A boy discovers that he doesn't have to feel personally responsible for his uncle's drowning.
Betsy Byars Books
August 7, 1928 – February 26, 2020
Betsy Byars crafted enduring stories that delve into the complexities of childhood with remarkable emotional depth and realism. Her narratives explore the universal themes of growing up, familial bonds, and personal discovery, resonating with young readers through an insightful portrayal of their inner lives. Byars' distinctive voice and narrative skill lie in her ability to capture the authentic feelings and challenges faced by her characters. Her celebrated works continue to offer profound insights into the adolescent experience.
A sixth-grade boy deals with the prospect of a new baby brother and a long-distance love relationship
When Cracker Jackson receives an anonymous note in the mail, he finds out that his old baby-sitter, Alma, is in danger. But what can an eleven-year-old do in a situation that most adults couldn't cope with?
The House of Wings
- 148 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Left with his grandfather until his parents are settled in Detroit, Sammy learns to respect and love the old man as they care for an injured crane together.
Tornado
- 49 pages
- 2 hours of reading
From Newbery Medal-winning author Betsy Byars comes a sweet, entertaining story that will touch the heart of dog lovers at any age. A tornado appears in the distance, and the family quickly gathers into the storm cellar. The storm rages outside, but Pete, the farmhand, knows this is the perfect time to tell his stories about a dog named Tornado. Blown into their lives by a twister when Pete was a boy, Tornado was no ordinary dog—he played card tricks, saved a turtle’s life, and had a rivalry with the family cat. Forgetting their fear, the family hangs on every word of Pete’s stories—both happy and sad—of this remarkable dog.
When the toughest boy in school swears to kill him, twelve year-old Mouse finds little help from friends and must prepare for this emergency alone
When Junior Blossom wakes up in the hospital, his last memory is of crouching on the barn roof with cloth wings tied to his arms, and of Maggie and Vern in the yard below, urging him to fly. That had been just before Junior spotted a police car approaching the farm in a cloud of dust.Meanwhile Pap, the children's grandfather, sits in disgrace in the city jail. He was arrested for disturbing the peace after his pickup truck accidentally dumped 2,147 beer and soda cans (worth $107.35) on Spring Street.With their mother away on the rodeo circuit, it's up to Maggie and Vern to find a way to rescue Pap and Junior. How will they solve their family problems?
The Pinballs
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
"Three unwanted kids--Pinballs, as wisecracking Carly dubs them--collide in a warm and caring foster home and learn to pin their hopes on each other".--School Library Journal. ALA Notable Children's Book; School Library Journal Best Books of 1977.
The Midnight Fox (Puffin Modern Classics)
- 144 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Tom, from the town, is so excited by seeing the black fox with the green eyes that he goes out every day hoping to see her again. And when she and her cub are in danger from his uncle's gun, he is sure he is the only person who can save them.
It was supposed to be a great vacation for everyone. Clara and Deanie were thrilled about spending time with their father now that the divorce was final. But they're surprised and horrified at having to share Dad with his girl friend and her stuck-up son right in the same beach house! And for his part, John D. Jones can't stand the arrangement either, especially the squabbling girls, whom he dubs the Animal and the Vegetable.When Clara falls asleep on her plastic raft and is washed out to sea, everyone is hopeful until the float turns up without her. It's the first time they've all pulled together But is it too late to reveal their true feelings?
