Wendelin Van Draanen Books

Set against the backdrop of a small town recovering from the impact of World War II, the story follows three girls—Ginny Rose, Peggy, and Lisette—as they navigate their evolving friendships and familial tensions. Once inseparable, Ginny Rose and Peggy now face the stark differences in their social standings, exacerbated by the arrival of Lisette, a wealthy newcomer. As they confront their families' struggles, the summer becomes a pivotal time for secrets, healing, and the courage to redefine their lives and friendships at the brink of adulthood.

The story follows street-smart stray dog Mr. Whiskers and sisters Misty and Zelda as they navigate the streets of San Francisco. Their adventure centers on unraveling clues in a desperate quest to find their kidnapped father, blending elements of mystery and camaraderie in a vibrant urban setting.

The book features the hilarious crime-fighting duo, Gecko and Sticky, embarking on a series of entertaining adventures. With a blend of humor and superhero themes, these stories are designed to captivate readers of all ages, making them ideal for family read-aloud sessions.

The dynamic duo of Gecko and Sticky embarks on a series of humorous crime-fighting escapades. Their adventures are designed to entertain both young readers and adults, making them perfect for family read-aloud sessions. With a blend of comedy and superhero themes, these stories promise to engage fans of all ages.

The crime-fighting duo of Gecko and Sticky embarks on a series of humorous adventures that blend superhero themes with family-friendly storytelling. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales promise laughter and excitement, making them ideal for shared reading experiences.

When Jessica is told she’ll never run again, she puts herself back together—and learns to dream bigger than ever before. The acclaimed author of Flipped delivers a powerful and healing story. Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She’s not comforted by the news that she’ll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run? As she struggles to cope, Jessica feels that she’s both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don’t know what to say act like she’s not there. Jessica’s embarrassed to realize that she’s done the same to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she’s missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her. With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that’s not enough for her now. She doesn’t just want to cross finish lines herself—she wants to take Rosa with her. “Inspirational. The pace of Van Draanen’s prose matches Jessica’s at her swiftest. Readers will zoom through the book just as Jessica blazes around the track. A lively and lovely story.” —Kirkus Reviews

Fifth-grader Nolan Byrd, tired of being called names by the class bully, has a secret identity--Shredderman!

The crime-fighting duo of Gecko and Sticky embarks on a series of humorous adventures that captivate both young and old superhero enthusiasts. This collection promises to entertain with its engaging stories, making it an excellent choice for family read-aloud sessions.

Featuring an exceptional young detective, this story brings a fresh perspective to the genre of teen literature. With a compelling mix of mystery and adventure, the protagonist navigates challenges with wit and determination, setting a new standard for junior detectives. The narrative promises engaging twists and relatable characters, appealing to both young readers and fans of classic detective tales. This book is poised to captivate and inspire a new generation of mystery lovers.

Combining personal anecdotes with practical advice, this motivational guide encourages aspiring novelists to pursue their writing dreams. The author shares insights from their own journey, offering relatable experiences and valuable tips tailored for young adult readers and writers. This book serves as both inspiration and a roadmap, making the writing process accessible and engaging for those looking to craft their own stories.

The sixth Sammy Keyes book is one of the most exciting yet, as Sammy and her friend Marissa decide to blow town and take a bus to the seedy, insane town of Hollywood to surprise (and shake some sense into) Sammy's mother, the elusive Lady Lana. When they arrive, they discover that she's transformed herself into the glamorous, platinum-blonde, "25-year-old" actress Dominique Windsor, who certainly could never have spawned a 12-year-old--let alone a scruffy, no-nonsense girl like Sammy. The plot thickens, however, as Lady Lana's masquerade backfires in the most dreadful of ways and Sammy is left to save the day and solve the biggest mystery of her life. (Ages 10 and older)

Sammy Keyes boldly attends an upscale art gallery reception in high-tops and questions the value of a seemingly simple orange splot, drawing disapproving glances from the elite crowd. Her audacity highlights her unique perspective and challenges societal norms, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of art, class, and individuality.

Featuring a standout junior detective, this story promises a fresh take on the classic mystery genre, aiming to captivate young readers with its engaging plot and relatable characters. The narrative is filled with clever twists and turns that challenge the protagonist's sleuthing skills, making it an exciting read for fans of detective tales. The book's charm lies in its ability to blend humor and adventure, offering a delightful experience that sets it apart from traditional teen literature.

After running away from her fifth foster home, Holly, a twelve-year-old orphan, travels across the country, keeping a journal of her experiences and struggle to survive.

