Fiction Adventure Cassettes Africa Dream RC 41928 by Eloise Greenfield read by Connie Winston 1 cassette A young child tells the story of a dream. She goes all the way to Africa and visits the marketplace, sings a song with new-old friends, rides a donkey, dances to her uncles' drums, and is rocked back to sleep by her long-ago grandma with Mama's face. For preschool-grade 2. 1977. Beardance RC 39234 by Will Hobbs read by J.P. Linton 1 cassette Sequel to Bearstone (RC 32470). Cloyd is again in the high-mountain meadows with his friend and mentor, Walter. While Walter searches for a lost gold mine, Cloyd looks for a mother grizzly and three cubs, reportedly the last grizzlies in Colorado. Cloyd believes that his fascination with bears is connected to his Ute heritage. He and Ursa, a wildlife biologist, find the bears, whose survival is in danger. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. Bed Bouncers RC 42671 by Kimberley Knutson read by Pam Ward 1 cassette At night when it's quiet and no one's around, bed bouncers jounce above everyone's head. Sometimes they jump so high, they fade right through the ceiling. With other bed bouncers from all over Earth, they head for the heavens to tickle the stars and swing on the moon. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Beyond the Ancient Cities RC 42411 by Jos‚ Mar¡a Merino read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette In this companion to The Gold of Dreams (RC 39582), Miguel, whose conquistador father disappeared many years ago, has the chance to travel from Mexico to Peru with his godfather, who is to assume a government post there. Their trip is not an easy one, but it helps Miguel to understand what the Indians have suffered at the hands of those who would take their land. For grades 5-8. 1994. Brian's Winter RC 42558 by Gary Paulsen read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Thirteen-year-old Brian was rescued from the Canadian wilderness at the end of summer in The Hatchet (RC 30535). But what if his distress call had not been heard and he had faced the harsh winter in the woods? This survival story pits the stranded young outdoorsman against the cold, loneliness, and worst of nature. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1996. Canyon Winter RC 41205 by Walt Morey read by Rick Rohan 1 cassette (Reissue) When the private plane carrying Peter Grayson to his wealthy father's ranch crashes in the Rockies, the pilot is killed, and fifteen-year-old Peter is stranded in a wilderness canyon. Peter has never spent a night alone in the wild. For grades 5-8. 1972. Captain Grey RC 38085 by Avi read by Jeff Halberstadt 1 cassette Kevin, eleven, tells how in 1783, his father--a veteran of the Revolutionary War--seeks solace from all government and society and takes Kevin and his younger sister from Philadelphia to the southern wilderness of New Jersey. There, Kevin becomes the captive of a ruthless man who has set up a "free nation" supported by piracy. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1977. Captain Hawaii RC 40472 by Anthony Dana Arkin read by John Polk 2 cassettes Captain Dan's Zodiac Pirate Tours sound exciting to Arron, who is a nature lover. Unlike his parents, he didn't come to Hawaii just to sit by the pool. And he is pleased that Kate, the captain's daughter, is pretty too. But then events erupt when a rival tour company tries to put Captain Dan out of business, involving Kate and Arron in the process. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. The Champion RC 40420 by Maurice Gee read by John Horton 1 cassette In 1943 Rex, twelve, lives in the small village of Kettle Creek, New Zealand. One February morning, Rex's mother informs him that he will have a guest in his room for the next few weeks--an American soldier who needs some time to recuperate from battle wounds. Rex is upset when he learns that Jackson Coop is a Negro, yet Jack will have a profound effect on Rex and the entire village during his stay. For grades 6-9. 1989. Cold Shoulder Road RC 42999 by Joan Aiken read by Patricia Kilgarriff 2 cassettes Arun, Is Twite's cousin, has run away from home because he can't stand all the quiet; his parents belong to the Silent Sect. Now he and Is are returning, but Arun's mother has disappeared and seems to have kidnapped a child of the Merry Gentry, who are smuggling mastodon horns from France through the Channel Tunnel. For grades 5-8. 1995. Desperate Pursuit RC 39829 by Gloria D. Miklowitz read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Nicole likes Michael and she feels lucky to be dating such a handsome and generous boy, but she does not love Michael. And his intensity and possessiveness become overbearing when she meets and attempts to date Shane. Michael, determined to keep her as his girlfriend, at first bribes her with gifts. When that fails, his obsession deepens and becomes a near-fatal attraction. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1992. The Door in the Dragon's Throat: The Cooper Kids Adventure, Book 1 RC 41014 by Frank E. Peretti read by Jack Fox 1 cassette Armies of men with heavy machinery have tried to open the door in the Dragon's Throat, but no one has succeeded. Now Al-Dallam, president of Nepur, has asked Dr. Jake Cooper to try. There seems to be a curse on the door, which is said to hide a great treasure, but Dr. Cooper has faith that he can open the door and survive. Prequel to Escape from the Island of Aquarius (RC 41015). For grades 5-8. 1985. Dumbstruck RC 42269 by Sara Pennypacker read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette On a weird and completely dark night at the beginning of summer, Ivy's kind but eccentric parents vanish. Ivy is shipped off to the Wretched Dear Darlings' Blessed Haven Orphanage run by the disgusting Armilda and Borage Clott but quickly escapes. Yodeling Aunt Zilpa and her three-hundred-pound ostrich lead the rescue of Ivy's now dumbstruck parents, and a zany escapade ensues. For grades 3-6. 1994. Earthquake Terror RC 42507 by Peg Kehret read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Twelve-year-old Jonathan and his sister Abby, six, are camping with their parents on a small island in Northern California when their mother breaks an ankle. Abby, who uses a walker, and Jonathan stay behind when their parents rush to the hospital. But before the children can return to the camper, an earthquake hits. For grades 4-7. 1996. Escape from the Island of Aquarius: The Cooper Kids Adventure, Book 2 RC 41015 by Frank E. Peretti read by Jack Fox 1 cassette When a man with a mysterious note in his pocket is found floating in the South Pacific, the International Missionary Alliance asks the Coopers to locate the island of Aquarius and learn the fate of Reverend MacKenzie. The Coopers find MacKenzie, but they are not sure they have the right man. Sequel to The Door in the Dragon's Throat (RC 41014). For grades 5-8. 1986. Eye of the Beholder RC 42919 by Daniel Hayes read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Trouble just seems to follow the twosome of Lymie and Tyler. Who would imagine that the "art treasures" they created with a power drill would be mistaken for the works of a famous artist? Sequel to The Trouble with Lemons (RC 36886). For grades 6-9. 1992. Flight #116 Is Down RC 39946 by Caroline B. Cooney read by Marilyn Gleason 1 cassette Because most residents of remote Nearing River work in New York, there are few adults around during the day. So seventeen-year-old Patrick is trained as an emergency medical technician. But he doesn't get to use his lifesaving skills, and boredom prevails for him and other teens, including Heidi, a lonely rich girl. Then one Saturday evening, everything changes when Flight #116 crashes on Heidi's estate. For junior and senior high readers. 1992. Get the Picture, Jenny Archer? RC 41028 by Ellen Conford read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Jenny Archer is not very excited about her grandparents' gift of their old camera until she learns about a children's photo contest. The entries have to be candid shots of a person, pet, or place. Searching for the perfect shot, Jenny instead finds clues that two neighbors are up to something they shouldn't be. For grades 2-4. 1994. The Golly Sisters Go West RC 40049 by Betsy Byars read by Susan McInerney 1 cassette May-May and Rose Golly know their songs and dances and are all set to head west when their horse refuses to go. Once they learn the right words, they're off. But the two sisters still run into trouble because they get mad at each other over who starts the show and who will wear the blue dress. They get lost and sometimes they're afraid, but when they stop fussing, they have one adventure after another. For grades K-3. 1985. The Golly Sisters Ride Again RC 40051 by Betsy Byars read by Susan McInerney 1 cassette In this sequel to Hooray for the Golly Sisters! (RC 40050), May-May and Rose Golly continue their adventures with their traveling show. They learn that having a goat in the audience really does mean bad luck, they find a talking rock but disagree with it, they fight over who gets to play a princess, they go on a much-needed holiday, and they weather a thunderstorm. For grades K-3. 1994. The Grand Escape RC 40758 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette Marco and Polo are four-year-old brother cats who live with the Neals. The cats understand English, and Marco has taught himself to read. The Neals' veterinarian told them to keep the cats indoors, but after Marco sneaks out to the yard one day, he yearns to live outside on a ranch. After much planning, the two escape. They encounter a community of tough alley cats before finally getting their chance to see a ranch. For grades 3-6. 1993. Incident at Hawk's Hill RC 38913 by Allan W. Eckert read by June Carter 1 cassette After a small boy wanders off one summer and loses himself on the vast prairie near his home, he is adopted by a female badger who takes care of him for two months. Based on an incident reported in Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1870. For grades 5-8. 1971. Is Underground RC 39525 by Joan Aiken read by Patricia Kilgarriff 2 cassettes Is Twite is searching for her cousin, Arun, and Davie Stuart, the king's own son. The two boys vanished in London, where, in fact, many children have been disappearing under mysterious circumstances--especially after seeking a ride on the Playland Express. Trying to fulfill a deathbed promise to her uncle, Is boards the train and discovers the horrible fate that awaits its riders. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1992. Jingo Django RC 41875 by Sid Fleischman read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette (Reissue) Jingo has been in an orphanage for seven years when a man offers two hundred dollars for him. The man tells Jingo he wants help in finding Jingo's father, but Jingo secretly decides to lead the man on a wild-goose chase that will put them in gold country. For grades 4-7. 1971. Juliet's Story RC 40577 by William Trevor read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Juliet's favorite thing to do in Tipperary is to listen to Paddy Old's stories. When he dies, Juliet is so sad and depressed that her parents plan a surprise for her birthday. Grandmamma comes to take Juliet on a long trip. Juliet is surprised to discover that Grandmamma also tells stories--ones that Juliet feels a part of. But best of all, Juliet gets a chance to experience her own stories. For grades 4-7. 1991. Little Toot RC 40469 by Hardie Gramatky read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette (Reissue) Although Little Toot comes from a famous family of hard-working tugboats, he himself hates work and is scared of the ocean. One day Little Toot happens into an ocean storm with a stranded ocean liner and surprises everyone. For grades K-3. 1939. Loch RC 39952 by Paul Zindel read by June Carter 1 cassette Luke Perkins, fifteen, nicknamed Loch because he claims to have seen the Loch Ness monster; his sister Zaidee; their father Sam; and Sarah Cavenger are at Lake Alban, Vermont, to study a plesiosaur and its family trapped there. They are working for Anthony Cavenger, Sarah's father, who seeks out monsters to study them. Unfortunately, Cavenger doesn't care whether he studies them dead or alive. Some violence. For grades 6-9. 1994. The Merlin Effect RC 41231 by T.A. Barron read by Carol Dines 2 cassettes Kate Gordon, thirteen, is spending time in Baja California with her father, a historian and Merlin specialist. Kate has heard the legends about the "Horn of Merlin," the singing whales, the whirlpool, and the sunken ship Resurrecc¡on, but she certainly doesn't plan to get involved with them. For grades 5-8. 1994. Myrna Never Sleeps RC 42453 by Beth Peterson read by Margaret Strom 1 cassette When the lights go out and mother closes the door, Myrna's adventures begin. First, the owl hoots that a forest fire is raging. Myrna rushes to the bathroom and hooks up a special hose she can carry for miles and miles. She runs to the hills and into the forest where she saves the day! Her mother finds her back in the bathroom, which is drenched in water. Myrna is the heroine in one nighttime adventure after another. For grades 2-4. 1995. On Fortune's Wheel RC 39439 by Cynthia Voigt read by David Palmer 2 cassettes Two generations after Jackaroo (RC 23883), another innkeeper's daughter, Birle, fourteen, tries to stop a boat thief, but becomes his passenger instead as he flees downriver. The thief, however, is Lord Orien, the next ruler of the Kingdom, leaving because he doubts his leadership abilities. Marooned on an island and rescued by slavers, Orien is sold to a cruel master while Birle becomes the assistant to a philosopher. For junior and senior high readers. 1990. The Pirate Uncle RC 42432 by Margaret Mahy read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette Nine-year-old Nick is reading a book about a boy whose uncle is a pirate when his parents astonish him. They want to send Nick and his sister, Caroline, to visit with their mysterious Uncle Ludovic. And their mother calls the uncle a pirate! The bushy-bearded Ludovic confesses to being half uncle and half pirate, but asks the children to help reform him. Meanwhile, adventure abounds. For grades 3-6. 1977. The Pirates' Mixed-up Voyage: Dark Doings in the Thousand Islands RC 40361 by Margaret Mahy read by Kimberly Schraf 1 cassette Captain Lionel Wafer runs a tea shop for his uncle on a ship docked in Hookywalker. But one evening as he and members of the crew are relaxing, Captain Wafer decides to become a pirate and go in search of the wealthy inventor Humbert Cash-Cash, who lives on Island Six Hundred and Sixty-six in the Thousand Islands. The crew of the Sinful Sausage soon find themselves in troubled waters. For grades 4-7. 1983. Quake! RC 42530 by Joe Cottonwood read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Franny's parents are attending a 1989 World Series game while she is at home with her bratty younger brother and her best friend. When the ground starts shaking their Loma Prieta home, the children are plunged into a crisis that demands all of their skills and courage. For grades 5-8. 1995. The Rattlebang Picnic RC 41713 by Margaret Mahy read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Mr. and Mrs. McTavish, their seven children, and Granny McTavish often go to the beach. They always take along some of Granny's pizza, which she bakes at a low temperature for one or two hours. The pizzas are too hard to eat, but they make great frisbees. Then one day the family goes to Mount Fogg and finds a more unusual use for Granny's pizza. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Singer to the Sea God RC 40763 by Vivien Alcock read by Vanessa Maroney 2 cassettes Cleo, a slave girl working in the kitchen at the court of King Polydectes, is one of many turned to stone when Perseus returns with the head of Medusa. Cleo's brother Phaidon, their uncle Pelops, and two other slaves take Cleo's statue and flee on a trading ship. But the captain abandons the slaves on an island, taking Cleo's statue with him. The four begin a long search to find Cleo again. For grades 5-8. 1992. Someone Was Watching RC 41201 by David Patneaude read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette It has been three months since Molly Barton disappeared, and her family has just returned from their first trip to their lake house and the lake where Molly presumedly drowned. After viewing the video shot the day Molly disappeared, Chris, her older brother, is bothered by something. He sits and studies the tape and suddenly sees a van in the picture. Perhaps Molly didn't drown. For grades 6-9. 1993. Terror at the Zoo RC 41750 by Peg Kehret read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette When Ellen turns twelve, her grandparents give her and her eight-year-old brother, Corey, a joint birthday gift: a sleep-over at the zoo! The afternoon of the camp-out, Ellen's parents are late arriving home from a trip. Ellen and Corey leave a note and go to the zoo to wait for them. Their parents never arrive, but someone else is in the closed zoo with them. And he has a knife. Some strong language. For grades 4-6. 1992. To Race a Dream RC 41878 by Deborah Savage read by Jill Fox 2 cassettes Fifteen-year-old Theodora wants nothing more than to work with harness-racing horses. But, in 1906, girls are not allowed to work in stables, and Theo's parents have higher expectations of her. Her dream is powerful, leading her to take a chance. Disguised as a boy, she gets a job as a stable hand, along with Carl, who finds out her secret. Can she pursue her own happiness, or must she bend to her family's wishes? For grades 6-9. 1994. The Tombs of Anak: The Cooper Kids Adventure, Book 3 RC 41016 by Frank E. Peretti read by Jack Fox 1 cassette Jay, Lila, and their father, Dr. Jake Cooper, are exploring the cave tombs of Anak when co-worker Jerry Frieden disappears, thanks to his own foolishness. In searching for Frieden, the Coopers learn that all the villagers live in fear of Ha-Raphah. But who or what is Ha-Raphah, and can they escape his evil powers? Sequel to Escape from the Island of Aquarius (RC 41015). For grades 5-8. 1987. Trapped at the Bottom of the Sea: The Cooper Kids Adventure, Book 4 RC 41017 by Frank E. Peretti read by Jack Fox 1 cassette Lila Cooper, her brother Jay, and their father, Dr. Jake Cooper, are in Japan on a cultural exchange program when Lila decides to return to the States and stay with her aunt. She hitches a ride on a military plane. But suddenly that plane is hijacked, and Lila finds herself at the bottom of the sea in a watertight pod with a limited air supply. Sequel to The Tombs of Anak (RC 41016). For grades 5-8. 1988. Trout Summer RC 42758 by Jane Leslie Conly read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Shana, thirteen, and Cody, twelve, convince their mother to let them spend the summer in a cabin in Pennsylvania, just an hour away from their home in Maryland. They must make a few promises before being allowed to go. After lying to their mother throughout the summer, they find themselves in trouble--alone. For grades 5-8. 1995. The Wings of a Falcon RC 40468 by Cynthia Voigt read by David Palmer 3 cassettes A nameless boy and his loyal friend Griff endure a harsh captivity on the Damall's island, but the boy takes strength in believing he has a great destiny. He names himself Oriel and escapes with Griff. They work for a saltmaker for three years and then are captured by barbarian invaders. Escaping once more, they pursue Oriel's destiny. Sequel to On Fortune's Wheel (RC 39439). Some violence. For junior and senior high readers. 1993. Winter Camp RC 38850 by Kirkpatrick Hill read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette When their parents die, Alaskan children Toughboy and Sister move in with neighbor Natasha. She teaches them old Athabascan Indian ways and superstitions. Taking them to her winter trapping cabin, she tells them to leave their textbooks behind--they'll be in a different kind of school. Then an accident challenges the children to combine the old and new ways. Sequel to Toughboy and Sister (RC 36668). Some strong language. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1993. Zeke Pippin RC 40757 by William Steig read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Zeke Pippin is a pig who found a harmonica that dropped out of a garbage truck. He learns how to play the harmonica, but when he proudly gives a concert for his family they all doze off. Zeke is very angry, and he packs some snacks and runs away. But he soon learns his harmonica is magical--everyone falls asleep when he plays! For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Braille The Absolutely True Story: How I Visited Yellowstone Park with the Terrible Rupes BR 10328 by Willo Davis Roberts 1 volume The Dodge twins, Lewis and Alison, are thrilled when the Rupe family moves in next door, especially when the Rupes invite them to go along on a motorhome trip to Yellowstone Park. The trip turns into a nightmare, but Lewis's account of it earns a big red A on his paper about "how I spent my vacation." For grades 3-6. 1994. Alvah and Arvilla BR 9941 by Mary Lyn Ray 1 volume Since Arvilla married Alvah thirty-one years ago, she hasn't left their farm for more than a day because the animals need feeding and milking. Arvilla wants to see the Pacific Ocean so much that she invents a way to take the animals along. She has Alvah build a glass building on wheels, like the arboretum she saw for plants. Then they load up their animals, food, and a bed and head across the country toward the ocean. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. Arthur Meets the President BR 9947 by Marc Brown 1 volume Arthur and his classmates enter a nationwide essay contest on "How I Can Help Make America Great." When Arthur's essay wins, all of his friends and family are thrilled: they get to go to Washington, D.C.! But Arthur is too nervous to be happy because he has to give his speech to the president! PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1991. Arthur's First Sleepover BR 10004 by Marc Brown 1 volume Arthur is very excited. This Saturday, he is having two friends, Buster and the Brain, over to spend the night in a tent in the backyard. Arthur's little sister, D.W., warns him that spaceships have been spotted in the area. Arthur and his friends make signs to welcome the aliens, but that night the boys are so busy playing, they forget all about aliens until a bright light appears. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. The Bones in the Cliff BR 10483 by James Stevenson 1 volume Pete and his father are on the run because someone is after his father. They are staying on an island for the summer, but Pete must check the ferry every day to make sure a man with a cigar doesn't arrive. Pete meets Rootie, an eleven-year-old girl who summers at the island every year. With her Pete can explore, play games, and forget about the danger--until the cigar man arrives. Some strong language. For grades 4-7. 1995. Captain Hawaii BR 10319 by Anthony Dana Arkin 2 volumes Captain Dan's Zodiac Pirate Tours sounds exciting to Arron, who is a nature lover. Unlike his parents, he didn't come to Hawaii just to sit by the pool. And he is pleased that Kate, the captain's daughter, is pretty too. But then events erupt when a rival tour company tries to put Captain Dan out of business, involving Kate and Arron in the process. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Climb or Die BR 10476 by Edward Myers 1 volume The Darcys are headed to their Colorado mountain cabin when a blinding snowstorm arises and a slippery road sends them crashing into a tree. Both parents are seriously injured, so it is up to Danielle, fourteen, and Jake, thirteen, to go for help. Their only hope for survival is to reach the weather station atop Mount Remington. Danielle took a course in mountain climbing during the summer, but can they make it with little equipment? For grades 6-9. 1994. Danger at the Fair BR 10247 by Peg Kehret 1 volume Visiting the fortune teller at the county fair, Ellen is shocked when the pencil in her own hand begins writing a warning about a "smaller one" being in danger. Thinking it is a message from her late grandfather, Ellen is dismayed to learn that her brother Corey, who came to the fair with his friend, is missing. Meanwhile, Corey is having quite an adventure trying to track down the pickpocket he saw from the top of the ferris wheel. For grades 5-8. 1995. Danger on Thunder Mountain: An American Adventure, Book 3 BR 10404 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes Ruby Konning, Hildy's cousin, arrives in California to continue searching for her father. After she and Hildy rescue a sheepherder from a group of tormentors, they show him a picture of Ruby's father. The sheepherder says he has never seen the man, but both Ruby and Hildy notice the look in his eyes. Sequel to The Desperate Search (BR 10403). For grades 4-7. 1989. The Desperate Search: An American Adventure, Book 2 BR 10622 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes Hildy Corrigan, twelve, has found her stepmother, Molly, and her sisters and brother in Illinois, and she and Molly have come to a better understanding. Then Joe Corrigan arrives to take his family to California, where he has been promised a job and a house. But first the family has to find a car to replace their old one. And that is just one problem. Sequel to The Overland Escape (BR 10402). For grades 4-7. 1989. The Flaming Trap: An American Adventure, Book 5 BR 10406 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes Hildy Corrigan, her cousin Ruby Konning, and Ruby's father have a chance to travel with the Farnham family from California back to St. Louis, where Hildy hopes to make peace with her grandmother. Vester Hardesty has continued his search for the girls and has shown up in California. Will the girls and Mr. Konning be able to make the trip and escape from Vester? Sequel to The Secret of the Howling Cave (BR 10405). For grades 4-7. 1990. Flash Fire BR 10790 by Caroline B. Cooney 1 volume The teenagers living in a wealthy California canyon neighborhood are aware of fires raging nearby, but have been told they're not in any danger. Suddenly that all changes, and, without any adults to take charge, they must try to save themselves, their siblings, and their pets. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Gold Train Bandits: An American Adventure, Book 8 BR 10409 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes Times are hard for the Corrigans and Konnings during the Great Depression. Someone has moved into the big house next to the shack Hildy's family lives in, and Hildy knows she has seen a young girl in the yard even though a gruff old man says he has no daughter. Ruby, Hildy, and Spud finally befriend Dixie Mae and learn some startling information about her family. Sequel to Mystery of the Phantom Gold (BR 10408). For grades 4-7. 1992. The Golly Sisters Go West BR 10157 by Betsy Byars 1 volume May-May and Rose Golly know their songs and dances and are all set to head west when their horse refuses to go. Once they learn the right words, they're off. But the two sisters still run into trouble because they get mad at each other over who starts the show and who will wear the blue dress. They get lost and sometimes they're afraid, but when they stop fussing, they have one adventure after another. For grades K-3. 1985. The Golly Sisters Ride Again BR 10063 by Betsy Byars 1 volume May-May and Rose Golly find their traveling show brings many adventures. They learn that having a goat in the audience really does mean bad luck, they find a talking rock but disagree with it, they fight over who gets to play a princess, they go on a much-needed holiday, and they weather a thunderstorm. For grades K-3. 1994. High Country Ambush: An American Adventure, Book 9 BR 10410 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes As the Great Depression continues, Hildy's father is having trouble getting and keeping a job and is considering moving his family. But Hildy doesn't want to move and leave her friends behind. When Hildy witnesses men stealing cattle from her friend Brother Ben, she becomes part of a rugged adventure with a surprising twist at the end. Sequel to The Gold Train Bandits (BR 10409). For grades 4-7. 1992. Hooray for the Golly Sisters! BR 10361 by Betsy Byars 1 volume In this sequel to The Golly Sisters Go West (BR 10157), May-May and Rose Golly have to get their horse and wagon across a big river so they can get to town to put on their traveling show. In other adventures, May-May makes the mistake of using pigs instead of rabbits in her magic hat act, Rose tries to sing and dance on a high wire, and the sisters also face a scary swamp. For preschool-grade 2. 1990. Juliet's Story BR 10191 by William Trevor 1 volume Juliet's favorite thing to do in Tipperary is to listen to Paddy Old's stories. When he dies, Juliet is so sad and depressed that her parents plan a surprise for her birthday. Grandmamma comes to take Juliet on a long trip. Juliet is surprised to discover that Grandmamma also tells stories--ones that Juliet feels a part of. But best of all, Juliet gets a chance to experience her own stories. For grades 4-7. 1991. Low Tide BR 10439 by William Mayne 2 volumes Charlie and Elisabeth Snelling and their Maori friend Wiremu have gone fishing at their home in Jade Bay, New Zealand. A very low tide has left a larger expanse of beach than they have ever seen before, and atop a craggy rock is the long-lost ship Alexander. Just as the children reach the ship, a tidal wave carries them and the ship far inland to where a dangerous mountain man lives. For grades 4-7. 1992. Mystery of the Phantom Gold: An American Adventure, Book 7 BR 10408 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes When Mr. Farnham realizes gold is being stolen from the historic Mother Lode mine in California, he calls on Hildy, twelve, and her good friend Spud to help find the thief. Excited, Hildy also enlists her cousin Ruby, and they all begin to gather information and to follow clues. Soon their detective work throws them into an unexpected, dangerous situation. Sequel to Terror in the Sky (BR 10407). For grades 4-7. 1991. October Moon BR 10552 by Michael Scott 1 volume Rachel Stone, fifteen, and her parents are in Ireland to visit the four-hundred-year-old house and horse farm they have just bought, and Rachel looks forward to the chance to do some riding. Then some rather strange accidents begin to happen, and they all seem directed toward Rachel. Rachel slowly discovers that members of an ancient clan plan to pass a curse on to her on Halloween. For grades 6-9. 1992. The Overland Escape: An American Adventure, Book 1 BR 10402 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes Ozark mountains, 1934. Hildy Corrigan, twelve, spent the night with her cousin Ruby. Returning home she finds the house empty and her stepmother, four younger sisters, and baby brother gone. Running to her grandmother, Hildy learns she has been left behind on purpose. Hildy is determined to find the children she promised to stay with forever. Prequel to The Desperate Search (BR 10403). For grades 4-7. 1989. Saturday Sancocho BR 10033 by Leyla Torres 1 volume Maria Lili looks forward to Saturday, the day she spends with her grandparents and the day they always make a chicken stew called sancocho. When she arrives one Saturday, her grandparents tell her there is no money to buy the ingredients they need. All they have is a dozen eggs. But her grandmother has an idea. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. The Secret of the Howling Cave: An American Adventure, Book 4 BR 10405 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes Ruby Konning found her father, and they have paid off the mortgage on the land he bought. But troubles just seem to plague Ruby and her cousin Hildy Corrigan. Now Ruby is accused of helping a man steal a watch from a pawn shop, and her pet raccoon is missing. The watch is found but disappears again the next day, and this time Hildy is accused of being the thief. Sequel to Danger on Thunder Mountain (BR 10404). For grades 4-7. 1990. Shortcut BR 10016 by David Macaulay 1 volume When Albert and his horse, June, take a shortcut on their weekly trip to sell melons at the market, they set off a chain of comical events. By day's end, a pet pig has taken a surprise ride on a runaway train and a bird-watching balloonist has saved a cockatoo and fallen in love. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. Sparrow Hawk Red BR 10199 by Ben Mikaelsen 1 volume Ricky Diaz, thirteen, lives on an Arizona ranch, where his father, Benito, is teaching him to fly a plane. Benito worked for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) until Ricky's mom died in a car crash three years earlier. Listening in on visiting DEA agents, Ricky is shocked to hear that his father blames a Mexican drug cartel for his mother's death. Benito won't take a new assignment to steal back a DEA plane, but Ricky wants revenge! For grades 5-8. 1993. Terror in the Sky: An American Adventure, Book 6 BR 10407 by Lee Roddy 2 volumes Hildy Corrigan and Ruby Konning have returned to California from St. Louis and are eager to enter school. Hildy hopes to do well so she can go to college and become a schoolteacher. As usual the girls have their share of problems. Then the opportunity comes for Hildy to win an academic contest and the money for college. But some people don't want her to win. Sequel to The Flaming Trap (BR 10406). For grades 4-7. 1991. Animals Cassettes Albert Goes Hollywood RC 41242 by Henry Schwartz read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Albert is a blue dinosaur that Liz found when she was on vacation in Mexico. He lives with Liz and her family in California, and the PTA pays for the hundreds of hamburgers and chicken wings Albert eats each day. But when the PTA runs out of money, Liz has to find some way for Albert to pay his own way. For preschool-grade 2. 1992. Alejandro's Gift RC 42679 by Richard E. Albert read by Bob Askey 1 cassette Alejandro lives in the desert in an adobe house with only his burro for company. He is very lonely until his garden begins attracting small desert animals. As Alejandro watches them drink, he devises a plan to provide water for the bigger animals too. For grades K-3. 1994. Ali and the Golden Eagle RC 41893 by Wayne Grover read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Ali has proved his strength, courage, and wisdom many times. But the village, which has hunted with falcons for ages, is astonished at what Ali and his golden eagle can do. Now the prince has invited Ali to a falconry contest. Can a young man from a small village compete with the wealthy and royal contestants? A fictional account of a true story told by an American who visited Saudi Arabia. For grades 6-9. 1993. Arthur's New Puppy RC 41874 by Marc Brown read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Arthur has a new puppy named Pal, and they love each other very much. But Pal is a very naughty puppy, and Arthur is in danger of losing him if Arthur doesn't get Pal to behave. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Arthur's Pet Business RC 41178 by Marc Brown read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Arthur wants a puppy, but first he has to prove he is responsible enough to take care of it. So Arthur gets a job taking care of other people's animals. One of them, a dog named Perky, lives up to its name. And just as Arthur thinks he is in big trouble, Perky proves to be a real pet. For grades K-3. 1990. Babri RC 40707 by James Jacobs read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Baby tiger Babri and his mother live in a fern glade at the edge of the jungle. Babri's mother often says to him, "My young child, whom I love more than sunshine, never go into the jungle alone." But one day while Babri is supposed to be napping, a mouse runs by and Babri follows. He meets squirrel, frog, fish, and even snake and crocodile--before elephant returns him safely to his mother. For grades K-3. 1994. Be Well, Beware RC 42785 by Jessie Haas read by Jill Fox 1 cassette As soon as Lily gets home from school, she hurries out to the horse pasture to ride Beware before it is too dark. But today the mare doesn't come when Lily calls. When Lily does find Beware, she knows something terrible is wrong. Sequel to A Blue for Beware (RC 42551). For grades 3-6. 1996. The Bears on Hemlock Mountain RC 40773 by Alice Dalgliesh read by John Horton 1 cassette Jonathan's mother has invited twenty members of the family for dinner, and she needs to borrow a big iron pot from Aunt Emma, who lives on the other side of Hemlock Mountain. Although his mother says there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, Jonathan is not sure he wants to go over the mountain alone to get the pot. When darkness falls and the animals come out of the forest, Jonathan learns to be brave. For grades 2-4. 1952. Belling the Tiger RC 41941 by Mary Stolz read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette The house mice get together and decide to bell the house cat (not realizing that many mice have tried this and failed). They pick small twin mice, Bob and Ozzie, to be the heroes. The brothers find a cat collar with a bell, but before they can complete their mission, they are chased onto a ship and sail away. In a faraway land, Bob and Ozzie find the biggest cat they've ever seen--and decide to bell it. For grades 3-6. Newbery Honor Book. 1961. Beware the Mare RC 42550 by Jessie Haas read by Jill Fox 1 cassette When Gramp brings a horse home, he usually tells Lily not to fall in love with the horse because they won't be keeping it. But this time he doesn't say that, and Lily hopes the mare is for her. Instead Gramp tells her to be very careful around the horse. Is something wrong? Gramp doesn't know, but with an animal named Beware, Gramp plans to be cautious. For grades 3-6. 1993. Bill RC 40393 by Chap Reaver read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Bill is a mutt. Still, he is the best dog in the world, according to thirteen-year-old Jess Gates, especially when she is left all alone on a poor Kentucky farm. Jess's mother died when she was born, and her bootlegger father disappears quite often. But when Wrong Man, as Officer Dudley is called, arrests her father, Jess finds herself in real danger. Then, as Jess struggles to survive, Bill proves he can be almost human. For grades 5-8. 1994. Black Beauty RC 41291 by Anna Sewell read by Robert Sams 1 cassette (Reissue) Black Beauty, a fine stallion, tells of his suffering as he is sold from one cruel master to another. This book was written to dramatize the abuse of horses in nineteenth-century England. Some violence. For grades 4-7. 1877. A Blue for Beware RC 42551 by Jessie Haas read by Jill Fox 1 cassette In this sequel to Beware the Mare (RC 42550), Lily takes Beware to the Junior Horse Show. Her best friend, Mandy, is also there with her horse, Shane. Lily hopes to win a blue ribbon, but Mandy is the first one to take a prize. How is Lily going to feel if she doesn't win an event too?And if she doesn't, can she still be friends with Mandy? For grades 3-6. 1995. The Brave Little Bunny RC 41930 by Linda Jennings read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette Millie is a lop-eared rabbit who lives in a hutch with her brothers and sisters. But she longs to explore the outside world. Millie's chance comes one day when someone leaves the door open. She scampers across the yard, under a hedge, and straight into the path of a fox. What will Millie do now? For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Brighty of the Grand Canyon RC 40762 by Marguerite Henry read by Christopher Walker 1 cassette (Reissue) Brighty, a freedom-loving little burro, befriends a kind old prospector. Brighty watches one day as a vicious stranger kills the old man. Years later, Brighty avenges his friend's death. For grades 4-7. 1953. Call for Courage: Golden Filly, Book 5 RC 38833 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Tricia Evanston's dream has come true: she and her horse, Spitfire, have won the Kentucky Derby. Now they are headed for the Preakness in Baltimore. But Tricia is concerned about her father, who seems to be growing weaker day by day. As they go to the race, the family members put their faith in God, knowing God will be with them. Sequel to Kentucky Dreamer (RC 38832). For grades 6-9. 1992. Can I Have a Stegosaurus, Mom? Can I? Please!? RC 41215 by Lois G. Grambling read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette A little boy wants to have a stegosaurus for a pet, so he thinks of lots of different reasons why his mother should let him have one. It could eat all of his yucky vegetables, take his whole class on a field trip, win all the races at summer camp, and go trick-or-treating with him on Halloween. For grades K-3. 1995. Cat, You Better Come Home RC 42067 by Garrison Keillor read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Puff, an elegant cat who demanded to be allowed outside, now refuses to come in even though her owner insists. (After all, it is cold and dark outside, and the dogs are waiting to attack.) But Puff isn't happy with the chow she has to eat. So she runs away to Europe, stars in a cat food commercial, and becomes quite rich. Then early one morning, her owner hears a scratch-scratch-scratch on the windowsill. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1995. Catkin RC 39825 by Antonia Barber read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette When Catkin is born, Wise Woman knows he is a special cat, and she gives him to a farmer and his wife who have finally had a child after many years. Wise Woman tells Catkin that he must watch over the child and let no harm come to her. But one day Catkin becomes fascinated by a butterfly and forgets his duty. When he returns, the child has been replaced by a changeling. Catkin sets out to rescue the girl from the Little People. For grades K-3. 1994. Chato's Kitchen RC 41971 by Gary Soto read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Chato, a low-riding cat with six stripes, is sneaking up on a sparrow when he hears noise coming from next door. He peeks through the fence and discovers a family of five fat, juicy mice moving in. Chato gets a wonderful idea--invite them for dinner! Only Chato plans for them to be his dinner. The mice accept Chato's invitation, but bring along a surprise guest. For grades K-3. 1995. The Chicks' Trick RC 42776 by Jeni Bassett read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Two hens, Mrs. Peckle and Mrs. Heckle, are always trying to outdo each other. When they each hatch a baby chick, they argue constantly over which is better. Finally the chicks come up with a plan to make them stop. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. The Circus Baby RC 40844 by Maud and Miska Petersham read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette (Reissue) What happens when Mother Elephant tries to raise her baby the way the clown family is bringing up their children. For grades K-3. 1950. Close Call: Golden Filly, Book 9 RC 38837 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Tricia Evanston once more finds herself in the winner's circle at Portland Meadows. She has also been asked to act as spokesperson for the Chrysler Corporation. But Tricia faces threats from an unknown source. As she continues to race and film commercials, Tricia must rely on her faith and the police to keep her safe. Sequel to Second Wind (RC 38836). For grades 6-9. 1994. Disney's The Lion King RC 39607 by Gina Ingoglia read by Bob Askey 1 cassette As a new day dawns, all the animals in the jungle gather at Pride Rock to greet Simba, the lion prince. Soon the wise baboon, Rafiki, climbs to the top of Pride Rock, takes the son of King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi into his arms, blesses him, and presents him to the animals. Prince Simba receives a great welcome. But soon Simba has to make his way in the world alone. Will he remember his father's teaching and become a great king? For grades K-3. 1994. Dog Heaven RC 42556 by Cynthia Rylant read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Imagines how dog heaven must be: plenty of fields for running, lakes filled with geese, angel children to play with, and lots of biscuits of all shapes and sizes. Tells of angels walking dogs back to earth for a little visit and of heavenly homes for those dogs who were homeless on earth. For grades K-3. 1995. Don't Fidget a Feather! RC 41969 by Erica Silverman read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Duck thinks she is a great swimmer, but one day Gander comes along and challenges her. After they try to outdo each other in swimming and flying, Duck suggests a freeze-in-place contest to determine the "champion of champions." Funny things happen to threaten their concentration, but neither one moves until they are almost thrown into Fox's cooking pot. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Eagle's Wings: Golden Filly, Book 2 RC 38830 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Trish Evanston and Spitfire won the race at Portland Meadows and now several other owners have asked her to act as their jockey. Trish is overjoyed because the money will definitely be a help with her father in the hospital again. The family has other concerns, but Trish is convinced that God answered her prayers by giving her this chance. Sequel to The Race (RC 38829). For grades 6-9. 1991. Edward Is Only a Fish RC 40777 by Alan Sincic read by John Horton 1 cassette Edward the fish lives in a bowl and dreams about taking a vacation. Sooner than he expects, he gets his chance. One day while Mr. Billingsly's bathwater is running, Mr. B. steps outside and locks himself out. The water fills the tub and keeps running until it floods the house and Edward swims out of his bowl. For grades 2-4. 1994. The Elephant at the Waldorf RC 41315 by Anne Miranda read by Janis Gray 1 cassette A young girl and her mother are walking in front of the Waldorf Astoria one summer night, when they spot an elephant on a big truck. Alas, it seems that no one is able to get the elephant to leave the truck and go into the Waldorf Astoria to entertain the guests. What is to be done? For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Elephant Families RC 42955 by Arthur Dorros read by Ted Stoddard 1 cassette Describes the lives of African elephants in the wild. Grandmother, mother, aunts, female cousins, and young children live together in families while the adult males travel alone or in herds. For grades K-3. 1994. George Washington's Cows RC 41884 by David Small read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette George Washington's cows wear lavender gowns and have to be begged to give milk. His hogs are happy to work when the servants are sick, and his sheep are very smart. Washington soon begins to think he should leave the farm and look for another job. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994. Go for the Glory: Golden Filly, Book 3 RC 38831 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Trish Evanston, sixteen, feels on top of the world. She wins most of her races at Oregon's Portland Meadows, and her father is responding well to his treatment for cancer. In fact her father, Hal, wants to enter her and their horses in the Santa Anita Derby and the Kentucky Derby. But then Trish has an accident, and she may miss the biggest chance of her life. Sequel to Eagle's Wings (RC 38830). For grades 6-9. 1991. The Grand Escape RC 40758 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette Marco and Polo are four-year-old brother cats who live with the Neals. The cats understand English, and Marco has taught himself to read. The Neals' veterinarian told them to keep the cats indoors, but after Marco sneaks out to the yard one day, he yearns to live outside on a ranch. After much planning, the two escape. They encounter a community of tough alley cats before finally getting their chance to see a ranch. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Great Snake Escape RC 41055 by Molly Coxe read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Mirabel the goose panics when she reads a headline saying a snake has escaped from the zoo. Her friend Maxie the frog suggests they find out if the snake eats geese or frogs. But the newspaper is in a trash can. How can Maxie and Mirabel get it out? For grades K-3. 1994. Guess How Much I Love You RC 41891 by Sam McBratney read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Little Nutbrown Hare wants to tell Big Nutbrown Hare how much he loves him. When Little Nutbrown Hare says he loves his dad as far as his arms will stretch, Big Nutbrown Hare says the same thing, but his arms are much longer. How can Little Nutbrown Hare show he loves his dad more? For grades K-3. 1994. The Hallo-Wiener RC 42615 by Dav Pilkey read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Oscar, a dachshund, is half a dog tall and one-and-a-half dogs long. His friends laugh at him and call him "Wiener Dog." On Halloween Oscar hurries home from obedience school to make a costume to wear trick-or-treating. But his mother has his outfit all made--a hot dog bun. What will Oscar do? If he wears the getup, his friends will tease him even more. For grades K-3. 1995. Henry and Mudge and the Careful Cousin RC 41395 by Cynthia Rylant read by Mitzi Friedlander 1 cassette Henry and his big dog, Mudge, are waiting for Henry's cousin Annie to come spend the night. But when she gets out of the car with her frilly dress and her shiny shoes, Henry knows he's in trouble. He and Mudge are not the clean and tidy type. For grades K-3. 1994. Henry the Sailor Cat RC 41079 by Mary Calhoun read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Henry, an adventurous Siamese cat, watches from the arms of the Woman as the Man and the Kid prepare for a day of sailing. All of them are convinced that Henry won't want to go along because cats don't like water. But Henry has other ideas and jumps aboard unnoticed. The Man is upset when he discovers their stowaway, but he will soon change his mind about having Henry aboard. For grades K-3. 1994. Homer and the House Next Door RC 41397 by Robin Pulver read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Homer the dog is very depressed when his next-door neighbor, Ms. Gallivant, moves away. He misses her biscuits, scratches, and tennis balls. But things get worse when Homer's master, Hank, decides it's time they moved too! For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The House of Wings RC 41134 by Betsy Byars read by Bob Askey 1 cassette (Reissue) Sammy is horrified when his parents decide to leave him with his grandfather until they settle in Detroit. His grandfather is weird and Sammy hates him. But as they care for an injured crane together, Sammy learns to respect and love the old man. For grades 5-8. 1972. How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin RC 42463 by Rudyard Kipling read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette (Reissue) In this tale from Kipling's Just So Stories (RC 25503), a wily Parsee outwits the rude and all-too-greedy rhinoceros who steals the Parsee's fresh-baked cake. For grades K-3. 1988. It Goes Eeeeeeeeeeeee! RC 41195 by Jamie Gilson read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Best friends Richard and Ben are supposed to be nice to new kid Patrick, but it's hard because he's a know-it-all in a suit and bow tie. All three are in Mrs. Zookey's second grade. After the boys find a stranded bat and share all kinds of scary misconceptions about it, Patrick gets in trouble; spends recess inside reading about bats; and pairs with Dawn Marie, who has real bats at home, on a report for Endangered Animal Month. For grades 2-4. 1994. Jaguarundi RC 40437 by Virginia Hamilton read by John Horton 1 cassette Rundi Jaguarundi is worried because the nice cool rain forest is slowly disappearing. Settlers have come to the land and cut down trees to build houses and barns. So Rundi decides to move north to the Rio Bravo where there is still a rain forest. He convinces Coati to go along with him, but most of the other animals stay because they know they must learn to adapt to the coming of humans into their forest. For grades 2-4. 1995. Kentucky Dreamer: Golden Filly, Book 4 RC 38832 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Trish Evanston and Spitfire won the Santa Anita Derby and now they plan to head for the Kentucky Derby. But a few days later, Trish is hurt and one of her friends dies when several horses go down during a race. And now her mother is sick as well as her dad, and Spitfire's leg is continuing to get warm. Is their luck running out? Sequel to Go for the Glory (RC 38831). For grades 6-9. 1991. The Knee-High Man and Other Tales RC 41039 by Julius Lester read by Gordon Gould 1 cassette (Reissue) A collection of six animal tales from black folklore. In the title story, a man learns about wanting something he doesn't need. Other stories include the adventures of the farmer and Mr. Snake, Mrs. Wind and Mrs. Water, the dog and Mr. Cat, and Mr. Rabbit and Mr. Bear. For grades 3-6. 1972. Hooray for the Golly Sisters! RC 40050 by Betsy Byars read by Susan McInerney 1 cassette In this sequel to The Golly Sisters Go West (RC 40049), May-May and Rose Golly have to get their horse and wagon across a big river so they can get to town to put on their traveling show. In other adventures, May-May makes the mistake of using pigs instead of rabbits in her magic hat act, Rose tries to sing and dance on a high wire, and the sisters also face a scary swamp. For preschool-grade 2. 1990. The Latchkey Dog RC 38993 by Mary Jane Auch read by Phil Regensdorf 1 cassette After Sam's father moves out and his mother goes to work full-time, the family's golden retriever is left alone all day and grows lonely. Amber expresses her frustration by barking for hours, annoying the neighbors. Mom decides that Amber must go. In desperation Sam tries everything, including keeping Amber up all night in the hope that she will sleep during the day. The results are disastrous and hilarious. For grades 3-6. 1994. Lyle at the Office RC 41711 by Bernard Waber read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Lyle is a very funny crocodile, and everyone likes him. Because of this, people are always offering Lyle jobs. But he is happy living with the Primms and doesn't need to work. One day Lyle goes to visit the advertising agency where Mr. Primm is thinking up new ideas for selling Krispie Krunchie Krackles cereal. Lyle has a great time until Mr. Primm's boss wants to hire him. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Make Way for Ducklings RC 42913 by Robert McCloskey read by John Horton 1 cassette Five helpful Boston policemen stop busy city traffic so that Mrs. Mallard can move her family of eight ducklings from their island in the Charles River to their new home in the Public Garden. For grades K-3. Caldecott Medal 1942. 1941. Mandy Sue Day RC 40732 by Roberta Karim read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Mandy Sue's farmer father promises each of the children one day without chores, and today is Mandy Sue Day. She spends it riding and talking to her horse, Ben, and although Mandy Sue is blind, she knows her best friend's ears flick back to hear her. For grades K-3. 1994. Martha Calling RC 40816 by Susan Meddaugh read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Martha, the dog who began to talk after eating alphabet soup in (Martha Speaks RC 40496), wins a free vacation at the Come-On-Inn. But there is a big problem: they don't allow dogs! For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Martha Speaks RC 40496 by Susan Meddaugh read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Helen has a dog named Martha, and one day when Helen doesn't want to eat her alphabet soup, she gives it to Martha. Then a strange thing happens. Instead of going to Martha's stomach, the soup goes to Martha's brain. Suddenly Martha can talk, and she doesn't stop talking for days--until her family tells her to "Shut up!" Before long they are very sorry. Prequel to Martha Calling (RC 40816). For preschool-grade 2. 1992. The Monkey and the Crocodile: A Jataka Tale from India RC 41594 by Paul Galdone read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette In the jungle on the banks of the river is a mango tree where many monkeys live. And in the river are many crocodiles. There is one young crocodile who is always hungry, and he has decided to have a particular monkey for his next meal. What will the monkey do? For grades K-3. 1969. The Moonglow Roll-O-Rama RC 41683 by Dav Pilkey read by Gordon Gould 1 cassette There is a wonderful place on an island beyond the lagoon, where beneath the blue moon lies the Moonglow Roll-O-Rama. And every night while people sleep snugly in their beds, the animals go to this spot where the magic of moonlight sweeps them skating up to the sky. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Mouse Tales RC 40772 by Arnold Lobel read by Graeme Malcolm 1 cassette (Reissue) Once the mouse boys are all tucked into bed, they beg Papa for a bedtime story. Papa puts his sons to sleep by telling, not just one funny story, but seven--one for each of his boys. For grades K-3. 