Families Facing Tough Times (page 2)

CHILDREN'S

Released: Oct. 1, 2005

WHAT I BELIEVE: A NOVEL

by Norma Fox Mazer

"Mazur's problem verse-novel becomes unexpectedly uncomfortable and one may wonder if the payoff comes to Vicki and her readers at too high a price. (Fiction. 10-14)"

A fast-paced verse novel chronicles a suburban teen's nightmare: losing her most comfortable, well-appointed lifestyle to a bare bones existence in the city. Read full book review >

CHILDREN'S

Released: April 6, 2007

HOW TO STEAL A DOG

by Barbara O’Connor

"A powerful portrayal from an innocently youthful perspective. (Fiction. 10-12)"

Georgina and younger brother Toby begin a homeless life living in Mom's car, having been evicted when Dad leaves. Read full book review >

CHILDREN'S

Released: June 1, 2007

WHERE I LIVE

by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Matt Phelan

"All in all, a pleasing portrait of the healing that can follow an all-too-common childhood trauma. (Fiction/poetry. 7-11)"

First-person free-verse poems describe the emotional journey made by one little girl when her family is forced to move. Read full book review >

Cover art for THE NOT-SO-GREAT DEPRESSION

CHILDREN'S

Released: May 1, 2010

THE NOT-SO-GREAT DEPRESSION: IN WHICH THE ECONOMY CRASHES, MY MOM GOES BROKE, MY SISTER’S PLANS ARE RUINED, MY DAD GROWS VEGETABLES, AND I DO NOT GET A HAMSTER

by Amy Goldman Koss

"In the end, readers get a problem novel with little depth, but it delivers a cast of charming characters and a semi-happy ending. (Fiction. 12 & up)"

Although her parents are divorced, ninth-grader Jacki has a golden California lifestyle with all the accoutrements—private school, large house with a swimming pool and a mom with a high-powered, high-paying job—the works. Read full book review >

CHILDREN'S

Released: May 4, 2010

TELL US WE’RE HOME

by Marina Budhos

"Keenly necessary. (Fiction. 12-15)"

It's the typical story of middle school BFFs—all immigrants. Read full book review >

Cover art for CHEESIE MACK IS NOT A GENIUS OR ANYTHING

CHILDREN'S

Released: March 22, 2011

CHEESIE MACK IS NOT A GENIUS OR ANYTHING

by Steve Cotler, illustrated by Adam McCauley

"No art was seen, but the final book will have many fun illustrations (according to Cheesie) from Time Warp Trio illustrator McCauley. (Fiction. 8-12)"

Ronald "Cheesie" Mack and his best friend, Georgie, are about to graduate fifth grade and embark on the best summer ever, which will include, but not be limited to, making points in a private battle against Cheesie's evil older sister June, hanging out in their treehouse and, most importantly, summer camp in Maine. Read full book review >

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Families Facing Tough Times (page 2)