Exploring the blurred lines between morality and vice, this narrative delves into the complexities of human nature. Characters grapple with their choices, revealing the often ambiguous distinction between good and evil. As their stories intertwine, themes of redemption, guilt, and the search for identity emerge, prompting readers to reflect on their own perceptions of right and wrong. The book invites contemplation on the true essence of virtue and the hidden depths of the human experience.

The first time she saw him, she flipped. The first time he saw her, he ran. That was the second grade, but not much has changed by the seventh. Juli says: My Bryce. Still walking around with my first kiss. He says: It's been six years of strategic avoidance and social discomfort. But in the eighth grade everything gets turned upside down: just as Bryce is thinking that there's maybe more to Juli than meets the eye, she's thinking that he's not quite all he seemed. This is a classic romantic comedy of errors told in alternating chapters by two fresh, funny voices. The updated anniversary edition contains 32 pages of extra backmatter: essays from Wendelin Van Draanen on her sources of inspiration, on the making of the movie of Flipped, on why she'll never write a sequel, and a selection of the amazing fan mail she's received.

Nolan Byrd single-handedly saved his school from the bullydom of Alvin “Bubba” Bixby. He posted proof of Bubba’s exploits on the Web at Shredderman.com. Now Shredderman is the school hero! But since Shredderman’s identity is a secret, everyone still treats Nolan like . . . a nerd. But inside this nerd beats a superhero’s heart—one dedicated to truth and justice. So when a vandal spray-paints graffiti around town—and even on his teacher’s van!—Nolan decides that tracking down the tagger is a job for Shredderman. But while he’s trying to trap the tagger, the tagger is trying to pin the blame on Shredderman! Can Nolan turn the tables back around before his secret identity is revealed?

Sammy Keyes faces a moral dilemma when she discovers a stash of easy money. As she navigates the challenges that come with this unexpected windfall, she must confront the implications of her choices and the impact on her friends and community. The story intertwines themes of integrity, friendship, and the consequences of greed, showcasing Sammy's growth as she learns to balance her desires with her principles.

Twelve-year-old Carolyn, who has always wished she were a boy, begins to see things in a new light when her sister is born.

On Halloween night, seventh grader Sammy stumbles onto a mystery involving a twenty-year-old family feud and some heirlooms stolen by a man in a skeleton costume.

Um 03:47 Uhr kommen sie Wren holen. Mitten in der Nacht wird sie aus ihrem Bett gezerrt und in ein wartendes Auto, dann in ein Flugzeug, und schließlich auf einen stundenlangen Marsch durch die Wüste geschickt. Warum das alles? Weil Wren so sehr die Kontrolle verloren hat, dass sich ihre Eltern einfach nicht mehr anders zu helfen wissen. Also heißt es für sie: Willkommen im Wildnis-Therapie-Camp. Wren ist stinkwütend, denn sie hat keine Ahnung, womit sie acht Wochen Wüste verdient hat. Oder etwa doch?

On Halloween night, seventh grader Sammy stumbles onto a mystery involving a twenty-year-old family feud and some heirlooms stolen by a man in a skeleton costume.

Sammy rollt mit kostümierten Hunden auf einem Festwagen durch Santa Martina, obwohl das nicht ihr Traum ist. Plötzlich gerät der Rassehund, den sie betreut, in Aufregung, als Katzen auftauchen. Sammy muss herausfinden, wer die Weihnachtsparade sabotiert und den Hund entführt hat.

Sammy steckt total in der Klemme: Vom Fenster ihrer Oma aus hat sie mit dem Fernrohr im Hotel gegenüber einen Einbrecher beim Klauen beobachtet. Und dann hat sie ihm auch noch in dem Moment zugewinkt, als er aufblickte! Sammy ahnt, dass sich der Dieb über eine Augenzeugin nicht gerade freuen dürfte. Als wenige Tage später ein anonymer Drohbrief auf Oms`Türschwelle liegt, stehen ihr die Haare zu Berge. Aber Sammy wäre nicht Sammy, wenn sie nicht mit Mut und Witz sogar die Polizei zum Staunen bringen würde...

Ein weiterer spannender Krimi um das unerschrockene Mädchen Sammy! Sammy steckt mal wieder in der Klemme: Am Halloween-Abend hat sie ihre Freundinnen angestiftet, zum unheimlichen Buschhaus zu gehen, in dem ein seltsamer, alter Mann leben soll. Eigentlich wollten  die Mädchen nur anklopfen, sich furchtbar gruseln und dann schnell wegrennen. Stattdessen werden sie Zeuginnen eines Überfalls – ein als Skelett verkleideter Mann rennt sie fast um und dann findet Sammy auch noch den Hausherrn gefesselt vor. Klar, dass sie nun versucht herauszubekommen, wer hinter dieser Tat steckt …