Christina Soontornvat writes with a warmth and curiosity shaped by a unique upbringing. Her stories, drawing from both her Thai heritage and Texan roots, often explore the boundaries between imagination and reality. With a background in science and education, she brings a fascinating depth and inquisitiveness to her narratives that engage young readers. Her work radiates a sense of wonder and adventure, inviting readers into worlds brimming with enchantment.
Highlighting the contributions of Asian Americans, this middle-grade nonfiction explores their transformative impact on the United States across generations. Authored by Christina Soontornvat and Erika Lee, the book delves into the diverse experiences and cultural influences that have shaped American identity, offering young readers a deeper understanding of this vital aspect of history. Through engaging narratives, it emphasizes the ongoing role of Asian Americans in defining what it means to be American today.
The story focuses on Leo and his father as they explore the significance of voting and elections. Through engaging illustrations and relatable themes, it emphasizes the power of individual voices in shaping the community. This kid-friendly picture book serves as an educational tool, encouraging young readers to understand their role in democracy and the impact of their votes.
The story introduces a captivating fantasy world where children possess the extraordinary ability to transform into incredible animals. Crafted by three-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat, this series promises thrilling adventures and imaginative escapades, appealing to young readers who enjoy magical transformations and the exploration of unique abilities.
A boy fleeing from danger and a girl resolutely searching for him form the heart of this compelling fantasy. The narrative delves into themes of privilege, protest, and justice, exploring the complexities of their intertwined fates. As the girl embarks on her quest, the story unfolds against a backdrop of societal challenges, highlighting the struggle for equality and the impact of individual choices in a tumultuous world.
Chronicling the remarkable journey of Senator Tammy Duckworth, this account highlights her groundbreaking achievements as the first Thai American woman in Congress and the first woman with a disability to serve in both the House and Senate. It details her struggles, from childhood hardships to her service in the US Army and recovery from serious injuries. The narrative captures her resilience and determination, inspiring readers to pursue their dreams. Additional resources, including a timeline, enhance the experience and provide further context.
"Diary, I am so excited! Next week, our class is going to do something called a field trip. And I get to ride on a yellow school bus! It's going to be just like in the movies, Diary! My cousin Jack Frost is going to be tagging along with us to an aquarium. His Winterheart magic is mega-impressive. Grandfather says I can learn a lot from him. But YAWN, Diary. I'm about to see penguins! I just hope Cousin Jack can chill out with the lessons and enjoy the trip"--Back cover.
This book has been recognized as a Junior Library Guild Selection, indicating its quality and appeal to young readers. The selection suggests that it contains engaging content that meets educational standards, making it a valuable addition to children's literature. The recognition highlights the book's potential to inspire and entertain, ensuring it is a noteworthy choice for libraries and parents looking for enriching reading material for children.
A beautiful ode to our planet and a clarion call to protect it. The perfect introduction to climate change for the youngest readers. Our planet seems tough, but it is fragile. Our planet seems big, but it needs us. Spare, lyrical text and exquisite illustrations show how seemingly small and insignificant changes -- from carbon molecules that become pollutants, to one degree on a thermometer, to one person's actions -- when multiplied, can have ripple effects that endanger the lives of all creatures on earth. Fortunately, the choices we make have an impact, too, and our collective actions, multiplied together, can change our planet and our world for the better. Two-time Newbery Award honoree, Sibert Award honoree, and former science educator, Christina Soontornvat creates a stunning tribute to our planet illuminating with clarity and hope the causes of climate change as well as hands-on solutions that will edify and empower even the youngest readers. Rahele Jomepour Bell infuses her pictures with jaw-dropping explosions of color on every page, and invites readers to follow the storylines of several families as she celebrates the breathtaking beauty of our planet. Clear, informative end notes answer a myriad of questions in simple language, and cite irrefutable sources. A treasure for anyone looking to help children understand the natural world, foster responsibility and stewardship, and inspire budding young climate activists.
"Princess Lina's BFF Claudia is desperate for a dog. So Lina decides to use her Winterheart magic to turn a puppy snow sculpture into the perfect pet. But the magical snow dog has a mind of its own--and it's running loose at school!"--Amazon
A fun-filled chapter book series that answers the question: What if Frozen's Elsa went to regular school? The time has come for Princess Lina to choose her special magical weather specialty. Her cousin Jack Frost makes amazing snowflakes. Her Uncle Lee forms ice caves in glaciers. Her Great-Aunt Sunder creates winter storms on polar seas. Gulp. Everyone has chosen something so impressive. Lina's not sure what she's going to do-- but she's determined to make her mark in a big way
As one of the only Asian Americans in her school, Christina confronts both well-meaning ignorance and cruel racism, but in middle school fitting in is important, which is why she and her best friend Megan are both excited and nervous to try out for the popular cheerleading squad.
Navigating the complexities of adolescence, Christina grapples with her identity as part of a racially mixed family while encountering various challenges and heartbreaks. Her journey is marked by personal growth and resilience as she learns to embrace her unique background and confront the trials of 8th grade, ultimately leading to moments of triumph and self-discovery.
Facing the challenges of being one of the few Asian Americans in her school, Christina navigates a landscape filled with both ignorance and overt racism. The pressure to fit in during middle school intensifies as she and her best friend Megan prepare to audition for the coveted cheerleading squad, balancing their excitement with anxiety about acceptance and identity.
