CHILDREN'S
Released: March 15, 2011
"As their lives intersect, four credible, contemporary, creative preteens find faith to move forward. (Fiction. 10-14)"
A good-luck charm exerts a positive effect on the lives of four seventh graders at a Chicago magnet school for the performing arts.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2007
"The author doesn't pull out all the stops, and the ending is pat, but this is still a satisfying read. (Fiction. 9-12)"
All ten-year-old Zoe Elias has ever wanted is a baby grand so that she can become a star who dazzles Carnegie Hall.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2007
"An often-touching exploration of the variant ties between friends, and in families. (Fiction. 10-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2005
"Readers will thank their lucky stars when they meet this trio. (Fiction. 10-14)"
A stray duck and an enthusiastic music teacher show three middle-school kids how to find their own voices and sing in harmony.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2005
"Though some of the plot elements strain credibility, the graceful, spirited and, above all, sensory richness of the writing make this work stand out. (Fiction. 9-12)"
In her debut for young readers, Madden creates a warmhearted, compelling family drama about the Weems, circa early 1960s.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2002
"The author observes without moralizing, allowing readers a clearer view of choices in their own lives, as well an understanding that Alma's decision to call the police, and her genuine remorse, reveals admirable levels of courage and integrity. (Fiction. 10-12)"
A child sneaks into a neighbor's empty house seeking refuge from her noisy, overcrowded one in this tale of loss and hard life choices.
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