1972. Mr. Green Peas RC 41503 by Judith Caseley read by Bob Askey 1 cassette Norman Slope likes going to nursery school, but he has a problem. He is the only one in his class who does not have a pet. Norman tries to convince his parents to get him a pet, but cats and dogs make his father allergic, gerbils and hamsters look too much like rats to his mother, and a bird would make too much noise. Then one day Norman's father comes home with a surprise for Norman. For grades K-3. 1995. Mr. Tall and Mr. Small RC 40791 by Barbara Brenner read by John Horton 1 cassette A giraffe and a mouse argue over whose size is better. They quarrel until the day a hunter drops a lighted match that sets the forest on fire. Afraid they will be trapped, the mouse and the giraffe put their heads together and find a way out. Only then do they learn to appreciate their differences. For preschool-grade 2. 1966. The Mud Flat Olympics RC 42055 by James Stevenson read by John Horton 1 cassette It is time once again for the Mud Flat Olympics! Three moles, Kevin, Kimberly, and old Mr. Crenshaw, prepare for the deepest hole contest. Five snails compete in the all-snail high hurdle. There is even a victory for old Mr. Tokay, who wins the smelliest skunk contest. And a funny, wonderful time is had by all. For grades 2-4. 1994. Nathaniel Willy, Scared Silly RC 41843 retold by Judith Mathews and Fay Robinson read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Nathaniel Willy lives with his Gramma in the country. One night after Gramma kisses Nathaniel good night and closes the door, Nathaniel thinks he hears a ghost. To stop him from being scared, Gramma brings in the cat, then the dog, then the pig, and even the cow, but Nathaniel still hears the ghost. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. No Foal Yet RC 41955 by Jessie Haas read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Nora is excited that her Gramp's mare, Bonnie, is going to have a foal. But every morning when Nora wakes up and every afternoon when she races to the barn from the school bus, Bonnie is still pregnant. For grades K-3. 1995. Norman the Doorman RC 40726 by Don Freeman read by Pam Ward 1 cassette (Reissue) Norman is a mouse who works as a doorman for the basement of an art museum. He gives other mice tours of the paintings and sculpture in storage and practices his own art. His biggest wish is to go see the art on display upstairs, but he is afraid the guard will catch him. Then one day, Norman sees a sign for a sculpture contest. For preschool-grade 2. 1959. Not-So-Normal Norman RC 43106 by Cynthia Stowe read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette When Anthony's father is out of work with a back injury, Anthony worries about money. He decides to pet-sit, and his first charge is a tarantula named Norman. Anthony's joy over earning two dollars a day fades when Norman starts acting sick and won't eat. For grades 3-6. 1995. Out of the Mist: Golden Filly, Book 7 RC 38835 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Tricia Evanston is having a hard time accepting the fact that her dad is gone forever, and she hasn't won a race since the Triple Crown. Has her desire to race died, too? Once again Tricia finds herself doubting God and wondering if she will ever know the kind of peace her father found. Sequel to Shadow over San Mateo (RC 38834). For grades 6-9. 1993. Outlaw Red RC 42838 by Jim Kjelgaard read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette Sean, a champion show dog and the son of Big Red (RC 10856), does not like being shut up in a kennel. He longs for the freedom of the wilderness. But when that chance comes, Sean must learn to survive on his own. For grades 5-8. 1953. The Outside Dog RC 39556 by Charlotte Pomerantz read by Ed Blake 1 cassette Marisol, who lives in Puerto Rico in a little village on a hillside, has always wanted a dog. But her abuelito won't allow it. Grandfather says that dogs have "fleas and ticks and who knows what." There are many stray dogs living on the hill. One day Marisol finds a skinny brown mutt with perky ears and huge brown eyes sitting near their home. She names him Pancho, and he steals her heart--and abuelito's too. For grades 2-4. 1993. Owl Moon RC 42932 by Jane Yolen read by Mary Kane 1 cassette On a cold winter's night, under a bright full moon, a young girl and her father trek into the woods to see the Great Horned Owl. For preschool-grade 2. Caldecott Medal. 1987. Paddington Abroad RC 41653 by Michael Bond read by Tom Martin 1 cassette (Reissue) Paddington, the little bear who loves marmalade sandwiches, goes on vacation in France, where he gets himself into one funny scrape after another. For grades 3-6. 1972. Pepi and the Secret Names RC 41520 by Jill Paton Walsh read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Pepi and his mother and father live on the banks of the Nile River where Prince Dhutmose has ordered a tomb to be built for the time when he will live in the Land of the Dead. Pepi's father is working on the paintings for the tomb, and each day he needs a different animal. It is Pepi who befriends the animals by guessing their secret name, and he gets them to pose for his father. For grades 2-4. 1994. Pet of the Met RC 41090 by Lydia and Don Freeman read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette (Reissue) Maestro Petrini is a white mouse who lives with his wife and three children in the attic of the Metropolitan Opera House. He works as a page turner for the prompter. Down in the basement, living in a violin case, is Mefisto, a cat who hates music and mice! One day during a performance of the "Magic Flute," Maestro Petrini and Mefisto end up on the stage together, putting Maestro Petrini in great danger. For preschool-grade 2. 1953. Preposterous Pets RC 41208 edited by Laura Cecil read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Collection of stories and poems. Because the zoo's elephant is not growing, the zookeeper must give him away. Little Emily has a meadow with a big shed; so she offers to take the miniature elephant as a pet. In other stories, a man gets a hippopotamus and a storekeeper is visited by a beastie that talks and sings and won't leave. And one boy's habit of collecting animals grows until he has a whole room full of unusual pets. For grades K-3. 1994. The Race: Golden Filly, Book 1 RC 38829 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Tricia Evanston, fifteen, looks forward to racing Spitfire at the Portland Meadows Race Track in a few months. She and her father, Hal, have worked toward this goal for a long time. Unfortunately, her mother does not share their dream. But horse racing loses some of its importance when Hal is diagnosed as having cancer. Trish can't believe that God would let him die when they are so close to their goal. Prequel to Eagle's Wings (RC 38830). For grades 6-9. 1990. Red Fox Running RC 41405 by Eve Bunting read by Anne Hancock 1 cassette Winter is almost over, and food is hard to find for animals living in the wild. So all day long a red fox hunts for something to feed his family. And while the fox searches for a prize, he has to be careful not to become a meal for a larger animal. For grades K-3. 1993. Rhino and Mouse RC 42061 by Todd Starr Palmer read by John Horton 1 cassette Rhino is Mouse's best friend, but sometimes Rhino gets on Mouse's nerves. On National Mouse and Rat Day, Rhino buys Mouse a cat, paints his house in polka dots, and makes him breakfast with catsup and hot fudge. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The Rooster Who Lost His Crow RC 41484 by Wendy Cheyette Lewison read by Bob Askey 1 cassette Every morning, just as the orange sun begins to peek over the chicken coop, Rooster hurries out into the farmyard to awaken the farmer with his "cock-a-doodle-doo!" But one morning, Rooster is frightened by a bee and loses his "cock-a-doodle-doo!" Now who will wake up the farmer? For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Scrub Dog of Alaska RC 40721 by Walt Morey read by Jim Zeiger 1 cassette (Reissue) Sled-dog trainer Smiley Jackson almost kills the runt of the new litter, but the puppy manages to escape. Dave Martin adopts Scrub and helps him develop into a strong, handsome dog, only to have Jackson demand Scrub's return. For grades 4-7. 1971. Second Wind: Golden Filly, Book 8 RC 38836 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Tricia Evanston has made it through the summer following her father's death. At times she felt she would never race again, but a new season is starting, and Tricia is ready to race. Then just before the season opens at Portland Meadows, Tricia hears rumors about mismanagement at the track. Is there anything she can do about it? Sequel to Out of the Mist (RC 38835). For grades 6-9. 1994. Shadow over San Mateo: Golden Filly, Book 6 RC 38834 by Lauraine Snelling read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Tricia Evanston, sixteen, has just won the biggest race of her life, but her father was not there to see her win. He died just as the race began. Adding to her sorrow is the fact that Spitfire will now go to a stud farm in Kentucky. How can she live without her father and without Spitfire? How could God do this to her? Sequel to Call for Courage (RC 38833). For grades 6-9. 1993. Snow Dog RC 42731 by Jim Kjelgaard read by Rick Rohan 1 cassette Husky puppy Chiri had watched a wolf kill his mother and brothers. He learned to survive his enemies in the snow-covered woods, but now as an adult dog, Chiri is faced with a new enemy--humans. If he learns to trust them, it could cost him his freedom. Some violence. For grades 5-8. 1948. Sophie in the Saddle RC 39335 by Dick King-Smith read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Sophie, the ever-determined future lady farmer, is thrilled that her family will be vacationing at the seaside and staying on a real farm. There she befriends a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig and learns to ride a pony named Bumblebee. Sequel to Sophie Hits Six (RC 39334). For grades K-3. 1993. Stellaluna RC 39478 by Janell Cannon read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette A baby bat and its mother are out looking for something to eat when they are attacked by an owl. The baby falls, landing headfirst in a nest of baby birds. Growing up with birds, the bat learns to eat bugs, sleep at night, and hang by her thumbs, until one day her mother finds her. Soon she learns to eat fruit, fly at night, and hang by her feet, but she is still friends with the birds. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Stormy RC 42584 by Jim Kjelgaard read by Jack Fox 1 cassette Young Allan Marley lives alone in the Beaver Flowage wilderness. One snowy November twilight, Allan courageously rescues a huge, black hunting dog that has fallen through the ice. The boy and dog are both strong and independent, and a bond grows between them. For grades 5-8. 1959. The Tenth Good Thing about Barney RC 40467 by Judith Viorst read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette A small boy quickly remembers nine good things about Barney, his cat who died. His father helps him think of the tenth good thing about Barney, which they agree is "a pretty nice job for a cat." For grades K-3. 1971. There's an Owl in the Shower RC 43303 by Jean Craighead George read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Borden Watson's father, a logger in northern California, is out of work because the government has banned logging in order to save the spotted owl. Borden is so angry he vows to kill any spotted owl he sees. Then he adopts what he thinks is a baby barred owl that has fallen from its nest. For grades 2-4. 1995. Three Cool Kids RC 41973 by Rebecca Emberley read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Three goat kids live in the city. They are called Big Cool, Middle Cool, and Little Cool. Although the brothers and sister like the lot they live on, it is becoming run down. They are thinking about moving to a vacant grassy lot across the street, but are afraid to walk by the big rat that everyone says lives behind the sewer grate. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog RC 41414 by Sara Swan Miller read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Have you noticed that your dog seems to sleep all day long? Maybe the animal has nothing to do and is bored. So here are three stories you can read to your dog. The first story is about a burglar, the second about a dog bone, and the third one about a dog wanting to be wild. For grades K-3. 1995. Three Terrible Trins RC 42461 by Dick King-Smith read by Vanessa Maroney 1 cassette On the morning of her first birthday, Mrs. Gray, a mouse, finds her third husband has been killed and eaten. She vows never to marry again but to devote her life to her fatherless "trins"--Thomas, Richard, and Henry. The trins, along with other mice at Orchard Farm, have a great time scaring the cats, Wallace and Bertha, out of the house. They even form a soccer team and use the farmer's glass eye for their ball. For grades 2-4. 1994. Thunderhoof RC 41546 by Syd Hoff read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette The story of how Thunderhoof, the last great horse to run wild out West, lets himself be tamed. For preschool-grade 2 to share with older readers. 1971. Time and the Clockmice, Etcetera RC 40350 by Peter Dickinson read by Gregory Gorton 1 cassette The Branton Town Hall Clock has been running for one hundred years and is known as a "Wonder of the World." Hundreds of people come to see the clock every year, but one day it stops, and the only person who has the plans to fix it is the grandson of the builder. When he begins work, he discovers several families of mice living in the clock. These are not your ordinary mice, though. They are intelligent and communicate through telepathy. For grades 3-6. 1993. Town Mouse, Country Mouse RC 41147 by Jan Brett read by Bob Askey 1 cassette Tired of running from the house cat, the town mouse decides to take his wife on a picnic in the country. There they meet a country mouse and her husband, who offer to trade houses with the town mice. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Two Cool Cows RC 42940 by Toby Speed read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Maude and Millie are two cool cows from the Huckabuck Farm. One night they borrow the black button-back boots of the Huckabuck kids and fly off to the moon where the grass is greener for the cows to munch, by the bunch, for their lunch. For grades K-3. 1995. Uncle Daney's Way RC 40563 by Jessie Haas read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Twelve-year-old Cole is not too happy when his parents inform him that Uncle Daney is coming to live with them; their trailer is already crowded. Uncle uses a wheelchair, and shocks everyone when he brings Nip, a huge horse, with him too. Who can afford to feed such an animal? But as Uncle Daney makes plans for Nip, Cole gets excited about the recent additions to their farm. Soon it seems that both Cole and Nip learn some lessons. For grades 4-7. 1994. The Velveteen Rabbit; or, How Toys Become Real RC 41681 by Margery Williams read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette (Reissue) The Velveteen Rabbit suffers more hardship than most other stuffed animals, and finally he is thrown into the trash. But the love of his owner and the help of the "Fairy of Old Toys" salvage the Velveteen Rabbit and transform him into a real, live rabbit with a soft, cotton tail. For grades 2-5. 1922. Venus among the Fishes RC 43431 by Elizabeth Hall and Scott O'Dell read by Gabriella Cavallero 1 cassette Coral, a girl dolphin, narrates this tale of her pod's attempt to protect itself from attacking killer whales. The pod needs more strong males like Coral's father, and Coral is sent to find her brother, Silver, and bring him home. But as she looks for Silver, Coral learns that humans may be an even greater threat. For grades 4-7. 1995. The Wee Little Woman RC 42640 by Byron Barton read by Pam Ward 1 cassette A wee little woman has a wee little house, a wee little cow, and a wee little cat. They are all happy until the day things go wrong. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings RC 40491 by Ursula K. Le Guin read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Sequel to Catwings Return (RC 37397). Alexander, the oldest kitten in his family, decides to explore the world. Soon he is threatened by a truck, chased by dogs, stuck up a tree, and lost. Then Jane, a little black kitten with wings, comes along. Alexander follows her home and meets more winged cats. Now he wants to find a way to repay the Catwing family for their kindness. For grades 2-4. 1994. Braille Alejandro's Gift BR 10035 by Richard E. Albert 1 volume Alejandro lives in the desert in an adobe house with only his burro for company. He is very lonely until his garden begins attracting small desert animals. As Alejandro watches them drink, he devises a plan to provide water for the bigger animals too. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. Arthur's Family Vacation BR 9940 by Marc Brown 1 volume School is out for the summer, and this year Arthur and his family are going to the beach for a week. Arthur would much rather go to Camp Meadowcroak with his best friend, Buster, than spend a week with his sister, D.W., at the beach. But when they get to the beach, Arthur is surprised by all the things he finds to do, even when it rains. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Away to Me, Moss BR 10459 by Betty Levin 2 volumes Zanna's mother gives speech and physical therapy to Rob Catherwood, a sheep farmer who had a stroke. Zanna becomes attached to Rob's border collie, Moss. Now that Rob is out of commission, no one on the farm pays any attention to Moss. As Zanna proves that Moss is still a good worker, she learns valuable lessons from both Moss and Rob. For grades 5-8. 1994. The Bear BR 10011 by Raymond Briggs 1 volume As Tilly sleeps with her teddy bear, a huge polar bear comes in through her window. He's friendly and quiet, although he takes up most of the bed. Best of all, Tilly's parents don't seem to mind when she tells them about her new guest. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The Bears on Hemlock Mountain BR 10057 by Alice Dalgliesh 1 volume Jonathan's mother has invited twenty members of the family for dinner, and she needs to borrow a big iron pot from Aunt Emma, who lives on the other side of Hemlock Mountain. Although his mother says there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, Jonathan is not sure he wants to go over the mountain alone to get the pot. When darkness falls and the animals come out of the forest, Jonathan learns to be brave. For grades 2-4. 1952. Brighty of the Grand Canyon BR 10125 by Marguerite Henry 1 volume Brighty, a freedom-loving little burro, befriends a kind old prospector. Brighty watches one day as a vicious stranger kills the old man. Years later, Brighty avenges his friend's death. For grades 4-7. 1953. Coyote and the Magic Words BR 10012 by Phyllis Root 1 volume The Maker-of-all-things was tired when she finished creating the world with words, so she closed her eyes and slept. Meanwhile, when her creatures needed something, they had only to speak the magic words. But Coyote played tricks and stirred up trouble, making so much noise that he woke up the Maker-of-all-things. She decided there would be no more magic words, except when Coyote told stories. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1993. Danny's Duck BR 10032 by June Crebbin 1 volume A duck flies over the school yard and settles into a pile of brush at the edge of the playground. No one sees her except Danny. For the next few weeks, Danny secretly watches the duck as she lays eggs and sits on them. Then one day Danny discovers his friend and all nine of her eggs are gone. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. Dear Bear BR 9942 by Joanna Harrison 1 volume While Katie is busy during the day, she doesn't think about the bear. But at night she worries that the bear will jump out of the closet under the stairs and grab her. Her mother tells her to write a letter to the bear asking it to go away. Then the bear writes back! PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here BR 10027 by Jean Craighead George 1 volume In December a woman explains in a letter to her granddaughter that little hands of darkness have brought in winter. She describes all the things that nature will experience before the little hands push back the edges of darkness and summer returns. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1993. A Horse for All Seasons: Collected Stories BR 10554 by Sheila Kelly Welch 1 volume Twelve stories about horses. In "The Long March," Josh's pregnant mare, Rosey, gets locked out of her stall and gives birth in the woods, where border collie Kip guards her until Josh can come. In "Hand-Me-Down Horse," Carrie is jealous of her new neighbor and her fancy show horse until her own horse becomes a hero. These two stories are set in the spring; the other selections cover all four seasons. For grades 5-8. 1994. Jeremy Kooloo BR 10017 by Tim Mahurin 1 volume Jeremy Kooloo loves milk, and when he sees four glasses of milk and a milk carton on the table, he can't resist having some. In fact, he has a lot! Discover in ABC order just what happens to Jeremy after that. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Katy No-Pocket BR 10792 by Emmy Payne 1 volume Katy is a kangaroo without a pocket. She tries to carry her son, Freddy, the way other types of animals carry their young, but nothing works. So Katy and Freddy head for the city to buy a pocket. For grades K-3. 1944. Lassie Come-Home BR 10025 by Rosemary Wells 1 volume An adaption for younger readers of Eric Knight's original 1938 classic. Joe has a collie named Lassie who waits for him outside of school each day at four o'clock. When Joe's unemployed father sells Lassie to a duke, Lassie keeps escaping to meet Joe. Even when the duke takes Lassie to Scotland, she slips out the gate and starts a year-long walk back home to England. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4. 1995. A Llama in the Family BR 10176 by Johanna Hurwitz 1 volume When Adam's mother tells him there will be a surprise waiting after school, he is sure he's getting a mountain bike. Instead, he finds a strange animal in his yard. His mother has bought a llama to start a hiking business. The llama's name is Ethan Allen, and at first he doesn't do anything except hum and spit. But as Adam and Ethan Allen become close friends, Adam realizes there is something the llama needs more than Adam needs a bike. For grades 2-4. 1994. Make Way for Ducklings BR 10039 by Robert McCloskey 1 volume (Reissue) Five helpful Boston policemen stop busy city traffic so that Mrs. Mallard can move her family of eight ducklings from their island in the Charles River to their new home in the Public Garden. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. Caldecott Medal 1942. 1941. Minnie BR 10338 by Annie M.G. Schmidt 1 volume Newspaper reporter Mr. Tibbs is told he will be fired if he doesn't stop writing about cats. But Mr. Tibbs is too shy to find a real news story. Then he meets Minnie, a young woman who claims to have been a cat. Indeed, she can talk to all of the neighborhood cats and even brings Mr. Tibbs news stories from her cat contacts. All she asks for is a box to sleep in and some food. Some strong language. For grades 3-6. 1992. Mouse Tales BR 10172 by Arnold Lobel 1 volume Once the mouse boys are all tucked into bed, they beg Papa for a bedtime story. Papa puts his sons to sleep by telling, not just one funny story, but seven--one for each of his boys. For grades K-3. 1972. Officer Buckle and Gloria BR 10015 by Peggy Rathmann 1 volume Officer Buckle knows lots of safety tips, and he loves to share them with the students at Napville School. But nobody seems to listen to him. Then one day, the Napville police department gets a police dog--Gloria. Office Buckle takes her along the next time he goes to Napville School, and this time the children listen. But why? PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. Caldecott Medal. 1995. The Old Dog BR 10034 by Charlotte Zolotow 1 volume Ben and his dog have been together for a long time, and now his dog has become old. One morning when Ben goes to wake her up, she doesn't wag her tail or open her eyes. Ben's father quietly tells Ben that she is dead. Now Ben has no one to run and play with--until his father comes home with a surprise. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. Sable BR 10320 by Karen Hesse 1 volume Although ten-year-old Tate longs for a dog, her mother, who was attacked by a dog as a girl, refuses. When a weak, skinny stray wanders into their yard, Tate is surprised that her mother grudgingly puts up with the dog Tate has named Sable. Then Sable develops a habit of going off exploring and bringing back other people's belongings. Now Tate's mother wants to give Sable away. For grades 3-6. 1994. Sebastian (Super Sleuth) and the Flying Elephant BR 10836 by Mary Blount Christian 1 volume Sebastian is a dog who loves to solve mysteries. Shortly after the circus comes to Sebastian's town, Tahsha, the beloved elephant, disappears. Sebastian and his police-detective human begin to analyze clues. For grades 2-4. 1994. Songs in the Silence BR 10497 by Catherine Frey Murphy 1 volume Hallie takes her friend's small boat out in the cove to have privacy to cry for her little brother, Josh, who is in the hospital after burning himself on the barbeque. Hallie falls out of the boat and is guided to safety by an odd soothing voice. The speaker is Melae, a whale who has entered the cove to assist another whale who is injured. Hallie and her incredible new friend secretly help each other cope. For grades 4-6. 1994. Superbird to the Rescue BR 10452 by Nancy Hayashi 1 volume When Jesse Beeman hears that a department store is having trouble with shoplifters, he plans how he and his friend Walter will catch them. Jesse has a wonderful parrot named Zenith who always protects him. If the boys were to shout for help near a thief, Zenith would swoop down and help them. The only problem is that Jesse's mother won't let Zenith out of the house. For grades 3-6. 1995. Switch Cat BR 10019 by Garry Disher 1 volume A scruffy girl's sleek cat, Evangelina, prefers the well-groomed neighbor girl, Cecilia. Likewise Cecilia's untidy cat, Ms. Whiz, prefers Evangelina's owner. When Cecilia's family moves away, all four pine for their better matches. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. Time for Bed BR 10013 by Mem Fox 1 volume The book opens with a mother about to read a bedtime story to her child and ends with the mother saying good night and tucking her sleepy child into bed. In between, other mothers say good night to their babies: a mouse, goose, cat, cow, horse, fish, sheep, bird, bee, snake, dog, and deer. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Tops and Bottoms BR 10010 by Janet Stevens 1 volume Mr. Bear, who is quite lazy, and Mr. Hare, who is quite clever, are neighbors. But Mr. Hare and his family have a problem--they have no food, and they have sold their land to Mr. Bear to pay a debt, so they have no land on which to grow food. Then Mr. and Mrs. Hare have a wonderful idea. They will plant a crop on Mr. Bear's land and share it with Mr. Bear. All he has to do is decide if he wants the tops or the bottoms. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. Turnip Soup BR 10003 by Lynne Born and Christopher Myers 1 volume One afternoon George's mother sends him down to the root cellar to get some potatoes so she can make potato soup for dinner. But when George comes back and tells her there is a dragon in the cellar eating all the vegetables, she thinks George just wants something different for dinner. Then his mother makes an interesting discovery. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings BR 9857 by Ursula K. Le Guin 1 volume Sequel to Catwings Return (BR 9141). Alexander, the oldest kitten in his family, decides to explore the world. Soon he is threatened by a truck, chased by dogs, stuck up a tree, and lost. Then Jane, a little black kitten with wings, comes along. Alexander follows her home and meets more winged cats. Now he wants to find a way to repay the Catwing family for their kindness. For grades 2-4. 1994. Blindness and Physical Handicaps Cassettes Blabber Mouth RC 41704 by Morris Gleitzman read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Rowena Batts's father is the most talked-about apple farmer in Australia because of his outlandish dress and behavior. Now that Rowena is trying to make friends at a new school, she wants to tell her father to change. Rowena was born with some parts missing from her throat, so she uses her hands to speak. But now she finds a more dramatic way to get her father's attention. Prequel to Sticky Beak (RC 41705). For grades 3-6. 1992. Colt RC 43069 by Nancy Springer read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette When Colt's therapist tells him to ride a horse, he is unhappy and scared. But once on top of homely Liverwurst, Colt doesn't feel like he has spina bifida. As Colt gains strength, he also gets used to his mother's new husband and to his step-siblings. Then something happens to threaten everything. For grades 3-6. 1991. A Girl's Best Friend RC 42462 by Harriet May Savitz read by Dani Carr 1 cassette Laurie Moss, twelve, is worried that her parents will put their old beagle, Jessie, to sleep because of her arthritis. The vet has some new medicine, but it is expensive so Laurie takes a part-time job. Her boss is blind, like Laurie, and very particular about how things are done at his bike shop. Meanwhile, a new teacher thinks Laurie can't do anything by herself, and a bully taunts her in the halls. For grades 3-6. 1995. Imagine Me on a Sit-Ski! RC 41341 by George Moran read by John Polk 1 cassette Billy uses a wheelchair and talks with a wordboard because he has cerebral palsy. He is both excited and scared when he learns that everyone in his class is going to be taught to ski. Some will use walkers or crutches fitted with little skis, but Billy gets to use a sit-ski! For grades 2-4. 1995. Lucy's Picture RC 41200 by Nicola Moon read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Lucy is excited because her grandfather is coming to visit. When her teacher tells the class to paint pictures, Lucy decides to make a special picture for her grandfather. But she doesn't want to use paint. She will make a picture he can feel. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The Man Who Loved Clowns RC 38004 by June Rae Wood read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Delrita, thirteen, really does love her Uncle Punky, who has Down syndrome, but she still feels embarrassed by his behavior. That's why she avoids making close friends who might expect to visit her at home. And that includes Avanelle, with whom she shares her math book. When Delrita's parents are killed in an accident, she and Punky are left in the care of Uncle Bert and Aunt Queenie--who institute monumental changes. For grades 5-8. 1992. Mandy Sue Day RC 40732 by Roberta Karim read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Mandy Sue's farmer father promises each of the children one day without chores, and today is Mandy Sue Day. She spends it riding and talking to her horse, Ben, and although Mandy Sue is blind, she knows her best friend's ears flick back to hear her. For grades K-3. 1994. Naomi Knows It's Springtime RC 41146 by Virginia L. Kroll read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Naomi, who is blind, knows when winter is over and spring has begun: the air stops nipping her nose, grass blades slide between her bare toes, and the lilies and lilacs begin to perfume the yard. For grades K-3. 1993. See the Ocean RC 41230 by Estelle Condra read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Nellie loves going to the beach house by the ocean each summer with her family. Although she cannot see, Nellie likes the feel of the sand and the water and is always asking questions about the ocean. Her brothers try to be the first to see the ocean each year, but one year they learn that Nellie has an even better way of seeing it. For grades K-3. 1994. See Ya, Simon RC 42571 by David Hill read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette New Zealand friends Simon and Nathan, fourteen, are not the greatest students in high school. Simon is known for his wacky sense of humor and for the fact that he has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. Nathan has trouble believing that zany Simon won't be around forever. For grades 5-8. 1992. Sing to the Stars RC 41236 by Mary Brigid Barrett read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Mr. Washington tries to convince his young neighbor Ephram to play his violin at the park concert by telling him "music speaks best when someone listens." When Ephram's grandmother explains that Mr. Washington used to play the piano before he became blind, Ephram decides to convince him to play too. For grades K-3. 1994. Sticky Beak RC 41705 by Morris Gleitzman read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette In this sequel to Blabber Mouth (RC 41704), mute Rowena Batts realizes she's upset that her father and Ms. Dunning, her former teacher, are going to have a baby. When a schoolmate gives up a cockatoo named Sticky Beak just because he can't talk, Rowena adopts him. She knows what it feels like to be replaced by something that talks better. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Storm RC 42144 by Marc Harshman read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette When Jonathan's teacher talks about what to do in a tornado, a classmate remarks that a big storm would be really scary for Jonathan because he is in a wheelchair. But Jonathan isn't afraid of storms--he loves them. Alone on the farm that afternoon, Jonathan gets a chance to show he knows how to handle a tornado. For grades K-3. 1995. Braille The Bus People BR 10318 by Rachel Anderson 1 volume Bertram wouldn't swap places with any of the other school bus drivers even though they call his route the "fruitcake run." First we meet a girl who has Down's syndrome as she learns a heartbreaking lesson at her sister's wedding. Then there are more portraits of Bertram's special passengers: a child who uses a wheelchair, another who doesn't speak, and a boy who falls off his big sister's bike and damages his brain. For grades 5-8. 1989. A Girl's Best Friend BR 10555 by Harriet May Savitz 1 volume Laurie Moss, twelve, is worried that her parents will put their old beagle, Jessie, to sleep because of her arthritis. The vet has some new medicine, but it is expensive so Laurie takes a part-time job. Her boss is blind, like Laurie, and very particular about how things are done at his bike shop. Meanwhile, a new teacher thinks Laurie can't do anything by herself, and a bully taunts her in the halls. For grades 3-6. 1995. Classics Cassettes Black Beauty RC 41291 by Anna Sewell read by Robert Sams 1 cassette (Reissue) Black Beauty, a fine stallion, tells of his suffering as he is sold from one cruel master to another. This book was written to dramatize the abuse of horses in nineteenth-century England. Some violence. For grades 4-7. 1877. Brighty of the Grand Canyon RC 40762 by Marguerite Henry read by Christopher Walker 1 cassette (Reissue) Brighty, a freedom-loving little burro, befriends a kind old prospector. Brighty watches one day as a vicious stranger kills the old man. Years later, Brighty avenges his friend's death. For grades 4-7. 1953. Drums RC 41710 by James Boyd read by Robert Sams 3 cassettes (Reissue) Young Johnny Fraser longs to see the world beyond his Carolina home, but must continue his studies. Then as turmoil with King George III mounts, Johnny's father, who saw his fellow Scots slaughtered at Culloden, sends him to England as an honorable escape from the coming conflict. It is the courtly England of Johnny's dreams, but adventure leads him to join the crew of Paul Jones's marauding frigates. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1925. The Hundred Dresses RC 42016 by Eleanor Estes read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Although Wanda Petronski comes to school each day in a faded blue dress, she tells the other girls that she has a hundred dresses lined up in her closet. Popular Peggy thinks this is hilarious and teases Wanda about it. Peggy's best friend, Maddie, is uneasy about the teasing and feels horrible when Wanda stops coming to school. For grades 3-6. Newbery honor book. 1944. Many Moons RC 39639 by James Thurber read by Bob Askey 1 cassette (Reissue) Princess Lenore, who is ten going on eleven, falls ill from eating too many raspberry tarts. When her father, the King, promises her anything that will make her well, Princess Lenore asks for the moon. For grades K-3. Caldecott Medal. 1943. A Story, a Story RC 41943 by Gail Haley read by John Horton 1 cassette (Reissue) Once upon a time, the world had no stories. This is the tale of how Ananse the spider obtained the Sky God's chest of stories--and how he outwitted and captured three fantasy creatures in order to do so. For grades K-3 and older readers. Caldecott Medal. 1970. The Velveteen Rabbit; or, How Toys Become Real RC 41681 by Margery Williams read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette (Reissue) The Velveteen Rabbit suffers more hardship than most other stuffed animals, and finally he is thrown into the trash. But the love of his owner and the help of the "Fairy of Old Toys" salvage the Velveteen Rabbit and transform him into a real, live rabbit with a soft, cotton tail. For grades 2-4. 1922. Braille Anne of Green Gables BR 10098 by L.M. Montgomery 3 volumes Classic story of a mischievous girl--an orphan with fiery red hair, a quick temper, and a vivid imagination. The orphanage sends her to a shy Nova Scotia farmer and his no-nonsense sister even though the family had requested a boy. But the longer Anne stays with them, the less they can remember life without her. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1908. Brighty of the Grand Canyon BR 10125 by Marguerite Henry 1 volume Brighty, a freedom-loving little burro, befriends a kind old prospector. Brighty watches one day as a vicious stranger kills the old man. Years later, Brighty avenges his friend's death. For grades 4-7. 1953. The Secret Garden BR 10102 by Frances Hodgson Burnett 2 volumes After becoming an orphan, Mary--ill-tempered and neglected--is sent to live on an uncle's huge estate where she meets an equally wretched cousin who is an invalid. Together they conspire to restore a locked, secret garden while the boy regains his health and his father's affection. For grades 4-7. 1911. Waterless Mountain BR 10589 by Laura Adams Armer 2 volumes Eight-year-old Younger Brother loves the beauty of the dawn, the sky, the rainbow, and the clouds. When the boy sees the Deer People in a vision, his uncle knows that Younger Brother can learn the songs of his Navajo people to become a powerful medicine man. Younger Brother finds adventures in nature around him, new encounters with whites, and his role as Little Singer. Newbery Medal winner in 1932. For grades 5-8. 1931. Family Cassettes Adeline Street RC 42909 by Carol Lynch Williams read by Carol Dines 1 cassette In this sequel to Kelly and Me (RC 42908), Leah mourns her sister and best friend, Kelly, who died of an aneurysm. Upset that her family won't cancel Christmas, Leah finds a way to celebrate that she knows would meet Kelly's approval. As the year goes on, Leah also struggles to understand other aspects of life. Some violence. For grades 3-6. 1995. Amy Elizabeth Explores Bloomingdale's RC 41092 by E.L. Konigsburg read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Amy Elizabeth is visiting her grandmother, who lives in New York City. Amy Elizabeth's grandmother promises to take her to Bloomingdale's, but every time they set out, something seems to happen. As Amy Elizabeth visits the various sights of New York City, she compares them with places in Houston, where she lives. For grades K-3. 1992. Apple Juice Tea RC 41885 by Martha Weston read by Janis Gray 1 cassette When Polly's Gran comes to visit for the first time, Polly is unhappy. Gran wants to do things with Polly, but Polly doesn't know her at all. Finally, when Polly's parents go out and leave Polly and Gran alone, Polly discovers Gran is fun to be with. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Baby RC 38468 by Patricia MacLachlan read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette Larkin, twelve, and her family find a baby abandoned at their door. A note explains that the baby's name is Sophie, that she's nearly a year old, and that "I will come back for her one day. I love her." Larkin, her parents, and her grandmother cannot help but love Sophie. She releases a sadness that had remained unspoken and divisive--a baby boy born six months earlier had lived for only one day. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993. The Baby Sister RC 42685 by Tomie dePaola read by Bob Askey 1 cassette When little Tommy's mother tells him she is going to have a baby, Tommy asks for a little sister with a red ribbon in her hair. He looks forward to the birth but is disappointed when his grouchy grandmother comes to stay instead of his beloved aunt. For preschool-grade 2. 1996. Barney Is Best RC 41684 by Nancy White Carlstrom read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette When a little boy has to go to the hospital to get his tonsils out, his family tells him he can take a stuffed animal with him. They want him to take one of his newer toys, but he argues that his brother's old elephant Barney is the best. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Before the Storm RC 41826 by Jane Yolen read by Lindsay Ellison 1 cassette On a hot summer day, the only thing worth playing with is the hose. A boy and his sister, brother, and dog forget about the heat as they frolic in the water. But when it starts to rain, the boy is soon wishing for the hot sun again. For grades K-3. 1995. Bel-Air Bambi and the Mall Rats RC 39020 by Richard Peck read by Diane Page 1 cassette When Bambi and Buffie Babcock's TV-producer father goes broke, he and his family say goodbye to Hollywood and head for Hickory Fork, where Mr. Babcock grew up. Smack dab in Middle America, this formerly bucolic hamlet has been taken over by a thuggish gang of high school students--beefy boys and big-haired girls. They've even trashed the mall. Outraged, Bambi and Buffie decide to set things straight. For grades 6-9. 1993. Billy RC 40126 by Laura Roybal read by Ray Foushee 1 cassette When Will Campbell is kidnapped by his biological father, a rodeo rider, all the ten-year-old can think about is returning to his Iowa suburb. But six rugged years with Guillermo Melendez in rural New Mexico have given Will a solid sense of himself as Billy Melendez. He is anguished when his true identity is discovered and he is sent back to the family who "didn't care enough to come find him." For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1994. By the Dawn's Early Light RC 43023 by Karen Ackerman read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Rachel and Josh's mother works at night in a box factory while they stay home with Nana. As the evening progresses, Rachel compares what they are doing at home with what their mother is doing at work. And then at 4 a.m., their mother comes home, and Rachel and Josh sneak downstairs to be with her by the dawn's early light. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Chevrolet Saturdays RC 40325 by Candy Dawson Boyd read by Patricia Martin 1 cassette Joey Davis is not having a good year. Fourth grade was great. He liked his teacher, Miss Alder; he had good grades; and he loved science. But this year everything seems wrong. His new teacher, Mrs. Hamlin, doesn't like science or him, and he keeps forgetting his homework. Worst of all, Joey's family has broken up and his mother has married Mr. Johnson. But it is Mr. Johnson who helps Joey solve his problems. For grades 4-7. 1993. Chickens! Chickens! RC 41363 by Barbara Ann Porte read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette A man who lives on a chicken farm loves to paint pictures. But all he paints are chickens, lots and lots of chickens. His neighbors don't want his paintings because they are tired of chickens. When the man moves to the city, he falls in love with a woman who figures out what to do with all his chicken paintings. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Clean House RC 42617 by Jessie Haas read by Jill Fox 1 cassette When Aunt Alice calls to say she and her daughter Kate are coming to visit, Tess's mother worries about their messy house. During the next couple of days, Tess and her mother clean and straighten until their house looks as good as Aunt Alice's. For grades K-3. 1996. Crossing the Starlight Bridge RC 41220 by Alice Mead read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Rayanne's father didn't want to miss her ninth birthday, but after she opened her presents he told her he was heading west to look for a job. Soon Rayanne and her mother are forced to leave the island Penobscot reservation where they live and move in with her grandmother on the mainland. It's not easy to be the only Native American in a big school, but Gram helps by telling traditional stories. For grades 3-6. 1994. Daddy's Climbing Tree RC 40371 by C.S. Adler read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Eleven-year-old Jessica is unhappy when her mother insists they leave the old house Jessica's father grew up in. A week after they move into their new house, Jessica's father is hit by a car while jogging. Refusing to believe he is dead, Jessica promises her little brother, Tycho, that she will take him to their father. After the funeral, the two children set off for the long walk to their old house. For grades 4-7. 1993. Dither Farm RC 40236 by Sid Hite read by Lynn Schrichte 2 cassettes On a hot day in Willow County, Virginia, Henry Dither finally stops and speaks to Clementine Gooden. Their courting gradually leads to marriage. As a gift, Clementine's Aunt Emma gives them her farm, since she lives in Iceland and doesn't need it. Before long Henry and Clementine have a successful business and four children. But life still moves in its own slow way--until Aunt Emma comes to visit. For grades 6-9. 1992. Dixie Storms RC 38702 by Barbara Hall read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette The atmosphere becomes oppressive during a drought-plagued summer, and the atmosphere on the Peyton farm is equally oppressive to Dutch, fourteen. She is apprehensive about change and longs for the return of Becky, ex-wife of her brother Flood and mother of Bodean, her nine-year-old nephew. Then her cousin Norma, with her perfect body and big city ways, comes to visit, and Dutch feels woefully inadequate in comparison. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1990. Down in the Piney Woods RC 41647 by Ethel Footman Smothers read by Connie Winston 1 cassette Ten-year-old Annie Rye; Brother, going on eight; and Elouise, the baby, live with their parents on a farm in Georgia where Daddy is a sharecropper. Annie Rye likes things the way they are, so she is not happy when she learns her three half-sisters are coming to live with them. Things get even worse when a white family also comes to live on the land. But life changes for everyone when Daddy rescues a white child. For grades 5-8. 1992. D.W. the Picky Eater RC 41641 by Marc Brown read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Arthur the aardvark's little sister, D.W., is becoming quite a picky eater. She won't eat pickles, tomatoes, eggplant, mushrooms, liver, spinach, and a lot of other foods. She is so picky she can't go to restaurants with her family anymore. But then D.W. realizes she might be missing out on something. For grades K-3. 1995. Everett Anderson's Goodbye RC 40475 by Lucille Clifton read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette A poem describes the pain Everett Anderson goes through after his father dies. He is angry and depressed, and he tries to make a bargain to bring his father back. But eventually Everett accepts the situation, knowing he will always love his daddy. For grades K-3. 1983. The Exiles at Home RC 40530 by Hilary McKay read by Patricia Kilgarriff 1 cassette The Conroy sisters--Ruth, thirteen; Naomi, twelve; Rachel, eight; and Phoebe, six--are back in Lincolnshire following their summer with Big Grandma. For Christmas, each girl is given ten pounds, and Ruth decides to use her money to sponsor an African child for a year. But Ruth has a big problem because sponsorship costs ten pounds per month. Sequel to The Exiles (RC 38569). For grades 4-7. 1993. Fanny's Dream RC 42614 by Caralyn Buehner read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Fanny was a farmer's daughter, but she wanted to marry a prince (or someone like that). When the fairy godmother Fanny is counting on to help her out fails to show up, Fanny gets a proposal from a farmer. For preschool-grade 2. 1996. Fig Pudding RC 42839 by Ralph Fletcher read by Jamie Horton 1 cassette Cliff is the oldest of the six Abernathy children. His mom says the family always overdoes everything, but the year Cliff describes in this book is "like five years crammed into one." He starts with December when toddler Josh is very sick in the hospital and all he wants for Christmas is a mysterious "yidda yadda." By the next year's end, recovered Josh accidentally steps in the fig pudding his father made for a party. For grades 4-7. 1995. Flip-Flop Girl RC 40003 by Katherine Paterson read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Sorrow and loneliness sweep over Vinnie, nine, and Mason, five, after their father dies and they move from Washington to their grandmother's home in Virginia. Mason has not spoken since his father's funeral, and their mother, overwhelmed with worry, pays little attention to Vinnie. She is drawn to a girl at school who wears orange flip-flops. Lupe, strong and supportive, has also suffered tragedy. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1994. Flour Babies RC 39568 by Anne Fine read by John Horton 1 cassette The boys of Room 8 at St. Boniface School are known as the Sads and the Bads, troublemakers and nuisances. They have been assigned a science project--flour babies. Each boy is to take full responsibility for a six-pound bag of flour for three weeks. Keeping the flour babies safe, clean, and dry proves too much for the boys, except Simon Martin. Deserted by his dad when he was a baby, Simon becomes attached to his charge and gains wisdom. For grades 5-8. 1992. A Fortunate Name: The Cousins Quartet, Book 2 RC 42547 by Margaret Mahy read by Bob Askey 1 cassette When Lolly Bancroft's parents have a fight and separate, Lolly's mother declares that she is going back to being a Fortune. Does this mean that Lolly's Fortune cousins, who have always made fun of Lolly's wealthy family, will now accept her in their Good Fortunes Gang? Sequel to The Good Fortunes Gang (RC 38377). For grades 3-6. 1993. A Fortune Branches Out: The Cousins Quartet, Book 3 RC 42548 by Margaret Mahy read by Bob Askey 1 cassette Tessa Fortune wants to be a rich corporate executive with a cellular phone. To improve her money-making skills, Tessa and her cousins set up a booth to raise money for the New Zealand National Telethon. When that doesn't work out, Tessa decides to hold a tree-athon: people will donate money if she stays in a tree for twenty-four hours. Sequel to A Fortunate Name (RC 42547). For grades 3-6. 1994. The Glory Field RC 40028 by Walter Dean Myers read by Nick Sullivan 2 cassettes Follows the two-hundred-fifty-year history of a family through the lives of six teenagers. The story begins in 1753 when Muhammad Bilal is brought to the colonies as a slave and begins work on Curry Island, South Carolina. The story continues with Lizzy in 1864, Elijah in 1900, Luvenia in 1930, Tommy in 1964, and finally Malcolm in 1994, as each does her or his part to sustain the eight acres of land the family calls the Glory Field. For grades 5-8. 1994. The Gold Dust Letters: Investigators of the Unknown, Book 1 RC 38848 by Janet Taylor Lisle read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Angela Harrall sends a letter to her fairy godmother. Angela is intrigued when she receives a reply from an enchanted being, named Pilaria, whose messages, when unrolled, scatter a fine golden dust. As their correspondence continues (in notes placed on the mantelpiece), Pilaria's hardships in an invisible kingdom echo Angela's troubles at home with parents who may divorce. For grades 3-6. 1994. Good Night, Stella RC 41603 by Kate McMullan read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Stella's father puts her to bed, but she can't sleep. She keeps calling to him with worries about vampire bats, eyeballs falling out, and not being able to stop swallowing. Finally her father tells her he is too tired to wait up for Stella's mother to come home from the movies, so wide-awake Stella offers to take his place. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Grandaddy's Place RC 41842 by Helen V. Griffith read by Jill Fox 1 cassette Georgia Music (RC 25639) describes the music Janetta and her grandfather heard in the sounds of the country. Now Janetta describes her first meeting with her grandfather. Janetta and her mother take a long train ride out of the city to an old farm. But when they arrive, Janetta is not happy with what she sees--a mean looking cat, a hive of wasps, and a giant animal that chases her. For preschool-grade 2. 1987. Grandaddy's Stars RC 41755 by Helen V. Griffith read by Pam Ward 1 cassette In the sequel to Grandaddy and Janetta (RC 39079), Janetta is thrilled to learn that Grandaddy is coming to visit her and her mother. But then she begins to worry that he won't like Baltimore because it is not as exciting as his farm in Georgia. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Grandpa's Hotel RC 43089 by Riki Levinson read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Each summer all sixteen of Grandpa and Grandma's grandchildren come to his hotel to spend the summer. They have a great time, especially on Sundays when they gather eggs for Grandma to cook for breakfast, snitch bread from the bakery, and sit down to dinner in the big dining room. For grades K-3. 1995. Great-Aunt Martha RC 42499 by Rebecca C. Jones read by Camille McCurty Ali 1 cassette When a little girl's great-aunt comes to visit, the little girl is not happy. Her parents won't let her make any noise or have any fun because Great-Aunt Martha needs her rest. What's so great about her? For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Hannah in Between RC 43060 by Colby Rodowsky read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Hannah believes she is the only one who realizes her mother, a photographer, drinks too much. Hannah is afraid to drive with her and is embarrassed to have friends over but can't get up the nerve to call a hotline or discuss it with her father and relatives. For grades 5-8. 1994. Harry's Stormy Night RC 42595 by Una Leavy read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Through roaring winds, Harry's family is snug inside their warm house even when the lights go out. They enjoy telling stories and baking a pie together. During the night, Harry forgets his own fears and comforts his baby brother. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Holding onto Sunday RC 42767 by Kathryn O. Galbraith read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Jemma waits all week for Sunday to come. That is when her father has the day off and spends it with her. This week it is raining, and they go to the museum to see the dinosaurs. After dinner with Grandma back at home, Jemma tells her father some special news. For grades K-3. 1995. Hound Heaven RC 43302 by Linda Oatman High read by Margaret Strom 1 cassette Silver Iris Nickles, who will be thirteen in four months, has been living with Papaw in his bark shanty in West Virginia since her parents and baby sister were killed in a car accident. More than anything, Silver wants a dog to love, but Papaw always says she'll get a dog over his dead body. Then Papaw has a heart attack. For grades 3-6. 1995. The House of Wings RC 41134 by Betsy Byars read by Bob Askey 1 cassette (Reissue) Sammy is horrified when his parents decide to leave him with his grandfather until they settle in Detroit. His grandfather is weird and Sammy hates him. But as they care for an injured crane together, Sammy learns to respect and love the old man. For grades 5-8. 1972. I Found Mouse RC 42947 by Pamela D. Greenwood read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Tessie isn't enjoying herself this summer because her mother is away studying Native American art, her brother is backpacking with Grandad, and her father is too busy working at home to spend much time with her. But when Tessie finds a kitten, everything changes. For grades 2-4. 