The story features children with the extraordinary ability to transform into remarkable animals, set in a thrilling fantasy world. Authored by three-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat, the series promises adventure and excitement, appealing to young readers who enjoy imaginative tales filled with transformation and discovery.
All Izzy wants is for something interesting to happen in her sleepy little town. But her wish becomes all too real when a mysterious song floats through the woods and lures her little sister Hen into the forest...where she vanishes. A frantic search leads to a strange hole in the ground that Izzy enters. But on the other side, she discovers that the hole was not a hole, this place is not Earth, and Hen is not lost. She's been stolen away to the land of Faerie, and it's up to Izzy to bring her home. But inside Faerie, trouble is brewing-and Izzy is in way over her head. A ragtag group of outlaw Changelings offer to help, but she must decide whether a boulder that comes to life, a girl who looks like a ghost, and a boy who is also a stag can help her save Hen before it's too late. Praise for The Changelings: "Fresh and imaginative--new inventions on every page. I loved every ingenious twist and turn right up to the wonderfully satisfying ending." --Katherine Catmull, author of The Radiant Road and Summer and Bird. "The Changelings is charming Perfect for readers who love stories full of magic, adventure, mystery and fairies, topped off with a satisfying and very happy ending. Soontornvat's debut sparkles and delights " --Nikki Loftin, author of The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy
This new middle grade fantasy series by two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat features a captivating blend of animals, magic, and relatable young characters. It encourages readers to embrace their own power and potential to effect change in the world around them, making it a perfect choice for fans of imaginative storytelling and adventure.
From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.Young Plum is shocked to discover that she’s been accepted to the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, an elite school where kids learn how to transform into Guardians, magical creatures who are sworn to protect the natural world. The Guardian masters teach Plum and her friends how to communicate with animals and how to use meditation to strengthen their minds and bodies. All the kids also learn to fight, so they can protect the defenseless if needed.To her dismay, Plum struggles at school. While her classmates begin to transform into amazing creatures, Plum can’t even seem to magic up a single feather! If she can’t embrace her inner animal form soon, she’ll have to leave school ― and lose the first group of real friends she’s ever known.
In this humorous story, the Blunder kids find themselves in a comical predicament as they repeatedly miscount their group, leading to a series of amusing situations. The narrative captures the chaos and laughter that ensue when trying to keep track of friends, highlighting themes of friendship and teamwork. With relatable characters and a lighthearted tone, this tale is sure to entertain young readers while engaging them in the fun of counting and camaraderie.
The story features a girl in Texas who discovers a magical bracelet that thrusts her into a Groundhog Day-style time loop. Co-authored by bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski and three-time Newbery Honor recipient Christina Soontornvat, the narrative explores themes of time, choice, and the impact of one's actions as the protagonist navigates her unique predicament.
Set in an art museum, the story follows Simon, a young boy struggling to manage his playful impulses. While he battles the urge to slide on the floor and chase pigeons, a captivating artwork unexpectedly draws his attention, leading to a moment of wonder that shifts his focus. This narrative explores themes of curiosity and the transformative power of art in a child's life.
Das Geheimnis der Verwandlung Berry kann es nicht fassen: Sie soll Schülerin der berühmten Wächter-Akademie auf der Lotusinsel werden! Dort lernen die Novizen, sich in magische Wesen zu verwandeln – die Wächter. Ihre Aufgabe ist es, alle Tiere und Pflanzen mit ihren magischen Kräften zu beschützen. Dafür werden sie umfassend ausgebildet: Die Meisterinnen und Meister der Akademie lehren sie die Sprache der Tiere und die Geheimnisse der Pflanzenkunde, die Kunst zu kämpfen und den Geist zu stärken. Das alles ist gar nicht so einfach, muss Berry bald feststellen. Allen anderen scheint die Verwandlung zu gelingen - nur sie selbst bringt noch nicht einmal ein winziges Federchen hervor! Kann es sein, dass ihre Kräfte zu schwach sind, um eine Wächterin zu werden? Aber will sie denn überhaupt eine Wächterin sein? Eins steht fest: Wenn sie ihre Bestimmung nicht bald erkennt und ihr magisches Selbst findet, muss Berry die Insel verlassen. Und die besten Freunde, die sie je hatte, wird sie nie wiedersehen ... Ein mitreißendes Fantasy-Abenteuer in einer exotischen Welt mit vielen faszinierenden magischen Wesen - für Kinder ab 8 Jahren Weitere Bände: Die Insel der magischen Wächter - Die Schattennebel Ausstattung: Mit s/w Abbildungen
Rettet den magischen Wald! Berry und ihre Freunde reisen zur Nebelinsel Bokati. Dort erhalten sie Lektionen vom geheimnisvollen Meister Em, dem Hüter des uralten Waldes der Insel. Der Ausflug kommt Berry gerade recht, denn sie hat immer noch mit der Frage zu kämpfen, warum sie sich als angehende Wächterin so anders fühlt als ihre Freund*innen und Mitschüler*innen. Schnell sind alle fasziniert von der wunderbaren Natur, den Tieren und Pflanzen der Insel. Als dunkle Kräfte die Bäume bedrohen, müssen die jungen Wächter eingreifen! Doch kann Berry ihren Freunden gestehen, über welch außergewöhnliche Kräfte sie verfügt? Ein mitreißendes Fantasy-Abenteuer in einer exotischen Welt mit vielen faszinierenden magischen Wesen - für Kinder ab 8 Jahren Weitere Bände: Die Insel der magischen Wächter - Der große Test Ausstattung: Mit s/w Abbildungen
