Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

Joan Bauer

    From a young age, this author was captivated by humor and storytelling, lessons learned from a grandmother who was a professional storyteller. This early inspiration fueled a desire to create works that blend laughter with profound insights into the human spirit. Her writing frequently explores complex family dynamics and personal adversity, emphasizing the strength found in overcoming life's challenges. Her narratives draw upon her own experiences with hardship, transforming them into stories of resilience and growth.

    Joan Bauer
    Backwater
    Rules of the Road
    Close to Famous
    Hope was Here
    Tell Me
    Raising Lumie
    • 2021

      Raising Lumie

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      4.2(756)Add rating

      A poignant, hopeful story of a girl and her puppy.Olive Hudson desperately wants a dog. But that doesn't seem to be a possibility right now. Newly orphaned, she's moving in with the half sister she hardly knows and their life is too chaotic to include a dog. But then something wonderful happens: Olive gets a chance to raise Lumie, a guide dog puppy. Discipline. Rules. Lots of hugs. Only the best of the best puppies continue on to become guide dogs, and of course Olive wants Lumie to be chosen. But if she is, that means that Olive will lose her. Once again, the incomparable Joan Bauer tells a touching story that is full of heart and warmth and unabashed idealism.

      Raising Lumie
    • 2015

      Tell Me

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      4.0(25)Add rating

      The latest novel by award-winning author Joan Bauer combines warmth, humor, and hope with an engaging element of suspense. This captivating story invites readers into a world rich with emotional depth and relatable characters, promising an uplifting journey filled with unexpected twists.

      Tell Me
    • 2013

      Almost Home

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Joan Bauer's latest novel explores themes of resilience and compassion through compelling characters facing life's challenges. The story is designed to evoke deep emotions, inviting readers to connect with the characters' journeys and personal growth. With a blend of heartfelt moments and insightful reflections, this Newbery Honor winner delivers a poignant narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.

      Almost Home
    • 2012

      Close to Famous

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading
      3.9(147)Add rating

      Heartwarming and humorous, this novel by Newbery Honor winner Joan Bauer explores themes of resilience and friendship. The story captivates readers with its charming characters and engaging plot, highlighting the importance of connection and support in overcoming life's challenges. Through relatable experiences and witty dialogue, the author crafts a delightful narrative that resonates with both young and adult audiences.

      Close to Famous
    • 2009

      Hildy Biddle wants something monumental to happen so she can finally prove herself to be more than a high school journalist. The problem? Her town?s biggest story stars a ghost, which is not an easy interview. But while the local paper is playing up people?s fears with shocking headlines of creepy happenings, Hildy is determined to discover what?s really going on. Unfortunately, her desire to uncover the truth is starting to cause a stir. With rumors swirling and tensions high, can Hildy push past all the hype and find out the real truth?

      Peeled
    • 2005

      Backwater

      • 192 pages
      • 7 hours of reading
      3.8(1407)Add rating

      Ivy's journey of self-discovery unfolds as she defies her father's expectations to pursue her passion for history. Tasked with creating a family history for her great-aunt Tib's birthday, Ivy embarks on an adventure into the Adirondacks to connect with her estranged aunt Jo. This quest not only deepens her understanding of her family's legacy but also helps Ivy uncover her true calling, ultimately shaping her future.

      Backwater
    • 2005

      Squashed

      • 208 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      3.8(2243)Add rating

      Set in rural Iowa, this novel blends humor with themes of agriculture and young love. Sixteen-year-old Ellie Morgan strives to grow a prize-winning pumpkin while also hoping to lose 20 pounds to catch the attention of Wes, the new boy in town. Ellie's journey reflects her ambitions and the challenges of adolescence, making for a charming and relatable coming-of-age story.

      Squashed
    • 2005

      Sticks

      • 194 pages
      • 7 hours of reading
      3.7(373)Add rating

      Mickey, determined to succeed in a pivotal pool championship, finds support from his grandmother, his deceased father's best friend, and his math-savvy best friend. Despite facing his mother's doubts, he navigates the challenges ahead, showcasing themes of friendship, perseverance, and the influence of family in pursuing one's dreams.

      Sticks
    • 2005

      Thwonk

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      3.2(193)Add rating

      The narrative showcases a whimsical blend of humor and style, centered around engaging characters and their adventures. The author, recognized with a Newbery Honor, crafts a tale that captivates readers with its clever dialogue and imaginative scenarios, making it an entertaining read for both children and adults alike. Themes of aspiration and creativity are woven throughout, ensuring a memorable experience.

      Thwonk
    • 2000

      This 2001 Newbery Honor Book tells the story of Hope, who leaves New York City with her Aunt Maddie when Maddie takes a job at a diner in a small Wisconsin town. Hope soon becomes involved in local politics when the diner's owner runs for mayor.

      Hope was Here