1994. Ice Warrior RC 38916 by Ruth Riddell read by Graci Ragsdale 1 cassette Sixth-grader Rob Marshall, a native Californian, must adjust to a new stepfamily and a new school during a harsh Minnesota winter. Determined to show up a bully and impress his natural father--who believes that "winning is everything"--by winning at iceboat racing in the Winter Festival Regatta, Rob slowly turns to his generous stepfather for help in rebuilding an old boat, Ice Warrior. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1992. In My Mother's Garden RC 41442 by Melissa Madenski read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette It is the first day of spring, and Rosie is very excited. Her mother's birthday will soon be here, and Rosie has a special surprise planned. Because her mother loves flowers, especially pansies, Rosie is going to make her a pansy garden. But can Rosie keep the secret until her mother's birthday? For grades K-3. 1995. In the Land of the Big Red Apple RC 42000 by Roger Lea MacBride read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette In this sequel to Little Farm in the Ozarks (RC 40672), Rose Wilder and her parents endure a cold, icy winter that threatens their young apple orchard. But the year is not all hardship. For her ninth birthday, Rose gets a mule to ride to school and names him Spookendyke. Also, a new love begins for their farmhand, and the Wilders experience the true spirit of giving at Christmas. For grades 3-6. 1995. In Wintertime RC 41311 by Kim Howard read by Janis Gray 1 cassette A little girl is cozy in bed, listening to her grandmother's stories of growing up in a frozen land. The sun didn't rise all winter, so every day was dark and cold. But young grandmother still had fun going to the market and taking the train to visit her own grandparents with her mother and father. For grades K-3. 1994. The In-Between Days RC 40053 by Eve Bunting read by John Lescault 1 cassette George has been lonely since his mother died after his brother James, now five, was born. The boys are close to their father, who runs a bike shop on the island. When recently divorced Caroline rents a bike for a day of cycling, the boys show her around. They like her a lot until their father shows that he likes her too. Then George plays a mean trick on Caroline that makes everyone miserable, himself most of all. For grades 3-6. 1994. It's a Matter of Trust RC 43238 by Marcia Byalick read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Sixteen-year-old Erika Gresham's father, who monitors student loans for the state of New York, is accused of taking a bribe. As the Greshams try to avoid reporters while awaiting the trial, Erika's anger toward her father grows. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Jess Was the Brave One RC 40490 by Jean Little read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Claire and Jess are sisters, but Claire is unhappy because she is not as brave as her little sister. Claire is afraid of heights and dogs and scary movies and the doctor. Then one day she proves she can be brave when some boys try to steal Jess's teddy bear, Pink Ted. For grades K-3. 1991. Jon, Flora, and the Odd-Eyed Cat RC 41041 by Stella Pevsner read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Jon is trying to cope with his rheumatic fever and the family's move from Chicago to South Carolina. One night as he gazes out the window, he spots a white cat with a garland of flowers around its neck. Soon Jon meets the cat's owner, Flora, who introduces him to some mysterious events that sometimes make him wonder if he is dreaming. For grades 5-8. 1994. Julie RC 40306 by Jean Craighead George read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette In this sequel to Julie of the Wolves (RC 34451), Julie returns home to Alaska. At first she resents her father, Kapugen, for killing the wolf who saved her life and for marrying a non-Eskimo woman, but she learns to respect him as an honorable man who has the best interests of his village at heart. Julie looks for ways to help the wolves survive and in time develops an interest of her own in a young Siberian Eskimo. For grades 5-8. 1994. Kelly and Me RC 42908 by Carol Lynch Williams read by Carol Dines 1 cassette In this prequel to Adeline Street RC 42909), Leah is eleven and Kelly, her sister and best friend, is ten. They spend a summer getting into all sorts of trouble before a tragedy changes everything. For grades 3-6. 1993. Lost Summer RC 42270 by Elizabeth Feuer read by Jill Fox 1 cassette Twelve-year-old Lydia's parents have just divorced. Lydia's mother is going to study in Italy this summer to get a promotion, so Lydia and her older sister, Gina, are spending the summer at camp. Gina is teaching arts and crafts to pay for their stay. Lydia's new friend encourages Lydia to invite her father for visiting day. When he doesn't respond, Lydia's behavior begins to change. For grades 5-8. 1995. Lydia Jane and the Baby-Sitter Exchange RC 39910 by Natalie Honeycutt read by Margaret Anne Walterhouse 1 cassette Precocious eight-year-old Lydia Jane Bly finds her new after-school baby-sitter, Mrs. Humphrey, and her plethora of rules to be absolutely stifling. Setting out to remedy the situation, she devises a series of child care alternatives. Finally, her grandmother advises Lydia's parents to hire a bright high school student who can channel their daughter's scientific curiosity. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Magnificent Mummy Maker RC 40194 by Elvira Woodruff read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Although Andy Manetti misses his deceased mother, he loves his dad, his new baby sister, and even his stepmother. But his stepbrother Jason, "Mr. Gifted," is wrecking Andy's life, making his ordinary ten-year-old accomplishments no longer seem enough for his family. Then Andy has a weird experience in a museum, where a mummy's spirit apparently enters him and leads him to make a much-praised drawing that has the power to grant his wishes. For grades 4-7. 1994. Maizie RC 43312 by Linda Oatman High read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette Maizie's mother ran off with the vacuum cleaner salesman four years ago when Maizie's sister Grace was just a baby. Maizie has raised Grace and looked after their father in their trailer on Welsh Mountain. Now she's determined to earn enough money for her dream pony: a strawberry roan. For grades 3-6. 1995. Make Room for Elisa RC 40813 by Johanna Hurwitz read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Elisa, from "E" Is for Elisa (RC 36486), is now five and her brother Russell is nine. When Elisa goes to the eye doctor she gets a big surprise: she is going to be the first person in her family to wear glasses! But her parents have two even bigger surprises: they are moving to a larger apartment and Elisa is finally going to be a big sister. For grades 2-4. 1993. The Man in the Ceiling RC 39515 by Jules Feiffer read by John Stratton 1 cassette Jimmy likes to draw cartoons featuring his dad as an Indiana Jones type. When his father scoffs at his attempts, Jimmy switches to a new hero: Mini-Man. Mini-Man draws the attention of popular Charlie at school. Jimmy is thrilled, but then Charlie wants to create a comic strip with Jimmy. Suddenly drawing isn't so much fun. Meanwhile, Jimmy's uncle Lester is having problems with a musical he wrote. For grades 4-7. 1993. Me, My Sister, and I RC 40149 by Mary E. Ryan read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette When asked to write an essay entitled "What You Can Do to Make a Difference," eighth-grader and identical twin Mattie can't think of anything. Her biggest problem is whom to ask to the Sadie Hawkins dance, good-looking Cam or brainy Nelson. Desperate, she writes about the political campaign her mother is working with and begins to identify with the issues of the candidate. Sequel to My Sister Is Driving Me Crazy (RC 40037). For grades 6-9. 1992. The Melinda Zone RC 39845 by Margaret Willey read by Diane Page 1 cassette Shuttling back and forth between her divorced parents all her life has left fifteen-year-old Melinda (called Mindy by her mom and Linda by her dad and stepmother) in an emotional no-man's-land, lacking a sense of identity. For the first time, she spends a summer away from both parents with her aunt, uncle, and older cousin. With solitude and the help of a friend, Melinda forges a new independence and a stronger sense of self. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. The Mennyms RC 39102 by Sylvia Waugh read by Pam Ward 1 cassette The Mennyms are a family of human-size rag dolls made by elderly Kate Penshaw before her death. They are able to think and speak, yet never age. For decades they live undisturbed in their London flat, pretending to be real with activities like make-believe dinners each evening. However, their existence is threatened when they receive a letter saying a relative has inherited Kate's flat and plans to visit. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1993. Moriah's Pond RC 41679 by Ethel Footman Smothers read by Connie Winston 1 cassette In this sequel to Down in the Piney Woods (RC 41647), Annie Rye, ten, and her older sisters, Brat and Maybaby, are staying with their great-grandmother, Moriah. While the girls do chores and play in the pond, Moriah keeps house for her landlord, Mr. Daniels. His granddaughter, Betty Jean, wants to make friends with the sisters even though Mr. Daniels doesn't like her mixing with black children. For grades 4-7. 1995. The Mud Family RC 41380 by Betsy James read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Sosi's Anasazi family is worried because it has not rained for a long time. They are cross with Sosi, so she retreats to a dwindling pool where she makes a family of mud people. In this family, the daughter is the favorite and gets a lot of attention. For grades K-3. 1994. My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother RC 39831 by Patricia Polacco read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette Patricia lives with her mother, her grandparents, and her big brother, Richard, on a Michigan farm. Richard has orange hair, is covered with freckles, and wears glasses. And he makes Patricia sick when he says he can beat her at just about anything, and does. One night at bedtime, Bubbie, her grandmother, tells Patricia how to wish on a falling star. She soon learns that it pays to be careful what you wish for! For grades K-3. 1994. My Sister Is Driving Me Crazy RC 40037 by Mary E. Ryan read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette It's not just a sister but an identical twin who is driving Mattie, thirteen, crazy. She's had enough of being called Pru's name, of being goaded into cover-up activities by her more forceful twin, of not having a separate identity. There is also cute Cam Davis, who has moved in next door, piquing the interest of both girls. And there's Nelson Richfield, the class nerd, who makes Mattie feel valued as an individual. For grades 6-9. 1991. My Two Uncles RC 41855 by Judith Vigna read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Elly has two uncles, but only Uncle Ned, her father's brother, is her real uncle. Uncle Phil is Uncle Ned's friend. Grampy and Gran's fiftieth anniversary is coming, and Elly and Uncle Ned have made them a diorama. Elly is upset when she learns that Grampy will not allow Uncle Phil to come to the party. Elly's dad says that some men love each other the way Elly's mom and dad do and that some people are uncomfortable with gay couples. For grades 2-4. 1995. The New King RC 42058 by Doreen Rappaport read by Ed Blake 1 cassette When Prince Rakoto's father dies, the young boy is very sad. He orders the powerful men of the village to bring the king back to life, but they cannot. Then the Wise Woman helps Rakoto see that, like the young shoots of the banana tree, he can carry on his father's work, keeping the memory of his father alive. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Night of Fear RC 41319 by Peg Kehret read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette T.J. Stenson has a lot to worry about. He is being bullied by a classmate, Craig Ackerley, and is concerned about Grandmother Ruth, who has Alzheimer's and is now living with T.J. and his parents. But when T.J. and his grandmother go next door to feed the vacationing neighbor's cats, they are suddenly confronted by a man T.J. believes to be a bank robber. How can he protect his grandmother and get help? For grades 6-9. 1994. Not Now, Sara! RC 42098 by Hannelore Voigt read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette When all the grown-ups are too busy for her, Sara feels sad and lonely. She wants to show her wonderful painting to her mother, but the baby needs to be fed. Grandma is getting ready for company. Even Sara's best friend is playing with someone else. Finally, a friend of Grandma's has lots of time to listen, and she gives Sara a good, but sometimes hard, answer. For grades K-3. 1995. Not-So-Normal Norman RC 43106 by Cynthia Stowe read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette When Anthony's father is out of work with a back injury, Anthony worries about money. He decides to pet-sit, and his first charge is a tarantula named Norman. Anthony's joy over earning two dollars a day fades when Norman starts acting sick and won't eat. For grades 3-6. 1995. Off to School RC 42495 by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert read by Camille McCurty Ali 1 cassette Wezielee wants to go to school, but she has to wait until harvest is over. Her whole family helps her sharecropper parents, and now it's Wezielee's turn to cook. But because her mind wanders to thoughts of school, Wezielee keeps ruining the lunchtime meals. For grades K-3. 1995. One Saturday Morning RC 41965 by Barbara Baker read by Marcia Churchill 1 cassette It's Saturday morning at the bear family's house. Waking up early, Mama is happy to have some time to herself. But when the others begin to stir, the day really begins. There's toast to make, a park to visit, and finally Papa's favorite lunch of spaghetti to prepare. For grades K-3. 1994. Over the Water RC 41643 by Maude Casey read by Terry Donnelly 2 cassettes Fourteen-year-old Mary lives in England, where she was born. But all year long, her family prepares for the annual trip to Ireland, which they call "home." Mary feels bitter and wonders where she belongs. Then one summer, as she helps out on her granny's farm, Mary develops an understanding about her heritage. Contains a glossary of Irish expressions. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Ozzie on His Own RC 41428 by Johanna Hurwitz read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette In this sequel to Roz and Ozzie (RC 38152), ten-year-old Roz is in England for the summer with her parents, and her eight-year-old uncle, Ozzie, misses her. He cheers up when his neighbor lets him turn her old chicken coop into a clubhouse. He even meets some new neighborhood children who agree to join his club. But when Ozzie's fifty-six-year-old father has a heart attack, Ozzie feels all alone again. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Pool Party RC 40403 by Gary Soto read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette When Rudy Herrera is invited to a pool party by a wealthy classmate, he worries about what it will be like and about an appropriate gift for the hostess. His relatives offer plenty of advice on how to act and make small talk, and his father stresses that he be proud of his Mexican American heritage and family no matter what. For grades 4-7. 1993. Poppa's New Pants RC 41905 by Angela Shelf Medearis read by Chuck Young 1 cassette Grandma Tiny has everyone in an uproar. Her mother and sister are coming to visit and she wants the house to look perfect. George and his grandfather, Poppa, are happy to be sent out shopping because it means they can get away. At the store Poppa finds a nice pair of pants, but they are too long. He figures Grandma Tiny can hem them before church in the morning. But Poppa doesn't count on other people helping also. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Protecting Marie RC 42025 by Kevin Henkes read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Fanny is angry with her father for staying away from his birthday party and for giving away her puppy because it interfered with his painting. Her father realizes he has hurt Fanny and brings home Dinner, an older dog. By talking to her father, whom she no longer trusts, and her sympathetic mother, Fanny comes to understand the love in their home, even though things are sometimes complicated. For grades 5-8. 1995. The Raggly Scraggly No-Soap No-Scrub Girl RC 42662 by David F. Birchman read by Jamie Horton 1 cassette Summer for a country family means dusty children. Every Saturday night mother scrubs each dirty child in a tub on the porch. One day a filthy girl comes to the door. She says she is the Raggly Scraggly No-Soap No-Scrub Girl here to gobble up their food. She accepts their dinner invitation with amazing gusto, but balks in pure terror at the mention of a bath. For grades K-3. 1995. The Reason for Janey RC 41544 by Nancy Hope Wilson read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette Philura Higley Mason (Philly) is very scientific minded but is having trouble figuring out relationships. For example, why does Janey, a retarded woman who just moved in with Philly's family, fit in so well? And why shouldn't Janey track down her natural father? And why does Philly get hives after visiting her own divorced father? Finding the answers sidetracks Philly's science fair project. For grades 3-6. 1994. Saturday at The New You RC 40544 by Barbara E. Barber read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Shauna is an African American girl who loves to help her mother run The New You beauty parlor on Saturdays. Sometimes Shauna helps to get the coffee ready for the first customers, hands out magazines to the women under the dryer, and restyles her dolls' hair. She always wishes her mother would let her help more. One day she gets her chance. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The Secret Funeral of Slim Jim the Snake RC 40755 by Elvira Woodruff read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette When Nick was little he lost his parents in an accident. Sometimes Nick, now ten, thinks about becoming a truck driver when he grows up, just like his dad. And sometimes he is unhappy about living with his strict uncle above a funeral parlor, because the other children tease him. Then Bernard's pet snake dies, and Nick offers to arrange a secret funeral and learns that his uncle is not so bad after all. For grades 3-6. 1993. See the Ocean RC 41230 by Estelle Condra read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Nellie loves going to the beach house by the ocean each summer with her family. Although she cannot see, Nellie likes the feel of the sand and the water and is always asking questions about the ocean. Her brothers try to be the first to see the ocean each year, but one year they learn that Nellie has an even better way of seeing it. For grades K-3. 1994. Sharing Susan RC 42112 by Eve Bunting read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette Susan Moretti, twelve, knows something is wrong at home but her parents won't tell her what it is. Finally she learns it's not the divorce she feared--it's something much worse: she was switched at birth at the hospital. The girl who was really her parents' daughter has just died in an accident, and the couple that raised her want to meet Susan. For grades 4-7. 1991. Skylark RC 39050 by Patricia MacLachlan read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette In this sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall (RC 23524), mail-order bride Sarah goes back east with children Anna and Caleb, leaving husband Jacob, whose name is "written in the land," to deal with their drought-stricken farm. The children are impressed with Sarah's home in Maine, but they miss their father and fear that they will never return to their beloved prairie. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Sleeping Porch RC 42476 by Karen Ackerman read by Steven Carpenter 1 cassette Jonathan is the oldest of five children and lives in a crowded apartment. When his parents buy an old house, the whole family is excited. But during the first big summer storm, the roof leaks in every room. That's when the family discovers the wonder of having a sleeping porch. For grades K-3. 1995. So Much RC 41545 by Trish Cooke read by Bob Moore 1 cassette Mom and baby aren't doing anything, nothing really, and then the doorbell rings. It's Auntie Bibba, and she wants to squeeze the baby SO MUCH! Soon the doorbell rings again. And again. Pretty soon there is a whole house full of people who want to love the baby SO MUCH! For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Someone to Count On RC 40026 by Patricia Hermes read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Samantha longs for a settled home and friends, but her widowed mother, Elizabeth, is always moving--searching for new places and novel things to try. When Elizabeth suddenly decides to return to her father's ranch in Colorado, it seems Sam's dream of stability is about to come true. Sam has never met her grandfather and finds him grouchy, but they become close, and Sam discovers what really matters most. For grades 5-8. 1993. Something Terrible Happened RC 40625 by Barbara Ann Porte read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Gillian is ten when her world begins to change. Her father, who was white, died when she was two, and she and her island mother live near her grandmother in New York. Suddenly Gillian's mother, discovering that she has AIDS, moves with Gillian to Florida, and they become homeless. Then Gillian is sent to live with her father's family in Tennessee. Believing this arrangement is temporary, she tries to adjust, but then her mother dies. For grades 6-9. 1994. Something Very Sorry RC 43138 by Arno Bohlmeijer read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Nine-year-old Rosemyn's family is driving home from her cousins' house when the accident happens. In the hospital with a broken arm, Rosemyn learns that her little sister has a brain contusion, her father has broken ribs, and her mother is in a coma. For grades 4-7. 1996. Song of the Trees RC 40146 by Mildred D. Taylor read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Cassie, a young African American girl, loves the giant trees that surround her rural Mississippi home. The trees are her friends and they sing to her a special song. But the nation is in the Great Depression and times are very hard. Her father has to go to Louisiana to work for the railroad, and that is when the trouble starts. Mr. Andersen is determined to force Big Ma to sell the ancient trees. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1975. Stacy Had a Little Sister RC 41827 by Wendie C. Old read by Miranda Daniloff 1 cassette Stacy is not very happy with her new sister, Ashley. Ashley gets too much attention, and she isn't any fun yet. But one night Ashley dies in her crib and Stacy misses her. Stacy's parents explain Sudden Infant Death Syndrome to her. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Sticky Beak RC 41705 by Morris Gleitzman read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette In this sequel to Blabber Mouth (RC 41704), mute Rowena Batts realizes she's upset that her father and Ms. Dunning, her former teacher, are going to have a baby. When a schoolmate gives up a cockatoo named Sticky Beak just because he can't talk, Rowena adopts him. She knows what it feels like to be replaced by something that talks better. For grades 3-6. 1993. A Sudden Silence RC 38908 by Eve Bunting read by Phil Regensdorf 1 cassette Jesse searches for the hit-and-run driver who killed his brother Bry. Jesse thinks that if he finds the driver, his own feelings of guilt will be eased. For Bry, who was deaf, could not hear the screeching brakes or Jesse's shouts of warning before he leaped to safety. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1988. Summer Song RC 42737 by Susan Rowan Masters read by Barbara Pinolini 1 cassette Etta May seems to suck up every bit of disaster that's lying around. Her first problem was getting born to a mother who didn't want her. Etta May has grown up with her grandparents and been quite happy. But her grandmother died last year, her grandfather is very ill, and now her mother wants to become part of her life again. For grades 4-7. 1995. The Sunita Experiment RC 39447 by Mitali Perkins read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette When her grandparents arrive from India for a year-long visit, outgoing eighth-grader Sunita Sen feels caught between two cultures. Her westernized lifestyle is threatened when her parents discourage pizza, overnight stays, and visits from boys; and her mother takes a sabbatical from her college teaching job to keep house and dons traditional dress. Gradually Sunita begins to appreciate the values of her grandparents. For grades 6-9. 1993. Superfudge RC 40741 by Judy Blume read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette (Reissue) Not only does Peter's brother Fudge grow more troublesome with age, but Peter's parents make things worse by producing a baby girl. After Fudge tries unsuccessfully to sell the baby or give her away, he plasters her with trading stamps in hopes of exchanging her for something good. Sequel to Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (RC 39643). For grades 3-6. 1980. Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing RC 39643 by Judy Blume read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette (Reissue) Peter finds his two-year-old brother an ever-increasing problem as the child proceeds to get lost at the movies and eats Peter's pet turtle. For grades 3-6. 1972. Tangled Fortunes: The Cousins Quartet, Book 4 RC 42549 by Margaret Mahy read by Bob Askey 1 cassette In this sequel to A Fortune Branches Out (RC 42548), Jackson Fortune is thoroughly confused. He and his tomboy sister, Tracey, are usually inseparable, but now she snaps at him. And Jackson is receiving surprising notes and phone calls. The other Fortune cousins are caught up in trying to determine if a mysterious motorcycle rider is planning to steal cousin Prue's wedding presents. For grades 3-6. 1994. Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright RC 40237 by Ron Koertge read by Robert Sams 1 cassette When Jesse's father left Jesse and his mother, they moved in with her father, Pappy. Pappy is old and becoming senile, and Jesse's mother is talking about finding a nursing home for him. But thirteen-year-old Jesse does not want that to happen. After all, Pappy has taught him everything he knows--camping, tracking, respect for the land, and fairness to others. But Jesse may be becoming too protective of Pappy. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1994. Too Far Away to Touch RC 42114 by Lesl‚a Newman read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Zoe is used to doing fun things with Uncle Leonard and his friend Nathan, but her uncle hasn't been over lately. When he finally calls to take her to the planetarium, he is tired and sickly. He explains how the stars are too far away to touch but close enough to see. She understands this even better when he tells her about his illness. For grades K-3. 1995. Train to Somewhere RC 42580 by Eve Bunting read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette In 1878 Marianne is one of fourteen orphaned children from New York City being taken out west by train to find families to adopt them. Marianne is older than many of the children and she knows she is not pretty, but she isn't worried. Her mother left her at the orphanage and went west herself a few years ago, and Marianne expects to find her in one of these towns. For grades 2-4. 1996. Two Girls in Sister Dresses RC 41174 by Jean Van Leeuwen read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Jennifer is seven and a half and her sister Molly is five. Although they have identical sister dresses, it's Molly who always gets the compliments for being so little and cute. But Jennifer's resentment of Molly starts to lessen when their mother comes home with their new baby brother. For grades K-3. 1994. Under the Bridge RC 41049 by Ellen Kindt McKenzie read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette "It happened so fast. One day everything was the way it should be. The next day it was different. All wrong." For ten-year-old Ritchie and his four-year-old sister, Rosie, life changed dramatically the night their mother went away. Their father won't tell them when she is coming home, Rosie gets sick, and the school bully tries to beat Ritchie up. Then the letters from the troll start to arrive. For grades 4-7. 1994. Valentine RC 43137 by Carol Carrick read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Heather is upset when her mother has to go to work on Valentine's Day. But while Heather and her grandmother wait on the farm baking holiday cookies, a wonderful thing happens. Grandma's sheep gives birth to three lambs, and one needs Heather's help. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Vikki Vanishes RC 43071 by Peni R. Griffin read by Sharon Murray 1 cassette In alternating chapters, Vikki, sixteen, and her younger half sister, Nikki, explain what happens when Vikki's father suddenly reappears and takes Vikki on a shopping trip. For grades 6-9. 1995. Wait and See RC 42449 by Virginia Bradley read by Annie Wauters 1 cassette The world seems to crumble for Amy when Doff, her longtime nanny and friend, must return to England. Because Amy's parents died when she was a baby, her only family is her wonderful, but formal, grandfather. Amy is irritated by Violetta, a new girl at school, until they become friends. Then Amy sees that Violetta's family is even weirder than her own. Both girls learn a lot that helps them to grow. For grades 4-7. 1994. Walk Two Moons RC 39621 by Sharon Creech read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette A year ago, Sal's grieving mother left Sal and her father to visit Idaho and never returned. Sal's father has accepted that his wife is not coming back, but Sal has not. As she and her grandparents travel to Idaho to find her mother, Sal tells them "an extensively strange story" about her new friend Phoebe, whose mother also disappeared. And Sal gets to walk two moons in her mother's moccasins. For grades 3-6 and older readers. Newbery Medal. 1994. The Well: David's Story RC 41451 by Mildred D. Taylor read by L.J. Ganser 1 cassette During the 1910 drought, David Logan's family has the only water well working in his part of Mississippi. The black family is willing to share their water with all their neighbors, but Charlie Simms, whose family is white, treats the Logans with disrespect, and soon Charlie's taunting of David's brother, Hammer, results in an explosive situation. Companion to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (RC 10893). For grades 3-6. 1995. What Jamie Saw RC 41688 by Carolyn Coman read by Ray Hagen 1 cassette Jamie wasn't sure what woke him up, but the first thing he saw was his baby sister, Nin, being thrown across the room by Van. The next thing he saw was his mother, Patty, catching Nin. Right then, Jamie and his mother and sister left the house and went to see her long-time friend Earl. Earl lets them live in his old trailer, and everything seems fine until Van shows up. Some strong language. For grades 3-6. Newbery Honor Book 1996. 1995. Whatever Happened to Janie? RC 38978 by Caroline B. Cooney read by June Carter 1 cassette In this sequel to The Face on the Milk Carton (RC 36957), Janie Johnson (n‚e Jennie Spring)--an illegally adopted child who learns of the existence of her natural parents twelve years after her kidnapping--has contacted her real mother and father, who reclaim her. Janie reluctantly agrees to leave her beloved adoptive parents to live with her birth family, but her struggle to adjust is upsetting to both families. For junior and senior high readers. 1993. When Grandma Almost Fell off the Mountain and Other Stories RC 41411 by Barbara Ann Porte read by Lindsay Ellison 1 cassette When Stella and Zelda take a vacation to see their grandmother, they ask her to tell them a story. She tells them how, when she was a little girl, she traveled with her sister, her parents, and her grandmother to Florida to see her other grandparents. Almost falling off the mountain was only one of the many adventures she had on the trip. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. William's Doll RC 43039 by Charlotte Zolotow read by Janis Gray 1 cassette A little boy's wishes and needs for a doll are laughed at by his brother, unsatisfied by his father, but finally understood by his grandmother. For grades K-3. 1972. Wish on a Unicorn RC 40501 by Karen Hesse read by Celeste Lawson 1 cassette Sixth-grader Mags has a lot of responsibility. Her mother works at night, and Mags has to take care of eight-year-old Hannie, who is brain damaged, and six-year-old Mooch, who steals food. On the way home from school one day, Hannie spots a stuffed unicorn in a field and insists on keeping it. It may be old and dirty, but Hannie is sure it is magic. Perhaps she is right, because life begins to look better for the family. For grades 6-9. 1991. Yolanda's Genius RC 41794 by Carol Fenner read by Connie Winston 1 cassette Big and black and a good student, fifth-grader Yolanda is often the target of jokes but always has a snappy answer. When a new friend admiringly calls her a genius, it dawns on Yolanda who the real genius is. Her little brother, Andrew, is having trouble learning to read, but he can play amazing sounds on his harmonica. To lift Andrew's spirits, Yolanda devises a way to introduce him to Chicago's music world. For grades 4-7. Newbery Honor book. 1995. You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown RC 41589 by Paula Danziger read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette School is over for the summer, and Amber Brown has her "passport" to the fourth grade. She also has a real passport because she is going to London with her Aunt Pam, and then she is going to Paris to visit her father. But when Amber arrives in London, she discovers she has the chicken pox and all of her plans begin to change. Sequel to Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon (RC 40386). For grades 2-4. 1995. You Cheat! RC 41866 by Jamie Gilson read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Nathan and his brother, Hank, live eight stories up in the city, but right now they are visiting Aunt Paula in the country. Hank is bored and just plays with his video game, while Nathan learns to fish. After Hank beats Nathan at the card game Go Fish, Nathan challenges him to really go fishing. For grades K-3. 1992. Youn Hee and Me RC 42447 by C.S. Adler read by Margaret Strom 1 cassette Three years ago, Caitlin's mother adopted Simon, a two-year-old Korean orphan. Now the family learns that Simon has a sister in Korea. Youn Hee is eleven like Caitlin, and Caitlin is eager to welcome her into the family. When tiny Youn Hee arrives, she isn't very happy, and she doesn't seem to like Caitlin at all. Her main concern is that Simon has not been disciplined properly, and she sets out to correct that. For grades 3-6. 1995. Braille Absolutely Normal Chaos BR 10817 by Sharon Creech 2 volumes During the summer, Mary Lou, thirteen, and her classmates are to read the Odyssey and keep a journal to give their new English teacher in the fall. But Mary Lou is not too keen on letting Mr. Birkway read what she has written, because when strange cousin Carl Ray came to stay, Mary Lou's summer turned into an odyssey of experiences. For grades 4-7. 1990. The Amazing Magic Show BR 10769 by P.J. Petersen 1 volume There is a magic show in town, and Hal and his big brother, Chuck, want to go. They earn the money and have a great time at the show--Chuck even disappears for a while and Hal gets scared. But when Hal tries to do some tricks at home, he wishes Chuck would disappear again. For grades 2-4. 1994. April and the Dragon Lady BR 10659 by Lensey Namioka 1 volume When April Chen is a junior in a Seattle high school, she begins dating Steve even though she knows her grandmother won't approve of a white boyfriend. Grandma's Chinese ways are tiresome, especially when she dotes on April's brother and widowed father and expects April to serve them all. When April's father decides to remarry and April begins to make plans for college, Grandma plots to stop them. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Arthur's Chicken Pox BR 10005 by Marc Brown 1 volume Arthur is at school and becoming very excited about going to the circus when he begins to feel sick. The next day he breaks out in red spots. He gets lots of special attention, although his little sister also teases him and gives away his circus ticket. But when circus day comes, Arthur has the last laugh. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. Blue Sky, Butterfly BR 10764 by Jean Van Leeuwen 1 volume Eleven-year-old Twig is devastated by her parents' separation. Her mother mopes around the house all day; the laundry is piling up and the refrigerator is empty. Her older brother is almost never home and stays in his room when he is, and her father has his own apartment, which Twig refuses to visit. Life is difficult--until Grandma Ruthie arrives. For grades 4-7. 1996. Boundless Grace BR 10495 by Mary Hoffman 1 volume Grace's only family is her mother, grandmother, and a cat. Her father returned to Africa after her parents divorced, and now he has a new family. When her father sends Grace airplane tickets to visit him, her excitement changes to fear that he will not still love her. But as she is with him and his new wife and children, she learns that families truly are what you make them. Sequel to Amazing Grace (BR 8955). For grades K-3. 1995. Chicago Blues BR 10630 by Julie Reece Deaver 1 volume Lissa, seventeen, attends art school in Chicago. Her parents are divorced, and her sister, Marnie, eleven, lives with their mother. When her alcoholism worsens, the mother decides she can no longer keep Marnie. Lissa agrees to care for her sister, but naturally Marnie does not want to leave her mother. The two girls eventually establish a workable relationship, and all is well until their mother decides she wants Marnie back. For grades 6-9. 1995. Coaster BR 10327 by Betsy Duffey 1 volume After his parents divorce, Hart and his adventurous father begin riding roller coasters together. This summer, while he waits for his father to come to town, Hart builds his own coaster with his friend. He also worries about the fact that his mother is dating an embarrassing weatherman named Dub, who is too chicken ever to ride a roller coaster. For grades 5-8. 1994. Courtyard Cat BR 10542 by C.S. Adler 1 volume Lindsay, eleven, and her family have moved to Schenectady, New York, so her three-year-old brother Garth can be near the doctors who will fix his face, hurt in an accident for which Lindsay feels responsible. But Lindsay doesn't like the city and their cramped, dark apartment. Nor does she like having to look after Garth all day while her parents work. But they do have a courtyard in which to play, and some nice neighbors. For grades 4-7. 1995. The Cuckoo's Child BR 10726 by Suzanne Freeman 2 volumes Mia Veery did not like living in Beirut; she wanted to come back to the United States and be a typical 1962 American teenager in an ordinary family. When her parents disappear at sea, Mia and her two older half sisters go to live with Aunt Kit in Tennessee. There Mia finds being "typical" is not easy. For grades 6-9. 1996. Down Came a Blackbird BR 10329 by Nicholas Wilde 2 volumes When his alcoholic mother is hospitalized, thirteen-year-old James leaves London to stay with a great-uncle Greville he has never met. If this doesn't work out and if James doesn't stop pilfering things, he will be placed in foster care. Despite the kindness of housekeeper Sarah, James resents being at the old estate, and his chronic nightmares begin to have a recurring theme. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1991. The Eagle Kite BR 10396 by Paula Fox 1 volume Liam's father has AIDS. He tells Liam that it came from the blood transfusion he got three years ago when he had an operation. But Liam knows blood transfusions are safe now. He remembers a time when he was flying the eagle kite his father gave him, and he saw his father embracing a young man. And he sees the anger in his mother's face. For grades 6-9. 1995. The Fear Place BR 9995 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 1 volume Doug is camping with his geologist parents and his hateful brother Gordon in Colorado for the summer. When their parents have to fly out for an uncle's funeral, the brothers argue until Gordon stalks off to camp by himself on his favorite ridge. Days pass and Gordon doesn't return, so, despite his fear of the ridge, Doug is forced to look for his brother. A surprisingly friendly cougar helps him face the "fear place." Some strong language. For grades 4-7. 1994. Fig Pudding BR 10519 by Ralph Fletcher 1 volume Cliff is the oldest of the six Abernathy children. His mom says the family always overdoes everything, but the year Cliff describes in this book is "like five years crammed into one." He starts with December when toddler Josh is very sick in the hospital and all he wants for Christmas is a mysterious "yidda yadda." By the next year's end, recovered Josh accidentally steps in the fig pudding his father made for a party. For grades 4-7. 1995. The Formerly Great Alexander Family BR 10643 by Susan Shreve 1 volume Liam Alexander's fourth-grade friends always want to come to his house to play, because Liam's family is so easygoing. When Liam learns that his parents are separating, he's afraid his friends will think he's a wimp for not being able to keep them together. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Great Gilly Hopkins BR 9968 by Katherine Paterson 1 volume Gilly Hopkins is nobody's real kid. Because she keeps hoping to find her real mother, a beautiful woman who deserted her at birth, Gilly schemes against almost everyone who tries to love her along the way. For grades 5-8. 1978. I See the Moon BR 10239 by C.B. Christiansen 1 volume Even though her parents are sad when Bitte's fifteen-year-old sister, Kari, becomes pregnant, Bitte, twelve, is looking forward to being an aunt. She plans to teach the baby the things her favorite Aunt Minna taught her. But Kari has shocking news. She is giving the baby up for adoption. Now, twelve years later, Bitte explains to her niece the events surrounding the girl's birth. For grades 5-8. 1994. In the Land of the Big Red Apple BR 10418 by Roger Lea MacBride 2 volumes In this sequel to Little Farm in the Ozarks (BR 10161), Rose Wilder and her parents endure a cold, icy winter that threatens their young apple orchard. But the year is not all hardship. For her ninth birthday, Rose gets a mule to ride to school and names him Spookendyke. Also, a new love begins for their farmhand, and the Wilders experience the true spirit of giving at Christmas. For grades 3-6. 1995. Julie BR 10116 by Jean Craighead George 1 volume In this sequel to Julie of the Wolves (BR 8738), Julie returns home to Alaska. At first she resents her father, Kapugen, for killing the wolf who saved her life and for marrying a non-Eskimo woman, but she learns to respect him as an honorable man who has the best interests of his village at heart. Julie looks for ways to help the wolves survive and in time develops an interest of her own in a young Siberian Eskimo. For grades 5-8. 1994. Later, Gator BR 10484 by Laurence Yep 1 volume Teddy hates the fact that his little brother Bobby is so well behaved. He always tries to get a rise out of Bobby by giving him unlikable birthday presents, but this year Teddy's mother insists he buy Bobby a turtle. Teddy compromises by buying Bobby a baby alligator. To Teddy's surprise, Bobby loves his new pet! For grades 3-6. 1995. Little Farm in the Ozarks BR 10161 by Roger Lea MacBride 1 volume In the sequel to Little House on Rocky Ridge (BR 10160), Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo Wilder, are still waiting for their apple trees to mature on their new farm in Missouri. When Rose is finally allowed to start school, she is dismayed by the dull lessons and the snooty attitude of the town girls in her third-reader class. But by year's end, Rose has made a school friend. For grades 3-6. 1994. Little House on Rocky Ridge BR 10160 by Roger Lea MacBride 2 volumes In 1894, following several years of fires and drought, Laura and Almanzo Wilder decide to leave their farm in South Dakota and travel to Missouri where they hope the land will be better. Their daughter Rose describes the trip across the "Big Muddy" river, meeting with Russian families, finding a stray dog that becomes her pet, buying a farm, and holding a barn raising. Prequel to Little Farm in the Ozarks (BR 10161). For grades 3-6. 1993. The Long Silk Strand BR 10020 by Laura E. Williams 1 volume After supper one night, Yasuyo joins Grandmother as she begins to wind strands of silk thread into a ball. Each night the ball gets larger as Grandmother adds more thread and tells Yasuyo a story about each piece of thread. When Grandmother dies, Yasuyo finds a strand of silk thread hanging from the sky. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. Looking for Jamie Bridger BR 10354 by Nancy Springer 1 volume At fourteen, Jamie wants to know who her real parents are. Her question brings an unexpected and horrified response from her grandparents, with whom she lives. Jamie sets out to find some answers and discovers that her grandparents have a son whom they never discuss because he is gay. As Grandma begins to withdraw, Jamie becomes more determined in her search. For grades 5-8. 1995. Mary by Myself BR 10796 by Jane Denitz Smith 1 volume Ten-year-old Mary is having trouble adjusting to the crib death of her baby sister, Felicity. Mary's parents are concerned about her and hope that four weeks at summer camp will be good for her. At camp, Mary develops a relationship with Laura that proves helpful, but not in the way Mary expects. For grades 3-6. 1994. Missing May BR 9884 by Cynthia Rylant 1 volume Orphaned at six and raised by an elderly West Virginia aunt and uncle with more devotion than money, Summer is twelve years old when Aunt May dies. While Summer's grief is profound, Uncle Ob seems absolutely unable to go on living without his beloved May--that is, until he decides her presence lingers nearby and that somehow he can contact her. Disappointed in his efforts, Uncle Ob comes to choose living over mourning. For grades 5-8. Newbery Medal. 1992. Missing Sisters BR 10388 by Gregory Maguire 1 volume Alice Colossus, who lives in an orphanage run by nuns, has trouble hearing and speaking clearly. At summer camp she is surprised to be mistaken for another girl named Miami. Alice tracks Miami down and, sure enough, it is like looking in a mirror. But Miami has a great life with parents, three other adopted siblings, perfect hearing, and perfect speech. For grades 5-8. 1994. Nora: Maybe a Ghost Story BR 10209 by Constance C. Greene 1 volume Nora is turning thirteen and her sister Patsy is twelve, but Patsy looks older. Their mother died three years ago of breast cancer, and now their father is planning to marry a woman that neither sister likes. Nora is also upset at the way Patsy assumes the new cute boy in school will like her better than Nora. But Nora finds comfort from a surprising source: she keeps feeling her mother nearby. Some strong language. For grades 6-9. 1993. Park's Quest BR 9816 by Katherine Paterson 1 volume Like the knights in his Arthurian fantasies, Park has a quest--to find out about his father who was killed in Vietnam. The Vietnam War Memorial arouses his need to know, and he goes to visit his father's family at their Virginia farm. There he finds a disabled grandfather, an uncle, a Vietnamese girl, her mother, and a host of other surprises. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1988. A Place to Belong BR 10177 by Emily Crofford 1 volume When the bank forecloses on his tobacco farm in Wild Hog Holler in Tennessee, Talmadge McLinn's father decides to move his family out of state. They eventually end up on a plantation in Arkansas. Although Talmadge's accent, clothes, and misshapen foot draw teasing from his new classmates, he secretly hopes that the family can make this their home. For grades 5-8. 1994. A Share of Freedom BR 10797 by June Rae Wood 1 volume Freedom Jo Avery, thirteen, has always wondered who her father is. When her alcoholic mother is sent to a treatment center, Freedom and her little brother run away to avoid being sent to different foster homes. Eventually they are put with the Quincy family, where Freedom learns an important lesson about fathers. For grades 5-8. 1994. Taking It BR 10802 by Michael Cadnum 1 volume Anna Charles, seventeen, runs away to her brother's house, leaving behind her wealthy well-known father, her newly married mother, her confused feelings about her stepfather, and the latest in a string of shoplifting accusations. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Walk Two Moons BR 10280 by Sharon Creech 2 volumes A year ago, Sal's grieving mother left Sal and her father to visit Idaho and never returned. Sal's father has accepted that his wife is not coming back, but Sal has not. As she and her grandparents travel to Idaho to find her mother, Sal tells them "an extensively strange story" about her new friend Phoebe, whose mother also disappeared. And Sal gets to walk two moons in her mother's moccasins. For grades 3-6 and older readers. Newbery Medal. 1994. The Wimp of the World BR 10302 by Alison Cragin Herzig and Jane Lawrence Mali 1 volume Ten-year-old Bridget lives with her family at the Blue Moon Motel, which they own. When Bridget's triplet brothers devise a training program to make her less wimpy and Bridget learns she is to room with the new baby, she turns to her great-aunt Dawsie for help. But Dawsie announces she's getting married and wants Bridget to wear a frilly dress--something her brothers definitely won't approve of! For grades 3-6. 1994. Fantasy Cassettes An Acceptable Time RC 43198 by Madeleine L'Engle read by Nona Pipes 2 cassettes In this companion to A House like a Lotus (RC 23837), sixteen-year-old Polly O'Keefe visits her grandparents' farm in Connecticut and discovers a "time gate" that takes her back three thousand years. There she meets Anaral, a Native American girl; Karralys, a druid expelled from Britain; and Tav, a warrior who has accompanied Karralys. For junior and senior high readers. 1989. Answer My Prayer RC 42740 by Sid Hite read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette As the horse-drawn wagon nears the village of Valerton in the mythical kingdom of Korasan, Lydia grows more excited about her first dance. A brief encounter with the handsome carver Alderson Hale stirs her imagination long after she returns home. But her prayers about the elusive artist quickly give way to pleas for protection of her father's guild, which is threatened by the greed of the regent. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Arkadians RC 42693 by Lloyd Alexander read by Jill Ferris 2 cassettes Lucian has risen to the status of accountant at the king's palace, but his cleverness has put him in mortal danger. Fleeing the palace, he takes along Fronto, a poet who has been transformed into a donkey. They have many epic adventures as they search for the Lady of Wild Things, who can help them out of their predicament. For grades 5-8. 1995. Arrow's Fall: The Heralds of Valdemar, Volume 3 RC 39710 by Mercedes Lackey read by Madelyn Buzzard 2 cassettes Elspeth, heir to the throne, has reached marriage age, and she and Talia, along with the queen, are considering various eligible men. Talia is sent to Prince Ancar's court to investigate his eligibility. But when she arrives, she makes a startling discovery. Sequel to Arrow's Flight (RC 39678). Violence. For grades 6-9. 1988. Arrow's Flight: The Heralds of Valdemar, Volume 2 RC 39678 by Mercedes Lackey read by Madelyn Buzzard 2 cassettes Now that she is a full herald, Talia's responsibilities include traveling throughout Valdemar on her companion to see that laws enacted by the monarch are obeyed by all subjects. The herald who patrols the northern border sectors has been injured, so Talia is assigned to patrol there as part of her internship. Talia soon realizes she must use her skills wisely. Sequel to Arrows of the Queen (RC 32573). For grades 6-9. 1987. Attack of the Jack-o'-Lanterns: Goosebumps RC 42898 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Three years ago, Tabby and Lee scared Drew and her friends at a Halloween party. Since then, Drew has been desperate to get revenge. After failing for two years, Drew finally agrees to the last-resort plan concocted by twins Shane and Shana. What she doesn't realize is just how scary it is. For grades 4-6. 1996. Backyard Dragon RC 40445 by Betsy and Samuel Sterman read by David Hilder 1 cassette When Owen discovers a dragon in his backyard, nobody believes him. His parents tell him he needs to concentrate on the real world. Meanwhile, Grandpa is still grieving over Grandma's death, and Owen's schoolmates already think he's weird. So Owen befriends the dragon, Wyrdryn, who was banished to New Jersey by a wizard. As they concoct a plan to get Wyrdryn back to his Welsh home, help comes from unexpected places. For grades 3-6. 1993. Bad Hare Day: Goosebumps RC 41951 by R.L. Stine read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Tim Swanson wants to be a magician like his idol, Amaz-O, but his tricks are pretty lame, and his fierce, karate-kicking little sister, Ginny, keeps telling his classmates how they work. He wishes he could turn Ginny into a harmless rabbit and get some awesome new tricks. When Amaz-O holds a show, Tim's wishes begin to come true in a rather horrifying way. For grades 4-6. 1996. The Barking Ghost: Goosebumps RC 40653 by R.L. Stine read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Cooper Holmes, twelve, scares quite easily. So when he hears noises coming from the woods the first night his family spends at their new home in Maine, Cooper tries to remain calm, and he soon finds his older brother, Mickey, hiding under his bed. But the next day, Cooper does discover something in the woods--and it doesn't seem at all friendly. For grades 4-7. 1995. Be Careful What You Wish For . . .: Goosebumps RC 40249 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Although Samantha Byrd is the tallest person in her class, she's not very good at basketball. In fact, short Judith Bellwood is the star of the team. Judith is constantly making fun of Sam, who is getting more and more upset. When Sam helps an odd woman one afternoon, the woman offers to pay her back by granting three wishes. Still angry with Judith, Sam makes some wishes she soon regrets. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Beast from the East: Goosebumps RC 42440 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Ginger Wald and her ten-year-old twin brothers, Nat and Pat, are on a camping trip with their parents. They have taken a walk into the woods while their parents set up camp. But they get lost and suddenly find themselves facing several large beasts. For grades 4-7. 1996. Bed-Knob and Broomstick RC 42845 by Mary Norton read by Jill Ferris 1 cassette (Reissue) The three Wilson children are delighted to discover Miss Price, a lonely spinster and student witch who rides a broomstick, though somewhat uncertainly. In exchange for the children's keeping quiet about her witch activities, Miss Price casts a spell that creates a magical flying bed. A combined edition of "The Magic Bed-Knob" and "Bonfires and Broomsticks." For grades 3-6. 1957. The Bellmaker RC 41869 by Brian Jacques read by David Palmer 2 cassettes Joseph the Bellmaker learns from a dream that his daughter, the warrior mouse Mariel, is in grave danger. He and four companions set out on a journey to find Mariel and help overcome a new menace, the foxwolf Urgan Nagru and his rat hordes that have overrun the land of Southsward. Sequel to Mariel of Redwall (RC 36748). For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1994. The Borrowers Afield RC 42266 by Mary Norton read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette (Reissue) After the tiny family of Borrowers were discovered living beneath the floorboards of an old country house in The Borrowers (RC 7809), they ventured into the great outdoors. These are their adventures as told decades later to young Kate by old Tom Goodenough, who as a boy actually met the miniature people and heard their tales from Borrower Arrietty. For grades 3-6. 1955. The Borrowers Afloat RC 42267 by Mary Norton read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette (Reissue) The Borrowers have been living between the walls of a cottage, but the humans who live there are going away. If the tiny Borrowers don't want to starve, they must find a new home. They would like to live in Little Fordham, a model village for Borrowers. But the trip to Little Fordham is full of danger. Sequel to The Borrowers Afield (RC 42266). For grades 3-6. 