—and remind us why we loved him like we do. Read more

My Name Is Tani . . . and I Believe in Miracles Young Readers Edition

My Name Is Tani . . . and I Believe in Miracles Young Readers Edition

Author: Tanitoluwa Adewumi Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

An amazing, miraculous refugee story of coming to America, the young readers edition of Tani Adewumi's story will inspire kids looking for true stories of doing hard things. At eight years old, Tani Adewumi, a refugee, won the 2019 New York State Chess Championship after playing the game for only a year--and while homeless. Tani and his family fled Boko Haram's reign of terror in Nigeria to come to the United States, where they lived in a New York City homeless shelter while waiting to be granted religious asylum. Tani began attending a public elementary school and decided he wanted to join the chess program, but it required a fee. Tani's mother reached out to the coach, who offered Tani a scholarship--and a year later the young immigrant became a chess champion. Ideal for readers 8 to 12 years old, this adaptation presents compelling insight into: What it means to leave a comfortable home and move to a new country with nothing What it's like to live in America as a homeless family How it feels to be an outsider, a Nigerian, in a new school And what it means to learn a game, compete, and experience the thrill of winning Tani's story will inspire you to believe in the power of the human spirit to triumph over the greatest adversities. And his family's faith will inspire you to believe in miracles. Read more

The Most Beautiful Thing

The Most Beautiful Thing

Author: Kao Kalia Yang Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Khoa Le

A warmhearted and tender true story about a young girl finding beauty where she never thought to look. When young Kalia wants ice cream, she has to make do with ice cubes from the freezer. When she wants a new dress for the first day of school, her mother gives her a few coins to spend on candy at the corner store. And when she wants meat for dinner, she must settle for a piece of bone that flavors the family’s soup. Finally, Kalia becomes tired of longing for what she cannot have. When she asks for braces to straighten her crooked teeth, which her family cannot afford, it is her grandmother―a woman who has just one tooth in her mouth―who helps her see what is truly beautiful. Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this moving picture book portrays a family with little money―and a great deal of love. Weaving together Kalia’s story with that of her beloved grandmother, the book moves from the jungles of Laos to the family’s early years in the United States. Stunning illustrations from Vietnamese illustrator Khoa Le bring this intergenerational tale to life. "A deep and moving reflection on enduring hardship and generational love. . . . Poignant storytelling with stunning visuals."―starred, Kirkus Reviews "A sincere narrative that centers on the power of family love."―starred, School Library Journal Minnesota Book Award Finalist, ALA Notable Children's Book, New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, NPR Best Book of the Year Read more

Garfield Fat Cat: Garfield at Large/Garfield Gains Weight/Garfield Bigger Than Life (Garfield Fat Cat Three Pack)

Garfield Fat Cat: Garfield at Large/Garfield Gains Weight/Garfield Bigger Than Life (Garfield Fat Cat Three Pack)

Author: Jim Davis Genre: Comics

The perfect holiday gift for fans of the flabby tabby , this rollicking collection includes three books in one: Garfield at Large, Garfield Gains Weight, and Garfield Bigger Than Life . Witty, urbane, sassy, and downright delightful, here are the first three original books of pure Garfield collected in one packed volume. They tell the story of the feisty feline's birth, adoption, and growth into general wonderfulness—just in case you've forgotten—and remind us why we loved him like we do. Read more

My Sister the Vampire #3: Re-Vamped!: A Fun Chapter Book Where Twins Face Three Tests to Prove Their Worth for Kids (Ages 8-12)

My Sister the Vampire #3: Re-Vamped!: A Fun Chapter Book Where Twins Face Three Tests to Prove Their Worth for Kids (Ages 8-12)

Author: Sienna Mercer Genre: Comedy

Don't miss this fun tween vampire series, featuring regular girl Olivia and goth girl Ivy! The secret is out—cheerleader Olivia and vampire Ivy are twins! Now that Ivy and Olivia have told their friends that they're twins, they have to come clean to their adoptive parents. But Ivy's dad doesn't even want to meet Olivia! When the vampire officials realize Olivia knows the truth about vampires, they demand that she pass three tests to prove she's worthy of sharing the secret. Yikes! One thing's for sure—if the sisters can get through this, they can get through anything. Can a human cheerleader really survive three secret vampire trials? Opposite Twins: A cheerleader and a goth discover they’re sisters—and one of them is a vampire! Navigating middle school just got a lot more complicated. Family Secrets: After their twinship is revealed in the school paper, Olivia and Ivy have to explain everything to their adoptive parents… except for the vampire part. Vampire Trials: To prove she can be trusted, Olivia must survive three ancient tests designed by vampire officials. The Test of Darkness is first, and it involves a coffin. Heartwarming Sister Story: Despite their differences and the dangers they face, Olivia and Ivy prove that the bond between sisters is the strongest magic of all. Read more

The Princes of the Abyss (The Lords of Dimensions)

The Princes of the Abyss (The Lords of Dimensions)

Author: George Jankovic Genre: Adventure

Readers aged 10–14 will be swept into book two of the acclaimed The Lords of Dimensions adventure fantasy series, where mystery and danger soar higher than ever… The Man with No Face has opened a dark portal, releasing a legion of immortal warriors. And he won’t stop until everything Alex May loves is destroyed. But Alex isn’t easily beaten. The enemy’s first target is the underwater city of the peaceful Alamon. To protect his adopted people, thirteen-year-old Alex risks his life on a daring quest. He and his friends – fierce Cleo, visionary Lin, and brilliant Whiz – travel through hidden dimensions and battle their way into ancient pyramids built by a forgotten race. There they seek a powerful technology, but it’s guarded by ruthless Deathstalkers. Plus, the Man with No Face has a secret plan. He prepares his most devastating blow to the world by unlocking a mysterious device from the dawn of time. If he unleashes its power, can anything Alex and his friends do stop him? Filled with twists, high-stakes action, and chapter endings that leave you breathless, The Princes of the Abyss continues the adventure with four unforgettable heroes whose courage, friendship, and humor shine through every page. Perfect for ages 10–14, it’s the kind of fantasy that keeps readers of all levels turning pages long past bedtime. Pair it with books one and three of The Lords of Dimensions series – The Night Slayer and The Demon Ripper – to experience the best-selling saga. Read more