Patricia Reilly Giff is celebrated for her engaging books that capture the authentic voices and experiences of young readers. Her work often explores themes of friendship, family, and the everyday adventures that shape childhood. For older audiences, her novels delve into more complex narratives, showcasing a keen understanding of adolescent life and emotional landscapes. Giff's distinctive narrative style and her ability to connect with readers on a profound level have established her as a significant contributor to children's literature.
The adventure unfolds as Hunter, his twin brother Zack, and their neighbor Sarah search for a hidden treasure left by town founder Lester Dinwitty. Armed with clues and shovels, they dig through their town, facing humorous mishaps, including a visit to the dreaded dentist. Along the way, the trio not only stirs up chaos but also learns valuable lessons about family unity and friendship, blending humor with heartfelt moments in their quest for riches.
A poignant narrative unfolds as a girl, who has long ceased to speak, embarks on a journey to rediscover her voice. Through her experiences, themes of healing and self-expression emerge, capturing the essence of resilience and connection. This touching tale resonates with readers who appreciate heartfelt stories of personal growth and understanding.
It is Felicity's wedding day - supposedly the happiest day of her life. Surrounded by the finest the city of Dublin and her doting father can offer, a perfect bridegroom at the church, Felicity wonders if she can go through with it. Will she? Should she? Could she? Her decision will cast ripples into lives far beyond her own. A warm and witty tale in which the ghosts of the past refuse to stay there and the power of love, in all its rich and varied guises, colours a sometimes painfully tangled web of familial relationships with all its hopes, expectations and regrets.
New Reading and Listening Texts motivate students to speak and think in English. New exam zones in the Powerbook build students' exam skills and confidence. New comprehensive testing programme provides total evaluation for students Grammar and skills development give students a solid base for learning. Training in independent study skills ensures good learning habits. Cross curricular and cross cultural topics motivate students and engage their interest in the wider world.
The narrative intertwines the lives of Elizabeth and her ancestor Zee, a girl from the American Revolution who bears a striking resemblance to her. As Elizabeth delves into Zee's life, the story alternates between their timelines, bringing historical events and emotions to life. Through her journey, Elizabeth not only uncovers family history but also experiences the intensity of Zee's world, making the past feel immediate and impactful.
It's 1944, W.W. II is raging. Jayna's big brother Rob is her only family. When Rob is called to duty on a destroyer, Jayna is left in their small town in upstate New York with their cranky landlady. But right before he leaves, Rob tells Jayna a secret: they may have a grandmother in Brooklyn. Rob found a little blue recipe book with her name and an address for a bakery. When Jayna learns that Rob is missing in action, she's devastated. Along with her turtle Theresa, the recipe book, and an encouraging, ghostly voice as her guide, Jayna sets out for Brooklyn in hopes of finding the family she so desperately needs.
A heart-wrenching novel in verse about a poor girl surviving the Irish Land Wars, by a two-time Newbery Honor-winning author. For Anna, the family farm has always been home... But now, things are changing. Anna's mother has died, and her older siblings have emigrated, leaving Anna and her father to care for a young sister with special needs. And though their family has worked this land for years, they're in danger of losing it as poor crop yields leave them without money to pay their rent. When a violent encounter with the Lord's rent collector results in Anna and her father's arrest, all seems lost. But Anna sees her chance and bolts from the jailhouse. On the run, Anna must rely on her own inner strength to protect her sister--and try to find a way to save her family. Written in verse, A Slip of a Girl is a poignant story of adversity, resilience, and self-determination by a master of historical fiction, painting a haunting history of the tensions in the Irish countryside of the early 1890s, and the aftermath of the Great Famine. A Junior Library Guild Selection A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
This Newbery Honor book about a girl who has never known family fighting for her first true home “will leave readers . . . satisfied” (Kirkus Reviews). Hollis Woods is the place where a baby was abandoned is the baby’s name is an artist is now a twelve-year-old girl who’s been in so many foster homes she can hardly remember them all. When Hollis is sent to Josie, an elderly artist who is quirky and affectionate, she wants to stay. But Josie is growing more forgetful every day. If Social Services finds out, they’ll take Hollis away and move Josie into a home. Well, Hollis Woods won’t let anyone separate them. She’s escaped the system before; this time, she’s taking Josie with her. Still, even as she plans her future with Josie, Hollis dreams of the past summer with the Regans, fixing each special moment of her days with them in pictures she’ll never forget. Patricia Reilly Giff captures the yearning for a place to belong in this warmhearted story, which stresses the importance of artistic vision, creativity, and above all, family.
Set in 1875 Brooklyn, the story follows Bird Mallon, who dreams of becoming a healer like her mother, Nory. As she navigates her desires to assist her sister Annie in finding love and to persuade her brother Hughie to abandon his gang fights for money, Bird also longs for a new friend in the vacant apartment above. The backdrop of the Manhattan bridge's construction adds to the vibrant setting as Bird seeks courage and connection in her bustling neighborhood.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Ireland, the story follows twelve-year-old Nory Ryan as her family faces the devastating effects of a potato blight. With their livelihood threatened by an English lord intent on evicting them, Nory must navigate the challenges of survival, relying on her courage and resourcefulness. As she seeks food and hope for her family, themes of resilience and the struggle for land and identity emerge, highlighting the harsh realities of rural life during a time of crisis.