1959. The Borrowers Aloft RC 42268 by Mary Norton read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette (Reissue) The Borrowers, miniature people, settle into a model-sized village after having many adventures in the world. The village was built as a hobby by the kindly Mr. Pott, a retired railroad man. Meanwhile, the greedy Mr. Platter builds a competing model village to make money and kidnaps the Borrowers as an attraction! The tiny family escapes to the air and begins a new adventure. Sequel to The Borrowers Afloat (RC 42267). For grades 3-6. 1961. Calling on Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book 3 RC 38356 by Patricia C. Wrede read by Pam Ward 2 cassettes In the third book of the series, the Society of Wizards steals from King Mendanbar the magic sword that protects the forest, and the king must send his queen, Cimorene (formerly Princess Cimorene), to retrieve it. Queen Cimorene enlists the help of her friends Telemain the magician, Morwen the witch, and Kazul the dragon king for help. Sequel to Searching for Dragons (RC 38345). For grades 5-8. 1993. The Case of the Weeping Witch: A McGurk Fantasy RC 41620 by E.W. Hildick read by John Polk 1 cassette Jack P. McGurk and his classmates are studying the Puritans, and Ms. Ellis has encouraged the students to do some research at the library. Soon the members of the McGurk Organization find themselves back in 1692 where they try to help a thirteen-year-old girl who has been charged with witchcraft. Then they are accused of being witches themselves. For grades 3-6. 1992. Catkin RC 39825 by Antonia Barber read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette When Catkin is born, Wise Woman knows he is a special cat, and she gives him to a farmer and his wife who have finally had a child after many years. Wise Woman tells Catkin that he must watch over the child and let no harm come to her. But one day Catkin becomes fascinated by a butterfly and forgets his duty. When he returns, the child has been replaced by a changeling. Catkin sets out to rescue the girl from the Little People. For grades K-3. 1994. Child of an Ancient City RC 40466 by Tad Williams and Nina Kiriki Hoffman read by James DeLotel 1 cassette During a banquet, Masrur al-Adan is encouraged to tell a story. Since his old friend Ibn Fahad is there, he tells of a trip they took many years earlier. A caravan of treasures they were escorting was attacked, and they were forced to return home. On the way, they were attacked again, this time by the vampyr. Masrur tells how they escaped death through all-night storytelling. For junior and senior high readers. 1992. Comet in Moominland RC 41675 by Tove Jansson read by Ed Blake 1 cassette The Moomin family has been living in the valley since their house floated there during the big flood. Moomintroll and his friend Sniff enjoy exploring the valley where they make lots of discoveries. But strange things are happening, and when Muskrat comes to the Moomin house looking for shelter during a storm, he informs them that a comet is coming. For grades 4-7. 1959. The Cuckoo Clock of Doom: Goosebumps RC 40218 by R.L. Stine read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Michael Webster's sister Tara is a terror who is always getting him in trouble. She is seven and he is twelve, and she has made the last seven years of his life miserable. But things really change when their dad brings home an antique cuckoo clock. For grades 4-7. Bestseller 1995. The Dinosaur That Followed Me Home RC 41836 by Bruce Coville read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Stuart Glassman had such an unusual adventure at Camp Haunted Hills last summer that he is not planning to go again. But when he receives an invitation from Harry Housen, the special effects genius at the movie camp, Stuart can't resist. Soon Stuart, his friend Brenda Connors, and her cousin Winston are involved in a new movie that transports them into the past. For grades 3-6. 1990. Dragon Cauldron RC 39669 by Laurence Yep read by Madelyn Buzzard 2 cassettes The dragon princess, Shimmer; the now-friendly witch, Civet; humans Thorn and Indigo; and the wizard, Monkey, unite in a quest to have a cauldron repaired by Snail Woman and the smith. They plan to use the cauldron's magic to reclaim the dragon's lost sea home. But things get in the way, and they make mistakes, including the accidental release of the Nameless One, an evil spirit. Sequel to Dragon Steel (RC 26539). For grades 5-8. 1991. Egg Monsters from Mars: Goosebumps RC 42084 by R.L. Stine read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette At twelve, Dana Johnson wants to be a scientist when he grows up. During his little sister's birthday egghunt, Dana finds a very unusual egg--throbbing with veins. When the egg hatches into a creature that looks like scrambled eggs with eyes, Dana rushes it to a small science lab in his neighborhood. Surprisingly the lab owner is not shocked by Dana's discovery--he has a roomful of the egg monsters. For grades 4-7. 1996. Elfsong RC 43557 by Ann Turner read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette While visiting her grandfather's house, ten-year-old Maddy spots a tomcat wearing a saddle and racing through the woods. Later Maddy happens upon the rider, an elf named Nata, who introduces her to a secret elfin world, and Maddy and her grandfather help the elves defend themselves against a marauding owl. For grades 4-7. 1995. Enter Three Witches RC 38998 by Kate Gilmore read by June Carter 2 cassettes Uncomfortable about his home life (his mother and grandmother are witches, and a voodoo priestess occupies their garden apartment), Bren has been a loner, finding solace in Central Park and with his dog Shadow. Now his one friend, Eli, has convinced him to help with the lighting for the school production of Macbeth. When Bren meets Erika, First Witch and the girl of his dreams, his life changes forever. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1990. Flight of the Dragon Kyn RC 42628 by Susan Fletcher read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette In this prequel to Dragon's Milk (RC 36623), the king directs Kara to use her power to call down dragons. When Kara summons a friendly dragon, she watches in horror as the king's archers slay it. Kara flees to join a "kyn" of dragons and help them take refuge from human predators. For grades 5-8. 1993. Ghost Camp: Goosebumps RC 42786 by R.L. Stine read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Brothers Alex, eleven, and Harry, twelve, are headed for Camp Spirit Moon. They are the only ones on the bus. Their parents waited too long to sign up, and Spirit Moon was the last camp that still had space. When they arrive, strange things begin to happen. For grades 4-7. Bestseller 1996. The Ghost Comes Calling RC 40186 by Betty Ren Wright read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette When nine-year-old Chad's father gets a good deal on an old log cabin by the lake, Chad's older and wiser friend Jeannie implies there is a ghost on the premises, and she's right. Many years ago Tim Tapper was accused of causing an accident while driving a group of kids in his truck. The real culprit was an icy road, and Tim actually saved the children from harm. Chad must find a way to put the wronged ghost to rest. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Gold Dust Letters: Investigators of the Unknown, Book 1 RC 38848 by Janet Taylor Lisle read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Angela Harrall sends a letter to her fairy godmother. Angela is intrigued when she receives a reply from an enchanted being, named Pilaria, whose messages, when unrolled, scatter a fine golden dust. As their correspondence continues (in notes placed on the mantelpiece), Pilaria's hardships in an invisible kingdom echo Angela's troubles at home with parents who may divorce. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Greatest Show off Earth RC 42096 by Margaret Mahy read by Margaret Strom 1 cassette Delphinium, a human calculator and the only girl on Space Station Vulnik, is celebrating her tenth birthday, and she wants to have some fun. Sadly, fun is not allowed on Vulnik because it may cause the return of the Acropola: great, green, mysterious aliens shaped like slugs that slime around sucking up fun-energy. But it may be Delphinium's lucky day as she launches herself and two others into hyperspace and the Wonder Show. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Gumdrop Tree RC 41286 by Elizabeth Spurr read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette When her father gives her a bag of gumdrops, the little girl doesn't want to eat them because then they would be gone. She plays with her pretty candy until she has an idea. She will plant them and grow a gumdrop tree! For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Hexwood RC 41065 by Diana Wynne Jones read by Graeme Malcolm 2 cassettes A young boy wanders into Banners Wood near London and suddenly finds himself in another world with a robot and a dragon. Ann, who lives close to Banners Wood and Hexwood Farm, watches people go into a barn never to return. And in another galaxy, a controller gets a message about the old computer in the archival library at Hexwood Farm. Soon the lives of all these characters will merge. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1993. The Horror at Camp Jellyjam: Goosebumps RC 41078 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette While Wendy and Elliot are on a boring car trip with their parents, they ask if they can ride in the trailer. But the trailer comes loose, and Wendy and Elliot crash into an unusual summer camp. Camp Jellyjam's motto is "only the best," and the children are encouraged to win. But Wendy's roommate wins and then disappears. And all of the counselors seem to be in a trance. For grades 3-6. 1995. Horror at the Haunted House RC 38957 by Peg Kehret read by Ardyth Heller 1 cassette Ellen and her younger brother Corey are thrilled to participate in a haunted house project to help raise money to convert an old mansion into a museum. Upon entering the place, Ellen feels an uncomfortable presence and soon realizes that she is being haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Lydia. Overcoming her fear of Lydia's ghost, Ellen unravels a mystery involving Lydia's fabulous collection of Wedgwood china. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1992. Indiana Jones and the Dance of the Giants RC 40710 by Rob MacGregor read by Bob Askey 2 cassettes Deirdre Campbell tells her young professor, Indy, about a Merlin scroll. Indy is definitely interested. But so is Adrian Powell, a member of Parliament. Indy drops his teaching duties and joins Deirdre for a hunt. They travel across Scotland and England, ending up at Stonehenge. And Indy learns some tough lessons. Some strong language. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1991. Indiana Jones and the Peril at Delphi RC 40622 by Rob MacGregor read by Bob Askey 2 cassettes Indy is being used by Dorian, a beautiful lady with big ideas. After sixteen centuries, an earthquake has exposed the ruins of Delphi in Greece. Dorian wants Indy to go down to the bottom of the pit in search of the secret source of the ancient oracle's powers. But Dorian also has other plans for Indy. Some strong language. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1991. Indiana Jones and the White Witch RC 40740 by Martin Caidin read by Bob Askey 2 cassettes Indy's friend Gale lives among some English people who belong to a group of white witches, known to possess a map that locates gold hidden in the United States. A gang of thugs, headed by Cordas, wipes out the secluded group and steals the map. Indy and his friends, aided by British and U.S. agencies and some witchcraft, manage to capture Cordas and to recover the buried treasure. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1994. Into the Land of the Unicorns: The Unicorn Chronicles, Book 1 RC 40262 by Bruce Coville read by Pam Ward 1 cassette When eleven-year-old Cara jumps from the church bell tower into the Land of Luster, home of the unicorns, she just misses being caught on Earth. Cara guards a magic amulet and a special message given to her by her grandmother as she goes off to meet the unicorn queen. Accompanying her is an assortment of friends, including Lightfoot (a rebellious teenage unicorn), Dimblethum, and Squijum. For grades 4-7. 1994. Invitation to the Game RC 38939 by Monica Hughes read by June Carter 1 cassette The year is 2154, and robots dominate the labor market. Upon graduation from high school, Lisse and seven friends are sent to a DA (Designated Area) for the unemployed. They resign themselves to a boring existence until they receive an invitation to The Game. Through computer simulation they experience life in an unfamiliar, untamed setting. As the sessions intensify, the teenagers realize that the game has become reality. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1990. It Came from beneath the Sink: Goosebumps RC 40649 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette When Kat's family moves into their new house, she finds an odd sponge under the sink. It's small, round, warm, and pulsing, and it has eyes! Bad things start to happen, and Kat notices the sponge seems more and more excited. At school she reads about the sponge in a book. It's a mythical creature called a Grool that thrives on others' bad luck. And once you have a Grool you can't give it away or kill it with violence. For grades 3-6. 1995. Jennifer Murdley's Toad: A Magic Shop Book RC 38734 by Bruce Coville read by Mimi Bederman 1 cassette Jennifer, a fifth grader with few friends, longs to be beautiful. While being chased by a group of teasing girls, she finds herself on a street she's never seen before and enters a magic shop. Mr. Elives, the owner, persuades her to buy a toad. Jennifer does not know that Bufo is a talking toad hatched from the mouth of a witch and that she is in for a series of extraordinary adventures. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1992. A Knot in the Grain and Other Stories RC 42154 by Robin McKinley read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Five stories that deal with love between ill-matched pairs. In "The Healer," Lily is born without the ability to speak, but her love for a mage--who can mind speak with her--leads her to the great wizard, who restores her voice. The title story, set in contemporary times, explains how Annabelle, sixteen, learns to love her new home and community. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Legend of the Lost Legend: Goosebumps RC 42800 by R.L. Stine read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Justin Clarke, twelve, and his eleven-year-old sister, Marissa, have accompanied their dad on his mission to find the manuscript called the Lost Legend. They want to be helpful, but instead they get lost in the woods of Brovania and find themselves facing strange creatures. For grades 4-7. 1996. Many Moons RC 39639 by James Thurber read by Bob Askey 1 cassette (Reissue) Princess Lenore, who is ten going on eleven, falls ill from eating too many raspberry tarts. When her father, the King, promises her anything that will make her well, Princess Lenore asks for the moon. For grades K-3. Caldecott Medal. 1943. McMummy RC 40362 by Betsy Byars read by Kimberly Schraf 1 cassette When his best friend, Batty, is grounded, Mozie has to water Professor Orloff's plants in the greenhouse by himself, a task he has undertaken while the professor is at a World Hunger conference and one that he is reluctant to do alone. On one of the plants Mozie discovers a mummy pod that emits a sound and might have otherworldly qualities going back to the time of the pharaohs. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Mennyms RC 39102 by Sylvia Waugh read by Pam Ward 1 cassette The Mennyms are a family of human-size rag dolls made by elderly Kate Penshaw before her death. They are able to think and speak, yet never age. For decades they live undisturbed in their London flat, pretending to be real with activities like make-believe dinners each evening. However, their existence is threatened when they receive a letter saying a relative has inherited Kate's flat and plans to visit. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1993. Mennyms in the Wilderness RC 42035 by Sylvia Waugh read by Pam Ward 2 cassettes In this sequel to The Mennyms (RC 39102), the Mennym rag doll family members are happily living in their house on Brocklehurst Grove as they have for over forty years. Then they receive a letter from an actual human, who claims to be related to the long-dead Kate who made them. He has been warned by Kate's ghost that the Mennym's house is in danger of being torn down. Although he has trouble believing in the dolls, he is coming to help. For grades 4-7. 1994. Monster Blood II: Goosebumps RC 40651 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette After what happened in Monster Blood (RC 38059), Evan Ross goes to a new school where no one believes his tales about the monstrous glop that makes things grow and grow. Then his friend Andy comes to stay, and she brings some Monster Blood with her. Horrified, Evan makes her bury it. But someone finds it and the nightmare begins again. For grades 3-6. 1994. Monster Blood III: Goosebumps RC 41093 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Evan hates to baby-sit for his eight-year-old cousin Kermit because Kermit wants to spend all his time doing experiments in the basement. Unfortunately, Kermit's experiments have a way of going bad, and Kermit makes sure Evan gets the blame. But Kermit has played one too many jokes on Evan, and now Evan is ready for revenge. And he has just the thing for tricking Kermit--Monster Blood! For grades 4-7. 1995. Moominland Midwinter RC 41421 by Tove Jansson read by Ed Blake 1 cassette In November the Moomin family had a good meal of pine needles and then they all retired to their beds to sleep until April. But in January, Moomintroll is awakened by a streak of moonlight, and he just cannot go back to sleep. After wandering around his dark house, he decides to venture outside to see what the winter world is like. For grades 4-7. 1958. Moominpappa at Sea RC 41674 by Tove Jansson read by Ed Blake 1 cassette Moominpappa is tired of living in the valley where his family's house floated after the flood. He has decided to move to a tiny island in the sea that has an empty lighthouse on it--and lots of room. Also living on the island is a peculiar, silent fisherman and the awful Groke. Moominpappa soon begins to wonder why the sea acts so strangely. For grades 4-7. 1966. Moominpappa's Memoirs RC 41676 by Tove Jansson read by Ed Blake 1 cassette Moominpappa has a terrible cold, and he has taken to his bed in the northern attic room. While he is there, Moominmamma reasons, he should write his memoirs. So Moominpappa jots down events in his life and pompously reads to the Moomin family about his misunderstood childhood, a meeting with his friend Hodgkins, an ocean voyage that ends in a terrible surprise, and his marriage to Moominmamma. For grades 4-7. 1994. Night of the Living Dummy II: Goosebumps RC 40647 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette When Amy brings her ventriloquist dummy out to entertain her family on Sharing Night, its head falls off. Amy's father finds another dummy in a pawn shop. But Amy soon realizes why the new dummy is called Slappy when it hits her father! As Slappy gets meaner and meaner, Amy's family refuses to believe she is not responsible. For grades 4-7. 1995. Night of the Living Dummy III: Goosebumps RC 41952 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Trina and Dan O'Dell's father used to be a ventriloquist, but now he runs a camera shop and has stored his dummies in the attic. You have to be brave when you go up there because of all the eyes that never blink. One day Dad comes home with a new dummy he has found in the trash. Why did someone throw it away? Trina and Dan soon find out as strange things begin to happen in their house. For grades 4-7. 1996. Night Terrors RC 40015 by Jim Murphy read by John Stratton 1 cassette Five horror stories surrounded by episodes from the odd career of the narrator, known as Digger because he digs graves. Ostensibly told to Digger by various persons he has encountered on the job, the tales are populated with a wide assortment of vampires, mummies, and cannibals. Digger's expansive comments provide humor and atmosphere, particularly in the final chapters when Digger's own life takes a ghastly turn. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. Night Thunder and the Queen of the Wild Horses RC 42645 by Lynn Reiser read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Before she goes to bed, a little girl draws a picture of the queen of the wild horses. Later, loud noises wake both the little girl and her drawing. The girl climbs on the back of the winged queen of the wild horses, and they fly off to investigate the sounds. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Owl in Love RC 38770 by Patrice Kindl read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette "I am Owl. It is my name as well as my nature," announces fourteen-year-old Owl Tycho. Born to simple witches, Owl has shape-shifting abilities (a condition that runs in her family) and is a suburban high school girl by day and a barn owl by night. She has fallen in love with her science teacher, Mr. Lindstrom, and keeps a nightly vigil outside his window as she pursues her ill-fated infatuation. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. The Pike River Phantom RC 40159 by Betty Ren Wright read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Charlie Hocking and his ex-convict father have moved to Pike River. While helping his cousin, Rachel, sell candy bars, Charlie meets a bizarre old woman in an apparently abandoned house. When Charlie tells his family about her, they suspect he is lying. But his investigation leads him and Rachel to the startling conclusion that the strange, increasingly youthful woman is a ghost, Pike River's real "Sunbonnet Queen," bent on revenge. For grades 4-7. 1988. Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes: Goosebumps RC 41087 by R.L. Stine read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette As summer begins, twelve-year-old Joe Burton's main problem is keeping his dog, Buster, out of Mr. McCall's garden next door. Mr. McCall and Joe's father compete each year to win at the garden show. But Joe's problems multiply when Mr. Burton adds two plaster gnomes to his menagerie of lawn ornaments. No one will believe Joe, but it's the gnomes, not Buster, who are up to mischief. For grades 4-7. 1995. The River at Green Knowe RC 42486 by L.M. Boston read by Tom Martin 1 cassette (Reissue) English scientist Maud Biggin and her friend Sybilla Bun have rented a house called Green Knowe for the summer. Maud plans to work on her book, but because the house is so large, she invites two displaced children and her great-niece, Ida, to join them. The three children are left alone to have wonderful adventures on the nearby river, where they meet a hermit, a giant, and a group of winged horses. For grades 4-7. 1959. Salamandastron RC 39228 by Brian Jacques read by David Palmer 2 cassettes This tale centers on the badgers and hares of the castle of Salamandastron in the mountains near the sea. The castle is under attack by evil Ferahgo the Assassin and his band of vermin that includes his bloodthirsty son, Klitch. Urthstripe the Strong, a wise old badger, leads the animals of Salamandastron and Redwall Abbey against his old enemy. Companion to Redwall (RC 29729). For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1992. A Shocker on Shock Street: Goosebumps RC 41512 by R.L. Stine read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette After Erin and Marty watch the sixth Shocker on Shock Street movie, they visit Erin's father in his office. Mr. Wright, who designs theme parks, has great news. He's developed a tour of the Shocker studio and Erin and Marty get to be the first children to try it out. As they revisit scenes from Shocker movies, Erin and Marty begin to have trouble telling what's fake and what's horribly real. For grades 4-7. 1995. Some of the Kinder Planets RC 41359 by Tim Wynne-Jones read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Collection of nine short stories takes the reader into an alternate universe of the mind. In "The Night of the Pomegranate," Harriet spends too much time outside looking at Mars instead of working on her solar system project. "The Hope Bakery" tells the tale of Sloane and his younger brother, Todd, and their strange trips into the woods. For grades 3-6. 1993. Talking to Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book 4 RC 42323 by Patricia C. Wrede read by Pam Ward 2 cassettes Sixteen-year-old Daystar lives on the edge of the Enchanted Forest with his mother who, unknown to him, is really Queen Cimorene. When an unsavory wizard shows up one day, Cimorene melts him, much to Daystar's surprise. Afterwards she gives Daystar a sword and sends him off into the Enchanted Forest on an unknown mission. Sequel to Calling on Dragons (RC 38356). For grades 5-8. 1985. A Taste of Smoke RC 40637 by Marion Dane Bauer read by Susan McInerney 1 cassette Thirteen-year-old Caitlin goes camping with her college-aged sister, Pam. Before they enter the park, they stop off at a museum to learn about the Hinckley fire that destroyed a whole town about a century earlier. But when Pam's boyfriend shows up at the campsite, Caitlin feels left out until she meets Frank, the ghost of one of the boys who died in the fire. And before he disappears, he gives Caitlin a gentle kiss. For grades 5-8. 1993. The Three Golden Keys RC 40797 by Peter Sis read by Robert Blumenfeld 1 cassette The author tells his daughter about riding in a hot air balloon and landing in a city he soon realizes is Prague as it was when he was a child. He follows the twisting streets to his boyhood home, but finds three padlocks on the door. Magically, his cat from long ago appears and leads him on an amazing search for the three golden keys to his house. For grades K-3. 1994. A Wind in the Door RC 41596 by Madeleine L'Engle read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette (Reissue) Evil in the form of the Echthroi is spreading throughout the galaxy, but Meg Murry is not involved in the struggle until the Echthroi invade her younger brother. Sequel to A Wrinkle in Time (RC 9768). For grades 6-9. 1973. The Witches of Worm RC 41124 by Zilpha Keatley Snyder read by Pam Ward 1 cassette (Reissue) Twelve-year-old Jessica is angry that her mother goes out all the time and that her two best friends have left her for other people. Sulking in her secret cave with a book on witchcraft, Jessica finds a tiny newborn kitten. Her cat-loving neighbor tells Jessica how to care for the kitten, but Jessica hates cats, and this one looks like a worm. Then she begins getting messages from Worm, who says he's a witch's cat. For grades 5-8. 1972. Your Mother Was a Neanderthal RC 40670 by Jon Scieszka read by Ray Hagen 1 cassette Sam, Joe, and Fred, the Time Warp Trio who first appeared in Knights of the Kitchen Table (RC 36216), travel back to the Stone Age and are immediately in trouble. First, they're completely naked (Sam still has his hat and Fred his glasses) and, second, they no longer have The Book that enables them to travel in time. They have plenty of other problems, too, with cavegirls and a woolly mammoth. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1993. Braille The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena: Goosebumps BR 10303 by R.L. Stine 1 volume At twelve, Jordan has never seen snow and cannot even imagine what it is like, especially while living in sweltering Pasadena, California. When his father gets a photographic assignment in Alaska, Jordan and his sister, Nicole, are excited that they get to go too. Little do they know what is in store for them as they track the elusive and mysterious snow monster, the Abominable Snowman. For grades 4-7. 1995. Both Sides of Time BR 10273 by Caroline B. Cooney 2 volumes Annie wants romance from her boyfriend, Sean, but he's only interested in cars. While visiting his apartment at the crumbling Stratton mansion, Annie wanders through the building, sad that it is to be demolished. Suddenly, she is pulled back a century to 1895 and meets Strat, young heir to the mansion. The period is romantic but not kind to women or immigrant groups, and a murder threatens Annie and her new friends. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Dragon and the Thief BR 10188 by Gillian Bradshaw 1 volume Seventeen-year-old Prahotep can't seem to get anything right. He doesn't even make a good thief! When he turns to robbing graves, he thinks he's breaking into an Egyptian pharaoh's tomb, but it's actually the cave of Hathor, a wealthy dragon. Hathor wants to protect her fortune and to find her kin, if any survive. Prahotep agrees to help her, and together they escape up the Nile, followed by an evil magician. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1991. Falcon's Egg BR 10546 by Luli Gray 1 volume Eleven-year-old Falcon Davies is in Central Park when she finds a most unusual egg. It is large and red and hot to the touch. She tells only three adults: her neighbor Ardene, who agrees to house the egg; her great-aunt Emily; and Emily's friend who is an ornithologist. They all agree they have no idea what it is, and they think it would be best to keep it secret. When the egg finally hatches, they realize they were right. For grades 4-7. 1995. George Washington's Socks BR 10784 by Elvira Woodruff 1 volume Matthew and his friends have formed an adventure club. Their plan is to meet and talk about real adventures people have had throughout history. But at their first meeting, in which they plan to discuss George Washington's crossing of the Delaware, the members suddenly find themselves back in the time of Washington. For grades 4-7. 1991. Hob and the Goblins BR 10560 by William Mayne 1 volume Invisible Hob works very hard helping one family at a time by chasing the mischief out of the home while living beneath the stairs. On the lookout for a new host, Hob happens on bus driver Charlie. When a gremlin steals Charlie's bus and gets him fired, Charlie decides to move his family to Fairy Ring Cottage. A horrified Hob goes along, though he knows the cottage is full of danger. For grades 4-7. 1993. In the Night Kitchen BR 10036 by Maurice Sendak 1 volume Mickey's dream tumbles him into the night kitchen, where three singing bakers mistake him for milk. Mickey sets them straight and flies to the Milky Way in an airplane made of dough to find milk for the bakers. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. A Caldecott Honor Book. 1970. The Land of Gold BR 10505 by Gillian Bradshaw 1 volume Princess Kandaki, awakened in the middle of the night by screams, discovers her parents dead and a guard standing nearby with a bloody spear in his hand. Kandaki is taken captive and promised as a sacrifice to the water dragon. Fortunately Prahotep, the Egyptian thief, and Hathor, a benign dragon, come to Kandaki's rescue and help her regain her kingdom. Sequel to The Dragon and the Thief (BR 10188). For grades 6-9. 1992. The Magic Finger BR 10055 by Roald Dahl 1 volume When an eight-year-old girl is cross, the forefinger on her right hand starts to tingle. The last time that happened, her teacher turned into a cat. Now she's put the magic finger on the whole Gregg family, next door, because she's angry with them for hunting animals. When the Greggs wake up, they realize they are tiny birds, and their house has been taken over by large ducks. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1966. Nick of Time BR 10411 by Anne Lindbergh 1 volume Jericho, thirteen, lives at Mending Wall, a nontraditional school his father founded. He is in love with his best friend and fellow student, Alison, but she calls herself a hands-off experiment. Then Nick enters their lives by stepping through the school's kitchen wall. Nick lives in the museum of the school in the year 2094. Jericho, Alison, and another student, Bunny, begin visiting the future by passing through the wall. For grades 5-8. 1994. Out of Time BR 10804 by Caroline B. Cooney 2 volumes In this sequel to Both Sides of Time (BR 10273), 1990s Annie Lockwood once again travels through time to see the friends she made in 1895. The young man she loves, Strat, has been institutionalized because of his description of Annie. She is his only chance for escape. For junior and senior high readers. 1996. Painted Devil BR 10617 by Michael Bedard 2 volumes While Alice's mother is confined to bed with a difficult pregnancy, Alice watches her little sister, Lela, and begins a job at the library. She is confused by the odd feelings she has about both Lela's doll and the scary devil puppet at the library. Meanwhile, Alice's secretive Aunt Emily arrives with a chilling tale about a magic show she attended twenty-eight years earlier, which she believes is about to happen again. For grades 5-8. 1994. Time for Andrew: A Ghost Story BR 10103 by Mary Downing Hahn 1 volume When Andrew Tyler arrives to spend the summer at his great-grandfather's house, the old man seems to mistake him for someone else. In the attic, Andrew finds a picture of a relative who looks just like him, has his name, and died as a boy in 1910. That night the boy appears in Andrew's room and convinces him to trade places so the boy's diphtheria can be cured by modern medicine. For grades 4-7. 1994. Time Windows BR 10782 by Kathryn Reiss 2 volumes The day Miranda, thirteen, moves into a huge old house with her parents, she discovers an amazing dollhouse in the attic. It's a replica of the house itself, and by looking through its windows, Miranda can eavesdrop on the lives of families who lived in the house years ago. For grades 5-8. 1991. Tom, Babette, and Simon: Three Tales of Transformation BR 10671 by Avi 1 volume Tom is bored and decides to change places with his cat. But what will happen when Tom is bored with being a cat? Babette's mother wanted a child with no visible flaws--unfortunately Babette is invisible. Simon grows into a vain young man who kills the Golden Bird and becomes a bird from the neck up. For grades 4-7. 1995. The Watchers: A Mystery at Alton Towers BR 10537 by Helen Cresswell 2 volumes Katy and Josh have both been put in Kirby House, a children's home. Unhappy there, the pair decide to run away to the local amusement park, Alton Towers. They soon realize what Alton Towers employees have always suspected: weird things happen there at night. There is a bag lady who seems to be warning them away and an obnoxious youth who calls himself the king. And neither is quite human. For grades 4-7. 1993. The Wish Giver: Three Tales of Coven Tree BR 9967 by Bill Brittain 1 volume When a peculiar little man appears at the Coven Tree Church social, promising to give people exactly what they ask for, three young believers-in-magic make wishes that come disastrously true. Sequel to Devil's Donkey (BR 5172). For grades 4-7. 1983. Folk and Fairy Tales Cassettes The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol RC 42583 retold by Eric A. Kimmel read by Barry Bernson 1 cassette Tales about the legendary Jewish folk hero. Hershel was a real man living during the early nineteenth century in a Ukrainian village. He was a shochet, who had to know all the rules for the ritual slaughter of animals, but his wit cost him his job. These ten tales show how Hershel, though poor, was amazingly resourceful and became famous among the common folk for the fun he poked at the rich and for his wry sayings. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1995. Anansi and the Talking Melon RC 41091 by Eric A. Kimmel read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Anansi the Spider visits Elephant's garden to have a taste of a ripe melon. But Anansi eats so much of the sweet, juicy fruit that he gets too fat to crawl out of the hole in the melon. While he waits to get thin, Anansi decides to have some fun. He tricks Elephant into thinking the melon can talk. Soon Elephant is off to show the talking melon to the king, but he's in for a big surprise. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Black Ships before Troy: The Story of The Iliad RC 40748 by Rosemary Sutcliff read by Conrad Feininger 1 cassette A retelling of the Greek myth. Traces the story of the Trojan War, beginning with the quarrel of three goddesses over a golden apple. When Trojan prince Paris persuades the beautiful Helen of Troy to leave her baby and husband to become his wife, her husband pursues her, others take sides, and the war begins. Fighting continues until Troy is destroyed and Paris earns a tragic reward. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993. The Bossy Gallito (El Gallo de Bodas): A Traditional Cuban Folktale RC 40244 retold by Luc¡a M. Gonz lez read by Lucinda Hart Gonzalez 1 cassette In this Cuban folktale told in English and Spanish, a bossy little rooster, elegantly attired, dirties his beak on the way to the wedding of his uncle, the parrot. He orders the grass to clean his beak, but to no avail. So the bossy gallito orders a goat to eat the grass, and a stick to hit the goat, and so forth, all without results. He then politely asks the sun to return a favor. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994. Brer Tiger and the Big Wind RC 41628 by William J. Faulkner read by Jack Fox 1 cassette In olden days, the creatures of the forest used to plant crops just like menfolks. But one year, no rain came and the crops did not grow, so the creatures of the forest were hungry. There was one place where there was food and water, but it was guarded by Brer Tiger who said he would eat up anyone who tried to get his food. Then Brer Rabbit came up with an idea! For grades K-3. 1995. A Brush with Magic: Based on a Traditional Chinese Story RC 40116 by William J. Brooke read by Jack Fox 1 cassette Old Li raises a baby boy he finds floating in a basket on the river. The boy, Liang, is clutching a paintbrush. Li considers Liang's painting a waste, and fails to see that his pictures come to life. Liang paints himself out of difficult predicaments and is used by a greedy emperor. But when danger threatens all he loves and he has no brush to rely on, Liang find that the true magic is his own creativity. For grades 4-7. 1993. The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales RC 41130 by Manitonquat (Medicine Story) read by Bob Askey 1 cassette Members of the Wampanoag Native American tribe in Massachusetts are also known as Children of the Morning Light. The author, a tribal elder, tells his tribe's creation stories, which feature Maushop, grandson of the moon. Maushop made the land, plants, animals, and people. His jealous twin brother made poisonous plants and animals. Maushop became the helper and teacher of the people. For grades 3-6. 1994. Dear Peter Rabbit RC 40493 by Alma Flor Ada read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Remember the three pigs who built houses of straw, sticks, and bricks? Goldilocks, who broke Baby Bear's chair? Peter Rabbit, who barely escaped from Mr. McGregor's garden? Now Pig One wants Peter Rabbit to come to a housewarming at his new straw house, and the Bears have invited Goldilocks for cake. Peter Rabbit has a cold from hiding in Mr. McGregor's watering can, but finally they all gather for a party at Goldilocks's house. For grades K-3. 1994. Diane Goode's Book of Silly Stories and Songs RC 38126 edited by Diane Goode read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette An eclectic collection of silly folktales from the world over, with five nonsensical songs interspersed for a dash of vim and verve. The author's intention is to "make you laugh all the way through," and her selections include "The Husband Who Was to Mind the House," "Talk," "On Top of Spaghetti," and "The Magic Pot." For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1992. Disney's Pocahontas RC 40714 by Disney Productions read by Pam Ward 1 cassette An account of the meeting between Captain John Smith, who has come to America with other Englishmen in search of gold and riches, and Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, who is trying to follow the path marked out in her dreams. For grades 3-6. 1995. Dwarf Nose RC 41408 by Wilhelm Hauff read by Susan Nardone 1 cassette Jacob, the thirteen-year-old son of a cobbler, helps his mother sell fruits and vegetables at the market. One day an old, odd woman comes up to their stand and insults their produce. Angry, Jacob scolds her and makes fun of the way she looks. The old woman tells Jacob that now he, too, will look strange. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Empress and the Silkworm RC 42943 by Lily Toy Hong read by Mary Kane 1 cassette Empress Si Ling-Chi discovers shiny silk strands when a cocoon from a mulberry tree falls into her hot tea. For grades K-3. 1995. The Enchanted Storks: A Tale of Bagdad RC 42152 retold by Aaron Shepard read by James DeLotel 1 cassette In old Bagdad, the beloved caliph, the ruler of all Islam, and his vizier are tricked by an evil magician and turned into a pair of storks. They fly off to live their fate and find a woodpecker who is really an enchanted princess. She helps them to discover that the caliph's greedy brother had plotted with the magician to become ruler. Now the caliph must find a way to return to the throne in Bagdad. For grades K-3. 1995. The Four Gallant Sisters RC 39827 by Eric A. Kimmel read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette Upon the death of their ailing mother, four sisters disguise themselves as men in order to learn trades and become independent. The first sister becomes a tailor, the second a hunter, the third a finger artist, and the fourth a stargazer. Employed by the new king, they gallantly rescue his bride-to-be and her four brothers--gaining respect and surprising rewards in the process. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1992. Further Tales of Uncle Remus: The Misadventures of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, the Doodang, and Other Creatures RC 39198 retold by Julius Lester read by John Polk 1 cassette This third volume of Brer Rabbit tales, retold in contemporary black dialect, focuses on the adventures of Brer Rabbit's friends Brer Fox, Brer Bear, Brer Turtle, and others. Includes "Taily-po," "Brer Fox Gets Away for Once," and "The Pimmerly Plum." Sequel to More Tales of Uncle Remus (RC 29743). For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1990. The Girl in the Golden Bower RC 40771 by Jane Yolen read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette A widowed king leaves on a hunting trip and never returns. His castle falls to ruin, and it is said that a wild beast now lives there. Meanwhile a frail young woman, who doesn't know who she is, comes upon a woodsman. After they marry and have a child, a sorceress comes into their lives, searching for a charm she is sure they have. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales RC 43189 retold by Virginia Hamilton read by Melissa Maxwell 1 cassette A collection of folktales, fairy tales, and true stories of legendary women, all taken from traditional African American folklore. These stories are variously humorous, touching, scary, magical, and inspiring. For grades 5-8 and older readers. Laura Ingalls Wilder Award and Coretta Scott King Award. 1995. How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin RC 42463 by Rudyard Kipling read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette (Reissue) In this tale from Kipling's Just So Stories (RC 25503), a wily Parsee outwits the rude and all-too-greedy rhinoceros who steals the Parsee's fresh-baked cake. For grades K-3. 1988. How Turtle's Back Was Cracked: A Traditional Cherokee Tale RC 41522 retold by Gayle Ross read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Back in the days when all animals and people spoke the same language, Turtle and Possum were best friends because neither of them liked to go anywhere in a big hurry and both loved persimmons. One day while sharing their favorite fruit, something happens that changes Turtle forever. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Iroquois Stories: Heroes and Heroines, Monsters and Magic RC 41284 retold by Joseph Bruchac read by Faith Potts 1 cassette Collection of thirty-two traditional Iroquois tales often told around the longhouse fire in wintertime. Includes stories about the Creation, how the bear lost his tail, how the buzzard got his feathers, the turtle's race with a beaver and then a bear, the vampire skeleton, and the hunting of the great bear. Some violence. For grades 3-6. 1985. The Jade Stone: A Chinese Folktale RC 39543 by Caryn Yacowitz read by John Horton 1 cassette Long ago in China lived a stone carver named Chan Lo. People came from everywhere to buy the birds and animals that he carved. When asked how he knew what to carve, he replied that he always listened to the stone. When the Great Emperor of All China received a flawless piece of green-and-white jade, he commanded that Chan Lo carve a dragon of wind and fire. But that is not what the stone wanted to be. For preschool-grade 2 and older readers. 1992. The Knee-High Man and Other Tales RC 41039 retold by Julius Lester read by Gordon Gould 1 cassette (Reissue) A collection of six animal tales from black folklore. In the title story, a man learns about wanting something he doesn't need. Other stories include the adventures of the farmer and Mr. Snake, Mrs. Wind and Mrs. Water, the dog and Mr. Cat, and Mr. Rabbit and Mr. Bear. For grades 3-6. 1972. The Last Giants RC 39847 by Fran‡ois Place read by Patricia Martin 1 cassette Nineteenth-century explorer Archibald Ruthmore writes in his journal of purchasing what appears to be a giant tooth. There is a map sketched on it. After braving treacherous rivers, dangerous jungles, and the loss of all his crew, Ruthmore alone discovers nine giants, the last survivors of a gentle race. Ruthmore stays for a year, then returns to England. There his quest for acclaim proves fatal to his newfound friends. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1992. The Last Tales of Uncle Remus RC 39229 retold by Julius Lester read by John Polk 1 cassette In this fourth volume of Brer Rabbit tales, Lester again employs contemporary black dialect and modern allusions. Includes an essay on Uncle Remus--the controversial literary creation of Joel Chandler Harris--and thirty-nine stories of the adventures and misadventures of Brer Rabbit, his friends, and his enemies. Sequel to Further Tales of Uncle Remus (RC 39198). For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1994. The Long-Haired Girl: A Chinese Legend RC 42883 retold by Doreen Rappaport read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette Ah-mei and the other villagers are tired of trudging two miles every day to bring water for their newly planted crops because the Dragon King has refused to open the sky. Then one day Ah-mei discovers a source of water in the mountains, and she is filled with joy--until the God of Thunder promises to kill Ah-mei if she tells the villagers. For grades K-3. 1995. The Magic Circle RC 39230 by Donna Jo Napoli read by Celeste Lawson 1 cassette A midwife-cum-sorceress known simply as the Ugly One narrates this riveting tale of how, tricked by the devil's minions, she loses her gifts of healing and is forced to become a witch. Escaping from the stake, she ekes out a solitary existence in an enchanted forest, where she has decorated her house with sweets in memory of her beloved daughter. Then she takes in two wandering children named Hansel and Gretel. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. Magical Tales from Many Lands RC 39707 edited by Margaret Mayo read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette A collection of fourteen folktales from around the world, each representing a different culture. Includes "The Kingdom under the Sea," a favorite story in Japan; "The Lemon Princess," a popular story in many countries including Spain, Turkey, and Iran; "Kate Crackernuts," a Scottish tale; and "The Halloween Witches," an African American folktale. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1993. The Man Who Tricked a Ghost RC 41176 by Laurence Yep read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Nothing scares a man named Sung. Then one night on a dark and lonely road, Sung is surprised by a ghost. Apparently the ghost has heard about Sung's bravery and has decided to teach him a lesson. But Sung is very clever, and soon he learns a few tricks that surprise even a ghost. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Mexican Ghost Tales of the Southwest RC 42686 by Alfred Avila read by Gabriella Cavallero 1 cassette Twenty-one Mexican ghost tales translated from Spanish. In "La Llorona," a widowed mother who drowns her three children is forced by God to roam the world's rivers searching for their bones. In "The Bad Boy," a young man kills his ailing mother but sinks into the riverbank where he tries to wash his blood-stained clothes. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1994. Moon Rope (Un Lazo a la Luna): A Peruvian Folktale RC 40759 by Lois Ehlert read by Maria Pino and Mary Kane 1 cassette A Peruvian folktale in Spanish and in English. Fox asks Mole to climb to the moon with him on a grass rope. But half way up, Mole lets go and falls back to earth. To hide his embarrassment from all the other animals, Mole hides in a deep tunnel and now comes out only at night. For preschool-grade 2. 1992. More Rootabagas: Stories RC 41593 by Carl Sandburg read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette As noted in the foreword, Sandburg, searching for bedtime stories for his three daughters, lamented the lack of fairy tales native to the United States. So, the famous poet wrote his own, which he described as "tales with American fooling in them." Indeed, there is "fooling" and whimsy aplenty in this collection of ten previously unpublished stories. Companion to Rootabaga Stories (RC 25522). For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1993. Mountain Jack Tales RC 40081 edited by Gail E. Haley read by Terry Hayes Sales 1 cassette A collection of tales about the North Carolina Appalachian folk hero, Jack. Included are "Jack and the Northwest Wind," "Jack and Uncle Thimblewit," and "Jack and Old Raggedy Bones." For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1992. The New King RC 42058 by Doreen Rappaport read by Ed Blake 1 cassette When Prince Rakoto's father dies, the young boy is very sad. He orders the powerful men of the village to bring the king back to life, but they cannot. Then the Wise Woman helps Rakoto see that, like the young shoots of the banana tree, he can carry on his father's work, keeping the memory of his father alive. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Next Year in Jerusalem: 3000 Years of Jewish Stories RC 42925 retold by Howard Schwartz read by Robert Blumenfeld 1 cassette Collection of eleven tales that blend the actual and legendary histories of Jerusalem. Along with the stories, collected from such places as Iraq, Israel, Greece, Italy, and eastern Europe, Schwartz provides factual information. For grades 3-6. 1996. The Ox of the Wonderful Horns and Other African Folktales RC 40304 retold by Ashley Bryan read by John Horton 1 cassette (Reissue) Five folktales from Africa. The title story is a tale of a neglected boy who makes his fortune with the help of a magic ox. In "Ananse the Spider in Search of a Fool," Ananse learns that when one seeks to make a fool of another, he is bound to make a bigger fool of himself. For grades 3-6. 1971. Robin Hood and His Merry Men RC 42339 retold by Jane Louise Curry read by John Polk 1 cassette Seven tales about Robin Hood, who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The first story explains how Robin Hood was forced to become an outlaw. Others tell about his first meeting with Little John and about the night Robin Hood and his men entertained the sheriff of Nottingham. For grades 2-4. 1994. The Sleeping Lady RC 42902 retold by Ann Dixon read by Mary Kane 1 cassette If you look across Cook Inlet in Anchorage, Alaska, you can see Mount Susitna, also known as the Sleeping Lady. Dixon tells the story of the mountain's nickname and also why a place that used to be covered with trees and flowers is now covered with snow most of the year. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Song of Mu Lan RC 42739 by Jeanne M. Lee read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Translation of an ancient Chinese folk song. When the emperor is raising an army, Mu Lan's father has no elder son to send. Mu Lan disguises herself as a young man and goes to war for ten years. For grades K-3. 1995. Spooky Stories for a Dark and Stormy Night RC 40444 compiled by Alice Low read by Nick Sullivan 1 cassette Nineteen short and scary stories about deserted old houses, howling ghosts, and powerful witches. These tales come from places such as Africa, Russia, and Norway. They include "Bedtime Snacks," about a monster's attempts to eat a little boy; "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," about a headless horseman; and "The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches," about a little witch who finds her magic powers. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Spotted Pony: A Collection of Hanukkah Stories RC 39534 retold by Eric A. Kimmel read by Robert Blumenfeld 1 cassette A collection of eight Jewish folktales, each preceded by a brief "shammes" story, to be read on the eight nights of Hanukkah. Includes "Leviathan and the Fox," "Did the Rabbi Have a Head?" and "The Caliph and the Cobbler." For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1992. Still More Stories to Solve: Fourteen Folktales from around the World RC 40523 by George Shannon read by Nick Sullivan 1 cassette As in Stories to Solve (RC 25059), each of these brief folktales engages the reader in solving a mystery or a riddle, then presents the explanation before the tale ends. For grades 3-6. 1994. A Story, a Story RC 41943 by Gail Haley read by John Horton 1 cassette (Reissue) Once upon a time, the world had no stories. This is the tale of how Ananse the spider obtained the Sky God's chest of stories--and how he outwitted and captured three fantasy creatures in order to do so. For grades K-3 and older readers. Caldecott Medal. 1970. The Story of the Three Kingdoms RC 42064 by Walter Dean Myers read by Ed Blake 1 cassette Long ago, there were three kingdoms on the earth. Elephant ruled the forest, Shark ruled the sea, and Hawk ruled the air. Each thought his kingdom was the greatest. But then one day there came to earth some new creatures, and they called themselves the People. The People sit by their fire telling stories, and soon Elephant, Shark, and Hawk are no longer the greatest. For grades K-3. 1995. Sukey and the Mermaid RC 43029 by Robert D. San Souci read by Connie Winston 1 cassette Sukey's new do-nothing step-pa is always yelling at her to do her chores. One day she sneaks off to the beach where she meets a mermaid named Mama Jo. When Sukey's step-pa threatens the friendship, Mama Jo offers Sukey a different kind of life. For grades K-3. Coretta Scott King Award. 1992. Three Perfect Peaches: A French Folktale RC 41629 retold by Cynthia DeFelice and Mary DeMarsh read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Long ago there lived a red-haired princess who had freckles on her face. One day she awoke not feeling well and discovered the color of her hair and the freckles on her face were fading. Very quietly she wished for three perfect May peaches to make her well. The king then promised her hand in marriage to the person who could bring her three perfect peaches. For grades K-3. 1995. Tiger Soup: An Anansi Story from Jamaica RC 39838 retold by Frances Temple read by Diane Page 1 cassette Tales of how hungry Anansi the spider tricks Tiger out of the sweet soup he has just made, and how the little monkeys end up living in trees. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The Toll-Bridge Troll RC 42497 by Patricia Rae Wolff read by Steven Carpenter 1 cassette Luckily for Trigg, the troll who lives under the bridge is not very smart. As Trigg crosses the bridge on his way to school, the troll demands to be paid, and Trigg outsmarts him with riddles. After three days, though, Trigg is afraid his luck will not last. For grades K-3. 1995. Tower to Heaven RC 40119 edited by Ruby Dee read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette An African village is watched over by the great god of the sky, Onyankopon. An old woman named Yaa talks to the god for the rest of the village. Every day she talks to him all day long while she works. Onyankopon grows angry because Yaa hits him with her pestle when she grinds grain. Now the god is threatening to leave the village and go way up in the sky to get away from Yaa. For grades K-3. 1991. Town Mouse, Country Mouse RC 41147 by Jan Brett read by Bob Askey 1 cassette Tired of running from the house cat, the town mouse decides to take his wife on a picnic in the country. There they meet a country mouse and her husband, who offer to trade houses with the town mice. