Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's writing often delves into the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by young people. Her prose is characterized by a realistic portrayal of childhood and adolescent lives, exploring themes of family, friendship, and personal growth. With a keen eye for detail and psychological depth, Naylor examines the inner worlds of her characters, frequently presenting them with difficult choices that shape their development. Her works are beloved for their honesty and their ability to resonate with readers of all ages.
In this adventurous sequel, a kidnapper with a knack for blunders takes Smoky Jo, prompting a clever rescue mission led by Roxie, Uncle Dangerfoot, and Lord Thistlebottom. The dynamic between the hapless kidnapper and the resourceful trio adds humor and excitement to the story, enhanced by engaging illustrations that bring the characters and their escapades to life.
A boy must outsmart a tormenting turkey and solve the mystery surrounding some missing jewelry in this feel-good middle grade novel from the Newbery Award–winning author of the Shiloh series. Zack has a problem. A turkey problem. A TOM turkey to be exact. Every weekend Zack goes to his grandparents’ farm with his father. As soon as he and his dad pull up in the truck, that ol’ Tom turkey’s right there, waiting, ready to peck, peck, peck at Zack’s legs. Now, Zack isn’t usually a scaredy-cat but this is different. The bird is flat out mean, and has clearly got it out for Zack. His best friend Matthew thinks he’s exaggerating, so one weekend Zack brings him along and sure enough the turkey is laying in wait…this time for them both! The boys realize they need something to turn the tables, so they decide to build—in Rube Goldberg style—a giant LOUD contraption to scare the turkey away for good. What the boys don’t count on is the seemingly know-it-all neighbor Josie’s news that there’s a mysterious robber prowling around the neighborhood. Bracelets, necklaces, and coins have gone missing, and the odd thing is that the robber leaves V-shaped footprints…
From the Newbery Award–winning author of Shiloh comes a middle-grade novel that combines adrenaline-fueled adventure with a poignant coming-of-age story. Buck Anderson’s life seems to be changing completely. His best friend, David, has moved away; his anxious parents are hounding him more than ever; he has reluctantly agreed to fill in for his uncle and do odd jobs for a grumpy old veteran in town; and his twin sister has a new boyfriend and is never around anymore. To top it all off, Buck is bullied by a group of boys at school—mainly because he stutters. There is one thing that frees Buck from his worries. It is the heart-pounding exhilaration he feels when exploring underground caves in and around his hometown. He used to go caving with David, but he’s determined to continue on his own now. He doesn’t know that more changes are headed his way—changes that just might make him rethink his view of the world and his place in it. Praise for GOING WHERE IT’S DARK “A well-constructed and well-paced story that will be appreciated by anyone who has ever felt out of place or bullied.” —School Library Journal “Buck’s strength is inspirational, and his family’s love and respect are heartwarming.” —Kirkus Reviews “With characteristic sensitivity, Naylor delivers an engrossing account of a boy’s interior and exterior struggles.” —Publishers Weekly
Set during Alice's middle school years, this boxed set continues the beloved series, exploring her adventures and challenges as she navigates friendships, family dynamics, and the trials of growing up. The stories delve into relatable themes of self-discovery and resilience, capturing the essence of adolescence with humor and heart. Fans of Alice will enjoy her journey through the ups and downs of middle school life.
The beloved Alice series begins right here, in this collection. Alice has been through it all. Friendships, breakups, love…and we get to experience it all with her. In this, the very first Alice collection, you will find the youngest years of Alice’s life, from third, fourth, and fifth grades. Begin the journey here with Starting with Alice, Alice in Blunderland, and Lovingly Alice.
The story follows Marty and his best friend Shiloh as they embark on a new adventure, confronting the challenges of keeping a dangerous secret. Through their journey, Marty discovers the destructive nature of hate and its ability to spread uncontrollably. Themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of honesty are central to their experiences, highlighting the impact of choices on their lives and relationships.
Includes a reading group guide for the Alice series.
Struggling with grief and identity after a tragic accident, Josh embarks on a hitchhiking journey from Boston to Dallas, seeking a fresh start. As he prepares to begin his junior year in an unfamiliar school, he grapples with the loss of his past life and the significance he once held. This poignant tale explores themes of loss, reinvention, and the search for belonging in a world that feels indifferent.
The story follows Alice during her pivotal senior year of high school, capturing her journey through three interconnected novels. As she navigates friendships, responsibilities, and personal growth, readers experience her challenges and triumphs in "Alice in Charge," "Incredibly Alice," and "Alice on Board." This compilation delves into the complexities of adolescence, showcasing Alice's evolving identity and the impact of her choices on her future.
Alice embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting the challenges and lessons life has to offer. As she navigates her experiences, she uncovers valuable insights and personal growth, highlighting the importance of resilience and understanding in the face of life's complexities. This repackaged installment in a cherished series promises to engage readers with its relatable themes and character development.