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Susan Hood

    With years of experience as a children's book and magazine editor for prominent organizations, this author now dedicates herself full-time to writing picture books for young readers. Her work draws on her extensive background in engaging with children, bringing forth stories that inspire and enrich. She focuses on crafting compelling narratives that spark imagination and educate children about the world around them. Her books are designed to be both educational and entertaining, emphasizing positive themes and character development.

    Look! I Can Read!
    Double Take! A New Look at Opposites
    Harboring Hope
    The Firehouse
    Academic Encounters. Life in Society
    Alias Anna
    • Alias Anna

      • 368 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      The moving true story of how young Ukrainian Jewish piano prodigies Zhanna (alias "Anna") and her sister Frina outplayed their pursuers while hiding in plain sight during the Holocaust. A middle grade nonfiction novel-in-verse by award-winning author Susan Hood with Greg Dawson (Zhanna's son). She wouldn't be Zhanna. She'd use an alias. A for Anna. A for alive. When the Germans invade Ukraine, Zhanna, a young Jewish girl, must leave behind her friends, her freedom, and her promising musical future at the world's top conservatory. With no time to say goodbye, Zhanna, her sister Frina, and their entire family are removed from their home by the Nazis and forced on a long, cold, death march. When a guard turns a blind eye, Zhanna flees with nothing more than her musical talent, her beloved sheet music, and her father's final plea: "I don't care what you do. Just live." This incredible true story in-verse about sisterhood, survival, and music is perfect for fans of Lifeboat 12, Inside Out and Back Again, and Alan Gratz. Includes extensive back matter with original letters and photographs, additional information, and materials for further reading.

      Alias Anna
      4.4
    • Academic Encounters. Life in Society

      Reading, Study Skills, Writing

      • 270 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      The Academic Encounters series uses a sustained content approach to teach skills necessary for taking academic courses in English. There are two books for each content area. Academic Encounters: Life in Society engages students with authentic academic readings, photos, graphs, and charts on stimulating topics from the field of sociology. Topics include peer pressure, the influence of the media, and balancing home and work. Students develop important skills such as reading critically, examining graphic material, highlighting, note taking, and preparing for a quiz. By completing writing assignments of different lengths, students build academic writing skills, respond to the readings, and incorporate what they have learned. The topics correspond with those in Academic Listening Encounters: Life in Society. The books may be used independently or together.

      Academic Encounters. Life in Society
      4.4
    • Elmo visits the Sesame Street fire house for a tour and learns about the various equipment and trucks that are used to fight fires. While there, Elmo also finds the little black puppy he had seen in the neighborhood.

      The Firehouse
      4.3
    • Harboring Hope

      The True Story of How Henny Sinding Helped Denmark's Jews Escape the Nazis

      • 400 pages
      • 14 hours of reading

      The narrative centers on Henny Sinding, a brave twenty-two-year-old who played a pivotal role in smuggling Jewish families from occupied Denmark to safety in Sweden during the Holocaust. This middle grade nonfiction novel-in-verse, penned by award-winning author Susan Hood, highlights themes of courage, resilience, and the impact of individual action in times of crisis, offering young readers an inspiring glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of history.

      Harboring Hope
      4.2
    • Double Take! A New Look at Opposites

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      When it comes to opposites, it's all a matter of perspective! Lively text and fun retro art engage kids in the finer points of a favourite concept.

      Double Take! A New Look at Opposites
      3.9
    • Look! I Can Read!

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      A little girl proudly shows off her reading skills as she spends a day out on the town with her mom. Children are sure to be delighted as they read along with the narrator in ths fun, rhyming, easy-to-read story.

      Look! I Can Read!
      3.8
    • Elmo, Zoe, Bert and Ernie enjoy counting from one to ten at the Count's party. Elmo continues his search for the missing black puppy.

      The Count's Castle
      3.6
    • The Fix-It Man

      • 40 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Joshua James is a skilled handyman known for his exceptional ability to repair anything. His reputation as the go-to fix-it man showcases not only his talents but also his determination to help others. The story likely explores his adventures and challenges, highlighting his resourcefulness and the relationships he builds through his work.

      The Fix-It Man
      3.6
    • Kids Can Read - 1: Pup and Hound

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Follow the farmyard adventures of two lovable dogs in these humorous stories about friendship. With simple, rhyming text and playful illustrations, the Pup and Hound books are perfect for the beginning reader. Hound discovers Pup curled on the ground in need of dinner. Will Hound find a way to make his new friend feel better? This Level 1 first reader contains short stories, simple sentences, easy vocabulary, simple visual clues and lots of repetition.

      Kids Can Read - 1: Pup and Hound