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Tristan and Iseult RC 41339 by Rosemary Sutcliff read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette (Reissue) A retelling of the ancient Celtic tale about the tragic love affair of a warrior and the red-haired princess of Ireland. Violence. For grades 6-9. 1971. Tucker Pfeffercorn: An Old Story Retold RC 40778 retold by Barry Moser read by L.J. Ganser 1 cassette One Sunday morning, several old miners are sitting in front of a country store telling each other tales to see who can come up with the best one. When Jefferson Tadlock tells a tale he swears is true, Hezakiah Sweatt, the meanest man on the mountain, insists on proof. And so Bessie Grace Kinzalow, a nineteen-year-old widow-woman, has to try to spin cotton into gold thread to save her child. For grades K-3. 1994. The Turnip RC 40495 by Walter de la Mare read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette There is a mean rich man who wants to become so powerful that the king will invite him to dinner. The mean man has a half brother who is a kind-hearted farmer. After the farmer gives food to a mysterious beggar, he finds a wonderful, enormous turnip growing in his field and takes it to the king, who is delighted. Now the jealous mean man must find something better than the turnip to impress the king. Retelling of a tale from the Brothers Grimm. For grades K-3. 1927. Two Ways to Count to Ten: A Liberian Folktale RC 41392 retold by Ruby Dee read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Long ago the leopard was the king of the jungle. When it came time for him to pick the animal who would become king after him and marry his daughter, the leopard held a contest. The animal who could throw a spear into the air and count to ten before it fell would be the next king. For grades K-3. 1988. When Solomon Was King RC 42092 by Sheila MacGill-Callahan read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette As a young boy, Prince Solomon saves the life of a wounded lioness, who had two cubs, by nursing her back to health. When he becomes king, Solomon receives a ring that gives him the power to speak with animals. At first he is a kind king, but he soon forgets his power is a gift and begins hunting for pure pleasure. Then one day he is attacked and nearly killed by a lion and is saved by the lioness he helped years before. For grades K-3. 1995. Braille Ariadne, Awake! BR 10071 by Doris Orgel 1 volume The wife of cruel King Minos of Crete gives birth to the Minotaur, a monster with a human body and a bull's head. Minos's daughter, Ariadne, pities the poor creature until she learns that Minos feeds it human flesh. She falls in love with an intended victim of the Minotaur, Prince Theseus, helps him escape, and runs away with him, only to be abandoned. But Ariadne is strong and she finds even greater love with the god Dionysus. For grades 6-9. 1994. Black Ships before Troy: The Story of The Iliad BR 10228 by Rosemary Sutcliff 1 volume A retelling of the Greek myth. Traces the story of the Trojan War, beginning with the quarrel of three goddesses over a golden apple. When Trojan prince Paris persuades the beautiful Helen of Troy to leave her baby and husband to become his wife, her husband pursues her, others take sides, and the war begins. Fighting continues until Troy is destroyed and Paris earns a tragic reward. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993. Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat BR 10340 by Jennifer Armstrong 1 volume The haughty wife of a rich official refuses help from her neighbors after her husband dies. But as she grows poorer and poorer, she finds she will soon be out of food. Then she meets a ginger cat who can help her gain her wealth back. When he disappears, the woman learns a useful lesson. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Dragon's Pearl BR 9945 retold by Julie Lawson 1 volume Xiao Sheng and his mother live in China where every morning Xiao Sheng sets off to cut green grass to sell in the village so that he and his mother can have food and fuel. He is a happy boy and is always singing. Then one day the rain stops coming, and the grass begins to die. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4. 1993. Dwarf Nose BR 10154 by Wilhelm Hauff 1 volume Jacob, the thirteen-year-old son of a cobbler, helps his mother sell fruits and vegetables at the market. One day an old, odd woman comes up to their stand and insults their produce. Angry, Jacob scolds her and makes fun of the way she looks. The old woman tells Jacob that now he, too, will look strange. For grades 3-6. 1993. Firebird BR 10009 by Rachel Isadora 1 volume Growing up, Prince Ivan heard of a magical tree in the forest by his castle. Although no one who tries to find the tree ever comes back, the prince decides to look for it himself. Just as he discovers the tree, a dazzling creature appears, "half woman, half bird, with feathers bright as flames. A Firebird!" PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story BR 9943 retold by Joseph Bruchac 1 volume When the world was new, the Creator made a man and a woman. They were very happy together, until one day the man came home and found his wife picking flowers instead of fixing his dinner. Thus begins the retelling of a tale about why strawberries were created. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Flying with the Eagle, Racing the Great Bear: Stories from Native North America BR 10345 retold by Joseph Bruchac 1 volume In this companion volume to Girl Who Married the Moon (BR 10192), Bruchac focuses on the transition from boyhood to manhood. The collection of sixteen stories recounts the customs of tribes such as the Iroquois, Wampanoag, Cherokee, Apache, Pueblo, Lakota, and Cheyenne. For grades 5-8. 1993. The Forestwife BR 10451 by Theresa Tomlinson 2 volumes A retelling of the legend of Maid Marian and Robin Hood. Mary de Holt, fifteen, simply can't marry the elderly widower with rotten black stumps of teeth and breath that smells of sour ale her uncle has chosen for her. So she escapes into the forest and is soon joined by her maid, Agnes. They take refuge among others on the run: a group of defrocked nuns and the Forestwife--a role Mary will eventually adopt. For grades 5-8. 1993. The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses BR 10014 by Paul Goble 1 volume The tale of a young Native American girl who loved horses in a very special way. The people in her village noticed that she understood the wild horses and how the horses would follow her when she spoke softly to them. Although fond of her parents and her tribe, the girl would at last become one of the Horse People. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4 and older readers. Caldecott Medal. 1978. The Girl Who Married the Moon: Tales from Native North America BR 10192 retold by Joseph Bruchac and Gayle Ross 1 volume This companion to Flying with the Eagle, Racing the Great Bear (BR 10345) focuses on the time a young girl becomes a woman. In Native American cultures, this day is celebrated with song, dance, ritual, and story. Two storytellers have collected tales about women of four Indian nations from four different regions of North America. For grades 5-8. 1994. I've Been Working on the Railroad BR 10037auth * 1 volume A classic American folk song presented by Nadine Westcott. A young boy and his dog get a chance to ride up front with the conductor when they take a train ride from a big city out through the countryside to Dinah's Cafe. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1996. John Henry BR 9934 by Julius Lester 1 volume John Henry was a beautiful, strong African American boy. As a man, John Henry met mean Ferret-Faced Freddy and beat him in a race. Then he tackled a huge boulder that was blocking a road, and a rainbow smiled on his work. Next he tried to beat a drill that was cutting into a mountain to let the train pass through. This was his last contest, but you might still hear him singing, "I got a rainbow." PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. The Legend of the Poinsettia BR 9935 retold by Tomie De Paola 1 volume Lucida is helping her mother make a new blanket for the baby Jesus for the Christmas procession. Her mother becomes ill, and Lucida tries to finish the blanket but gets the threads all tangled. With no gift for baby Jesus, Lucida does not want to go to church. But an old woman tells Lucida any gift she gives will be loved. A surprise awaits everyone when Lucida brings a bunch of weeds to church. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994. Tales from the Brothers Grimm and the Sisters Weird BR 10739 by Vivian Vande Velde 1 volume Humorous reworkings of thirteen folktales by the Brothers Grimm. In "The Granddaughter," Granny and the wolf find Little Red Riding Hood so disagreeable they both plot against her. After the oldest Billy Goat Gruff disposes of the troll in "The Bridge," he knocks both brothers into the water out of spite. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Three Princes: A Tale from the Middle East BR 9926 retold by Eric A. Kimmel 1 volume A princess, wise and beautiful, has three favorite suitors--Prince Fahad, Prince Muhammed, and Prince Mohsen. While the former two are rich and renowned, Prince Mohsen is neither, but his flashing eyes and handsome face have charmed the princess. In order to choose whom she will marry, she sends the three on a quest to bring her the rarest item that can be found. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994. Turandot BR 10018 by Marianna Mayer 1 volume Turandot is a princess in Peking, China, who does not want to marry. When her emperor father insists, Turandot comes up with harsh rules a suitor must follow to win her. After ringing the bronze gong in the square, he must correctly answer three riddles of her making or die. Even after many men are beheaded, a young stranger to the city is compelled to try for the princess upon seeing her. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 3-6. 1995. While Standing on One Foot: Puzzle Stories and Wisdom Tales from the Jewish Tradition BR 10175 by Nina Jaffe and Steve Zeitlin 1 volume Collection of folktales from many eras of Jewish history. The wise Jewish people in these stories have to think up clever ways of resolving difficult predicaments without using violence. In each story, the reader is also asked to try to solve the problem. For grades 4-7. 1993. Friends Cassettes Amber Brown Goes Fourth RC 42372 by Paula Danziger read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Amber Brown has her notebook, pens and pencils, new shoes, and new clothes for the new school year. But she is not looking forward to the fourth grade. Her best friend, Justin, has moved away; her dad lives in France; and her mother has a new friend, Max. Amber does her best to "go fourth," though, and eventually makes a new friend and even decides she might like Max. For grades 3-6. 1995. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon RC 40386 by Paula Danziger read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette The life of Amber Brown, the third-grade narrator, is changing, and she is not at all happy about it. Her best friend, Justin, is moving to another state. Since preschool they have been a great team--he helps her with fractions; she eats the cream center out of Oreos and passes the cookie part to him. Though she tries to keep a stiff upper lip, Amber gets angry when Justin throws out the chewing-gum ball they have accumulated. For grades 2-4. 1994. The Ancestor Tree RC 41175 by T. Obinkaram Echewa read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Every morning the children of the village run to see Nna-nna Anya M'ele, whose name means Grandfather the Onlooker, and beg him to tell one of his wonderful stories. Nna-nna is old and he cannot see, but the children love to spend the day listening to his tales. Then the children learn that Nna-nna is dying and that he is sad because he has no children to plant an ancestor tree in his memory. For grades 2-4. 1994. Arthur's Eyes RC 41678 by Marc Brown read by John Horton 1 cassette Arthur can't see the board at school and has trouble reading. He gets his eyes checked and learns he should wear glasses. Arthur likes the glasses he picks until he discovers what his friends think of them. For grades K-3. 1979. Becky's Brainstorm: The Twelve Candles Club, Book 1 RC 40271 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Distressed by the news that she, her little sister, and her widowed mother can't afford to live in California anymore, Becky has a brainstorm at her twelfth birthday party. She and her three friends will form the Twelve Candles Club and do odd jobs all summer to earn enough money for Becky's family to stay. They hope homemade greeting cards and housecleaning mixed with a lot of prayers will solve Becky's problem. For grades 3-6. 1992. Boys against Girls RC 39680 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor read by John Polk 1 cassette In this sequel to The Girls Get Even (RC 39670), the Hatford brothers think of a new way to bother their annoying neighbors, the Malloy sisters. The girls have not yet heard about the large catlike animal thought to lurk around Buckman. Since nobody has clearly seen it, townspeople just refer to it as the abaguchie. The Hatfords come up with some scary ways of introducing the girls to the town legend. For grades 3-6. 1994. Boys at Work RC 42448 by Gary Soto read by Rick Rohan 1 cassette Ten-year-olds Rudy and Alex have been buddies since they were three years old. When one has a problem, the other always helps out. Their latest problem arises when Rudy accidentally breaks the disc player of the neighborhood bully, who happens to be out of town for a few days. Meanwhile Rudy and Alex struggle to figure out how to make enough money to buy a new one. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Boys Start the War RC 39425 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor read by John Polk 1 cassette The four Hatford brothers, ages seven through eleven, lose their best friends when the Bensons, who live in the house across the river, move away. When the Malloy family, replete with three girls, moves into the house, the Hatfords declare war with a comic vengeance! But they fail to take into account the ingenuity and tenacity of the girls--who trade insults prank for prank. For grades 3-6. 1993. Bridesmaid Blues for Becky: The Twelve Candles Club, Book 6 RC 41744 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette The members of the Twelve Candles Club notice that Becky Hamilton is not her usual self. Becky's mother is planning to marry Mr. Bradshaw, and Becky hopes to stop the wedding. Becky's father died two years ago, and she can't see how her mother could ever love anyone else. But Becky's friends and her faith in God eventually help her understand. For grades 3-6. 1994. Brother Moose RC 41036 by Betty Levin read by Nona Pipes 2 cassettes In the late 1800s, Canadian orphans Nell and Louisa are on the way to their new adoptive families. Because Louisa is slightly mentally disabled, Nell has looked out for her and is worried about their being apart. Harsh circumstances bring them back together after a short separation, and, along with Joe, an Indian, and his grandson, Peter, they travel through a harsh winter to find Nell's new family in northern Maine. For grades 5-8. 1990. Cara and the Terrible Teeners: The Twelve Candles Club, Book 8 RC 41984 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Cara Hernandez wins one hundred dollars for an article she writes about the Twelve Candles Club. The industrious club is pleased with the publicity, but Cara's half sister, Paige, forms a club called the Teeners with her cheerleader friends and begins stealing jobs from the Twelve Candles. Cara suspects that Paige is behind other bad things that are happening to the club. Can she find it in her heart to forgive Paige? For grades 3-6. 1995. Cara's Beach Party Disaster: The Twelve Candles Club, Book 3 RC 41477 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Cara Hernandez can't understand why her seventeen-year-old half sister, Paige, is so mean to her. Paige has even caused the members of the Twelve Candles Club to be upset with Cara. But the Christian club members are quick to forgive Cara, and she takes a lesson from this. Maybe she should try to please God and learn to forgive. Meanwhile the club continues to raise money working at parties, babysitting, and washing cars. For grades 3-6. 1993. Corduroy RC 41225 by Don Freeman read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette (Reissue) A toy bear in a department store wants a number of things, but when a little girl finally buys him, he finds what he has wanted most of all. For grades K-3. 1968. The Crystal Garden RC 42975 by Vicki Grove read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Eliza's father has been dead for three years and her mother wants to get a new start in life. So they move to Gouge Eye, Missouri, with Mama's boyfriend Burl, whose group performs in nearby Branson. Eliza hopes she will be able to find some friends, but the only girl her age is Dierdre. Although the girls have some similarities, Dierdre seems more interested in a science project than a friend. For grades 5-8. 1995. Dawn and Whitney, Friends Forever RC 42139 by Ann M. Martin read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Dawn has moved to California to live with her father for a while. She and some friends have founded the We Love Kids Club, which Dawn modeled on the Baby-Sitters Club she belonged to in Connecticut. One of Dawn's first jobs is to stay with Whitney in the afternoon while her parents are at work. But Whitney, who has Down's syndrome, is supposed to think Dawn is just a friend. Dawn can't let Whitney know she is really a baby-sitter. For grades 4-7. 1994. Deliver Us from Evie RC 41156 by M.E. Kerr read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette Evie Burrman, eighteen, is clever, sensitive, independent, and very competent at farming. She is handsome while her mother is pretty. Evie's mother is always trying to make her dress more like a lady, but Evie prefers jeans and sweatshirts. Her brother Parr narrates this tale of Evie and her fondness for Patsy Duffy, the town banker's daughter, and the effect it has on several families. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Dinah in Love RC 39481 by Claudia Mills read by Lynn Schrichte 1 cassette As chair of the sixth-grade Sadie Hawkins-style sock hop, Dinah Seabrooke is excited about mismatching neon pink and orange socks for her outfit but not about asking a boy to go with her. Her best friend urges her to ask Nick Tribble, but Dinah thinks he's a creep. After all, he threw a pink exercise bra on her head while she was a living mannequin in the window of her father's store. Companion to Dinah for President (RC 38022). For grades 3-6. 1993. Double Trouble for Jess McColl! The Twelve Candles Club, Book 7 RC 41490 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Jess McColl and her four friends belong to the Twelve Candles Club and do odd jobs to raise money. This summer Jess and Melanie are going to Israel as babysitters on a tour. Jess's father, who recently became a Christian, and Jess's mother are going too. Mrs. McColl wants Jess to concentrate less on gymnastics and more on becoming glamorous, but Jess turns her attention to learning about Christ. For grades 3-6. 1995. Ellen Anders on Her Own RC 41233 by Karen Hirsch read by Jill Fox 1 cassette Eleven-year-old Ellen feels very much alone after her mother dies in an accident and her best friend prefers the company of the popular girls in sixth grade. Then Ellen discovers a diary begun by her mother when she was about the same age Ellen is now. Ellen is surprised by what she reads and finally talks it over with her father. For grades 3-6. 1994. Emily and Alice RC 41390 by Joyce Champion read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Emily looks out the window and sees a new family moving in. Best of all, they have a little girl with long black hair and pink sandals! But as Emily runs over to meet her, she begins to worry. What if the new girl doesn't want a friend with red hair and striped knee socks? Prequel to Emily and Alice Again (RC 41391). For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Emily and Alice Again RC 41391 by Joyce Champion read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette In this sequel to Emily and Alice (RC 41390), the two girls are the best of friends. But when Alice's grandmother sends her some neat-looking pink sunglasses, Emily knows she has to get them somehow. In other chapters, the girls get goofy hats and have a sleepover. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Enter Three Witches RC 38998 by Kate Gilmore read by June Carter 2 cassettes Uncomfortable about his home life (his mother and grandmother are witches, and a voodoo priestess occupies their garden apartment), Bren has been a loner, finding solace in Central Park and with his dog Shadow. Now his one friend, Eli, has convinced him to help with the lighting for the school production of Macbeth. When Bren meets Erika, First Witch and the girl of his dreams, his life changes forever. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1990. Ever After RC 40013 by Rachel Vail read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Molly, almost fourteen, and Vicky, year-round residents of Leeward Island, have been best friends all their lives. Then Grace, a sophisticated New Yorker vacationing for the summer, threatens their apparently cozy relationship. Gradually it appears that their friendship is already fatally flawed. Vicky, intensely jealous, angry, and manipulative, unforgivably betrays Molly's trust. Some strong language. For grades 5-8. 1994. Flip-Flop Girl RC 40003 by Katherine Paterson read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Sorrow and loneliness sweep over Vinnie, nine, and Mason, five, after their father dies and they move from Washington to their grandmother's home in Virginia. Mason has not spoken since his father's funeral, and their mother, overwhelmed with worry, pays little attention to Vinnie. She is drawn to a girl at school who wears orange flip-flops. Lupe, strong and supportive, has also suffered tragedy. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1994. The Foxman RC 38442 by Gary Paulsen read by Michael Kramer 1 cassette A boy is sent by a judge to live with the boy's uncle on a farm in northern Minnesota. While fox hunting, the boy and his cousin, Carl, take shelter in the shack of a man with a horribly mutilated face--so hideous that he keeps it covered with a mask. Happy to leave the next morning, the boy remains curious about the man, who is kind and generous, and returns to learn more about him. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1977. Gina RC 42817 by Bernard Waber read by Pam Ward 1 cassette When Gina moves to a new apartment in Queens, New York, she looks forward to making new friends. But there is a big problem: there are no girls Gina's age, and the boys don't want to play with a girl. That is, until Gina shows them she can throw a ball. For grades K-3. 1995. The Girls Get Even RC 39670 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor read by John Polk 1 cassette In this sequel to The Boys Start the War (RC 39425), the Hatford brothers continue their feud with their new neighbors, the Malloy sisters, who have moved to West Virginia from Ohio. The families become fierce competitors in the school's Halloween costume contest and privately agree that the losers will be slaves to the winners for an entire month. For grades 3-6. 1993. Harper and Moon RC 38084 by Ramon Royal Ross read by Jeanne Evans 1 cassette Harper and Moon share the fond company of a grandfatherly storekeeper, Olinger. Harper, younger than Moon by five years, is the product of a loving farm family. Moon, the son of a traveling sign-painter father and an abusive, alcoholic mother, was orphaned in early adolescence. Both boys treasure the time spent with Olinger, until he dies mysteriously and Moon enlists to fight in World War II. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993. How I Changed My Life RC 43121 by Todd Strasser read by Gregory Gorton 1 cassette In alternating chapters, high school students Bo and Kyle discuss a period of change in their lives. At loose ends after a knee injury, former football captain Kyle tries out for the school play. This displeases his girlfriend, Chloe, but delights Bo, the stage manager, who develops a crush on Kyle. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Hundred Dresses RC 42016 by Eleanor Estes read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Although Wanda Petronski comes to school each day in a faded blue dress, she tells the other girls that she has a hundred dresses lined up in her closet. Popular Peggy thinks this is hilarious and teases Wanda about it. Peggy's best friend, Maddie, is uneasy about the teasing and feels horrible when Wanda stops coming to school. For grades 3-6. Newbery honor book. 1944. Jess and the Fireplug Caper: The Twelve Candles Club, Book 2 RC 41494 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Jess and the other members of the Twelve Candles Club are at Jess's house trying on their new clown costumes when they hear strange noises coming from the backyard. Then they get a phone call but the caller just hangs up, and the car alarm in Jess's mother's car goes off. What is going on? For grades 3-6. 1992. Josepha: A Prairie Boy's Story RC 41047 by Jim McGugan read by Richard Davidson 1 cassette Josepha's friend is sad to see Josepha leave school. Josepha, fourteen, is from the Old Country and can't speak English, so he must sit in the primary row and take the teasing of the older children. But one year is enough, and now Josepha will go to the fields and make a dollar a day. Before Josepha leaves, his friend wants him to know how much he will be missed. But how can he show Josepha? For grades 2-4. 1994. Keeping Christina RC 39896 by Sue Ellen Bridgers read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Annie and Jill have been best friends forever, so when Annie befriends new student Christina, Jill is not happy. Christina begins spending time with Annie's family after play rehearsals while she waits for her ride home. After Annie has run-ins with both her boyfriend and Jill, she spends even more time with Christina. But things her new friend says and does begin to bother Annie. Was Jill right about her? For junior and senior high and older readers. 1993. Lizzie Logan Wears Purple Sunglasses RC 42858 by Eileen Spinelli read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Eight-year-old Heather is greeted in her new neighborhood by a very rude Lizzie Logan. Heather is not sure she wants to be friends with the brash girl, but Lizzie is a character who has an intriguing side. For grades 2-5. 1995. Lombardo's Law RC 40411 by Ellen Wittlinger read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Fifteen-year-old Justine is a loner, especially since moving to Massachusetts. She likes to read and watch old movies. When Heather Lombardo moves in across the street, Justine has more in common with Heather's eighth-grader brother, Mike. Mike thinks no one he likes could like his ditzy sister: "It's Lombardo's Law." Justine is confused about her growing feelings for Mike as the two friends film their own movie. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. Loop the Loop RC 41364 by Barbara Dugan read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Anne is sitting in her front yard talking to her doll Eleanor, when she hears someone say, "That's good advice." Anne looks up to see Mrs. Simpson in her wheelchair. Mrs. Simpson has a yo-yo that she is spinning up and down. Soon Anne and Mrs. Simpson are meeting every day. Then Mrs. Simpson falls and breaks her hip and has to go to the hospital. For grades K-3. 1992. Ludie's Song RC 40576 by Dirlie Herlihy read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette In 1950s Georgia, young Marty is visiting her aunt and uncle. One morning she hears wailing and sees an odd-looking black woman limping up the drive. Her aunt explains that Ludie is the daughter of her washerwoman and was burnt in a fire, but Marty is sure she is a witch. Hoping to find proof, Marty instead comes to realize that Ludie is intelligent and talented. But Marty's family has warned her against making friends with black people. For grades 5-8. 1988. Lunch with Milly RC 41140 by Jeanne Modesitt read by Pam Ward 1 cassette One day a little girl invites her friend Milly for lunch, but she forgets to make dessert. Soon she and Milly are off on a magical trip to collect the ingredients. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. The Magic Moonberry Jump Ropes RC 43020 by Dakari Hru read by Connie Winston 1 cassette Two sisters want to jump rope, but there are no other children around to join them. Then Uncle Zambezi returns from Africa with beautiful jump ropes. He tells the girls the ropes are magical and their wishes will come true. Sure enough, a moving van arrives with two new friends! For preschool-grade 2. 1996. Mayfield Crossing RC 40368 by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson read by Marcia Churchill 1 cassette When their school closes in 1960, fourth-grader Meg and her friends from Mayfield are excited about going to the newer Parkview school. But the Parkview students don't welcome the newcomers and don't want them to join in their baseball games. Especially shunned as the only African American in her class, Meg slowly changes her opinion about someone she always avoided because he was different. For grades 4-7. 1993. Melanie and the Modeling Mess: The Twelve Candles Club, Book 5 RC 41733 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Melanie Lin has just moved to California from New York where she frequently did some modeling. She has been watching the members of the Twelve Candles Club and longs to join them because they seem to have so much fun together. But when Melanie offers to get the girls a modeling job, she may just be asking for trouble. For grades 3-6. 1994. My Name Is Brain Brian RC 43123 by Jeanne Betancourt read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Brian and his friends decide to make the sixth grade interesting by having a joke contest. Secretly, Brian also hopes to do better in school. Instead, he begins by misspelling his own name, and his teacher suggests special help. Suddenly Brian's friends' jokes seem cruel to him. For grades 4-7. 1993. O the Red Rose Tree RC 41615 by Patricia Beatty read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette (Reissue) Amanda and her friends attempt to find seven different shades of special red cloth so that old Mrs. Hankinson can make the quilt of her dreams. The girls' search leads them to Dr. Perkins's red flannel chest protector and to a visiting opera star's red petticoat. For grades 5-8. 1972. One Brave Summer RC 42102 by Ann Turner read by Margaret Strom 1 cassette Katy is just getting used to a new school and house when her mother decides they will spend the summer in a mountain cabin. Certain that she will be bored while her mother writes her novel, Katy has no interest in going. But a red-haired girl named Lena May is waiting for them when they arrive. She is determined that the two girls will have adventures whether careful Katy wants to or not. For grades 2-4. 1995. The Richest Kids in Town RC 42286 by Peg Kehret read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Newcomer Peter Dodge and his new classmate Wishbone Wyoming have lots of great ideas to make money. First, they start the Scruffy-Einstein Pet Sitting Service; unfortunately, they end up needing a locksmith and losing money. Then, the rubber duck race is a sure winner, until the numbers on the ducks wash off; another loss of money. After several clever ideas flop, the boys discover something to make it all worthwhile. For grades 4-7. 1994. Rosy Cole: She Walks in Beauty RC 40796 by Sheila Greenwald read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Out with her friend Christi, a young model, Rosy Cole realizes something: a beautiful person has a better life. Her attempts to become beautiful fail until Christi's brother, Donald, suggests she mimic a famous painting at the museum. Now Rosy is getting special treatment from strangers, but her family and friends seem to be upset with her. Maybe those who walk in beauty are on a dead-end street. For grades 3-6. 1994. Scooter RC 40036 by Vera B. Williams read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette Elana Rose Rosen and her mother have just moved to an apartment in New York City. On her prized scooter with the silver and blue stripes, Elana excitedly explores her surroundings. New friends, old friends, a winning field day, and a silent, young friend (Petey, with whom she enjoys a special relationship) fill her days as she fills sheet after sheet of paper with her experiences, acrostics, and drawings. For grades 3-6. 1993. The Secret Super Powers of Marco RC 40024 by Meredith Sue Willis read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Ever since he was three and fell, jumped, or flew through a window wearing a red cape, Marco has been convinced that he has secret super powers. The new kid in his fourth-grade class in a tough, inner-city neighborhood, Marco uses his super powers to befriend Tyrone, the class bully. Marco and Tyrone share several adventures, and their friendship helps to nurture the confidence and self-esteem of both boys. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1994. See Ya, Simon RC 42571 by David Hill read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette New Zealand friends Simon and Nathan, fourteen, are not the greatest students in high school. Simon is known for his wacky sense of humor and for the fact that he has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. Nathan has trouble believing that zany Simon won't be around forever. For grades 5-8. 1992. Sing to the Stars RC 41236 by Mary Brigid Barrett read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Mr. Washington tries to convince his young neighbor Ephram to play his violin at the park concert by telling him "music speaks best when someone listens." When Ephram's grandmother explains that Mr. Washington used to play the piano before he became blind, Ephram decides to convince him to play too. For grades K-3. 1994. Soccer Circus RC 39438 by Jamie Gilson read by David Palmer 1 cassette Hobie Hanson is well known for his antics--like riding his bike through wet cement. His dad promises to confiscate Hobie's bike if he gets into any more trouble, so Hobie will be walking on eggshells during his soccer team's overnight stay at the Megadome Motel. Nevertheless Hobie becomes embroiled in a murder mystery weekend and participates in a clown wedding. Companion to Hobie Hanson, You're Weird (RC 27440). For grades 3-6. 1993. Somebody's New Pajamas RC 43110 by Isaac Jackson read by Bob Moore 1 cassette Robert, the new kid in school, asks Jerome to spend the night. When they get ready for bed, Robert thinks Jerome forgot his pajamas and lends him a pair. But pajamas are a luxury Jerome's family does without. For grades K-3. 1996. Somewhere around the Corner RC 43204 by Jackie French read by Patricia Kilgarriff 2 cassettes Barbara, a homeless girl, is caught in the middle of a demonstration taking place in Sydney, Australia, in 1994. She is scared to death until a kindly old man suggests that in her mind she "go around the corner" to escape. Barbara tries that and suddenly finds herself back in 1932. For grades 5-8. 1995. Stacey vs. the BSC RC 40558 by Ann M. Martin read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Stacey likes kids and enjoys babysitting, but lately her activities outside the Babysitters Club seem to be growing more important. She has been late to several meetings, and on several occasions she has begged someone else to take her babysitting job at the last minute because she has had an "emergency." Is Stacey getting too old for the club? For grades 4-7. 1995. A Taste of Blackberries RC 40567 by Doris Buchanan Smith read by Jack Fox 1 cassette (Reissue) A young boy describes his feelings at the sudden death of Jamie, his best friend. The boy experiences shock and disbelief, then guilt and anger, until his "main sadness" is over. For grades 4-7. 1973. Tricia's Got T-R-O-U-B-L-E! The Twelve Candles Club, Book 4 RC 40739 by Elaine L. Schulte read by Pam Ward 1 cassette The club started by Tricia and her friends to earn money in Becky's Brainstorm (RC 40271) is very successful, but the rest of Tricia's life isn't going so well. Her father moved out two months ago and is seeing obnoxious Odette. When the club helps Odette's grandparents with a party, Odette accuses the girls of stealing paintings! Tricia prays to understand what her father sees in this woman. For grades 3-6. 1993. True Friends RC 41274 by Bill Wallace read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette Courtney Ann Brown is about to enter the sixth grade at a new school. Her stepmother insists she have fancy new clothes and get her hair done every week. Courtney becomes quite popular--she is one of two sixth-graders to be selected as a cheerleader. But when several tragedies strike her family, Courtney soon learns the meaning of having a true friend. For grades 3-6. 1994. The (\Worst\) Best School Year Ever RC 40069 by Barbara Robinson read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette In this sequel to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (RC 38118), the six Herdman children are still terrorizing their Woodrow Wilson School classmates. Beth, who is in the same grade as Imogene Herdman, is worried about this year's big assignment: coming up with compliments for every person in the class. What in the world can she say about Imogene? For grades 3-6. 1994. Zeely RC 43034 by Virginia Hamilton read by Melissa Maxwell 1 cassette Geeder Perry, eleven, and her brother, Toeboy, have gone to the country to visit Uncle Ross for the summer. The first night there, Geeder sees a vision she later learns is Zeely Tayber, a very tall girl with skin as black as ebony. Geeder becomes convinced Zeely is a queen, and only Zeely can set the record straight. For grades 4-7. 1967. Braille Alan and Naomi BR 10178 by Myron Levoy 1 volume When Naomi moves in upstairs, Alan Silverman's parents ask him to make friends with her. Alan is afraid that the neighborhood boys will make fun of him more than ever and he'll lose his one pal, Shaun. But Naomi does need a friend. Three years ago, she watched Nazis kill her French father, and she has been in a terrified daze ever since. Alan decides to try to help Naomi without letting Shaun know. Strong language. For grades 6-9. 1977. All the Colors of the Earth BR 9933 by Sheila Hamanaka 1 volume Reveals in verse how all the children of the world are similar even though they come in colors of earth and sky and sea. Some come in browns like roaring bears or the russet shades of fallen leaves. Some come with bouncy hair like baby lambs, or flowing hair like water. But they all come with laughter that brightens the land with happy faces. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994. Almost Famous BR 10235 by David Getz 1 volume Ten-year-old Maxine wants to become a famous inventor and to appear on the Phil Donahue Show. She has already invented two things, but now she wants to invent something that will help her five-year-old brother, who has a heart murmur. When she hears about the Inventions of Children Contest, Maxine enlists the help of her classmate Toni, and together they invent an amazing pillow. For grades 3-6. 1992. Arthur's Birthday BR 9949 by Marc Brown 1 volume Arthur's birthday is on Saturday, and one morning at school he hands out invitations to all his friends. Muffy is also handing out invitations for her birthday party. Everyone plans to go to both parties--until they realize both parties are on the same day. Now what will they do? PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1989. Cat Running BR 10174 by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 1 volume Last year Cat Kinsey was the fastest runner in her school, and she hopes to be again this year. But when her father refuses to let her wear slacks to race in, even though girls are wearing them in the 1930s, Cat decides not to race at all. Some of her friends think she is afraid to race against Zane Perkins, who lives in a nearby dust-bowl camp. But one stormy night both Cat and Zane find themselves in a race to save a life. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Crystal Garden BR 10631 by Vicki Grove 2 volumes Eliza's father has been dead for three years and her mother wants to get a new start in life. So they move to Gouge Eye, Missouri, with Mama's boyfriend Burl, whose group performs in nearby Branson. Eliza hopes she will be able to find some friends, but the only girl her age is Dierdre. Although the girls have some similarities, Dierdre seems more interested in a science project than a friend. For grades 5-8. 1995. Curtis Piperfield's Biggest Fan BR 10538 by Lisa Fiedler 1 volume At fourteen C.C. spends her days in St. Bernadette's Catholic School for Girls thinking about her crush on her neighbor Curtis. It doesn't matter that he's skinny and only in the eighth grade. He's planning to be a rock star, and C.C. is already his biggest fan. Meanwhile C.C.'s best friend, Cluck, has been in love with her his whole life even though all of C.C.'s friends are crazy about him. Some strong language. For grades 6-9. 1995. In Your Dreams BR 10703 by Colin Neenan 2 volumes Hale, fifteen, and his older brother, Tom, are at the beach when they first see Sheri. Hale is attracted to her but knows that with his looks he doesn't stand a chance. When Tom starts dating Sheri, Hale's crush continues. Hale is mortified when Clay, a new girl in his class, catches him spying on the couple. Since Clay is a friend of Hale's younger sister, who hates him, his secret is bound to come out. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Jackson Jones and the Puddle of Thorns BR 10064 by Mary Quattlebaum 1 volume On his tenth birthday, Jackson Jones is hoping for a basketball. Instead, his mother buys him a plot in the community garden to give him the same kind of childhood she had in the country. Jackson is upset, but he has a plan. He'll grow flowers to sell for money to buy a basketball. His friend Reuben agrees to help, but soon an angry Reuben is calling the garden a puddle of thorns. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1994. Letters from the Inside BR 10705 by John Marsden 1 volume Bored, Australian teenager Mandy answers an ad for a pen pal from a girl named Tracey. After the two develop a friendship through their letters, Mandy learns an astonishing fact about Tracey. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1991. Make a Wish, Molly BR 10194 by Barbara Cohen 1 volume Molly is still adjusting to life in America when she learns about the custom of celebrating birthdays. But her first invitation to a birthday party comes during Passover, and Molly can't eat any of the beautiful cake. Embarrassed and unhappy, Molly feels left out until her own birthday produces several surprises. Sequel to Molly's Pilgrim (BR 5741). For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1994. Moon Dancer BR 10594 by Margaret I. Rostkowski 1 volume Mira, fifteen, is on a camping trip with her sister Jenny, her cousin Emily, and Emily's friend Max. They are in the Utah canyons searching for historic drawings recorded in a long-ago journal by the subject of Emily's college paper, Katie Weston. By trip's end, Mira is seeing the place through the eyes of Katie and women before her and realizes that Max is attracted to her rather than beautiful Jenny. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Music from a Place Called Half Moon BR 10526 by Jerrie Oughton 1 volume In 1956 a couple of incidents leave Edie Jo, thirteen, scared of the Native Americans that live in her small town of Half Moon, North Carolina. But while spending her summer writing poetry by the creek, Edie begins a tentative attachment to classmate Cherokee Fish. Unfortunately the majority of Half Moon residents are not willing to integrate and tragedy ensues. Some strong language. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1995. O the Red Rose Tree BR 10432 by Patricia Beatty 2 volumes Amanda and her friends attempt to find seven different shades of special red cloth so that old Mrs. Hankinson can make the quilt of her dreams. The girls' search leads them to Dr. Perkins's red flannel chest protector and to a visiting opera star's red petticoat. For grades 5-8. 1972. Out of Nowhere BR 10077 by Ouida Sebestyen 1 volume Thirteen-year-old Harley Nunn is traveling with his mother and a man who promises her work in his Houston club. When the man realizes Harley's mother tricked him into taking Harley, Harley is left at an Arizona rest stop. With him is an abandoned dog and seventyish May, whose husband just left her. The three travel to May's girlhood home, only to find it occupied by other misfits. For grades 5-8. 1994. Starshine and Sunglow BR 10465 by Betty Levin 1 volume Each summer the residents of Flint Farm Road look forward to the sweet corn grown by Mr. and Mrs. Flint. This year, however, the Flints have decided not to grow any corn. They are tired of having to share their crop with the blackbirds, crows, and raccoons. But the children on Flint Farm Road--Kate, Ben, and Foster--come up with a plan to save the corn from the animals. For grades 3-6. 1994. Stupid Cupid BR 10295 by Ilene Cooper 1 volume At twelve Maddy Donalson is bigger than her mother, who keeps urging her to diet. Maddy decides that might be a way to attract new student Mickey Torres. Meanwhile, Maddy and her four friends from camp, who get together every holiday, plan a Valentine's party. And Mickey agrees to come! Now if Maddy's plans to fix up a date for her widowed mother work out, everything will be perfect. For grades 3-6. 1995. There's a Dragon in My Sleeping Bag BR 10080 by James Howe 1 volume Simon and Alex are brothers who do everything together. Then one night Simon tells Alex that Simon's friend Dexter the dragon is sleeping in Alex's sleeping bag and Alex will have to sleep elsewhere. And the next day Simon has no time to play with Alex because he is spending his time with Dexter. But Alex can't see Dexter. Sequel to There's a Monster under My Bed (BR 7129). For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The (/Worst/) Best School Year Ever BR 10111 by Barbara Robinson 1 volume In this sequel to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BR 5636), the six Herdman children are still terrorizing their Woodrow Wilson School classmates. Beth, who is in the same grade as Imogene Herdman, is worried about this year's big assignment: coming up with compliments for every person in the class. What in the world can she say about Imogene? For grades 3-6. 1994. Would My Fortune Cookie Lie? BR 10702 by Stella Pevsner 1 volume Alexis Dawson, thirteen, and her best friend, Suzy Wing, live in the same condo building in Chicago. Alexis's mother wants to move to the suburbs, but her father has other plans. And Suzy thinks she is being followed by a stranger. For grades 5-8. 1996. General Cassettes A Bowl of Mischief RC 41467 by Ellen Kindt McKenzie read by Anne Hancock 1 cassette One day Phufadia, a holy man, is walking in the desert when he finds an abandoned boy. Phufadia takes the boy home with him, names him Ranji, and begins to train him to be wise. But Ranji is an imp, a scamp, and full of mischief and does not pay attention to Phufadia's teachings. Then, when Phufadia dies, Ranji wishes he had listened. For grades 5-8. 1992. Can't Scare Me! RC 41238 by Melissa Milich read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Eugenia Hayman's father rocks out on the porch each evening with their neighbor, Mr. Munroe. Mr. Munroe likes to listen to Mr. Hayman's ghost stories, but they make him so scared Eugenia has to walk him home. Mr. Hayman decides he must make Mr. Munroe lose his fear of ghosts. For grades K-3. 1995. A Cloak for the Dreamer RC 41313 by Aileen Friedman read by John Polk 1 cassette The tailor has three sons who help him in his shop. Ivan picks up pins, thread, and scraps of cloth. Alex brings the tailor bolts of cloth to cut and then puts them away. Misha helps his father by delivering the finished clothes to the customers. The first two sons carefully watch their father work, but Misha dreams about traveling around the world. One day each son is given a chance to make a cloak. Will Misha make a good cloak? For grades 2-4. 1994. Dixie in the Big Pasture RC 41226 by Belinda Hurmence read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Twelve-year-old Dixie is excited about leaving Chattanooga when her father gets a year's leave of absence from the Internal Revenue Service to try homesteading in the Oklahoma Territory. But as soon as they arrive in the Big Prairie, Dixie's small dog, Pat, disappears. Her parents try to cheer her up by buying a pony from a Kiowa, but Dixie feels guilty about taking it from the man's young son, John Three. For grades 5-8. 1994. The Forgotten Forest RC 39436 by Laurence Anholt read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette There was once a country covered with forest. Why, the squirrels could go from coast to coast simply by leaping from branch to branch. Then the woodsmen began cutting the trees to make way for houses, and towns, and cities. Soon, there was only one small forest left, standing in the midst of a huge, noisy city. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1992. Forri the Baker RC 42117 by Edward Myers read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Forri, a baker in the medieval village of Ettai, is a social outcast because his baggy clothes are made from old flour sacks and he bakes his bread in unusual shapes, such as flowers, pots, animals, and castles. One day the warring Chlars invade the village, but the villagers have no weapons with which to defend themselves. Then Forri has an idea that might just work. For grades K-3. 1995. From Miss Ida's Porch RC 39513 b p, Gather In: A Book of Seasons RC 40477 by M.C. Helldorfer read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Autumn is a time to gather in the harvest, the children for school, and the wood for the fires. Winter slips in and hides secrets beneath the snow, and autumn's harvest is used up. Then spring spills down the mountainside bringing wind and rain and flowers, and children pop out of too-small clothes. But summer is round with trees, ponds, and Ferris wheels, till autumn twirls back in, and summer swirls away. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The Great Pumpkin Switch RC 41204 by Megan McDonald read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Grandpa tells his grandchildren about how he and his friend Otto accidentally destroyed Big Max, his sister's prize pumpkin. That's when Mr. Angelo, the Potato Man, and the neighbor's pig helped save the day. Sequel to The Potato Man (RC 41207). For preschool-grade 2. 1992. Grown-Ups Get to Do All the Driving RC 41957 by William Steig read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Grown-ups do many things. They make you go to the dentist, they like to look in the mirror a lot, they have aches and pains, they love restaurants and parties, they like to tell jokes, they hate to answer questions, they like children to be polite, they take lots of pills, and they get to do all the driving. For grades K-3. 1995. Haveli RC 42984 by Suzanne Fisher Staples read by Yolande Bavan 2 cassettes Continues the story begun in Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind (RC 32145). Shabanu and her young daughter are never safe from the cruelty within Rahim's family. Hoping for a better future, she begs to go with Rahim to his ancestral home in Lahore. But even there she remains in danger. For junior and senior high readers. 1993. Home Lovely RC 42454 by Lynne Rae Perkins read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette After Tiffany and her mother move to an isolated trailer, Tiffany finds some seedlings sprouting around their garbage can. Hoping they will grow into flowers or trees, she transplants them to the front yard and watches them flourish. For grades K-3. 1995. Hurricane Music RC 42616 by Barbara Bottner read by Jill Fox 1 cassette One day Aunt Margaret finds a clarinet in the basement. At first she practices in a closet, but Aunt Margaret wants to hear the sounds of life so she takes her clarinet to the park, a train station, and even a parade. Then Hurricane Gladys comes to town and blows the clarinet away. For grades K-3. 1995. I Hate Company RC 42094 by P.J. Petersen read by Rick Rohan 1 cassette Dan hates it when company stays overnight with him and his mother in their apartment because he has to give up his room. Now Mom's newly divorced friend, Kay, is coming with her three-year-old son, Jimmy, and they are staying until Kay finds work. Since Jimmy is even worse than Dan imagined, he decides to help Kay get a job and get out. For grades 2-4. 1994. Junebug RC 42388 by Alice Mead read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Junebug, whose real name is Reeve McClain Jr., has a wish that he thinks about a lot. It is too important to tell because his friends would laugh at him and because it is not likely to happen in the housing projects where he lives. His dream is to sail a boat to the West Indies, on a foaming sea with seagulls screeching. In the meantime, he takes good care of his sister and tries to stay out of the way of guys in the gangs. For grades 3-6. 1995. Kiss the Dust RC 40358 by Elizabeth Laird read by Kimberly Schraf 2 cassettes Spring, 1984. Tara, twelve, and her friend Leila are on their way home from school when they witness an attack on four high school boys standing outside a mosque. Events quickly lead Tara's family to flee their home in Iraq to find refuge in Iran and finally in England. Because Tara's mother becomes extremely ill, Tara must take responsibility for her mother and her three-year-old sister. Some violence. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1991. The Library RC 42455 by Sarah Stewart read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Elizabeth Brown is a shy, skinny, nearsighted girl. She does not like to play with dolls but rather learns to read quite early. She stays home and reads while her friends go on dates, and when she finds a job, she begins filling her house with books. Then one day, Elizabeth Brown realizes the awful fact that she simply cannot have one more book in her house. What will she do? For grades K-3. 1995. Like Butter on Pancakes RC 41381 by Jonathan London read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette The sun ticks, the birds talk, and the early morning light melts like butter on pancakes, spreading yellow and warm across your bed. The day has begun. And your day is so busy that before long the night is creeping in, and the sun sleeps, and the birds do, too. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Little Kit: or, The Industrious Flea Circus Girl RC 41942 by Emily Arnold McCully read by Patricia Kilgarriff 1 cassette Little Kit, an orphan, sells flowers at Picadilly Circus during the day, and at night she sleeps in an alley near Drury Lane with other homeless peddlers. One evening Professor Malefetta comes looking for a lad to help him with his flea circus. Thinking Kit is a boy, the professor asks her to work for him. But Kit is a girl, and the professor does not like to be fooled. For grades K-3. 1995. Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears RC 40958 by Cynthia Rylant read by Marilyn Gleason 1 cassette Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, love the fall. There are lots of juicy things growing in Mr. Putter's backyard--juicy apples, juicy tomatoes, and most of all juicy pears. Mr. Putter is looking forward to having some pear jelly, but when he tries to get the pears out of the tree, he has some big problems. For grades K-3. 1995. Mrs. Merriwether's Musical Cat RC 41177 by Carol Purdy read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Mrs. Merriwether is an ordinary woman who lives in an ordinary house in an ordinary town, on an ordinary street called Peach Tree Lane. Every Tuesday Mrs. Merriwether gives music lessons to children on Peach Tree Lane, and every Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Crump calls to complain about the music. Then one day a white cat arrives, and Peach Tree Lane is no longer an ordinary street. For grades K-3. 1994. Nibble, Nibble, Jenny Archer RC 41924 by Ellen Conford read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Jenny Archer and her friend Wilson are waiting for Wilson's mother in the shopping mall when they see a woman giving away free samples. Although the brown, green, and yellow pellets taste unusual, Jenny doesn't want to hurt the woman's feelings. As Jenny proclaims the snack delicious and nutritious, a woman with a video camera announces Jenny will star in a rather surprising commercial! For grades 2-4. 