single-parent families

When motherless Alice turns thirteen she feels in-between, no longer a child but not yet a woman, and discovers that growing up can be both frustrating and wonderful.

This is a novel of identity, loss and the lingering effects of war. Michael does not remember his father, who died in a Spitfire over the English Channel. And his mother, heartbroken and passionate, does not like to talk about him. But then Michael's aunt gives him a medal and a photograph, which begin to reveal a hidden story. A story of love, loss and secrets. A story that will change everything--and reveal to Michael who he really is.

When the Depression hits in Cairo, Illinois, and Oscar Ogilvie's father must sell their home and vast model train set-up to look for work in California, eleven-year-old Oscar is left with his dour aunt, where he befriends a mysterious drifter, witnesses a stunning bank robbery, and is suddenly catapulted onto a train that takes him to a different time and place.

The residents of Culpepper, despite their grand aspirations, have made little progress toward achieving their goals, but unexpected events and surprises put the ambitions of the residents of Culpepper to the test.

Fourth-grader Alice tries unsuccessfully to avoid embarrassing mistakes and to establish better relations with her older brother Lester.

On the first Hanukkah after Mama died, Papa and his two daughters try to make latkes and celebrate without her.

To the constant disappointment of his mother and his teachers, Joey has trouble paying attention or controlling his mood swings when his prescription meds wear off and he starts getting worked up and acting wired.

Agents and lawyers come knocking after Troy leads his football team, the Atlanta Falcons, to the Georgia State Championship, but his life gets complicated when one of the lawyers turns out to be the father he never knew.

When her parents divorce, a sixth grader struggles to understand that sometimes people are unable to live together.

When the Grace children go to stay at their Great Aunt Lucinda's worn Victorian house, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and begin to have some unusual experiences.