Publisher Annotation: Nora and Ben’s younger sister Birdy loves to keep secrets. She surprises her family more than once: She hides a kitten in her room. She writes a beautiful poem. One day Birdy watches her mother spit into a tube, ready to send it off to find out more about herself and where her family came from. Birdy spits into a tube, too, when no one sees her. But when the test results come back, they are a surprise. Birdy is seemingly not...

As her family gathers for the wedding of her sister Anna, fourth-grader Cassie Whiting sees the many changes brought about by everyday life and finds comfort in the love of those around her, especially her grandfather.

When a drought tests the commitment of a mail-order bride from Maine to her new home on the prairie, her stepchildren hope they will be able to remain a family.

Describes summer days growing up on the prairie.

Each season brings new adventures for Barkus the dog, Baby the kitten, and their human family.

A sad and silent nine-year-old boy finds his voice when he moves next to a family that rescues dogs.

When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.

When Robbie spends the summer at his grandmother Maddy's house, he revels in his grandmother's easy, relaxed ways. Robbie has always felt as if something is missing in his life-his parents don't always act like they love him. Maddy helps him understand that an experience his mother had long ago is at the heart of the problem in his family. With this knowledge, Robbie finds the courage to try to make things right. This poignant story from beloved author...

Barkus is back in this third installment of the warm and funny early chapter book series from the Newbery Medal—winning author, Patricia MacLachlan. The lovable dog Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this colorful and heartwarming book that's just right for emerging readers and fans of series like Henry and Mudge and Juana and Lucas. PERFECT FOR NEW READERS: The simple text and engaging pictures are just right for readers...

Publisher Annotation: Alone In a fierce winter storm Nickel and Flora are brave but afraid. A dog finds them. Teddy Speaks words and brings them to shelter. The poets cabin has light and food and love. But where is the Poet? Teddy will tell the story of how words make poems and connect those who hear each other. The Poets Dog from Newbery Medalwinning author Patricia MacLachlan is a poignant story about two children, a poet, and a dog and how they...