1993. Only Opal: The Diary of a Young Girl RC 40385 by Opal Whiteley read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Opal's mother and father have gone to heaven to become angels, and Opal now lives with another family in an Oregon logging camp. The woman she lives with thinks Opal is a nuisance, but Opal does her best to be good and do her chores. Opal finds refuge in the woods where she visits with her friends--Felix Mendelssohn, a mouse, and Michael Raphael, a big tree with an understanding soul. For grades K-3. 1994. The Potato Man RC 41207 by Megan McDonald read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Grampa tells his grandchildren about his boyhood meeting with the Potato Man. Mr. Angelo is a new huckster in town with his wagon full of vegetables and fruits. Grampa and the other children begin calling him Potato Man because he has a lumpy face and only one eye. But when young Grampa has a string of bad luck, he thinks it is because he made fun of Mr. Angelo. For preschool-grade 2. 1991. Saint Ben RC 41308 by John Fischer read by Gary Tipton 2 cassettes Ben Beamering looks like a typical nine-year-old. But on the Sunday his father becomes the new pastor of a church in Pasadena, California, the people wonder about the way Ben seems to stand out from the rest of his family. The congregation, and especially his friend Jonathan, soon realize there is something special about Ben. Prequel to The Saints' and Angels' Song (RC 41323). For junior and senior high and older readers. 1993. The Saints' and Angels' Song RC 41323 by John Fischer read by Gary Tipton 2 cassettes Now that his best friend Ben Beamering is dead, Jonathan Liebermann has a great, big, Ben-shaped hole in his heart as he tries to adjust to his loss. When he starts finding messages saying "Ben was here," Jonathan is sure some celestial being is helping him face the world again. Then he meets Donna, an aspiring roller-skate champion. Sequel to Saint Ben (RC 41308). For junior and senior high and older readers. 1994. Shadow of the Dragon RC 42420 by Sherry Garland read by Jamie Horton 2 cassettes Danny Vo's family moved from Vietnam to America ten years ago when he was six, and he considers himself fully Americanized. Danny's older cousin Sang Le is just arriving in America to live with Danny's family. While Danny romances Tiffany Schultz, Sang Le falls in with the Vietnamese gang Danny has avoided. But it is Danny who is in danger when Tiffany's skinhead brother learns who she is dating. For junior and senior high readers. 1993. The Silver Slippers RC 42104 by Elizabeth Koda-Callan read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette A little girl dreams of being a ballerina, but she feels discouraged when she is not as good as the other girls in her class. When the teacher announces that one dancer will be chosen to be the star of a ballet recital, the little girl races home to tell her mother. Her mother gives her a pair of tiny silver ballet slippers on a silver chain to help the girl remember her goal as she practices ballet. For grades 2-4. 1989. Someday a Tree RC 41317 by Eve Bunting read by Janis Gray 1 cassette Alice and her mother like to spend time under the huge old tree on their property. Alice's parents were picnicking in the shade of this same tree when they decided to buy the land, and later they christened Alice there. But now Alice notices that something seems very wrong with the tree. For grades K-3. 1993. Telling: True-to-Life Series from Hamilton High RC 43220 by Marilyn Reynolds read by Barbara Pinolini 1 cassette Twelve-year-old Cassie at first takes to her new neighbors, the Sloane family. But when Mr. Sloane repeatedly fondles her during unguarded moments, Cassie is confused and repelled. Anguishing weeks pass before Cassie's parents discover her secret, confront the molester, and report the matter to the police. For grades 6-9. 1996. The Unbeatable Bread RC 42625 by Lyn Littlefield Hoopes read by John Polk 1 cassette A man wakes up one morning and declares he is going to bake a bread that will wake the world from winter's sleep. Although his wife complains that he has already baked too much and that there will be no one to eat the creation, he begins mixing dough for his unbeatable, undefeatable bread. For preschool-grade 2. 1996. The Van Gogh Cafe RC 42344 by Cynthia Rylant read by Jill Fox 1 cassette The Van Gogh Cafe in Flowers, Kansas, is in a building that used to be a theater. Everyone knows that a theater is a magical location, and now the Van Gogh Cafe seems to be full of its own magic. The cafe is owned by Marc and his ten-year-old daughter, Clara, who believes the Van Gogh Cafe is an enchanted, wonderful place. For grades 3-6. 1995. A Very Important Day RC 42567 by Maggie Rugg Herold read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette It is three a.m. in New York City and starting to snow when Nelia Batungbakal gets up on a very important day. It is still snowing when the Huerta family gets up on this very important day. It is supposed to snow all morning, but that doesn't stop a lot of families as they head downtown on this very important day. Today they all become U.S. citizens. For grades K-3. 1995. Braille Fire Diary BR 10061 by Lily Rosenblatt 1 volume One night April wakes up and her house is on fire. She is rescued along with her mother and grandmother, but the house is destroyed. It is hard for April to get over being scared, so she talks to the school psychologist, Dr. Brandon. For grades 3-6. 1994. My Many Colored Days BR 10040 by Dr. Seuss 1 volume A rhyming tale in which a child describes his moods on different days. "Some days are yellow. Some are blue." The child feels different on different days, but always goes back to being himself. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2 and older readers. 1996. Night Becomes Day BR 10007 by Richard McGuire 1 volume The passage of time is depicted by a string of word associations, such as "cloud becomes rain" and "dream becomes good." Artwork shows how "wool becomes blanket" and "tree becomes paper." PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2 and older readers. 1994. Nobody's Daughter BR 10523 by Susan Beth Pfeffer 1 volume Aunt Mabel's death leaves Emily a destitute orphan. Then she learns that when her mother died years ago giving birth to her sister, the baby lived and was adopted by an unknown family. With no other family, Emily clings to the hope of finding her sister even as she moves into the Austen Home for Orphaned Girls. Emily tries not to despair as disappointments come. Then a librarian helps Emily to understand her own worth and offers friendship. For grades 3-6. 1995. Odds on Oliver BR 10081 by Constance C. Greene 1 volume Even in nursery school Oliver knows he wants to grow up to be a hero. Although his dad says he will lay odds on Oliver any day of the week, as Oliver gets older he keeps blowing his chances to be heroic. Instead, people keep rescuing him. He is sat on by the enormous town clerk, he gets stuck in a tree, and he is held hostage in a grocery store robbery. For grades 3-6. 1993. Pinocchio's Sister BR 10500 by Jan Slepian 1 volume Martha Rosedale, ten, is part of the traveling vaudeville act of Iris and Mr. Rosedale. Iris is the wooden dummy her father uses in his ventriloquist act, and, while Martha is a rather plain looking child, Iris is quite beautiful and gets all of Mr. Rosedale's attention. One night during a performance, Martha suddenly realizes just how jealous she is of Iris and makes plans to get rid of her. For grades 3-6. 1995. Smoky Night BR 9937 by Eve Bunting 1 volume Daniel holds his cat, Jasmine, and watches with his mother at their window as riots take place in the street below. Soon Daniel and his mother are forced to leave their home and take refuge at a shelter. But where is Jasmine? PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1994 Caldecott Medal winner. 1994. Thwonk BR 10227 by Joan Bauer 2 volumes High school senior A.J. McCreary has a lot of problems. After four failed relationships, she now has a crush on unattainable Peter Terris, her father forbids her to pursue a career as a photographer, and she is running out of time to take a perfect photo for the Valentine issue of the school paper. Then A.J. receives a visit from a tiny, irritating cupid complete with arrows that go "thwonk." For junior and senior high and older readers. 1995. Growing Up Cassettes The African Mask RC 40416 by Janet E. Rupert read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Layo, twelve, loves to work with clay and hopes she will be allowed to learn pottery making, for which the women of her village are famous. To do that, she must marry into a pottery-making family, for in Ife, where Layo lives, the wife takes on the work of her husband's family. But when she goes to her grandmother to learn the craft, Layo finds out that her future husband's family are not potters. For grades 5-8. 1994. Alice In-Between RC 39440 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Alice, thirteen, is between being a child and an adult and is, on the whole, comfortable with that situation, observing "I was sort of between problems." Nevertheless, Alice and friend Pamela test their dawning maturity. And when they and their timid friend Elizabeth depart on a sleeper to visit Alice's Aunt Sally, an older man takes Pamela's grown-up pose all too seriously. Sequel to Alice in April (RC 37195). For grades 4-7. 1994. Almost a Hero RC 42345 by John Neufeld read by John Polk 1 cassette Ben Derby, twelve, is looking forward to spring break. Then Mr. Walston gives the world history class an assignment: spend spring break working as a volunteer at a place that helps people. Because he likes children, Ben selects Sidewalk's End, a day-care center for homeless children. Ben quickly becomes involved in the lives of the children--maybe too involved--as he learns that he can't solve all problems. Some strong language. For grades 4-7. 1995. Among the Volcanoes RC 40369 by Omar S. Casta¤eda read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Isabel Pacay, the eldest daughter of a Mayan family in Guatemala, has a dream--to stay in school and become a teacher. While many of her friends are married with families, she feels too young to marry. When her mother becomes ill, Isabel's dreams are shattered as she quits school to care for her. The sanjorin has been unable to cure Mrs. Pacay, but her family fears consulting an American medical student. For junior and senior high readers. 1991. Anastasia, Absolutely RC 42340 by Lois Lowry read by Kerry C 41198 by Nancy Werlin read by Faith Potts 1 cassette When Alison Shandling's parents decide to take her and her autistic twin brother, Adam, to a synagogue, Alison is dismayed to learn the rabbi's son is Harry Roth, a bully in her class. Later, when Harry torments Alison and Rabbi Roth refuses to let Adam attend classes, Alison's mother angrily wishes a disability on Harry. That day, Harry breaks his back, and Alison feels obliged to look after him. Strong language. For grades 6-9. 1994. The Bad Times of Irma Baumlein RC 39993 by Carol Ryrie Brink read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette (Reissue) To impress classmates in her new school, Irma Baumlein brags to her new friend Judy Miller that she owns the biggest doll in the world. But what is Irma going to do when her friends want to see her doll? For grades 3-5. 1972. The Barn RC 41373 by Avi read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Oregon Territory, 1855. Because Ben is the smartest one in his family, he is attending boarding school. But his mother died last year and his father has had a stroke. So Ben's sister, Nettie, has come to bring him home. It is up to Ben to care for their paralyzed father while Nettie and their brother, Harrison, try to run the farm and build the barn their father always wanted. For grades 4-7. 1994. Bill RC 40393 by Chap Reaver read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Bill is a mutt. Still, he is the best dog in the world, according to thirteen-year-old Jess Gates, especially when she is left all alone on a poor Kentucky farm. Jess's mother died when she was born, and her bootlegger father disappears quite often. But when Wrong Man, as Officer Dudley is called, arrests her father, Jess finds herself in real danger. Then, as Jess struggles to survive, Bill proves he can be almost human. For grades 5-8. 1994. Black Water RC 43115 by Rachel Anderson read by Rick Rohan 1 cassette Young Albert has epilepsy, which in nineteenth-century England is greatly misunderstood. Even though Albert's mother tends to believe a cure can be found, Albert realizes he must get on with his life. A chance encounter with author Edward Lear, who also has the "falling sickness," sends Albert off to see the world. For grades 6-9. 1994. The Boy and the Cloth of Dreams RC 41735 by Jenny Koralek read by Bob Askey 1 cassette There once was a little boy whose grandmother made a quilt of dreams for him when he was born. She had told his mother that the quilt would keep the dark night things away. But now the quilt has two holes in it, and suddenly the little boy is having bad dreams. His grandmother can mend the quilt, but first he must find the courage to bring her the threads she needs for mending. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Breaking Free RC 40067 by LouAnn Gaeddert read by Chuck Young 1 cassette In 1800, as Richard nears twelve, the aunt who has been raising him dies. At her funeral, an uncle Richard never met before insists that Richard move to his farm in New York to help with the work. Wanting desperately to go back to school, Richard is careful not to excel at any chores so his uncle won't think him useful. As he plans his own way out, he also works on an escape for the slaves on his uncle's farm. For grades 3-6. 1994. California Blue RC 40392 by David Klass read by Barry Bernson 1 cassette Seventeen-year-old John is fond of track and butterflies, but his family does not understand his interests. John has been sad since he found out that his father has cancer, but he gets excited when he finds a beautiful new butterfly. The problem is that he discovers it on land belonging to a redwood mill where his father works. If environmentalists decide to protect the species, the mill will close and his father will be unemployed. For grades 6-9. 1994. Crossing the Starlight Bridge RC 41220 by Alice Mead read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Rayanne's father didn't want to miss her ninth birthday, but after she opened her presents he told her he was heading west to look for a job. Soon Rayanne and her mother are forced to leave the island Penobscot reservation where they live and move in with her grandmother on the mainland. It's not easy to be the only Native American in a big school, but Gram helps by telling traditional stories. For grades 3-6. 1994. A Day's Work RC 41219 by Eve Bunting read by Barry Bernson 1 cassette Francisco's grandfather has just come from Mexico and doesn't speak English, so Francisco has gone with him to help him get work. When Mr. Benjamin is looking for a gardener, Francisco lies and tells him that his grandfather is a great gardener. By the end of their day's work, Francisco has learned a very valuable lesson from his grandfather. For grades K-3. 1994. Diving for the Moon RC 42736 by Lee F. Bantle read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Carolina realizes how important friendship is when her best friend, Josh, learns he has become infected with the HIV virus from a blood transfusion. The summer before junior high is filled with other events that help Carolina as she grows up. For grades 4-7. 1995. Dixie Storms RC 38702 by Barbara Hall read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette The atmosphere becomes oppressive during a drought-plagued summer, and the atmosphere on the Peyton farm is equally oppressive to Dutch, fourteen. She is apprehensive about change and longs for the return of Becky, ex-wife of her brother Flood and mother of Bodean, her nine-year-old nephew. Then her cousin Norma, with her perfect body and big city ways, comes to visit, and Dutch feels woefully inadequate in comparison. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1990. Down the Road RC 42465 by Alice Schertle read by Camille McCurty Ali 1 cassette Sometimes Hetty has walked down the dusty road with Mama and sometimes with Papa, but she has never been down the road all by herself. Finally one day she is given the chance to go down the road by herself to get some eggs from Mr. Birdie's store. On the way Hetty practices walking her smoothest so she won't break the eggs. But on the way back, Hetty forgets about the eggs when she sees the apple tree. For grades K-3. 1995. Echoes of the White Giraffe RC 39909 by Sook Nyul Choi read by Nancy Kronenfeld 1 cassette In this sequel to Year of Impossible Goodbyes (RC 36945), Sookan, now fifteen, and her family are again separated--this time by the Korean War. Fleeing bombs, Sookan, her young brother, and their mother arrive safely in Pusan, but the whereabouts of the men is unknown. Living with other refugees, the family tries to keep up hope. Through the church choir, Sookan meets Junho, with whom she develops a daring friendship. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993. Eclipse RC 41621 by Kristine L. Franklin read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Trina is looking forward to a happy summer with her best friend, Miranda, before they enter the seventh grade. But even before they finish the sixth grade, things begin to go wrong. Trina's father has lost his job and becomes so depressed that he has to go to the hospital. The calf the family hoped to sell is born deformed and has to be killed. And Trina worries about the baby her forty-eight-year-old mom is expecting. For grades 6-9. 1995. Emily Good as Gold RC 39529 by Susan Goldman Rubin read by Celeste Lawson 1 cassette Thirteen-year-old Emily has always been "as good as gold," according to her parents. But Emily, who is developmentally disabled, has been over protected. Then her older brother gets married, and his new wife gives Emily new ideas. Now Emily wants to be like other girls her age and is confused by the encounters she has with boys. In time she learns how to recognize real friends and how to convince her parents that she is growing up. For grades 6-9. 1993. An Even Break RC 42626 by Sid Hite read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Frisk, twelve, lives with his mother in the tiny town of Wilma. Frisk's parents separated before he was born, and his mother works as a grocery clerk while trying to save enough money to buy a house. To help out, Frisk lands a job working at a billiards hall where he gets the added bonus of learning to shoot pool from an expert. For grades 5-8. 1995. Ever After RC 40013 by Rachel Vail read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Molly, almost fourteen, and Vicky, year-round residents of Leeward Island, have been best friends all their lives. Then Grace, a sophisticated New Yorker vacationing for the summer, threatens their apparently cozy relationship. Gradually it appears that their friendship is already fatally flawed. Vicky, intensely jealous, angry, and manipulative, unforgivably betrays Molly's trust. Some strong language. For grades 5-8. 1994. Fast Talk on a Slow Track RC 40486 by Rita Williams-Garcia read by Barry Bernson 1 cassette Denzel Watson is headed for Princeton, and he expects to do just fine. After all, he was valedictorian of his senior class, and he never had to study very much. But he has had to spend six weeks of the summer attending the Princeton Experience program for minorities, and now Denzel wonders if he is cut out for college. However, his job for the remainder of the summer will help him see life from a new perspective. For junior and senior high readers. 1991. Fat Chance RC 40568 by Lesl‚a Newman read by Janis Gray 2 cassettes When eighth-grader Judi Liebowitz gets a class assignment to keep a private diary, she begins pouring out her feelings about her weight. Judi weighs 127 pounds but her mother won't let her diet. When Judi's best friend begins dating the boy that Judi likes, she takes the advice of model-like Nancy Pratt and begins forcing herself to vomit her meals. Then something happens that makes Judi realize a fat chance and a slim chance are the same thing. For grades 6-9. 1994. From Anna RC 41196 by Jean Little read by Vanessa Maroney 1 cassette (Reissue) When the family moves from Germany to Canada in the 1930s, a nine-year-old girl discovers the reason for her awkwardness and apparent inability to do anything right. For grades 4-7. 1972. Gathering of Pearls RC 39914 by Sook Nyul Choi read by Nancy Kronenfeld 1 cassette In this sequel to Echoes of the White Giraffe (RC 39909), nineteen-year-old Sookan leaves Korea to study in America. She enjoys her new life and friends, especially fun-loving roommate Ellen, but Sookan feels too responsible to her family to spend much time on the lighter side of college life. Freshman year is not easy, but Sookan learns many lessons well. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1994. Granny the Pag RC 43143 by Nina Bawden read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Because her parents are traveling actors, Cat has lived with her leather-wearing, motorcycle-riding Granny the Pag (Cat was angry and misspelled pig) since the age of six. Now at twelve, Cat's world is suddenly turned upside down when her parents want Cat to come live with them. For grades 4-7. 1995. Great Grandfather's House RC 41068 by Rumer Godden read by Yolande Bavan 1 cassette Keiko, seven, is not happy when she learns she must spend three months in rural Japan with her great-grandparents while her parents are in England. Keiko, who has grown up in the city, is rambunctious and careless and at first upsets her great-grandparents and her cousin Yoji, who are used to an orderly life in the country. But the quietness of the country soon begins to affect Keiko. For grades 4-7. 1992. Guests RC 40769 by Michael Dorris read by Bob Moore 1 cassette Moss, a Native American boy, is annoyed with his father for inviting strangers to the village harvest festival. Then he meets Trouble, a runaway girl who is also unhappy about the rules she is expected to follow. Moss dashes into the forest to spend some "away time," but after he thinks about how he feels and what is expected of him, he decides to join the celebration. Still asking questions, he begins to listen for answers. For grades 3-6. 1994. I'm Emma: I'm a Quint RC 38965 by Stella Pevsner read by Anne Mullen 1 cassette In this sequel to Sister of the Quints (RC 28763), Emma, one of the quintuplets, must figure out whether she wants the notoriety of being a quint or whether she wants to stand out from the crowd. At thirteen, Emma struggles to find and maintain her individuality as she attends acting classes, prepares for her half-sister Natalie's wedding, and enjoys her first romance. For grades 5-8. 1993. Iceman RC 39830 by Chris Lynch read by John Lescault 1 cassette Eric plays rough, even by the standards that measure hockey. He takes his frustrations out on the rink, where his teammates tend to avoid him, and finds a companion at the funeral home. Still in his early teens, Eric is confused by his troubled family until a shocking incident forces him to come to terms with his angry feelings. Violence and strong language. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1994. If It Hadn't Been for Yoon Jun RC 40248 by Marie G. Lee read by Grainne Cassidy 1 cassette Seventh-grader Alice Larsen is indifferent to her Korean ancestry. Adopted as a baby by a Minnesota family, she is a happy, popular cheerleader. When Yoon Jun Lee, a Korean immigrant new to the United States, begins attending Bainer Junior High, Alice thinks he's weird. Then he becomes her partner for International Day, and together they prepare a report on Korea, piquing Alice's interest in her heritage and in friendship with Yoon Jun. For grades 4-7. 1993. JoJo's Flying Side Kick RC 42920 by Brian Pinkney read by Robin Miles 1 cassette JoJo is learning Tae Kwon Do. Her teacher, Master Kim, tells her she is ready to advance to yellow belt, but first she must break a board with a flying side kick. Even though JoJo's family and friends offer her advice on the kick, she is still worried. For grades K-3. 1995. Josepha: A Prairie Boy's Story RC 41047 by Jim McGugan read by Richard Davidson 1 cassette Josepha's friend is sad to see Josepha leave school. Josepha, fourteen, is from the Old Country and can't speak English, so he must sit in the primary row and take the teasing of the older children. But one year is enough, and now Josepha will go to the fields and make a dollar a day. Before Josepha leaves, his friend wants him to know how much he will be missed. But how can he show Josepha? For grades 2-4. 1994. Kara RC 39916 by Carole Gift Page read by June Carter 1 cassette Kara Strickland, eighteen, is looking forward to graduation from high school, when her world is suddenly shattered. Her father, a well-known and respected doctor, is killed in an accident, and, shortly afterwards, Kara and her mother are seriously injured in a fire. As Kara tries to put her world back together, she learns some surprising details about her family. For junior and senior high readers. 1981. King Kenrick's Splinter RC 41967 by Sally Derby read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Today is the day King Kenrick gets to lead the Hero's Day parade. But when he jumps out of bed, he yells "Ow!" and quickly sits back down. Poor King Kenrick has a splinter in his big toe. So he hobbles around and gets dressed, but the only shoes he can put on are his slippers. Now what will he do? Will the splinter come out by itself? Or will the king have to endure the queen's needle and tweezers? For grades K-3. 1994. The Last Safe Place on Earth RC 41153 by Richard Peck read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette High school sophomore Todd Tobin considers his family home on Tranquility Lane in Walden Woods to be the last safe place on earth. It's made even more perfect when wonderful Laurel Kellerman becomes his sister Marnie's babysitter. Then trouble erupts among Todd's schoolmates and even spreads to the Tobin home. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1995. Like Sisters on the Homefront RC 43031 by Rita Williams-Garcia read by Melissa Maxwell 1 cassette At fourteen, Gayle is pregnant for the second time in Jamaica, New York. Her mother takes her for an abortion and then sends Gayle and her young son to stay with the family of Gayle's minister uncle in Georgia. Whining and missing her homegirls, Gayle is disgusted by her straitlaced relatives including her cousin Cookie. But by summer's end, Gayle's whole world has been turned upside down. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Luckiest Kid on the Planet RC 43235 by Lisa Campbell Ernst read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Lucky Morgenstern is the luckiest kid in the world. After all, his name is Lucky. Then one day he gets a letter and learns that his name is really Herbert. Suddenly he doesn't seem lucky anymore--until he recognizes his true good fortune. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. The Melinda Zone RC 39845 by Margaret Willey read by Diane Page 1 cassette Shuttling back and forth between her divorced parents all her life has left fifteen-year-old Melinda (called Mindy by her mom and Linda by her dad and stepmother) in an emotional no-man's-land, lacking a sense of identity. For the first time, she spends a summer away from both parents with her aunt, uncle, and older cousin. With solitude and the help of a friend, Melinda forges a new independence and a stronger sense of self. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. Michelle RC 39954 by Eva Gibson read by Graci Ragsdale 1 cassette Michelle Ann (Micky) Strand has lived in several homes since her mother deserted her. But now that she is living with the Middletons, Micky believes she will ponsible," through a class project requiring her to care for a pet for the weekend. Although her sister is allergic to pets, Alex tries to obtain a classmate's cats--and has nothing but trouble. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1994. One Morning in Maine RC 40408 by Robert McCloskey read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette One morning in Maine, Sal jumps out of bed and hurries to get dressed. Today she and her baby sister Jane are going with their father to Buck's Harbor. As Sal is brushing her teeth, she discovers a loose tooth. Before the morning is over her tooth has fallen out, but she can't find it. Now she won't be able to put it under her pillow and make a wish. She wonders if her wish will come true anyway. For grades K-3. 1952. Phoenix Rising RC 39951 by Karen Hesse read by Marilyn Gleason 1 cassette Nyle, thirteen, lives with her grandmother on a sheep farm in Vermont. There has been a leak at the nearby nuclear plant, and even though Nyle and Gran are safe, there are many sick people who need shelter. Nyle is upset when Gran allows Ezra, fifteen, and his mother to stay in their back bedroom. Nyle calls it the "dying room" because her grandfather and mother died there. Can she allow herself to get close to someone who may die? For grades 6-9. 1994. Possibles RC 42811 by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Shortly before Mary Sheppard Lee (Sheppy) graduates from grammar school, her father dies of cancer. Instead of going to camp with her friend Tess for the summer, Sheppy takes a job helping a young woman, Connie, with a broken leg. Sheppy has a lot of troubles to sort through: her mother, brother, and Tess won't talk about her father; Connie has a secret reason to be crabby; and another friend is having family problems. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Proving Ground RC 42852 by Elaine Marie Alphin read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette When Kevin Spencer's father is assigned command of a U.S. Army proving ground, Kevin experiences the resentment that local people hold for the military. Kevin develops a crush on a local girl, comes to understand her antimilitary sentiments, and uncovers a plot to sabotage the army base. The situation becomes Kevin's own personal "proving ground." For grades 5-8. 1992. Revolutions of the Heart RC 39933 by Marsha Qualey read by Don Emmick 1 cassette At seventeen, Cory Knutson finds her small-town life taking some dramatic turns. Everybody knows about everybody else in Summer, Wisconsin, so they all know that Cory put a big hole in Dawn's store window and is working to pay for it. But that is only the beginning of her problems: her mother dies, and when Cory begins dating a Native American, her brother and the entire town object. For junior and senior high readers. 1993. Rimwalkers RC 40428 by Vicki Grove read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Science buff Tory, fourteen, and her popular, talented younger sister Sara are spending the summer on their grandparents' farm. Tory is grateful for the companionship of her quiet cousin Elijah and even begins to like her pushy cousin Rennie as the three try to solve the mystery of a boy who appears in the window of an abandoned building. But Sara, left out for the first time in her life, reacts strangely. For grades 6-9. 1993. Saying Goodbye RC 40654 by Marie G. Lee read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette In this sequel to Finding My Voice (RC 37265), Ellen Sung is a freshman at Harvard. She learns to balance her desire to excel in her premed studies with her interest in writing, but racism creates a harder challenge. Will she betray her African American roommate by opposing an anti-Korean rap star? Some strong language. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1994. The Secret of Two Brothers RC 42846 by Irene Beltr n Hern ndez read by Jim Zeiger 1 cassette At twenty-one, Beaver Torres, in prison for a crime he didn't commit, is paroled. His parole officer points out that Beaver now has two strikes against him: his prison background and his abusive father. Beaver has no intention of returning to prison. Besides his overriding goal of shielding his little brother from the life Beaver led, he dreams of turning his prison-taught cooking skills into a career. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Seth and Samona RC 43109 by Joanne Hyppolite read by Bob Moore 1 cassette Fifth-grader Seth Michelin, who lives in Boston with his Haitian family, is confused by changes in his brother and sister. Even classmate Samona Gemini, whose wild ideas have been getting Seth into trouble for two years, surprises him by joining a beauty contest. For grades 4-7. 1995. Shark Shock RC 40668 by Donna Jo Napoli read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Adam needs his talking freckles to help him again in this sequel to Soccer Shock (RC 40667). This time Adam's family is getting ready to spend summer vacation at the Jersey shore. But only a few days ago, Adam's friend Grayson gave a class report on the danger of sharks. As Adam tries to get his freckle friends to warn him about sharks, Seth, a blind boy, overhears him and tells Adam about how he overcame his fears. Some strong language. For grades 3-6. 1994. Shizuko's Daughter RC 42155 by Kyoko Mori read by Jill Fox 1 cassette Yuki, a twelve-year-old Japanese girl, returns home to find her mother lifeless on the floor. A note explains that although her mother has killed herself, she loves Yuki very much, and this was for the best. The next several years are lonely for Yuki, but she finds comfort in art, which her mother had shared with her. She comes to understand her mother's death and begins planning for her own future. For junior and senior high readers. 1993. Something Terrible Happened RC 40625 by Barbara Ann Porte read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Gillian is ten when her world begins to change. Her father, who was white, died when she was two, and she and her island mother live near her grandmother in New York. Suddenly Gillian's mother, discovering that she has AIDS, moves with Gillian to Florida, and they become homeless. Then Gillian is sent to live with her father's family in Tennessee. Believing this arrangement is temporary, she tries to adjust, but then her mother dies. For grades 6-9. 1994. Tangles RC 42088 by Errol Broome read by Marcia Churchill 1 cassette When Sophie's cat, Ginger, is killed by a car, the last thing Sophie wants is to replace her with another cat. But when Sophie sees a black kitten for sale at the fair, she falls in love. Her neighbor, Mrs. Cochran, drops her wallet as she passes Sophie, and, before turning it in, Sophie takes five dollars to buy the kitten. It is hard to enjoy lovable Tangles though, knowing that what she has done is wrong. For grades 3-6. 1993. Tell Me Everything RC 38091 by Carolyn Coman read by Janet Daley 1 cassette Up until five months ago, Roz, twelve, and her mother, Ellie, lived a secluded, spiritual life together in the mountains. When Ellie suddenly dies trying to rescue a hiker, Roz moves in with her uncle Mike, a Vietnam veteran. School is meaningless, as Roz struggles with her feelings of desertion. She is driven to find the boy that Ellie died for, and demands to know everything that he knows about the incident. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. Thames Doesn't Rhyme with James RC 40786 by Paula Danziger read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette Fifteen-year-old Kendra Kaye of Remember Me to Harold Square (RC 34551) is once again anxious about Frank Lee, the boy who explored New York with her last summer. This time the two families go to London for the Christmas holidays and another treasure hunt. While lovesick Kendra learns a thing or two about London's cultural life, she also discovers something about relationships and even about herself. For grades 6-9. 1994. Then Again, Maybe I Won't RC 40800 by Judy Blume read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette (Reissue) Tony Miglione believes that if his parents were to read his mind, they would be surprised and shocked at his thoughts about his shoplifting neighbor and friend, the changes money makes in his parents, and his own sexual development. For grades 6-9. 1971. There's a Bat in Bunk Five RC 42287 by Paula Danziger read by Janis Gray 1 cassette As a junior counselor at summer camp, Marcy is assigned to Bunk Five, the one with a bat and the nastiest problem-child in the whole camp. Marcy also falls in love for the first time, to the delight of giggling campers, who respect no one's privacy. Sequel to The Cat Ate My Gymsuit (RC 34745). For grades 6-9. 1980. Tonight, by Sea RC 41398 by Frances Temple read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Paulie lives with her grandmother and uncle in the tiny community of Belle Fleuve on the island of Haiti. Her parents have already gone across the sea to seek a better life. And now Paulie's uncle is secretly building a boat so they too can leave. The boat, Chache Lavi (Seek Life), is almost finished when tragedy strikes. For grades 5-8. 1995. Wait and See RC 42449 by Virginia Bradley read by Annie Wauters 1 cassette The world seems to crumble for Amy when Doff, her longtime nanny and friend, must return to England. Because Amy's parents died when she was a baby, her only family is her wonderful, but formal, grandfather. Amy is irritated by Violetta, a new girl at school, until they become friends. Then Amy sees that Violetta's family is even weirder than her own. Both girls learn a lot that helps them to grow. For grades 4-7. 1994. When the Water Closes over My Head RC 39779 by Donna Jo Napoli read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Mikey Nelson, nine, is afraid of the water. He and his family are spending their summer vacation with his grandparents in Iowa, and Mikey knows that his entire family will be expecting him to overcome his fear and learn to swim. Mikey, who worries about death and unknown dangers, tries repeatedly to arm himself--with a slingshot, a knife, a toy gun. But what Mikey really needs is confidence. For grades 2-4. 1994. Zed RC 38917 by Rosemary Harris read by Mimi Bederman 1 cassette "I never knew you were that child," said the headmaster. Zed glanced at the yellowing newspaper and began to remember a day seven years before when as an eight-year-old he, his father, and his uncle were caught in a terrorist attack and their days as hostages began. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1982. Braille Adam and Eve and Pinch-Me BR 9998 by Julie Johnston 2 volumes Sara Moone's adoptive parents died when she was three. Since then, she has shuttled from one foster home to another, refusing to make friends and dreaming of quitting school at sixteen. But at fifteen she is placed with the Huddlestons, where she reluctantly develops some relationships and comes face to face with her birth mother. Sara writes about her jumbled feelings in her computer journal. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. American Eyes: New Asian-American Short Stories for Young Adults BR 10180 edited by Lori M. Carlson 1 volume Ten coming-of-age stories about the conflict many Asian American youths experience when they examine their native Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino heritage with American eyes. Sometimes it is a search for identity, sometimes it is cultural embarrassment, and sometimes it is a generation gap, but in each story something ignites an Asian fire. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. A Blessing in Disguise BR 10248 by Eleanora E. Tate 2 volumes Because her mother is ill with hepatitis and is in a psychiatric hospital, twelve-year-old Zambia Brown is being raised by her uncle and aunt in a small South Carolina town. She longs to leave them and her cousin and join the exciting life of her nightclub-owner father, Snake, and her older half-sisters. It takes a tragedy to make Zambia see her entire family realistically. For grades 6-9. 1995. Cat Running BR 10174 by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 1 volume Last year Cat Kinsey was the fastest runner in her school, and she hopes to be again this year. But when her father refuses to let her wear slacks to race in, even though girls are wearing them in the 1930s, Cat decides not to race at all. Some of her friends think she is afraid to race against Zane Perkins, who lives in a nearby dust-bowl camp. But one stormy night both Cat and Zane find themselves in a race to save a life. For grades 3-6. 1994. Cattail Moon BR 10322 by Jean Thesman 2 volumes Julia, fifteen, is studying to be a classical musician. Her mother disagrees, pushing her to change her image and to become a cheerleader. In desperation, Julia goes to live with her father and grandmother in rural Washington. During the school year, Julia learns a lot about herself and how to make her own decisions--thanks to a ghost. For grades 6-9. 1994. Dakota Dream BR 10720 by James Bennett 1 volume Fifteen-year-old Floyd Rayfield, who has lived in foster homes most of his life, believes his destiny is to become a Dakota. No longer able to tolerate being shuffled from home to home, and without telling his counselor, Floyd heads for Pine Ridge Reservation with hopes of undergoing a vision quest and finding a place where he really belongs. For grades 6-9. 1994. Do-Over BR 10281 by Rachel Vail 1 volume Eighth-grader Whitman Levy is very interested in girls but very inexperienced. Amazed that he convinces one to be his girlfriend, Whit inadvertently offends her, and she dumps him. As he daydreams about one girl after another, Whit tries to ignore the friction between his parents. Some strong language. For grades 6-9. 1992. Freaky Friday BR 10060 by Mary Rodgers 1 volume After thirteen-year-old Annabel Andrews and her mother have a hot argument over freedom and responsibility, Annabel wakes on Friday morning and finds that she has turned into her mother. For grades 5-8. 1972. From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun BR 10808 by Jacqueline Woodson 1 volume For the most part, thirteen-year-old Melanin Sun is happy living with his single mother, hanging out with his friends, and dreaming about a girl. But when forced to come to terms with differences in sexual preferences and race, Melanin Sun turns to his journal, where he records thoughts he can't speak out loud. For junior and senior high readers. Coretta Scott King Award. 1995. Going the Distance BR 10114 by Mary Jane Miller 1 volume Loren Monroe is looking forward to starting school with her new Florida friends when she learns her artistic parents are uprooting her once again. This time Loren will stay with her grandmother in Illinois while her parents go to Italy. Luckily there are twins next door to make friends with, and Loren joins the swimming team at her new junior high. Then she learns what her parents have in store for her next. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1994. Gypsy Davey BR 10213 by Chris Lynch 1 volume Davey was raised by his sister Joanne while their mother was out having a good time. Now Davey is twelve and his sister is seventeen, with a baby. Davey is oddly quiet, although inside his head he's talking constantly. But there's another side to Davey that works perfectly in rhythm on his bike and that cares for his nephew like "nobody ever loved babies before." Strong language and some violence. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1994. Liza's Blue Moon BR 10585 by Diane Stevens 1 volume Eighth grader Liza Brody admires the family of her hard-of-hearing best friend, Chloe, but is unhappy with her own. Her mother spends all of her time writing in a journal, her father travels a lot and is having an affair, and her little sister got the good looks and personality. Even Liza's grandmother calls her plain vanilla, and when Liza writes an impressive paper, her teacher accuses her of plagiarizing. For grades 6-9. 1995. Out of Control BR 10096 by Norma Fox Mazer 1 volume High school football star Rollo, student senator Candy, and honor society president Brig are inseparable. So when Brig teases art student Valerie, the other two go along. But when the three fondle her in the hall and Valerie goes to the principal, Rollo becomes confused. He tries to make Valerie see that he's really a nice guy but begins to see himself through her eyes. Some strong language. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1993. Out of the Storm BR 10415 by Patricia Willis 1 volume Before Mandy's father went off to war, he was saving to buy the Fulton place with the big front porch. But Mandy's father was killed, and Mandy, her brother, and her mother have moved to Great-aunt Bess's sheep farm. Mandy's unhappiness and homesickness are compounded by Aunt Bess's stern bossiness. But the sheep that she feared at first are becoming her friends and so are some of her classmates. For grades 5-8. 1995. Possibles BR 10657 by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson 1 volume Shortly before Mary Sheppard Lee (Sheppy) graduates from grammar school, her father dies of cancer. Instead of going to camp with her friend Tess for the summer, Sheppy takes a job helping a young woman, Connie, with a broken leg. Sheppy has a lot of troubles to sort through: her mother, brother, and Tess won't talk about her father; Connie has a secret reason to be crabby; and another friend is having family problems. For grades 3-6. 1995. Real Heroes BR 10095 by Marilyn Kaye 1 volume When Kevin's mother left two months ago, R 10120 edited by Tonya Bolden 2 volumes Stories about young black people who are growing up in different parts of the world. In "Dreaming the Sky Down," a plump, awkward British girl faces her gym teacher's taunts by day, while at night she flies gracefully in her dreams. But is she really dreaming? Barbados, the United States, Jamaica, and South Africa are the settings for other stories. Some strong language. For grades 5-8. 1994. Sister Shako and Kolo the Goat: Memories of My Childhood in Turkey BR 10105 by Vedat Dalokay 1 volume An old man likes to recall his life as a boy in a small Turkish village where his father was a landlord. A woman called Sister Shako lived in their stable with her goats, six of her own and Kolo, who just appeared one day and soon became her favorite. The storyteller tells about Shako's way with animals, her superstitions, her generosity, her love of nature, and finally her death. For grades 5-8. 1994. Song of Be BR 10062 by Lesley Beake 1 volume Young Bushman Be is trying to kill herself with a poisoned arrow. While she waits to die, she tells what led her to this. As a child, Be lives with her mother, Aia, in the village of /Aotcha in Bushmanland. Then Aia learns that her elderly father needs her to come help him at the white man's ranch where he has worked for forty years. It is here Be learns some shocking facts. For grades 6-9. 1993. There's a Bat in Bunk Five BR 10572 by Paula Danziger 1 volume As a junior counselor at summer camp, Marcy is assigned to Bunk Five, the one with a bat and the nastiest problem-child in the whole camp. Marcy also falls in love for the first time, to the delight of giggling campers, who respect no one's privacy. Sequel to The Cat Ate My Gymsuit (BR 8875). For grades 6-9. 1980. The Tinker's Daughter BR 10731 by Sheila Hayes 1 volume Holly Gerard, twelve, just wants to live a normal life. But with a mom who never gave up her "flower child" lifestyle, it is difficult. When newcomer Maddy Brown picks Holly as her best friend, Holly is overjoyed but terrified; she can't let Maddy know about her mother. For grades 5-8. 1995. The Topiary Garden BR 10308 by Janni Howker 1 volume Liz Jackson, twelve, is spending the weekend with her father and older brother, Alan, at a motorcycle competition near Carlton Hall. Running away from her dad and Alan after they laugh at her for getting upset about a picture Alan drew in her sketchbook, Liz meets Sally Beck, ninety-one, who has an extraordinary tale to tell about her life at Carlton Hall. For grades 6-9. 1984. Waterless Mountain BR 10589 by Laura Adams Armer 2 volumes Eight-year-old Younger Brother loves the beauty of the dawn, the sky, the rainbow, and the clouds. When the boy sees the Deer People in a vision, his uncle knows that Younger Brother can learn the songs of his Navajo people to become a powerful medicine man. Younger Brother finds adventures in nature around him, new encounters with whites, and his role as Little Singer. For grades 5-8. Newbery Medal winner in 1932. 1931. Historical Cassettes The Ballad of the Pirate Queens RC 42175 by Jane Yolen read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette A ballad based on the true story of two female pirates, Anne Bonney and Mary Reade. When the governor's men attack Captain Calico Jack Rackham's pirate sloop, Vanity, the ten male pirates refuse to come on deck to help Anne and Mary fight. They are all arrested, but the two women have the last laugh. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Barn RC 41373 by Avi read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Oregon Territory, 1855. Because Ben is the smartest one in his family, he is attending boarding school. But his mother died last year and his father has had a stroke. So Ben's sister, Nettie, has come to bring him home. It is up to Ben to care for their paralyzed father while Nettie and their brother, Harrison, try to run the farm and build the barn their father always wanted. For grades 4-7. 1994. Beethoven Lives Upstairs RC 39533 by Barbara Nichol read by Robert Blumenfeld 1 cassette In 1822 ten-year-old Christoph writes his uncle an alarming letter saying a madman named Ludwig van Beethoven has become a boarder in his house. His widowed mother has rented the upstairs office that was his father's to the eccentric, deaf composer. Over the next several years the letters between Christoph and his uncle show how the boy's feelings change from anger and embarrassment to compassion and admiration. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1993. Behind the Lines RC 40234 by Isabelle Holland read by Lynn Schrichte 1 cassette New York City, 1863. Katie, a motherless fourteen-year-old Irish Catholic girl, is working as a maid for the Laceys--wealthy English Protestants--to help support her family. The Civil War has been raging for two years and the North has instituted a new military draft that allows a wealthy draftee to pay a poor white man to take his place. The result is a bloody race riot and a moral dilemma for Katie. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1994. Bigger RC 39559 by Patricia Calvert read by John Stratton 1 cassette The Civil War is over, but Tyler is still waiting for his father, Black Jack Bohannon, to return to their Missouri home. Hearing of Confederate soldiers who, rather than surrender, are moving into Mexico to gather their forces, Tyler decides that Black Jack must be among them and begins an 800-mile trip to the Rio Grande. Along the way he adopts Bigger, an abused dog, and together they confront incredible hardships. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1994. Bound for Oregon RC 42170 by Jean Van Leeuwen read by Jill Fox 1 cassette Fictionalized account of young Mary Ellen Todd, whose father decides to move the family from Arkansas to Oregon in 1852. The Todds travel to Missouri where they join a wagon train. On their six-month trip, family members get sick with cholera and are attacked by Indians, and Mary Ellen's stepmother gives birth to a baby boy. For grades 3-6. 1994. A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials RC 38950 by Ann Rinaldi read by Marilyn Gleason 2 cassettes Boredom and frustration in a small Puritan town provide fertile ground for a band of teenage girls to incite and nurture deadly mischief. Susanna English, caught between the desire to be part of the group and her revulsion from their wickedness, finds herself an unwilling party to what would become the Salem witch trials of 1692. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1992. Brides, Midwives, and Widows RC 42646 by Judith Bentley read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Describes in their own words the lives of the women who traveled west to become hardworking wives, mothers, teachers, midwives, and neighbors. Also provides firsthand accounts of the letters men sent east to encourage spouses or future brides to join them. For grades 6-9. 1995. Catherine, Called Birdy RC 39832 by Karen Cushman read by Kimberly Schraf 1 cassette Life in the last decade of the thirteenth century as seen through the eyes of a teenage girl. Birdy, the daughter of a minor lord and lady in Lincolnshire, has been ordered by her older brother, a monk, to keep a journal for one year. She reluctantly agrees. In it Birdy portrays the tedium of life in the Middle Ages, the unending chores, the lowly role of women, and the selling of a girl in marriage to the highest bidder. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1994. Cezanne Pinto: A Memoir RC 40297 by Mary Stolz read by John Stratton 1 cassette In 1940 Cezanne Pinto has become a well-spoken free black man who teaches others. Nearing the end of his life, he looks back to the time he was an unschooled slave who escaped from the Virginia plantation where he was born. He describes his trip to Canada via the Underground Railroad, his years as a western cowboy, his search for his mother, and his present life in Chicago. For grades 5-8. 1994. The Chimney Sweep's Ransom RC 40072 by Dave and Neta Jackson read by George Holmes 1 cassette 1700s. Like many poor English children, Ned, thirteen, has worked in the coal mines to help support his family since he was five. His brother, Pip, will soon turn five, and Ned does not want him forced into the mines. When Ned is injured, Pip is "sold" to a chimney sweep. Ned, however, is determined to find Pip and in his search meets preacher John Wesley, founder of Methodism. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1992. A Dangerous Promise: The Orphan Train Adventures RC 41001 by Joan Lowery Nixon read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Mike, twelve, and Todd, fourteen, are intrigued by the Civil War and want to be involved, but they are too young. They get a friend to teach them all the drum calls needed by army drummers and run away to join the Second Kansas Infantry. But in their first battle, Todd dies and Mike is left for dead. When Mike is rescued, he must return home to fulfill a promise made to Todd. For grades 5-8. 1994. Dove and Sword: A Novel of Joan of Arc RC 43108 by Nancy Garden read by Gerry Kasarda 2 cassettes Gabrielle, who grew up with Jeannette d'Arc, tells of Jeannette's going to war to help the French recover their throne from the English. Gabrielle studied healing with her mother and is well prepared to serve as an army medic. But she is not prepared to see her friend burned at the stake. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Drums RC 41710 by James Boyd read by Robert Sams 3 cassettes (Reissue) Young Johnny Fraser longs to see the world beyond his Carolina home, but must continue his studies. Then as turmoil with King George III mounts, Johnny's father, who saw his fellow Scots slaughtered at Culloden, sends him to England as an honorable escape from the coming conflict. It is the courtly England of Johnny's dreams, but adventure leads him to join the crew of Paul Jones's marauding frigates. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1925. Echoes of the White Giraffe RC 39909 by Sook Nyul Choi read by Nancy Kronenfeld 1 cassette In this sequel to Year of Impossible Goodbyes (RC 36945), Sookan, now fifteen, and her family are again separated--this time by the Korean War. Fleeing bombs, Sookan, her young brother, and their mother arrive safely in Pusan, but the whereabouts of the men is unknown. Living with other refugees, the family tries to keep up hope. Through the church choir, Sookan meets Junho, with whom she develops a daring friendship. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993. Escape from the Slave Traders RC 40073 by Dave and Neta Jackson read by George Holmes 1 cassette 1860s. Wikatani and Chuma, out grazing their sheep near the cool waters of Lake Shirwa, are suddenly captured by slave traders known as "Red Caps." The boys' cries for help cannot be heard by their village; they are now the property of their cruel captors. But the Red Caps make the mistake of leaving the boys in the care of David Livingstone, a British official and missionary opposed to the slave trade. For grades 3-6 and older readers. Some violence. 1992. The Examination RC 42676 by Malcolm Bosse read by David Hartley-Margolin 2 cassettes Set in China during the Ming Dynasty, this story follows two brothers on their arduous journey from Chengdu to Beijing. Older brother Chen, the gifted scholar, is on his way to take the palace examination, accompanied by Hong, his loyal and brave younger brother. Along the way, they encounter a host of obstacles--pirates, floods, famine--and each brother carries a secret message. Some violence. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Folks Call Me Appleseed John RC 42557 by Andrew Glass read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Fictionalized account of John Chapman, a young man from Massachusetts who planted and sold trees to settlers in the wilderness. In this story, John has sent for his younger half-brother, Nathaniel, to help him with his work. Nathaniel doesn't take to the rugged outdoor life as well as John does. An overview of John's life follows the story. For grades 2-4. 1995. The Gold of Dreams RC 39582 by Jos‚ Mar¡a Merino read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Miguel Villac‚ Y¢lotl, fifteen, longs to live up to the legacy of his Spanish conquistador father, who disappeared eleven years ago on an expedition. Miguel's Indian mother reluctantly allows him to leave their quiet Mexican village with his father's old compatriots on a mission to find a city of gold. Miguel finds the truth about his father's disappearance and unsettling new wisdom grounded in his mixed heritage. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1986. Guests RC 40769 by Michael Dorris read by Bob Moore 1 cassette Moss, a Native American boy, is annoyed with his father for inviting strangers to the village harvest festival. Then he meets Trouble, a runaway girl who is also unhappy about the rules she is expected to follow. Moss dashes into the forest to spend some "away time," but after he thinks about how he feels and what is expected of him, he decides to join the celebration. Still asking questions, he begins to listen for answers. For grades 3-6. 1994. Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison RC 42017 by Lois Lenski read by Martha Harmon Pardee 2 cassettes (Reissue) In 1758, a white child was captured by Indians and taken to a Seneca village in what is now New York. This story describes her early years in captivity and details the Seneca way of life in the eighteenth century. For grades 5-8. 1941. An Island Far from Home RC 43210 by John Donahue read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Because his father, a Union army officer, was killed in battle, Joshua hates the rebels. When his uncle, a Union prison camp officer, asks him to write to a young Confederate prisoner, Joshua does so only reluctantly. The boys correspond, become friends, and join in a risky adventure. For grades 3-6. 1995. Jim-Dandy RC 42647 by Hadley Irwin read by Jamie Horton 1 cassette At twelve, Kansas farm boy Caleb is thrilled with a new colt, Dandy, that he secretly learns to ride. His despair when his Quaker stepfather is forced to sell Dandy disappears when he learns Dandy's new owner is General Custer's wife, and Caleb is to be Dandy's stable boy. But the activities of Custer's Seventh Cavalry soon disgust Caleb, and he doesn't want Dandy to get used to the killing. For grades 5-8. 1994. The King's Shadow RC 42689 by Elizabeth Alder read by Erik Sandvold 2 cassettes As a young lad in 1063, Evyn has his tongue cut off and is sold into slavery to the mistress of Harold Godwinson, the Saxon earl of Wessex. Yet Evyn, nicknamed the Shadow, rises to importance and becomes squire to Godwinson, who for a brief time is king of England. Some violence. For grades 6-9. 1995. Land of Dreams: Ellis Island, Book 3 RC 41345 by Joan Lowery Nixon read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette It is 1902 when teenaged Kristin Swenson and her parents arrive at their Minnesota farm. Strong-willed Kristin has trouble understanding why her family want to retain the old customs they had in Sweden instead of adapting to life in America. But eventually they all begin to compromise and Kristin starts attending school and fitting in with American ways. Sequel to Land of Promise (RC 41344). For grades 5-8. 1994. Land of Hope: Ellis Island, Book 1 RC 41343 by Joan Lowery Nixon read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette 1902. Rebekah Levinsky, fourteen, and her family leave their home in a Russian shtetl and begin the arduous journey to America. On the ship, Rebekah meets Kristin Swensen from Sweden and Rose Carney from Ireland. The girls become close friends but must separate when they reach New York. Rebekah and her family discover they have to work long days in a sweatshop to survive. Prequel to Land of Promise (RC 41344). For grades 5-8. 1992. Land of Promise: Ellis Island, Book 2 RC 41344 by Joan Lowery Nixon read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette In this sequel to Land of Hope (RC 41343), Irish immigrant Rose Carney is abandoned by her uncle and must travel to Chicago with Kristin Swensen's family. When she reaches Chicago, Rose finds a job as a shop girl and takes responsibility for her father's and brother's finances in order to save money for the rest of their family to come to America. For grades 5-8. 1992. Little Farm in the Ozarks RC 40672 by Roger Lea MacBride read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette In the sequel to Little House on Rocky Ridge (RC 40671), Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo Wilder, are still waiting for their apple trees to mature on their new farm in Missouri. When Rose is finally allowed to start school, she is dismayed by the dull lessons and the snooty attitude of the town girls in her third-reader class. But by year's end, Rose has made a school friend. For grades 3-6. 1994. Little House on Rocky Ridge RC 40671 by Roger Lea MacBride read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette In 1894, following several years of fires and drought, Laura and Almanzo Wilder decide to leave their farm in South Dakota and travel to Missouri where they hope the land will be better. Their daughter Rose describes the trip across the "Big Muddy" river, meeting with Russian families, finding a stray dog that becomes her pet, buying a farm, and holding a barn raising. Prequel to Little Farm in the Ozarks (RC 40672). For grades 3-6. 1993. The Lotus Seed RC 39458 by Sherry Garland read by Janis Gray 1 cassette For many centuries Vietnam was ruled by emperors. They were kept on as ceremonial heads after its conquest by France in the late 1800s, and the last emperor abdicated his throne in 1945 when a war of independence began. The narrator's grandmother saw the emperor cry and plucked a seed from a lotus pod in the imperial garden to remember him by. She would keep that seed and bring it to America with her. For grades 2-4. 1993. Lydia, Queen of Palestine RC 40334 by Uri Orlev read by Miranda Daniloff 1 cassette Lydia, a Jewish girl born in Romania, escaped to Palestine during World War II and lives in a kibbutz. On summer vacations, Lydia runs around with two boys who teach her to do wild things. One of their favorite games is a method for dealing with "official enemies." These experiences help Lydia to develop her independence and to use her imagination to create a fantasy life that she finds better than the real world. For grades 4-7. 1991. Mieko and the Fifth Treasure RC 39340 by Eleanor Coerr read by Yvonne Fair Tessler 1 cassette Mieko, a young Japanese girl, loves to paint and wants to be an artist when she grows up. Her art teacher has told her that she was born with "the fifth treasure," beauty of the heart, which flows into her hands and makes her paintings beautiful. But when the bomb drops on Nagasaki, her life is changed forever. Mieko's hand is badly scarred, and Mieko is certain that she will never paint again--that she has lost the fifth treasure. For grades 3-6. 1993. Moon of Two Dark Horses RC 42657 by Sally M. Keehn read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette When the Revolutionary War breaks out, both the Iroquois League of Indians and the Delaware Indians try to remain neutral. But soon the British and Americans are pressuring them to take sides. Caught up in this struggle are Daniel, an American, and Coshmoo, a Delaware, who have been best friends for many years. For grades 6-9. 1995. Mountain Valor RC 41409 by Gloria Houston read by Lindsay Ellison 1 cassette Valor's family is divided by the Civil War, with members fighting on both sides. Valor is left at home with her pregnant mother, former slaves, and a young cousin. When a raiding soldier causes her mother to miscarry, Valor vows to get even. After their livestock are stolen by the same group, Valor joins them disguised as a boy and plots her revenge. For grades 4-7. 1994. My Brother, My Sister, and I RC 40136 by Yoko Kawashima Watkins read by Yolande Bavan 2 cassettes Sequel to So Far from the Bamboo Grove (RC 27295). Yoko, thirteen, her brother Hideyo, twenty-one, and her sister Ko, seventeen, were forced from their comfortable home in Korea. Their mother has died en route, and their father's fate as a POW is unknown. As they struggle to survive as refugees in post-World War II Japan, they live in a warehouse until it burns down and they are accused of arson and murder. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1994. My Brother Sam Is Dead RC 38902 by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier read by Arnie Warren 1 cassette (Reissue) As the Revolutionary War tragically divides the Meeker family, Tim finds himself caught between his father's loyalty to the king and his brother's fierce support of the rebel cause. For grades 6-9. 1974. New Hope RC 42475 by Henri Sorensen read by Steven Carpenter 1 cassette Jimmy loves to visit his grandpa in New Hope because they always visit the old-fashioned ice cream store, and Jimmy gets to hear the story about the statue in the park. The statue is of Lars Jensen, who came to America in 1885. Lars and his family traveled west until an axle broke on their wagon just as they were about to cross a river. So they stayed by the river, and soon other families joined them to found the town of New Hope. For grades K-3. 1995. The Night Crossing RC 40798 by Karen Ackerman read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette In Austria in 1938, a Jewish family threatened by the Nazis prepares to leave the country. They sell their valuables, fill their pockets, and flee while it is dark. Tired and hungry, they hide by day and move by night. When a clink from the silver candlesticks Mother could not leave behind nearly betrays them, Clara finds a way to hide the noise and the candlesticks until they are safely across the border. For grades 2-4. 1994. On the Long Trail Home RC 42414 by Elisabeth J. Stewart read by Pam Ward 1 cassette A fictionalized account of the author's great-grandmother's escape during the Trail of Tears, the forced march of the Cherokees from their lands in 1838 and 1839. Nine-year-old Meli is on the march with her old grandmother. Her mother and sister have been killed and she doesn't know where the rest of her family is. When Meli sees her brother in another band of captives, the two make a break for freedom. For grades 3-6. 1994. One Foot Ashore RC 39535 by Jacqueline Dembar Greene read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Kidnapped from Portugal and forced to work as slaves in Brazil, Maria Ben Lazar and her sister, Isobel, are separated as they flee from the friars of the Inquisition. Maria hides herself on a ship bound for Amsterdam. She befriends and nurtures a rat born on ship. After barely surviving the voyage, she arrives destitute and is rescued by Rembrandt van Rijn. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1994. Plowie: A Story from the Prairie RC 41959 by Patricia Kirkpatrick read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette "A long time ago when there were still horses on the road," a little girl lived with her family on an Iowa prairie farm. One day while she followed her father as he plowed the field, the girl found a porcelain doll in the prairie dirt. The doll, Plowie, became her friend and was later passed down to the girl's grandchildren who now tell the story of Plowie to their own children. For grades K-3. 1994. The Printer's Apprentice RC 42456 by Stephen Krensky read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Gus Croft, ten, is an apprentice to printer William Bradford. Bradford is one of two men who are printing papers in New York City in 1735. The other man, Peter Zenger, was an apprentice to Bradford a long time ago. But Zenger is publishing articles that criticize the governor, and he is soon arrested. Gus and his friend Zach become partners in a plan to help Zenger be acquitted. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Queen's Smuggler RC 40074 by Dave and Neta Jackson read by George Holmes 1 cassette Sarah Poyntz is the daughter of an English merchant who lives in Belgium and plies the North Sea with goods to sell. Sarah knows that her father also smuggles copies of the New Testament translated into English by William Tyndale, who fled from England as an outlaw for refusing to stop his work. When Tyndale is betrayed and arrested, Sarah's daring plan to smuggle an English New Testament to Queen Anne is his only hope. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1991. Radical Red RC 39815 by James Duffy read by Michele Schaeffer 1 cassette Susan B. Anthony comes to the capitol in Albany, New York, in 1894 to persuade the state constitutional convention that women have a right to vote. Twelve-year-old Connor O'Shea, who is teaching her Irish mother how to read, thinks the women wearing the "radical red" ribbons are right, but she has to hide her thoughts from her dad, who has his own ideas about what women can and cannot do. For grades 5-8. 1993. Rebel RC 41054 by Allan Baillie read by John Horton 1 cassette The general comes across the plain of Burma with his clanking tanks, wheeled guns, and hard-faced soldiers. The soldiers march through the town and bring every person before the general. The people are afraid and nobody speaks. Suddenly one child breaks the general's spell. Based on an actual incident in Rangoon. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Sarah, Also Known as Hannah RC 40128 by Lillian Hammer Ross read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette When Mr. Kamornick dies, his widow, struggling to care for four children, asks her brother for help. He offers to provide passage to America for one of the daughters, preferably the eldest, sixteen-year-old Hannah. Hannah receives her passport and prepares to leave when, at the last moment, her mother decides to send Sarah, twelve, in her place. Based on a real journey from Ukraine to Ellis Island in 1910. For grades 3-6. 1994. Second Daughter: The Story of a Slave Girl RC 43000 by Mildred Pitts Walter read by Connie Winston 1 cassette Fictionalized account of slave Elizabeth Freeman, who in 1781 sued her owner for freedom under the Massachusetts Constitution and won. A fictional younger sister tells the story of the slaves' lives and their desire to be free. For grades 6-9. 1996. Shaker Boy RC 42408 by Mary Lyn Ray read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette Caleb is not sure he likes living with the huge "family" in the Shaker village where his mother brought him after his father died in the Civil War. He is sure that he loves the many songs of work and celebration and that the songs help him hear the angels. He grows up working hard, learning to make brooms, to sugar the maples, to knit, and eventually to tend the orchard and the Tree of Songs. For grades K-3. 1994. Song of the Trees RC 40146 by Mildred D. Taylor read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Cassie, a young African American girl, loves the giant trees that surround her rural Mississippi home. The trees are her friends and they sing to her a special song. But the nation is in the Great Depression and times are very hard. Her father has to go to Louisiana to work for the railroad, and that is when the trouble starts. Mr. Andersen is determined to force Big Ma to sell the ancient trees. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1975. Sound the Jubilee RC 42885 by Sandra Forrester read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Eleven-year-old Maddie, who works in the big house on River Bend Plantation in North Carolina, longs for freedom. As the Civil War approaches and their mistress moves to her summer home on Nags Head, Maddie's family gets their chance at freedom when the bluecoats turn nearby Roanoke Island into an escaped-slave haven. For grades 6-9. 1995. Spying on Miss Mller RC 42288 by Eve Bunting read by Jill Fox 1 cassette Jessie Drumm, thirteen, and her friends at Alveara school in World War II Belfast are concerned about their dormitory supervisor and German teacher, Miss Mller. She has been seen going to the bell tower late at night, and after one such visit, bombs were dropped on Belfast. Could the kindly Miss Mller be a spy? For grades 5-8. 1995. Steal Away Home RC 41158 by Lois Ruby read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette The Shannon family has just moved into an old house in Kansas, and twelve-year-old Dana is not too thrilled about stripping wallpaper until she discovers a skeleton on a cot in a boarded-up space behind the wall. There is also a small diary from which Dana learns about underground railroad activities in her historic house, which was once owned by a Quaker family. But what especially excites Dana is information about the person who died. For grades 3-6. 1994. Street Child RC 43200 by Berlie Doherty read by Tom Martin 1 cassette Based on the life of Jim Jarvis, the orphan whose plight inspired Dr. Thomas Barnardo to establish Britain's first children's refuge. In Victorian England, Jim is on a desperate quest to find a home after he escapes from the workhouse where his mother died. Instead he is enslaved and forced to work on a boat until he runs away and finds refuge in a shelter. For grades 3-6. 1993. Thunder Rolling in the Mountains RC 38901 by Scott O'Dell and Elizabeth Hall read by June Carter 1 cassette In 1877 the United States Army forced the Nez Perce tribe off its homeland and onto the reservation. The disagreement within the tribe over whether or not to resist; the heartbreak and pain of leaving; and the defiance, heroism, and eventual defeat are narrated by fourteen-year-old Sound of Running Feet, the daughter of Chief Joseph--leader of the Nez Perce. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1992. Titanic Crossing RC 42787 by Barbara Williams read by Margaret Strom 1 cassette As the Trask family sets sail aboard the Titanic in 1912, thirteen-year-old Albert has a lot on his mind. His father has died, leaving him to be the man of the family. His mother is unhappy about returning to America from England, where they have been living, and his younger sister is worse than a pest. When the "unsinkable" ship begins to go down, Albert takes his responsibilities seriously, risking his life. For grades 4-7. 1995. Under the Black Flag RC 40160 by Erik Christian Haugaard read by Tom Martin 1 cassette In 1716 William Bernard is sailing to England to be educated when his ship is attacked by the pirate Blackbeard and William is kidnapped for ransom. Blackbeard's ship meets that of the pirate Major Bonnet, whose son and slave, Sam, becomes William's fast friend. When Blackbeard callously abandons his vessel and some of his crew, he provides an opportunity for William and Sam to escape. Some violence. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993. Under the Domim Tree RC 42926 by Gila Almagor read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette Autobiographical novel about young girls growing up in a youth village in Israel. Most of the children were orphaned in the Holocaust in Europe. Now teenagers, they wrestle with their own identities and coming adulthood. Aviya, a Sabra, seeks answers about her father's death. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 RC 41921 by Christopher Paul Curtis read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette The whole "Weird Watson" family drives from Michigan to visit Grandma Sands in Alabama. She is the only one who can put some sense into the head of Kenny's older brother, Byron, who acts up just too many times. The kids have never been to the South, where they experience segregation and racism. The family's sense of humor helps, but life there holds serious problems. Some strong language. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 1995. Whispering Brook Farm RC 41336 by Carrie Bender read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Nancy Petersheim, nine, lives with her parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters on a farm in Amish country. Nancy loves every bit of Whispering Brook Farm, and she hopes her family will always live there. Nancy faces the death of a family member and the joy of a wedding. Then her father announces he might sell the farm! For grades 4-7. 1995. Wolf by the Ears RC 39516 by Ann Rinaldi read by Gail Nelson 2 cassettes Young Harriet Hemings, a slave at Monticello, has a chance for freedom, but she's afraid to leave the plantation she grew up on. Though her mother, Sally Hemings, is pushing her, Harriet cannot bear to think of leaving her family and friends. Then there's Master Thomas Jefferson, Harriet's gentle benefactor, who some believe may be her father. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1991. Braille Anna Is Still Here BR 10502 by Ida Vos 1 volume Thirteen-year-old Anna survived the Holocaust by hiding in an attic for three years. During that time, the only person she spoke to was the man who brought her food. Now the war is over and Anna and her family have been reunited, but her parents will not talk about the war. Anna needs to discuss her fears, and when she meets Mrs. Neumann, a German neighbor, she finally finds someone to communicate with. For grades 5-8. 1986. Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky BR 10381 by Faith Ringgold 1 volume In this companion to Tar Beach (BR 8940), Cassie Louise Lightfoot and her little brother, Be Be, are flying among the stars when they come across a ramshackle train. To Cassie's horror, Be Be boards the train. Then Cassie meets Harriet Tubman, who explains that Be Be will experience what their great-great-grandparents did while escaping slavery by the underground railroad. For grades 2-4. 1992. Black-Eyed Susan BR 10670 by Jennifer Armstrong 1 volume Susie lives with her parents in a sod house on their Dakota farm. She loves the wide open spaces and likes to stand on her sod roof to watch the sunrise. But Susie's mother, who misses trees and her life back east, is becoming more and more depressed, and Susie wants to cheer her up. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Burning Time BR 10229 by Carol Matas 1 volume Set in seventeenth-century France. Fifteen-year-old Rose and her mother are stunned when Rose's father, Philippe Rives, is killed in a riding accident. And soon after the accident, Madame Rives, a midwife and a healer, is accused of being a witch. Rose, too, is a suspect, but she manages to escape. Soon a simple country life becomes a fight for survival. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1994. Dear Levi: Letters from the Overland Trail BR 10365 by Elvira Woodruff 1 volume In 1851 twelve-year-old Austin Ives sets off on the Overland Trail to find the land his late father claimed for him and his little brother, Levi. As he travels the almost three thousand miles from Pennsylvania to Oregon, Austin writes letters to Levi describing the friends he makes on the trail and the troubles the group encounters. For grades 4-7. 1994. Felicity Learns a Lesson: A School Story BR 10892 by Valerie Tripp 1 volume Felicity, almost ten, is to begin lessons in being a polite colonial Williamsburg gentlewoman. She will take classes with two girls who have just arrived from England. But when the colonists decide to boycott English tea, Felicity has some choices to make. Sequel to Meet Felicity (BR 10891). For grades 2-4. 1991. Felicity's Surprise: A Christmas Story BR 10893 by Valerie Tripp 1 volume Just before Christmas in colonial Williamsburg, Felicity Merriman is surprised to receive an invitation for a dance lesson at the governor's palace. The other girls will have new gowns, and Felicity's mother decides to make her one. But then Mrs. Merriman becomes ill. Sequel to Felicity Learns a Lesson (BR 10892). For grades 2-4. 1991. The Fifth of March: A Story of the Boston Massacre BR 10211 by Ann Rinaldi 2 volumes Rachel Marsh is an indentured nursemaid for the children of John and Abigail Adams. Her friend Jane urges her to consider her future and side with the rebelling colonists, but like the Adamses, Rachel can't condone their gang-like activities. Although Rachel doesn't like the attitude of the newly arrived British troops either, she soon makes friends with a lonely British soldier. For junior and senior high readers. 1993. The First Four Years BR 10462 by Laura Ingalls Wilder 1 volume The author described her childhood in a series of books beginning with Little House in the Big Woods (BR 4442). Now she tells of the first years she and her husband, Almanzo Wilder, spent together on a homestead on the Dakota prairie in the late 1800s. This story follows These Happy Golden Years (RC 21200, BR 4443). For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1971. Hiroshima BR 10442 by Laurence Yep 1 volume On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Yep tells the story of Sachi, a young Japanese schoolgirl, and explains the short- and long-term effects of the explosion on her, her family, and her friends. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1995. If I Should Die before I Wake BR 10142 by Han Nolan 2 volumes Since her father died in an accident she attributes to his Jewish boss, Hilary has shaved her head and joined a local youth gang called the Great Aryan Warriors. Now in a Jewish hospital after a motorcycle accident, Hilary is annoyed by the pity in an elderly woman's eyes. Then Hilary spirals into another place and time--Nazi Germany--and realizes she is a Jewish girl named Chana. Strong language and some violence. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Kirsten Learns a Lesson: A School Story BR 10872 by Janet Shaw 1 volume It is Kirsten's first day of school in America. The pioneer girl is a little scared, but her cousin Anna helps Kirsten learn her lessons. Kirsten must make an important decision when her new friend, an Indian girl, asks Kirsten to go away with her. Sequel to Meet Kirsten (BR 10871). For grades 2-4. 1986. Leah's Pony BR 10026 by Elizabeth Friedrich 1 volume Leah and her family live in the Dust Bowl. "The year the corn grew tall and straight" Leah's papa bought her a pony, but this year there is no rain and the crops have not grown tall. Now an auctioneer is coming to sell the animals and the new tractor. Then Leah thinks of a way to help. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1996. Little House on the Prairie BR 10510 by Laura Ingalls Wilder 2 volumes A family moves westward from Wisconsin in a covered wagon and builds a cabin on the Kansas prairie right in Indian territory. Sequel to Little House in the Big Woods (BR 4442). For grades 4-7. 1935. Meet Felicity: An American Girl BR 10891 by Valerie Tripp 1 volume Felicity and her family live in 1774 Williamsburg, where her father runs a general store. Felicity helps at home, but she would rather be working with her father. And when she discovers that old Mr. Nye is mistreating his new horse, Felicity knows what she must do. Prequel to Felicity Learns a Lesson (BR 10892). For grades 2-4. 1991. Meet Kirsten: An American Girl BR 10871 by Janet Shaw 1 volume Kirsten, who is nine, comes to America aboard the Eagle from Sweden in 1854. She describes her voyage, the time she got lost in New York City, and her trip to Minnesota to be with some family members who arrived several years earlier. Prequel to Kirsten Learns a Lesson (BR 10872). For grades 2-4. 1986. My Wartime Summers BR 10807 by Jane Cutler 1 volume At first World War II seems exciting as Ellen, eleven, and her friends eagerly track events and stage their own battles. A German Jewish family even moves into the neighborhood, and Ellen's father wishes he could enlist. But over the next few years, the war becomes more real as Ellen's young uncle is sent overseas. For grades 5-8. 1994. Paper Faces BR 10056 by Rachel Anderson 1 volume In the days after the end of World War II, young Dot worries about having to go through more changes. She and her mother, Gloria, have shuttled from one dingy London rooming house to another, Baby is in the hospital with pneumonia, and the father Dot can't even remember hasn't been released from the army yet. Then Dot finds comfort in a stay in the country, recuperating from her own poverty-induced illnesses. For grades 6-9. 1991. Pedro's Journal: A Voyage with Christopher Columbus; August 3, 1492-February 14, 1493 BR 10468 by Pam Conrad 1 volume Because he has been taught to read and write, Pedro de Salcedo has been selected to sail with Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to America. During the trip Pedro keeps a journal of what happens and what he sees as the ship crosses the Atlantic. Pedro recalls leaving his mother for the first time, the first sighting of land, and how he sank the Santa Maria. For grades 4-7. 1991. Runs with Horses BR 10655 by Brian Burks 1 volume Based on events beginning in 1886, when Geronimo, Chief Naiche, and a band of Chiricahua Apaches break out of the Arizona Fort Apache reservation and hide in the Sierra Madre mountains. There they train the young men to become warriors. In this fictionalized account, Runs with Horses is being trained by his father to become the best warrior of the group. Some violence. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Seventeenth Summer BR 10584 by Maureen Daly 2 volumes A woman recalls her seventeenth summer when she lived in a small Wisconsin town in the leisurely days before World War II and fell in love for the first time. 1942. Snow Treasure BR 9836 by Marie McSwigan 1 volume The boys and girls of a Norwegian village on the sea risk their lives to help smuggle a fortune in gold past the Nazi soldiers guarding their town. For grades 4-7. 1942. Spy for the Night Riders BR 9973 by Dave and Neta Jackson 1 volume 1520. Karl Schumacher, fifteen, has come to Wittenberg to further his studies. Martin Luther, one of the most famous professors in the Holy Roman Empire, takes in Schumacher as a servant and student. When Luther is condemned by the Roman Catholic Church as a heretic, one who does not believe the accepted truth about God or the church, Schumacher accompanies him to Worms, where Luther plans to defend his views. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1992. Star of Fear, Star of Hope BR 10547 by Jo Hoestlandt 1 volume In 1942 French schoolgirls Helen and Lydia are best friends. When the German army invades France, Lydia has to wear a yellow star on her coat. Lydia sleeps over the night before Helen's ninth birthday, but must leave in the middle of the night when they learn that people with yellow stars are being arrested. For grades 2-4. 1995. Titanic Crossing BR 10644 by Barbara Williams 1 volume As the Trask family sets sail aboard the Titanic in 1912, thirteen-year-old Albert has a lot on his mind. His father has died, leaving him to be the man of the family. His mother is unhappy about returning to America from England, where they have been living, and his younger sister is worse than a pest. When the "unsinkable" ship begins to go down, Albert takes his responsibilities seriously, risking his life. For grades 4-7. 1995. Tomorrow, When the War Began BR 10509 by John Marsden 2 volumes A group of Australian teenagers decide to spend a week in the bush instead of attending the annual fair with their families. At their remote campsite, they notice an unusual number of planes flying over but think nothing of it until they return home. There they find their families gone, their pets left to die, and the phones and electricity out. Some violence. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1993. Under the Blood-Red Sun BR 10261 by Graham Salisbury 2 volumes Tomi is a thirteen-year-old living in Honolulu in 1941. His parents and grandfather are Japanese immigrants, and his best friend, Billy, is white, a haole. Much to Tomi's dismay, his grandfather persists in calling himself Japanese and even flying Japan's flag. When the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, soldiers accuse Tomi's family of being spies. Even Billy begins treating Tomi differently. Some strong language and some violence. For grades 5-8. 1994. Holidays Cassettes The Best Christmas Pageant Ever RC 38118 by Barbara Robinson read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette (Reissue) Everyone agrees that the Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. When they hear about the free refreshments at Sunday school, the Herdmans not only show up, but also muscle their way into the lead roles of the annual Christmas pageant. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1972. Carlos, Light the Farolito RC 42692 by Jean Ciavonne read by Gabriella Cavallero 1 cassette It is Christmas Eve, and tonight the peregrinos will come to Carlos's house as they search for shelter for Joseph and Mary. It is an honor to host the last night of Las Posadas, and Carlos can hardly wait. His grandfather always plays the role of the innkeeper, but Carlos's parents and grandfather have gone to town. So Carlos must fill in when the peregrinos arrive before his grandfather returns. For grades K-3. 1995. The Christmas Teddy Bear RC 41961 by Ivan Gantschev read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Christmas is only two days away when Ellen and her mother arrive to visit Grandma and Grandpa at the country estate where they work as caretakers. Ellen is hoping to get a teddy bear for Christmas, and so one day before Christmas, Grandpa sets out on the hour-long walk into town to find a teddy bear for Ellen. But on the way home, he gets lost in a snowstorm. For grades K-3. 1992. The Christmas Tree Ship RC 40471 by Jeanette Winter read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Every year when winter came, Captain Herman cut down spruce trees and turned his fishing schooner into a Christmas tree ship. Then he would sail down Lake Michigan and sell the trees in Chicago. But one year, there is a blizzard when it's time for the captain and his crew to deliver the trees. For preschool-grade 2. 1994. Country Angel Christmas RC 42503 by Tomie dePaola read by Steven Carpenter 1 cassette St. Nicholas goes to heaven to tell the Country Angels they are in charge of the Christmas celebration for all of the other angels this year. Wanting to make their party as spectacular as those put on by the Archangels and the Heavenly Choir, the Country Angels are too busy to find something for the three littlest angels to do. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Grandfather's Christmas Camp RC 42654 by Marc McCutcheon read by Pam Ward 1 cassette It is Christmas Eve, but Lizzie and Grandfather can't get ready for the holiday until they find Mr. Biggins--grandfather's three-legged dog who often wanders off to hunt deer. All bundled up, they set off up the mountain, carrying Grandfather's backpack along. Lizzie gets tired on the long trip, and they decide to spend the night in the woods. In the morning, there is a surprise waiting for Lizzie. For grades K-3. 1995. The Hallo-Wiener RC 42615 by Dav Pilkey read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Oscar, a dachshund, is half a dog tall and one-and-a-half dogs long. His friends laugh at him and call him "Wiener Dog." On Halloween Oscar hurries home from obedience school to make a costume to wear trick-or-treating. But his mother has his outfit all made--a hot dog bun. What will Oscar do? If he wears the getup, his friends will tease him even more. For grades K-3. 1995. Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present RC 39514 by John Burningham read by John Horton 1 cassette Santa, exhausted after a long Christmas Eve of delivering presents, has just put the reindeer to bed and is headed for sleep himself when he discovers a gift still in his sack. It is for Harvey Slumfenburger, who lives at the top of a mountain far, far away. Santa knows Harvey's parents are poor and this is Harvey's only gift. He must find a way to get that present to Harvey. For preschool-grade 2. 1993. Littlejim's Gift: An Appalachian Christmas Story RC 40391 by Gloria Houston read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Littlejim is almost eleven. He works hard helping his mother and father, and more than anything he wants his father to think of him as a man. Littlejim has been saving his dimes and hopes to buy a tool set he saw in the window of Mr. Burleson's store. But when his sister Nell falls in love with a doll in the window, Littlejim has some hard decisions to make. A companion book to Littlejim (RC 36614). For grades 2-4. 1994. Matzah Ball: A Passover Story RC 40185 by Mindy Avra Portnoy read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Aaron is a big fan of the Baltimore Orioles, and he has a chance to attend an upcoming game. There is just one problem: the game is during Passover and that means he can't eat all the great junk food at the ball park. Instead he must take his own lunch of matzah, tuna, and macaroons. But a strange thing happens at the ball park, and suddenly Aaron doesn't feel so bad about his special food. For grades K-3. 1994. Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake RC 43114 by Cynthia Rylant read by Ted Stoddard 1 cassette Old Mr. Putter lives with his elderly cat, Tabby. He loves giving Christmas presents, but each year he has a hard time choosing one for his neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry. Instead of getting her a fruitcake or the other odd things she adores, Mr. Putter decides to bake her a good Christmas cake. Unfortunately he doesn't know how. For grades 2-4. 1994. Santa Calls RC 38116 by William Joyce read by Kimberly Schraf 1 cassette Art Atchinson Aimesworth lives in Abilene, Texas, with his aunt and uncle who run a Wild West Show and Animal Phantasmagoria. And while he has a weakness for sweets and a tendency to be mean to his sister, Esther, all that changes with the Christmas of 1908. Art, a crime-fighting whiz kid, is mysteriously summoned by Santa Claus--and embarks on a rollicking Christmas adventure with Esther and his best friend that brings them closer together. For grades K-3. 1993. Save Halloween! RC 40364 by Stephanie S. Tolan read by Kimberly Schraf 1 cassette Johnna, a sixth-grader, is helping write a script for the class Halloween pageant. Knowing that her family does not approve of celebrating a holiday associated with the devil, especially after her uncle preaches about it at the tent meeting, Johnna thinks through her ideas about what is right and what is wrong. Prayer and reflection lead Johnna to a decision about her values. For grades 4-7. 1993. The Spotted Pony: A Collection of Hanukkah Stories RC 39534 retold by Eric A. Kimmel read by Robert Blumenfeld 1 cassette A collection of eight Jewish folktales, each preceded by a brief "shammes" story, to be read on the eight nights of Hanukkah. Includes "Leviathan and the Fox," "Did the Rabbi Have a Head?" and "The Caliph and the Cobbler." For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1992. Tanya's Big Green Dream RC 40170 by Linda Glaser read by Robin Miles 1 cassette Tanya, nine, wants her Earth Day project to be really spectacular, after her disastrous science fair entry. She decides to plant a tree, a project her teacher calls "ambitious." But Tanya soon discovers that it won't be easy--she must find a spot to plant the tree and raise thirty dollars to buy the sapling. For grades 3-6. 1994. Braille The Legend of the Poinsettia BR 9935 retold by Tomie De Paola 1 volume Lucida is helping her mother make a new blanket for the baby Jesus for the Christmas procession. Her mother becomes ill, and Lucida tries to finish the blanket but gets the threads all tangled. With no gift for baby Jesus, Lucida does not want to go to church. But an old woman tells Lucida any gift she gives will be loved. A surprise awaits everyone when Lucida brings a bunch of weeds to church. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994. The Matzah That Papa Brought Home BR 10029 by Fran Manushkin 1 volume A cumulative rhyme story, written in the style of "The House That Jack Built," that explains what happens to the matzah Papa brings home for the family's Passover Seder. Includes definitions of Passover foods and traditions. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. A Midnight Clear: Stories for the Christmas Season BR 10634 by Katherine Paterson 1 volume A collection of stories that the author wrote for her pastor husband to tell his congregation on Christmas Eves. In the title story, a boy who is scared by recurring visions of nuclear mushroom clouds finds comfort in helping a homeless old woman. In "Amazing Grace," a woman stranded when the car runs out of gas gives birth in a humble cabin on Christmas Eve. For grades 5-8. 1995. A Village Full of Valentines BR 10006 by James Stevenson 1 volume All the animals in the village are preparing for Valentine's Day by making valentines for someone special. Clifford has been waiting a long time for a valentine because he won't send one until he gets one. Murray is trying to make the world's most beautiful valentine, and Gus has a valentine for the whole village. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1995. Humor Cassettes Al Capsella Takes a Vacation RC 40648 by J. Clarke read by Gary Telles 1 cassette Sequel to Al Capsella and the Watchdogs (RC 37551). Sixteen-year-old Al and his friend Lou don't want to take the usual holiday vacation with their families. Instead, they decide to go alone to Scutchthorpe, a town highly recommended by a friend. Arriving by bus, the boys are horrified to find themselves in the country, far from the promised beaches and party life. How will they ever live this down? For junior and senior high readers. 1992. Humor Cassettes Amelia Bedelia RC 40183 by Peggy Parish read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette (Reissue) When Amelia Bedelia shows up for her first day of work as a housekeeper, her new employer, Mrs. Rogers, gives her a list of things to do and drives away. Amelia is puzzled by the instructions but follows them anyway. She dresses the chicken in a little outfit, dusts the furniture with dusting powder, and cuts up the towels to change them. For grades K-3. 1963. Diane Goode's Book of Silly Stories and Songs RC 38126 edited by Diane Goode read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette An eclectic collection of silly folktales from the world over, with five nonsensical songs interspersed for a dash of vim and verve. The author's intention is to "make you laugh all the way through," and her selections include "The Husband Who Was to Mind the House," "Talk," "On Top of Spaghetti," and "The Magic Pot." For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1992. Dumbstruck RC 42269 by Sara Pennypacker read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette On a weird and completely dark night at the beginning of summer, Ivy's kind but eccentric parents vanish. Ivy is shipped off to the Wretched Dear Darlings' Blessed Haven Orphanage run by the disgusting Armilda and Borage Clott but quickly escapes. Yodeling Aunt Zilpa and her three-hundred-pound ostrich lead the rescue of Ivy's now dumbstruck parents, and a zany escapade ensues. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Exiles at Home RC 40530 by Hilary McKay read by Patricia Kilgarriff 1 cassette The Conroy sisters--Ruth, thirteen; Naomi, twelve; Rachel, eight; and Phoebe, six--are back in Lincolnshire following their summer with Big Grandma. For Christmas, each girl is given ten pounds, and Ruth decides to use her money to sponsor an African child for a year. But Ruth has a big problem because sponsorship costs ten pounds per month. Sequel to The Exiles (RC 38569). For grades 4-7. 1993. Falling Up RC 42824 by Shel Silverstein read by Pam Ward 1 cassette A collection of brief and humorous poems featuring silly situations and a gallery of zany characters. You will see the world from "a different angle" as you meet the Terrible Toy-Eating Tookle, attend the "Rotten Convention," and visit Hungry Kid Island. For grades 2-4 and older readers. Bestseller 1996. Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia RC 41801 by Herman Parish read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette On Amelia Bedelia's birthday, her employers, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, give her the day off. She decides to go visit her cousin, so Mr. Rogers offers to let her use the couple's car. Since Amelia Bedelia hasn't driven in years, Mr. Rogers takes her out for a practice drive in the country. But Amelia Bedelia can't understand any of his directions. For grades K-3. 1995. The Great Brain Is Back RC 41605 by John D. Fitzgerald read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette In this final book about the Great Brain (the manuscript was found after the author's death), J.D. narrates eight more tales about how his big brother, Tom, now thirteen, continues to swindle people out of their money. Tom convinces J.D. to sell bars of soap, he almost outwits Polly Reagan in the spelling bee, and he helps rescue a gang of outlaws. For grades 4-7. 1995. Hattie Baked a Wedding Cake RC 41063 by Toby Speed read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette The cobbler and the cook are getting married, and Hattie bakes the wedding cake. Hattie puts in flour, eggs, raisins, and nuts, but then a few other ingredients get mixed in to make a very unusual cake. For grades K-3. 1994. The Latchkey Dog RC 38993 by Mary Jane Auch read by Phil Regensdorf 1 cassette After Sam's father moves out and his mother goes to work full-time, the family's golden retriever is left alone all day and grows lonely. Amber expresses her frustration by barking for hours, annoying the neighbors. Mom decides that Amber must go. In desperation Sam tries everything, including keeping Amber up all night in the hope that she will sleep during the day. The results are disastrous and hilarious. For grades 3-6. 1994. More Rootabagas: Stories RC 41593 by Carl Sandburg read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette As noted in the foreword, Sandburg, searching for bedtime stories for his three daughters, lamented the lack of fairy tales native to the United States. So, the famous poet wrote his own, which he described as "tales with American fooling in them." Indeed, there is "fooling" and whimsy aplenty in this collection of ten previously unpublished stories. Companion to Rootabaga Stories (RC 25522). For grades 4-7 and older readers. 1993. Never Take a Pig to Lunch: And Other Poems about the Fun of Eating RC 39647 selected by Nadine Bernard Westcott read by Bob Askey 1 cassette A collection of nearly sixty humorous poems about food and eating. There are poems about school lunches, picnics, and manners and about baloney, a sliver of liver, oodles of noodles, and fudge. For grades K-3 and older readers. 1994. The Obnoxious Jerks RC 41333 by Stephen Manes read by Brian Conn 1 cassette Frank Wess is new at Ullman Griswold Memorial High (UGH to the kids) and he feels somewhat like a misfit. But then he is invited to join the Obnoxious Jerks, a group of boys of supposedly superior intelligence who are known for their wacky ways of protesting school rules. It is Frank who comes up with one of their wildest ideas: wearing skirts to school to protest the "no shorts" mandate. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1988. Owl in Love RC 38770 by Patrice Kindl read by Barbara Rappaport 1 cassette "I am Owl. It is my name as well as my nature," announces fourteen-year-old Owl Tycho. Born to simple witches, Owl has shape-shifting abilities (a condition that runs in her family) and is a suburban high school girl by day and a barn owl by night. She has fallen in love with her science teacher, Mr. Lindstrom, and keeps a nightly vigil outside his window as she pursues her ill-fated infatuation. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. The Pelican Chorus and Other Nonsense RC 42464 by Edward Lear read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Three humorous tales in verse include "The New Vestments," in which a man fashions an outfit made out of food, only to have it eaten off his body. The couple in "The Owl and the Pussycat" take "some honey and plenty of money" in search of a ring. In the title story, two pelicans are saddened when their daughter chooses the king of the cranes to wed. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1995. Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia RC 40197 by Peggy Parish read by Catherine Byers 1 cassette (Reissue) Amelia Bedelia is a housekeeper who takes everything she is told literally. One day when the neighborhood baseball team needs a replacement player for a game, Amelia volunteers. But when they tell her to steal bases, tag players, and run home, she gets confused. For grades K-3. 1972. Tarantula Shoes RC 42794 by Tom Birdseye read by Bob Moore 1 cassette As if moving across country isn't bad enough, Ryan, almost twelve years old, learns, to his horror, that he will go to the junior high where sixth graders are picked on. His only hope is to be cool and get a pair of Slam Dunk Sky Jumper basketball shoes. But where will he get the $124.99, plus tax? He works hard to earn most of it yet is still short. Then he makes a star out of Fang, his pet tarantula, but things never go smoothly! For grades 3-6. 1995. The Thing That Bothered Farmer Brown RC 41240 by Teri Sloat read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Just as Farmer Brown is about to fall asleep something begins to buzz around his bedroom, keeping him awake. What a time he has chasing the pesky mosquito! And when it finally decides to leave the farmer alone, it flies away and annoys the animals too. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Your Mother Was a Neanderthal RC 40670 by Jon Scieszka read by Ray Hagen 1 cassette Sam, Joe, and Fred, the Time Warp Trio who first appeared in Knights of the Kitchen Table (RC 36216), travel back to the Stone Age and are immediately in trouble. First, they're completely naked (Sam still has his hat and Fred his glasses) and, second, they no longer have The Book that enables them to travel in time. They have plenty of other problems, too, with cavegirls and a woolly mammoth. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1993. Braille Amelia Bedelia BR 10284 by Peggy Parish 1 volume When Amelia Bedelia shows up for her first day of work as a housekeeper, her new employer, Mrs. Rogers, gives her a list of things to do and drives away. Amelia is puzzled by the instructions but follows them anyway. She dresses the chicken in a little outfit, dusts the furniture with dusting powder, and cuts up the towels to change them. For grades K-3. 1963. The Case of the Double Bumblebee Sting: Hank the Cowdog, Volume 22 BR 10566 by John R. Erickson 1 volume As Slim and Loper prepare to help a friend with his spring branding for a few days, Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security, sticks his head into a bumblebee nest and gets stung twice on the nose. Loper's wife, Sally May, takes Hank to the vet and tries to make him comfortable while he gets better. But she won't let him into the house until he gives her the "look of maximum woe and misery." For grades 4-7. 1994. The Case of the Midnight Rustler: Hank the Cowdog, Book 19 BR 10065 by John R. Erickson 1 volume Called into night duty when Uncle Johnny suspects that someone or something is stealing his cattle, Hank the Cowdog is proud of his assignment. But poor Hank is slugged on the nose, eats poisoned weenies, and gets soaked when the tent collapses in the midst of a rainstorm. Then Hank is helped by Brewster, who scares no one but is big. Together they put an end to the "crinimal" behavior. For grades 3-6. 1992. Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered BR 10574 by Gary Paulsen 1 volume In the 1950s, two boys on a farm find all kinds of trouble and adventure. Told by one boy, whose parents are drunk a lot, the story begins when he goes to stay with his cousin Harris's family. The first day, he gets kicked in the groin and head by a demonic cow, battles a manic rooster, wrestles a pig in manure, rides monstrous horses, loses a bout with a lynx, and eats around twenty meals. Some strong language. For grades 6-9. 1993. "Hi, Pizza Man!" BR 9946 by Virginia Walter 1 volume Vivian is very hungry and is having a hard time waiting for the pizza man. While waiting, she and her mother play a game about who might deliver the pizza. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Oddballs: Stories BR 10072 by William Sleator 1 volume Slightly exaggerated stories about the author's unusual family. He and his sister, Vicky, were thrilled when their baby brother was born and they could play cruel games with him in the car. The second baby paid them back by refusing to potty train until he was five. Though their friends' parents didn't approve of their pediatrician mother's lax house rules, the Sleator children became the kind of oddballs their parents like. For grades 6-9. 1993. Once upon a Golden Apple BR 9950 by Jean Little and Maggie de Vries 1 volume "Once upon a time" is how most fairy tales begin, but not this one. And much to the amusement of the three bears, the seven dwarfs, and even the gingerbread boy, that isn't the end of it. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4. 1991. The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog BR 10558 by John R. Erickson 1 volume Humorous tale of Hank the Cowdog, who is very proud of his position as head of ranch security. Unfortunately, Hank's heroic attempts at finding a chicken murderer backfire, and his helper cowdog is no help at all. When the rancher accuses Hank of being the killer, he quits his job, becomes an outlaw, and meets a beautiful coyote. For grades 2-4. 1988. Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia BR 10144 by Peggy Parish 1 volume Amelia Bedelia is a housekeeper who takes everything she is told literally. One day when the neighborhood baseball team needs a replacement player for a game, Amelia volunteers. But when they tell her to steal bases, tag players, and run home, she gets confused. For grades K-3. 1972. Tarantula Shoes BR 10548 by Tom Birdseye 1 volume As if moving across country isn't bad enough, Ryan, almost twelve years old, learns, to his horror, that he will go to the junior high where sixth graders are picked on. His only hope is to be cool and get a pair of Slam Dunk Sky Jumper basketball shoes. But where will he get the $124.99, plus tax? He works hard to earn most of it yet is still short. Then he makes a star out of Fang, his pet tarantula, but things never go smoothly! For grades 3-6. 1995. Mystery Cassettes Adventures in South America RC 42745 by Jeanette Windle read by Jack Fox 2 cassettes Thirteen-year-old twins Justin and Jenny Parker journey to South America with their Uncle Pete. But their relaxed vacation turns into a perilous adventure when they find themselves in the midst of international intrigue. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1994. Best of Enemies RC 39454 by Carolyn Keene read by Kerry Cundiff 1 cassette Frank and Joe Hardy have come to Memphis to help an American spy stationed in the former East Berlin come home. A man named Pritchitt has promised to turn the agent over--for a price. Nancy Drew is in Memphis to aid Beau Davis, an overzealous Elvis fan accused of stealing his guitar. Now Davis has become the prime suspect in the murder of Pritchitt, and the sleuths team up to solve the case. A Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys book for grades 4-7. 1991. The Case of the Constant Caller: A Father Dowling Mystery for Young Adults RC 41796 by Ralph McInerny read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Janet Hospers has a summer job working with senior citizens at Father Dowling's community center. Gerry Krause is working there also. Although Gerry's uncle was the arresting officer who sent Janet's father to prison, the two teenagers hit it off and begin investigating a possible connection between an ex-con and odd happenings at the parish. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Case of the Dead Winner: A Father Dowling Mystery for Young Adults RC 42394 by Ralph McInerny read by Nick Sullivan 1 cassette Retired professor Mrs. Mortimer, a regular at St. Hillary's parish center, hires Carl, the twelve-year-old son of parish director Edna Hospers, to do odd jobs at her home. When Mrs. Mortimer's estranged daughter appears with an unsavory boyfriend in tow, Mrs. Mortimer has Carl hide the key to her late gambler husband's safe-deposit box. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Case of the Desperate Drummer: A McGurk Mystery RC 40343 by E.W. Hildick read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette McGurk and members of his detective organization know that to be an effective agency, they must be able to provide protection for their clients and witnesses. Each member has made a dummy to use in their training program, and some prove to be more successful than others in protecting their dummies. But will their practicing prove helpful when they try to protect a world-famous drummer? For grades 3-6. 1993. The Case of the Fantastic Footprints: A McGurk Mystery RC 41531 by E.W. Hildick read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette The McGurk Organization of young private detectives takes on a case of proving a classmate's cat is not responsible for the footprints in a neighbor's new driveway. This inspires McGurk to create a footprint-testing laboratory--just in time to interpret some pretty puzzling footprints that begin showing up around town. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Case of the Furtive Firebug: The Kerry Hill Casecrackers, Book 1 RC 41129 by Peggy Nicholson and John F. Warner read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette Hally, thirteen, and her little brother, Jason, are visiting Rhode Island with their father. Jason has been living with their mother, and Hally had forgotten what a pain he is. Things look up when she meets young Tuyet. Hally and Jason help Tuyet paint an apartment for mean Mr. Crowhurst, who teases Tuyet about a fire she accidentally started. Then Jason smells smoke! For grades 3-6. 1995. The Dark Stairs: A Herculeah Jones Mystery RC 41485 by Betsy Byars read by Martha Harmon Pardee 1 cassette Herculeah's private-investigator mother named her after the hero of the movie Hercules vs. the Moloch. When Herculeah sees her mother's latest client, the feisty teenager realizes she's met her own hulking, scary Moloch. On top of that, her policeman father's latest case involving a mysterious house makes Herculeah's hair frizz, a sure sign that she's in danger. For grades 5-8. 1994. Double Date: The Fear Street Saga RC 41050 by R.L. Stine read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Bobby Newkirk might be good-looking and an excellent guitarist, but he is also extremely conceited. He has dated all of the cheerleaders and now has plans to date both of the Wade twins, who are new in town. Bree is quiet and shy while Samantha is bold and sexy, so it should be easy to tell them apart. But Bobby soon begins to wonder just who is who. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Dragons in the Waters RC 42667 by Madeleine L'Engle read by Martha Harmon Pardee 2 cassettes (Reissue) Aboard a freighter bound for Venezuela, Poly and Charles O'Keefe, fourteen and twelve, and their new young friend, Simon Renier, encounter an imposter, the theft of an irreplaceable portrait of Simon Bolivar, and a murder for which all the passengers and crew become suspect. For grades 6-9. 1976. The Face in the Bessledorf Funeral Parlor RC 39068 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor read by Pam Ward 1 cassette The Magruder family runs the Bessledorf Hotel, the only hotel in Middleburg, Indiana. Next door is the Bessledorf Funeral Parlor where strange things have been happening, especially since the opening of the parlor's drive-in viewing window. Bernie Magruder believes that a robbery in town has links to the funeral parlor, and he and his friends set out to solve the mystery. For grades 4-7. 1993. A Fate Totally Worse than Death RC 42945 by Paul Fleischman read by Kimberly Schraf 1 cassette The Huns are a group of very rich students at Cliffside High School. Earlier, three Hun girls arranged the death of an outsider who tried to date a Hun. Now Helga, a new girl, is showing interest in a Hun boy. But as the girls make their plans for Helga, their bodies start aging rapidly. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Fire Bug Connection: An Ecological Mystery RC 39816 by Jean Craighead George read by Grainne Cassidy 1 cassette Maggie Mercer is spending the summer with her parents at a research center in Maine where she enjoys studying insects in the area. As Maggie leans out of her window the morning of her twelfth birthday, a raven flies straight toward her, and Maggie recalls her grandmother's warning that a murder will take place if that happens. Then the firebugs in Maggie's collection begin to die. For grades 3-6. 1993. Flatfoot Fox and the Case of the Bashful Beaver RC 43102 by Eth Clifford read by Christopher Walker 1 cassette Flatfoot Fox, who runs a detective agency, considers himself the smartest detective in the world. But when Bashful Beaver comes to ask for help in locating his big black bag of beautiful bright blue buttons, Flatfoot Fox allows his assistant, Secretary Bird, to head up the investigation--with rather unusual results. For grades 2-4. 1995. The Haunting of Holroyd Hill RC 43305 by Brenda Seabrooke read by Annie Wauters 1 cassette Melinda is unhappy about moving to rural Holroyd Hill, Virginia, because it means having to make new friends, but her brother, Kevin, doesn't mind. As they explore the nearby woods, Melinda and Kevin are accosted by a frightening old man. Then they meet his grandson, Dan, and things improve--until a ghost appears. For grades 5-8. 1995. Horror at the Haunted House RC 38957 by Peg Kehret read by Ardyth Heller 1 cassette Ellen and her younger brother Corey are thrilled to participate in a haunted house project to help raise money to convert an old mansion into a museum. Upon entering the place, Ellen feels an uncomfortable presence and soon realizes that she is being haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Lydia. Overcoming her fear of Lydia's ghost, Ellen unravels a mystery involving Lydia's fabulous collection of Wedgwood china. For grades 5-7 and older readers. 1992. Jumping the Nail RC 42570 by Eve Bunting read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Shortly after Dru's high school graduation in La Paloma, California, Elisa and Scooter, a couple from Dru's class, decide to jump the Nail, a deep, narrow gorge where thrill-seekers fall from the cliffs into the ocean below. Dru's concern about Elisa's surviving the stunt mentally and physically turns to alarm when terrified Elisa describes being held under water by a girl previously drowned there. For junior and senior high readers. 1991. The Light on Hogback Hill RC 40492 by Cynthia DeFelice read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette Hadley Patterson's mom works late as a waitress, leaving Hadley to worry about the horrible hag on Hogback Hill, who supposedly turns people into cats. When new sixth-grader Josh Carter invites Hadley over for dinner, she happily accepts. But Josh insists they find out about the hag by visiting her on Halloween! For grades 3-6. 1993. Look for Me by Moonlight RC 42295 by Mary Downing Hahn read by Jill Fox 1 cassette Sixteen-year-old Cynda travels to Maine to live with her father, stepmother, and young half-brother while her mother and stepfather take an extended trip to Italy. At first Cynda is spooked by her father's inn, which is rumored to be haunted, but when handsome poet Vincent Morthanos appears for a long stay, Cynda falls in love. By the time she realizes Vincent is evil, he has already gained power over the entire family. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Looking for Juliette: Investigators of the Unknown, Book 2 RC 38849 by Janet Taylor Lisle read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Angela goes to Mexico for a year, leaving her Siamese cat, Juliette, with her friend Poco. When Juliette is hit by a car and disappears, Poco's friend Georgina and shy, strange Walter join Poco in a search for the cat. Walter produces a Ouija board, and clues lead the team to Angela's house and the housesitter, Miss Bone. Sequel to The Gold Dust Letters (RC 38848). For grades 3-6. 1994. Lucy Forever, Miss Rosetree, and the Stolen Baby RC 40417 by Susan Richards Shreve read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette In the sequel to Lucy Forever and Miss Rosetree, Shrinks (RC 28587), sixth-graders Lucy Childs and Rosie Treeman (still pretending to be psychiatrists) now have 468 imagined patients. Jealous of Rosie's many brothers and sisters, Lucy is thrilled when her parents decide to adopt an abandoned baby. But while they wait for the adoption to become final, someone kidnaps the baby. For grades 4-7. 1994. Mike's Mystery RC 38942 by Gertrude Chandler Warner read by Marilyn Gleason 1 cassette The Alden children--Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny--can't wait for summer vacation so they can get back to Mystery Ranch, where Aunt Jane lives. Last summer uranium was discovered on the ranch, and stores, churches, and schools have come with the influx of miners. An old friend from back East, Mike Wood, has also moved nearby. When his house burns down in a mysterious fire, Mike is a prime suspect. A Boxcar Children mystery for grades 3-6 and older readers. 1960. Money to Burn RC 41293 by E.M. Goldman read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Matt and Lewis, both fourteen, are facing a boring Canadian summer. They have no money, and there are no jobs to be had. So what are they going to do all summer long? Their lives change dramatically when they suddenly discover $400,000 in a suitcase. For grades 5-8. 1994. The Scariest Night RC 40345 by Betty Ren Wright read by Lynn Schrichte 1 cassette Twelve-year-old Erin Lindsay is not happy about spending the summer in Milwaukee just so her genius foster brother can take piano lessons. She loves ghosts and had planned a scary summer back home. But she finds that the apartment her family is renting is in the only building left on a torn-up street. And the other tenants are old and interesting, especially Molly Panca, who holds seances and has a group of dolls that seem to be alive. For grades 3-6. 1991. Shadowmaker RC 41280 by Joan Lowery Nixon read by Cecelia Riddett 1 cassette Katie Gillian and her mom, Eve, an investigative reporter, have moved to the small town of Kluney, Texas, so Eve can write a novel and escape the trouble they have had since Eve wrote a series of articles about toxic waste dumps. But trouble seems to follow Katie and her mom. They discover there is a toxic waste dump in Kluney, and two murders take place. Is there a connection? For junior and senior high readers. 1994. Silent Witness RC 40295 by Patricia H. Rushford read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette In the sequel to Too Many Secrets (RC 40294), Jennie McGrady and her grandmother, a police officer turned writer, are on their way to Florida. Intrigued by a girl in a wheelchair at the airport, Jennie is excited to encounter her again as she helps Gram research an article on dolphins. The girl, Sarah, is undergoing dolphin therapy after the trauma of witnessing her father's murder. And Jennie has found another mystery to solve. For grades 6-9. 1993. Someone Else's Ghost RC 41437 by Margaret Buffie read by Nona Pipes 2 cassettes Shortly after Jessica's brother, Scotty, dies in a canoe accident, Jessica's father moves her and her distraught mother to a guest ranch he has bought in Alberta. Angry at her father's indifference, Jessica becomes alarmed when her mother announces that Scotty is contacting her. But it's not Scotty who is haunting the ranch. It's young Ian, who lived there at the turn of the century and hated his mother. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1992. Spider Kane and the Mystery under the May-Apple RC 38365 by Mary Pope Osborne read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Much to his mother's disapproval, butterfly Leon Leafwing falls madly in love with gorgeous gossamer-winged Mimi--who has a past. When Mimi is kidnapped, Leon and his friends seek out sleuth Spider Kane. They all travel to the Dark Swamp in search of Mimi, who has been forced into the service of the evil Emperor Moth. For grades 3-6. 1992. Stolen Bones RC 40427 by Joan Carris read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Eleven-year-old Alec Wright and his mother, an archaeologist, are in Montana to help Alec's grandfather on a dig for dinosaur bones. Alec doesn't want to be there because he knows his grandfather doesn't like him. But when some of the bones begin to disappear, Alec and Rina, the only other kid in the area, decide to find out who is taking them. Along the way, Alec makes some surprising discoveries. For grades 4-7. 1993. Too Many Secrets RC 40294 by Patricia H. Rushford read by Nona Pipes 1 cassette Jennie McGrady is looking forward to her sixteenth birthday present: a vacation in Florida with her grandmother. But she is dismayed when her mother becomes engaged even though Jennie's long-missing father was never declared dead. Then Jennie learns Gram, a former police officer turned writer, has been declared a fugitive from justice! Jennie and Gram's neighbor Ryan set out to uncover the truth. For grades 6-9. 1993. Torn Away RC 39756 by James Heneghan read by John Lescault 1 cassette Thirteen-year-old Declan is a wild Irish boy seeking revenge for family deaths. Declan's terrorist activities have persuaded the British authorities that the place for him is in Canada with an uncle who is offering him a fresh start. Declan slips out of the handcuffs that restrain him on the flight out of Belfast. He continues to resist, determined as he is to find a way back, until he learns the truth. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. The Trespassers RC 42585 by Zilpha Keatley Snyder read by Lisa Kiava 1 cassette Neely Bradford, eleven, and her eight-year-old brother, Grub, often visit deserted Halcyon House and play with the guard dog, who is a pushover for Grub. One day they find an open window and begin to explore inside the house, which seems to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl. For grades 3-6. 1995. The Twin in the Tavern RC 39449 by Barbara Brooks Wallace read by Andy Chappell 1 cassette Young Taddy is found by scavenging thieves as he cowers in the house of his recently dead aunt and uncle. Rather than face the workhouse, he submits to being hauled off to be a servant in their tavern, which is right in the heart of the town where he was told by his dying uncle to look for his twin and find out his true identity. For grades 3-6. 1993. The View from the Cherry Tree RC 42831 by Willo Davis Roberts read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette (Reissue) Rob Mallory spends a lot of time in his family's cherry tree, especially now that his sister Darcy's wedding is drawing near. The tree overlooks the home of their hateful neighbor Mrs. Calloway, who is constantly complaining about Rob and his cat. The day before the wedding, Rob is shocked to see Mrs. Calloway get pushed out of her window. But no one will believe that her death wasn't an accident. For grades 5-8. 1975. A Walk to the Great Mystery RC 42959 by Virginia A. Stroud read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette When Dustin and Rose visit their Grandma Ann, she promises to show them the "Great Mystery," where the secrets of the earth come from. For grades K-3. 1995. The Weekend Was Murder! RC 39695 by Joan Lowery Nixon read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette In the sequel to The Dark and Deadly Pool (RC 29619), young Mary Elizabeth and her coworkers at Ridley Hotel are asked to act out small parts in a murder mystery weekend. The "murder scene" is to be in a suite that many of the hotel workers consider haunted. When Mary Elizabeth discovers an actual corpse in the room, a real murder investigation becomes tangled in the make-believe one. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1992. Who's There? RC 43207 by Stephanie S. Tolan read by Margaret Strom 1 cassette After their parents are killed in a gas explosion, Drew Broderick and her brother, Evan, learn that they have a grandfather and an aunt living in a large old house called Rose Hill. Although not sure why their father never told them about his family, Drew loves it there, and even Evan, who has not spoken since the accident, seems happy. But it soon appears that Drew's new friend, Will, is right: the house is haunted! For grades 5-8. 1994. Braille The Betrayal: The Fear Street Saga, Volume 1 BR 10368 by R.L. Stine 1 volume In Wickham Village, Massachusetts, in 1692, Susannah Goode and her mother are accused of witchcraft by Benjamin Fier, the father of the boy Susannah loves. They may be burned at the stake. And in 1900 in the village of Shadyside, Nora Goode stands before the Fear mansion listening to the screams of those trapped inside the blazing house. Prequel to The Secret (BR 10369). For junior and senior high readers. 1993. The Burning: The Fear Street Saga, Volume 3 BR 10370 by R.L. Stine 1 volume New Orleans, 1845. Simon Fier has changed his name to Fear and moved to New Orleans in hopes of escaping the curse that has afflicted his family for generations. But the curse seems to persist. And in 1900 in the village of Shadyside, Simon's grandson meets Nora Goode and they fall in love. Sequel to The Secret (BR 10369). For junior and senior high readers. 1993. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Two Spies BR 10391 by Donald J. Sobol 1 volume Collection of ten more cases for Encyclopedia Brown to solve as he continues his war on crime in Idaville. In the title story, Encyclopedia helps his police chief dad figure out how two spies are passing information to each other. For grades 3-6. 1994. Live from the Fifth Grade BR 10173 by Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna 1 volume Roger Friday is the class clown at Sacred Heart Elementary School, and the target of most of his jokes is classmate Marsha Cessano, because she's so easy to tease. But having a sense of humor can be a curse, and a dead-snake prank lands Roger in after-school detention helping the kindly janitor. When the school laser printer is stolen, Marsha volunteers to help Roger find the thief to clear the janitor's name. For grades 3-6. 1994. Nasty, Stinky Sneakers BR 10226 by Eve Bunting 1 volume The Slam Dunkers sneakers company is having a contest, and the person with the stinkiest sneakers wins three pairs of its popular brand. Ten-year-old Colin knows he has a great chance of winning. After careful handling, his sneakers are now so foul his mother makes him leave them in the hall outside their apartment door. Then, the day before the contest, someone steals Colin's shoes! For grades 4-7. 1994. Sebastian (Super Sleuth) and the Flying Elephant BR 10836 by Mary Blount Christian 1 volume Sebastian is a dog who loves to solve mysteries. Shortly after the circus comes to Sebastian's town, Tahsha, the beloved elephant, disappears. Sebastian and his police-detective human begin to analyze clues. For grades 2-4. 1994. The Secret: The Fear Street Saga, Volume 2 BR 10369 by R.L. Stine 1 volume Wickham Village, Massachusetts, 1737. Ezra Fier and his family return to Wickham where Ezra vowed revenge against George Goode, the brother of Susannah Goode, who was burned at the stake. Now Ezra has found the Goodes at last. And in 1900 in the village of Shadyside, Nora Goode must continue to write the story of what happened in Wickham years earlier. Sequel to The Betrayal (BR 10368). For junior and senior high readers. 1993. Wrapped in a Riddle BR 10205 by Sharon E. Heisel 1 volume While her biologist parents are off on a research trip, Miranda is staying with her grandmother (GrandAnn) in her bed-and-breakfast inn. GrandAnn likes riddles and Mark Twain; the rooms in her inn are named after his characters. Before long, Miranda and her new school friends have a real-life riddle to solve. Who bopped the inn's housekeeper on the head and stole letters written by Mark Twain? For grades 4-7. 1993. School Cassettes Amber Brown Goes Fourth RC 42372 by Paula Danziger read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Amber Brown has her notebook, pens and pencils, new shoes, and new clothes for the new school year. But she is not looking forward to the fourth grade. Her best friend, Justin, has moved away; her dad lives in France; and her mother has a new friend, Max. Amber does her best to "go fourth," though, and eventually makes a new friend and even decides she might like Max. For grades 3-6. 1995. Beware of Kissing Lizard Lips RC 42140 by Phyllis Shalant read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Zack Moore slides into the last-row seat on the bus--the coolest place for a sixth-grader to sit--and feels rather proud of himself. But will he be able to keep his seat? The seats are for the quickest and toughest sixth-graders, and Z ence or him, and he keeps forgetting his homework. Worst of all, Joey's family has broken up and his mother has married Mr. Johnson. But it is Mr. Johnson who helps Joey solve his problems. For grades 4-7. 1993. Dinah in Love RC 39481 by Claudia Mills read by Lynn Schrichte 1 cassette As chair of the sixth-grade Sadie Hawkins-style sock hop, Dinah Seabrooke is excited about mismatching neon pink and orange socks for her outfit but not about asking a boy to go with her. Her best friend urges her to ask Nick Tribble, but Dinah thinks he's a creep. After all, he threw a pink exercise bra on her head while she was a living mannequin in the window of her father's store. Companion to Dinah for President (RC 38022). For grades 3-6. 1993. Flour Babies RC 39568 by Anne Fine read by John Horton 1 cassette The boys of Room 8 at St. Boniface School are known as the Sads and the Bads, troublemakers and nuisances. They have been assigned a science project--flour babies. Each boy is to take full responsibility for a six-pound bag of flour for three weeks. Keeping the flour babies safe, clean, and dry proves too much for the boys, except Simon Martin. Deserted by his dad when he was a baby, Simon becomes attached to his charge and gains wisdom. For grades 5-8. 1992. Germy in Charge RC 39480 by Rebecca C. Jones read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Jeremy Bluett (known as Germy Blew It to his friends), despite past bungled efforts, feels ready for leadership on a grand scale. The sixth-grader runs for student representative on the school board--a seat usually held by a high school student--and wins! (The high school students vote a boa constrictor homecoming queen.) Now Jeremy has lots of campaign promises to fulfill. Companion to Germy Blew It (RC 29825). For grades 3-6. 1993. Getting Something on Maggie Marmelstein RC 41779 by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette (Reissue) Thad Smith makes the mistake of calling classmate Maggie Marmelstein a mouse because she has a squeaky voice. So when Maggie catches Thad cooking, she threatens to spread her discovery around school. Thad knows he has to get something equally embarrassing on Maggie before she ruins his reputation. For grades 4-7. 1971. The Greatest Idea Ever RC 38961 by Joan Carris read by Janet Daley 1 cassette Gus Howard's family has returned to the States from England and has resettled in a small Ohio town--a pretty momentous change for Gus. The irrepressible fourth-grader is constantly in trouble as he seeks revenge on the class tattletale, Nanny; tries to train his new dog; and organizes a school art show. For grades 3-6. 1990. If It Hadn't Been for Yoon Jun RC 40248 by Marie G. Lee read by Grainne Cassidy 1 cassette Seventh-grader Alice Larsen is indifferent to her Korean ancestry. Adopted as a baby by a Minnesota family, she is a happy, popular cheerleader. When Yoon Jun Lee, a Korean immigrant new to the United States, begins attending Bainer Junior High, Alice thinks he's weird. Then he becomes her partner for International Day, and together they prepare a report on Korea, piquing Alice's interest in her heritage and in friendship with Yoon Jun. For grades 4-7. 1993. It Goes Eeeeeeeeeeeee! RC 41195 by Jamie Gilson read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette Best friends Richard and Ben are supposed to be nice to new kid Patrick, but it's hard because he's a know-it-all in a suit and bow tie. All three are in Mrs. Zookey's second grade. After the boys find a stranded bat and share all kinds of scary misconceptions about it, Patrick gets in trouble; spends recess inside reading about bats; and pairs with Dawn Marie, who has real bats at home, on a report for Endangered Animal Month. For grades 2-4. 1994. Just Call Me Stupid RC 40366 by Tom Birdseye read by Grainne Cassidy 1 cassette Fifth-grader Patrick Lowe's special-reading teacher seems mad at him, and mean Andy calls him stupid, just as Patrick's father did before he moved away. When new classmate Celina moves in next door, she begins reading Patrick The Sword in the Stone and plays chess with him. Patrick tells her a story he made up about a white knight, and Celina is so impressed she secretly enters it in a writing contest. For grades 3-6. 1993. Marrying Malcolm Murgatroyd RC 43307 by Mame Farrell read by Ilona Dulaski 1 cassette Hannah Billings is in the popular group at school, and Malcolm Murgatroyd is decidedly not. Hannah is horrified that the adult Billings and Murgatroyds are great friends who joke about Hannah and Malcolm's marrying someday. But when Hannah's brother Ian's muscular dystrophy sends him to the hospital, Hannah sees Malcolm in a different light. For grades 5-8. 1995. Math Curse RC 42748 by Jon Scieszka read by Carole Jordan Stewart 1 cassette When math teacher Mrs. Fibonacci tells the class "you can think of almost everything as a math problem," one of her students feels as if she's received a math curse. Now she can't think about anything without turning it into math! For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1995. Miss Malarkey Doesn't Live in Room 10 RC 42605 by Judy Finchler read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette The first-grader who tells this tale is convinced that his teacher lives at school all the time. She eats in the cafeteria and sleeps in the Teacher's Room. But he gets a surprise when a moving van pulls up outside his apartment building. For grades K-3. 1995. The Ninth Issue RC 39922 by Dallin Malmgren read by June Carter 1 cassette Blue Hocker is angry when he must transfer in his senior year from his small Missouri high school to a large Texas school. Failing to make the football team, he winds up in a journalism course that puts him on the staff of the school newspaper. Mr. Choate, the advisor, advocates a free press, and the students cover controversial stories. The principal, however, sees Mr. Choate as a threat and refuses to rehire him. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1989. Really No Big Deal RC 42554 by Margaret Bechard read by Brian Conn 1 cassette Seventh-grader Jonah Truman is mortified when he learns his mother is dating Mr. Decker, the principal of his middle school. But that's not Jonah's only problem: he needs to get his own love life off the ground. He has a crush on Katherine Chang but can't bring himself to talk to her. The only girl he can talk with is his longtime friend Amanda, who is much too tall for him. And even Amanda has been hard to figure out recently. For grades 4-7. 1994. A School for Pompey Walker RC 42927 by Michael J. Rosen read by Bob Moore 1 cassette Pompey Walker, an old man who was once a slave, tells the story of his life to the students in a new school that is being named for him. Pompey explains his work as a stable hand who did his master's bidding; his rescue by Jeremiah, the master's son-in-law; his selling himself into slavery time and time again so he and Jeremiah could make money; and the school he and Jeremiah built for freed slaves. For grades 2-4. 1995. Serious Science: An Adam Joshua Story RC 39581 by Janice Lee Smith read by John Stratton 1 cassette It isn't fair that the older kids at school are having a science fair and Adam Joshua's class can't participate. So when their teacher says she will tell the big guys that her class is joining in, everyone cheers. Adam's entry is a super model of the solar system--that is, until his dog and little sister wreak havoc on his project. But Adam comes up with an ingenious last-minute replacement. For grades 2-4. 1993. Soccer Shock RC 40667 by Donna Jo Napoli read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette A week into the new school year, Adam is having problems. The coach has warned him that if he doesn't concentrate he won't make the soccer team. And classmate Kim keeps bothering him. Then Adam is almost struck by lightning, and he begins to hear voices. When he finally realizes the voices are his freckles talking to each other, Adam decides to put this new-found skill to use. For grades 3-6. 1991. Song Lee in Room 2B RC 39430 by Suzy Kline read by John Polk 1 cassette Song Lee, who is in Miss Mackle's second-grade class with the infamous Horrible Harry, is clever and fun to be around. Afraid of public speaking, she devises an ingenious way to give an assigned speech. Song Lee also helps her friend Doug break his writer's block; and she shows everyone the importance of following instructions during a fire drill. For grades 2-4. 1993. Summer's End RC 41963 by Maribeth Boelts read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Summer is ending, and that means that second grade is almost here. For Jill, there will be no more swimming, baseball, or visits from cousins. But school can mean lots of nice things also, and soon Jill is looking forward to going back. For grades K-3. 1995. What's Cooking, Jenny Archer? RC 42566 by Ellen Conford read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette When Jenny Archer gets fed up with school meals, she decides to bring her own lunch. A television program inspires her to become a creative cook, and the results attract the attention of her schoolmates. One by one, they offer to pay Jenny to make their lunches too. For grades 2-4. 1989. When Jo Louis Won the Title RC 40784 by Belinda Rochelle read by Connie Winston 1 cassette It's the day before school opens and Jo Louis is unhappy. She just knows that everyone will make fun of her name, the way they always do. Then her grandfather tells her about the special night when the boxer Joe Louis won the heavyweight championship. And that same night lots of other good things happened that make her name something to smile about. For grades K-3. 1994. Braille Darnell Rock Reporting BR 10315 by Walter Dean Myers 1 volume Darnell Rock isn't doing very well in middle school. It also turns out he's not participating in any school activities. So when the principal gets upset with him, Darnell decides to try working on the school paper. The person he chooses to interview is a homeless man who was in Vietnam with Darnell's father. Before long, Darnell's testifying in front of the city council! For grades 4-7. 1994. Fifth-Grade Fever BR 10501 by Michele Granger 1 volume When best friends Marty and Nina learn that they have handsome Mr. Truesdale for their fifth-grade teacher, they make a plan to become teacher's pets. It won't be easy: neither girl is a particularly good student, and they have stiff competition from Beverly, who has been a teacher's pet every year so far. For grades 4-7. 1995. Hold Fast to Dreams BR 10413 by Andrea Davis Pinkney 1 volume Dee Willis, twelve, is not happy about moving from Baltimore to Wexford, Connecticut. Just as her friend Lorelle warned her, Dee is the only black student in her class. Her sister, Lindsay, fits in at her prep school by acting white and joining the lacrosse team. But Dee misses her double-dutch squad and isn't good at playing lacrosse. Will her hobby of photography and her one friend be enough to make school bearable? For grades 5-8. 1995. Juliet Fisher and the Foolproof Plan BR 10332 by Natalie Honeycutt 1 volume Third-grader Juliet Fisher is a good student and very organized, but nobody seems to like her very much. When her teacher seats talkative, sloppy Lydia Jane next to her, Juliet realizes she is supposed to set a good example. But Lydia Jane doesn't improve, and Juliet can't stand listening to her. Juliet's only two friends suggest a plan: Juliet starts acting like Lydia Jane until the teacher moves her. For grades 3-6. 1992. The Library Dragon BR 10022 by Carmen Agra Deedy 1 volume Miss Lotta Scales, the new librarian at Sunrise Elementary School, is a dragon who fiercely protects her books. Children are afraid to go to the library because she might singe them, and teachers can't stand up to her. Finally, a small, nearsighted girl enters the library, picks up a book, and begins to read out loud. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. A Very Personal Computer BR 10532 by Justine Rendal 1 volume Eighth-grader Pollard Gunning is having a bad year. An accident took away his dog and his mother, his grades have gone downhill, and he has no social life. Then a personal computer at school tells Pollard it knows all about him and begins to give him advice. For grades 5-8. 1995. Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road? BR 10093 by Gordon Korman 1 volume Justin Zeckendorf's teacher divides the class into groups of three, and he ends up with drippy Jessica Zander and Margaret Zachary again. The assignment is to do good deeds and the winners get to go to a water park. The Zs' first good deed gets them negative points when they try to help a woman and get her suitcase run over. Justin decides they are going to have to catch a car thief to catch up. For grades 2-4. 1994. Science Fiction Cassettes Aliens Ate My Homework RC 40831 by Bruce Coville read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Rod Allbright is building a volcano for a school project when a small spaceship crashes through the window and lands in the papier-mƒch‚. The tiny spaceman who emerges is rather hostile, but as Rod helps him and the crew fix their spaceship, they all become friends. The aliens are on Earth to catch a notorious criminal, and Rod is very surprised to find out who it is. Prequel to I Left My Sneakers in Dimension X (RC 40832). For grades 3-6. 1993. The Death of Sleep RC 41102 by Anne McCaffrey and Jody Lynn Nye read by Martha Harmon Pardee 3 cassettes Lunzie Mespil accepts a job on a remote mining station, leaving her daughter behind for what she believes will be a two-year assignment. But en route to her job, the space liner on which she is a passenger is destroyed by space pirates. Although she escapes in a lifeboat, Lunzie spends ninety years in cryogenic stasis awaiting rescue. Sequel to Sassinak (RC 41101). For junior and senior high and older readers. 1990. The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm RC 39386 by Nancy Farmer read by Lisette Lecat 2 cassettes Zimbabwe, 2194. Tendai, Rita, and Kuda, the three children of the general, are kidnapped by the She Elephant's minions when they venture one day into the dangerous streets of Harare. The children's worried parents consult a bumbling, unorthodox, mutated detective trio--the Ear, Eye, and Arm--and the chase is on, with the detectives always one step behind the kids, who fall in and out of the She Elephant's clutches. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1994. Generation Warriors RC 41103 by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon read by Martha Harmon Pardee 3 cassettes Fleet Commander Sassinak leads a motley team of allies, both lightweights and heavyworlders, in pursuit of the planet pirates who enslaved her as a child. But Sassinak's passionate vendetta, her reluctance to follow orders, and her investigations of the super rich may generate more trouble than she and her friends can handle. Sequel to The Death of Sleep (RC 41102). For junior and senior high and older readers. 1993. The Guardians RC 40807 by John Christopher read by Steven Crossley 1 cassette (Reissue) England in 2052 is a divided nation. Recently orphaned thirteen-year-old Rob Randall, who lives in the Conurb, has been sent to a boarding school. Rob finds the technological community oppressive and makes his escape into the County, where life seems more serene. But the County society, ruled by the "Guardians," is even more tyrannical. For grades 6-9. 1970. I Left My Sneakers in Dimension X RC 40832 by Bruce Coville read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Rod Allbright is looking forward to summer vacation--until his mother informs him that his cousin Elspeth is coming to stay for two weeks. But having her around is the least of his problems when they are both kidnapped by Smorkus Flinders and held hostage in order to trap Rod's friends from the spaceship Ferkel. Rod makes a surprising discovery before he returns from Dimension X. Sequel to Aliens Ate My Homework (RC 40831). For grades 4-7. 1994. Lost in Cyberspace RC 42808 by Richard Peck read by Christopher Hurt 1 cassette Sixth-grade New Yorker Josh Lewis has problems. His parents are separated, his mother is trying to find an acceptable au pair, and his friend Aaron is trying to convince him one can use a computer to travel through time. Then Aaron accidentally brings a young woman from 1923 into the 1990s, solving one problem but creating others. For grades 4-7. 1995. Sassinak RC 41101 by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon read by Martha Harmon Pardee 2 cassettes Kidnapped by pirates from her home world of Myriad and sold into slavery, Sassinak refuses to resign herself to her fate. Through her strength and intelligence she survives and escapes, determined to become a Fleet captain and seek vengeance on those who enslaved her. Prequel to The Death of Sleep (RC 41102). For junior and senior high and older readers. 1990. Shape-Changer RC 40395 by Bill Brittain read by Jack Fox 1 cassette Life in Rolling Acres Estates is pretty dull for Frank Dunn until the day he finds himself conversing with a fire hydrant. The hydrant explains that it is really Zymel, a policeman of the Shilad, an alien shape-changer race. Having crash landed on Earth and lost Fek, the dangerous prisoner he was escorting, Zymel needs Frank's help. Their urgent mission is to find For grades 6-9. 1970. Lost in Cyberspace BR 10713 by Richard Peck 1 volume Sixth-grade New Yorker Josh Lewis has problems. His parents are separated, his mother is trying to find an acceptable au pair, and his friend Aaron is trying to convince him one can use a computer to travel through time. Then Aaron accidentally brings a young woman from 1923 into the 1990s, solving one problem but creating others. For grades 4-7. 1995. Ned Feldman, Space Pirate BR 9999 by Daniel Pinkwater 1 volume Ned Feldman is home alone one day when he hears a noise under the kitchen sink. When Ned summons enough courage to check it out, he discovers Captain Lumpy Lugo aboard a spacecraft that looks just like the sink. Inviting Ned aboard, the Captain announces that he is Bugbeard the Pirate, famous for doing bad things. Ned goes along and soon they land on the planet Jivebone where they encounter giant space chickens. For grades 3-6. 1994. The Night the Heads Came BR 10697 by William Sleator 1 v is sent a protector robot by her mother. Annalyn's half-brother Evan tells her the president and his children are replaced by androids at death. Annalyn is glad to have her robot as she tries to determine who is human and who is not. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1995. Short Stories Cassettes Birthday Surprises: Ten Great Stories to Unwrap RC 41764 edited by Johanna Hurwitz read by Yvonne Fair Tessler 1 cassette Ten children's authors provide stories based on the same plot: a child receives a beautifully wrapped package with nothing in it. In "Birthday Box," the narrator receives a decorated empty box from her dying mother, who whispers, "It's you." In "Promises" Diane finally figures out that Tracy gave her the empty box because of all Diane's empty promises. For grades 4-6. 1995. The Book of Changes: Stories RC 42768 by Tim Wynne-Jones read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Collection of seven stories. There is Solly, who lives in what is jokingly called a "Madhouse"; Tobias, who gets an inspiration for his class project, due the next day, from the Book of Changes used by a fellow classmate; and Clarke, who isn't sure he is cut out to be a door-to-door salesman. For grades 3-6. 1994. Golden Windows and Other Stories of Jerusalem RC 39393 by AdŠle Geras read by Suzanne Toren 1 cassette These five interconnected stories offer a view of life in Jerusalem during the early and mid-twentieth century. The title story, set in 1910, introduces the kindly widow, Zehava Genzel, and her daughter, Pnina, who on an outing to a shop run by two elderly sisters learns about the pogrom in which the shopkeepers' mother and baby sister were murdered. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1993. An Island like You: Stories of the Barrio RC 43132 by Judith Ortiz Cofer read by Gabriella Cavallero 1 cassette Stories about teens who blend two cultures in a Puerto Rican barrio in New Jersey. In "Bad Influence," Rita disobeys and is shipped to Puerto Rico to spend the summer with her rather odd grandparents. In "Arturo's Flight," after being teased about liking poetry, Arturo plans to run away. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. A Knot in the Grain and Other Stories RC 42154 by Robin McKinley read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette Five stories that deal with love between ill-matched pairs. In "The Healer," Lily is born without the ability to speak, but her love for a mage--who can mind speak with her--leads her to the great wizard, who restores her voice. The title story, set in contemporary times, explains how Annabelle, sixteen, learns to love her new home and community. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1994. More Short and Shivery: Thirty Terrifying Tales RC 40088 edited by Robert D. San Souci read by David Palmer 1 cassette In this sequel to Short and Shivery (RC 30728), the author has once more collected scary stories from around the world. In "Knock . . . Knock . . . Knock," Nicole is on a date with her boyfriend, Mark, when his car breaks down and he has to go for help. Because a convicted killer has just escaped the asylum, Mark warns Nicole not to open the car door unless he knocks three times. For grades 5-8. 1994. Preposterous Pets RC 41208 edited by Laura Cecil read by Laura Giannarelli 1 cassette Collection of stories and poems. Because the zoo's elephant is not growing, the zookeeper must give him away. Little Emily has a meadow with a big shed; so she offers to take the miniature elephant as a pet. In other stories, a man gets a hippopotamus and a storekeeper is visited by a beastie that talks and sings and won't leave. And one boy's habit of collecting animals grows until he has a whole room full of unusual pets. For grades K-3. 1994. Some of the Kinder Planets RC 41359 by Tim Wynne-Jones read by Gary Tipton 1 cassette Collection of nine short stories takes the reader into an alternate universe of the mind. In "The Night of the Pomegranate," Harriet spends too much time outside looking at Mars instead of working on her solar system project. "The Hope Bakery" tells the tale of Sloane and his younger brother, Todd, and their strange trips into the woods. For grades 3-6. 1993. Ultimate Sports: Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults RC 42366 edited by Donald R. Gallo read by Gary Tipton 2 cassettes Collection of stories about young men and women involved in a variety of sports. In Jim Naughton's "Joyriding," pudgy piano student Peter Whitney decides he can learn something about winning from the boy who practices cross-country running in his neighborhood. Instead, Peter passes on some valuable tips of his own. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Braille Don't Open the Door after the Sun Goes Down: Tales of the Real and Unreal BR 10306 by Al Carusone 1 volume In the title story, Jarrel is hiking with his two cruel older brothers when a storm approaches. They come to an odd house and ask the old man living there if they can stay the night. He agrees but warns them not to answer the door after dark. In "Dog Days," a girl gets a strange replacement pet when a woman runs over her dog. Seven other spooky tales complete the collection. For grades 3-6. 1994. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Two Spies BR 10391 by Donald J. Sobol 1 volume Collection of ten more cases for Encyclopedia Brown to solve as he continues his war on crime in Idaville. In the title story, Encyclopedia helps his police chief dad figure out how two spies are passing information to each other. For grades 3-6. 1994. A Horse for All Seasons: Collected Stories BR 10554 by Sheila Kelly Welch 1 volume Twelve stories about horses. In "The Long March," Josh's pregnant mare, Rosey, gets locked out of her stall and gives birth in the woods, where border collie Kip guards her until Josh can come. In "Hand-Me-Down Horse," Carrie is jealous of her new neighbor and her fancy show horse until her own horse becomes a hero. These two stories are set in the spring; the other selections cover all four seasons. For grades 5-8. 1994. A Midnight Clear: Stories for the Christmas Season BR 10634 by Katherine Paterson 1 volume A collection of stories that the author wrote for her pastor husband to tell his congregation on Christmas Eves. In the title story, a boy who is scared by recurring visions of nuclear mushroom clouds finds comfort in helping a homeless old woman. In "Amazing Grace," a woman stranded when the car runs out of gas gives birth in a humble cabin on Christmas Eve. For grades 5-8. 1995. Oddballs: Stories BR 10072 by William Sleator 1 volume Slightly exaggerated stories about the author's unusual family. He and his sister, Vicky, were thrilled when their baby brother was born and they could play cruel games with him in the car. The second baby paid them back by refusing to potty train until he was five. Though their friends' parents didn't approve of their pediatrician mother's lax house rules, the Sleator children became the kind of oddballs their parents like. For grades 6-9. 1993. Rites of Passage: Stories about Growing Up by Black Writers from around the World BR 10120 edited by Tonya Bolden 2 volumes Stories about young black people who are growing up in different parts of the world. In "Dreaming the Sky Down," a plump, awkward British girl faces her gym teacher's taunts by day, while at night she flies gracefully in her dreams. But is she really dreaming? Barbados, the United States, Jamaica, and South Africa are the settings for other stories. Some strong language. For grades 5-8. 1994. A Turkey Drive and Other Tales BR 10069 by Barbara Ann Porte 1 volume Abigail, her brother Sam, their artist mother, and their taxicab-driver father like telling tales. In this collection of nine stories, the author recounts Sam's rooster drawing and his stay in the hospital where Abigail tries to bring their dog, Benton, for a visit. Other tales describe Daddy's forgetfulness and Mother's early wishes to be a ballet dancer. For grades 2-4. 1993. Sports Cassettes An Almost Perfect Game RC 42133 by Stephen Manes read by John Polk 1 cassette It is the deciding game before the minor league baseball division playoffs. Superfan Jake is in the stands with a "guaranteed lucky" scorecard to keep all the important statistics. As Jake begins to mark plays, he realizes he is able to control the outcome of the game! Inning by inning, he works his favorite pitcher toward what looks like certain victory. But does he really have the magic power? For grades 4-7. 1995. Centerfield Ballhawk RC 40025 by Matt Christopher read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Jos‚ Mendez believes that he is a disappointment to his father, a former minor-league baseball player with a .375 batting average. Although Jos‚ loves the sport as much as his father and practices very hard, he is not very good at hitting the ball. His sister, Carmen, is a brighter star on his softball team than he is. For grades 2-4. 1992. Coco Grimes RC 40002 by Mary Stolz read by Michael Pinney 1 cassette Thomas and Grandfather take a two-hundred-mile car trip to Miami to visit an old friend and, most important, to talk to Coco Grimes, a former Negro League baseball player. Thomas, a baseball fanatic, is very excited about meeting someone who played with such legends as Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige. But Coco Grimes is now quite old and their meeting proves bittersweet. Companion to Stealing Home (RC 37478). For grades 3-6. 1994. Dean Duffy RC 40930 by Randy Powell read by Rick Rohan 1 cassette As high school ends, Dean Duffy says goodbye to his once-promising baseball career. But the following fall, Duffy gets an unexpected offer of a baseball scholarship from a private college. During the months before he has to decide, Duffy thinks back to the events before and after he threw his arm out at sixteen and ponders whether he can endure another effort and possible failure. Some strong language. For junior and senior high and older readers. 1995. Hang Tough, Paul Mather RC 41504 by Alfred Slote read by Erik Sandvold 1 cassette (Reissue) Paul Mather is a born pitcher until leukemia strikes him, forcing him to fight both his parents' protectiveness and the complications of the disease. For grades 3-6. 1973. Heart of a Champion RC 40378 by Carl Deuker read by Bruce Huntey 1 cassette Twelve-year-old Seth has been something of a loner since his father died. But one day he meets Jimmy at the playground practicing baseball with his father, and the two boys become good friends. Then Jimmy's parents divorce and Jimmy develops a drinking problem, gets kicked off the team, and has a tragic accident. For Seth this means another loss, but in time he realizes that he has learned some things that will stay with him forever. For grades 6-9. 1993. Ice Warrior RC 38916 by Ruth Riddell read by Graci Ragsdale 1 cassette Sixth-grader Rob Marshall, a native Californian, must adjust to a new stepfamily and a new school during a harsh Minnesota winter. Determined to show up a bully and impress his natural father--who believes that "winning is everything"--by winning at iceboat racing in the Winter Festival Regatta, Rob slowly turns to his generous stepfather for help in rebuilding an old boat, Ice Warrior. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1992. Playing Right Field RC 41089 by Willy Welch read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette One awkward little boy knows what to expect. Saturday afternoon everyone heads for the schoolyard for the usual ball game. But when the captains pick their teams, no one ever chooses him. So he heads out to right field to watch the dandelions grow. Then one day he learns just how important it is to be ready when your dreams come true. For grades K-3. 1995. Rick Tees Off RC 38095 by David G. Walker read by Arnie Warren 1 cassette Rick Avery, who'll be thirteen his next birthday, used to think that golf was an old man's game. That is, until last summer when he fell in love with the sport. He talks about what started him playing golf and shares much of what he has learned. For grades 3-6. 1985. Shadow Boxer RC 39462 by Chris Lynch read by Jack Fox 1 cassette After his father, a professional boxer, dies at an early age from years of being battered, George is left as the man of the house to steer his younger brother from the trouble that lurks in their tough, inner-city Boston streets. George and his mother's biggest fear is realized when Monty, eleven, begins to hang around and train at a local boxing gym run by the boys' uncle Archie. Some strong language. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1993. The Toilet Paper Tigers RC 42948 by Gordon Korman read by Rick Rohan 1 cassette By the time Professor Pendergast shows up at a Little League meeting to pick his team, there are only nine players left--all rejects. The team soon learns the professor knows nothing about baseball and has volunteered to coach just so his visiting granddaughter will have children around! But the worst horror is the jive-talking, smart-aleck granddaughter from New York who blackmails the team into letting her coach them. For grades 5-8. 1993. Ultimate Sports: Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults RC 42366 edited by Donald R. Gallo read by Gary Tipton 2 cassettes Collection of stories about young men and women involved in a variety of sports. In Jim Naughton's "Joyriding," pudgy piano student Peter Whitney decides he can learn something about winning from the boy who practices cross-country running in his neighborhood. Instead, Peter passes on some valuable tips of his own. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. The Winning Stroke RC 40092 by Matt Christopher read by Jack Fox 1 cassette After breaking his leg in a sandlot game, Jerry Grayson, twelve, is devastated to learn he faces months of therapy and will miss the season for baseball, his favorite sport. Jerry's therapist is a swimming coach, and Jerry begins working out with the team. A natural athlete and competitive, Jerry, who at first does not believe swimming to be as much fun as baseball, grows to love the sport and to become a winner. For grades 4-7. 1994. Braille Farm Team BR 10506 by Will Weaver 2 volumes The high school baseball coach has hopes for Billy Baggs, but Billy's farm chores take priority over ball. Then Billy's father is sent to jail, and Billy knows his baseball days are over. But Billy's mother has an idea: Why not start a team that holds games Friday nights after chores? The odd assortment of players, including Billy's dog, are soon good enough to challenge the town team. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 1995. Infield Hit BR 10423 by Thomas J. Dygard 1 volume It's not easy being the son of Ralph Stevens, one of the best third basemen who ever played major-league baseball. So Hal is relieved to move to a new town with his divorced mother because no one knows who his father is. The high school coach, also a former professional baseball player, tells Hal he's more suited for second base, even though Hal's father always encouraged him to play third. For grades 6-9. 1995. The Toilet Paper Tigers BR 10198 by Gordon Korman 1 volume By the time Professor Pendergast shows up at a Little League meeting to pick his team, there are only nine players left--all rejects. The team soon learns the professor knows nothing about baseball and has volunteered to coach just so his visiting granddaughter will have children around! But the worst horror is the jive-talking, smart-aleck granddaughter from New York who blackmails the team into letting her coach them. For grades 5-8. 1993. When Willard Met Babe Ruth BR 107 he Cat in the Hat narrates this tale of Mayzie McGrew. One day while sitting in class, Mayzie feels a small twitch on the top of her head, and when she looks up, a daisy is sprouting right out of it. What is she to do? For grades K-3. Bestseller 1994. The Shrinking of Treehorn RC 42734 by Florence Parry Heide read by Terence Aselford 1 cassette (Reissue) One day Treehorn notices that he is shrinking. His parents ignore his plight and his teacher complains, "We don't shrink in this class." Poor Treehorn barely keeps himself from disappearing with help from a cereal box game. For grades 2-4. 1971. Swamp Angel RC 40499 by Anne Isaacs read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette When Angelica Longrider was born on August 1, 1815, she was "scarcely taller than her mother." By the age of two, she had built her own log cabin, and when she was twelve, she rescued a whole wagon train from Dejection Swamp and got the name Swamp Angel. But Angelica was best known for her fight with Thundering Tarnation, the biggest and meanest bear anyone had ever known. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. Braille Swamp Angel BR 9936 by Anne Isaacs 1 volume When Angelica Longrider was born on August 1, 1815, she was "scarcely taller than her mother." By the age of two, she had built her own log cabin, and when she was twelve, she rescued a whole wagon train from Dejection Swamp and got the name Swamp Angel. But Angelica was best known for her fight with Thundering Tarnation, the biggest and meanest bear anyone had ever known. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 1994. Westerns Cassettes On the Trail with Miss Pace RC 43080 by Sharon Phillips Denslow read by Madelyn Buzzard 1 cassette When teacher Miss Pace arrives at her favorite vacation ranch out west she finds a big surprise. Twins Bill and Phil from her class are there, too! The boys are thrilled to learn Miss Pace knows a real cowboy. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Sam's Wild West Show RC 43057 by Nancy Antle read by Jack Fox 1 cassette Long ago Sam had a Wild West show with cowboys and cowgirls who did tricks with horses and ropes. After they performed in one town, the mayor got word that bank robbers were coming. He hired Sam and his group to stop them. For preschool-grade 2. 1995. Wagons West! RC 43130 by Roy Gerrard read by Pam Ward 1 cassette Back in 1850, many Americans worked hard to make a living from the barren soil. When Buckskin Dan arrives in town with tales of rich green land in Oregon, a young girl and her family, along with their neighbors, set out on a long journey to a new home with Buckskin Dan as their guide. For grades 2-4. 1996. Braille Call Me Francis Tucket BR 10437 by Gary Paulsen 1 volume In this sequel to Mr. Tucket (BR 10438), young Francis Tucket has parted ways with the mountain man who rescued him from the Pawnees. Francis is now heading alone to Oregon to find his family's wagon train. Along the way he is accosted by a thieving duo and makes three new friends: a mule and two orphaned children. For grades 5-8. 1995. Mr. Tucket BR 10438 by Gary Paulsen 1 volume In 1848 Francis Alphonse Tucket turns fourteen while he and his family are traveling from their Missouri farm to Oregon by wagon. As he shoots his new rifle, the wagon train rolls out of sight. Francis is kidnapped by Pawnees and held captive until one-armed mountain man Jason Grimes rescues him. Now Mr. Grimes has to teach Mr. Tucket to survive in the wild as he searches for his family. Prequel to Call Me Francis Tucket (BR 10437). For grades 5-8. 1994.