New Releases by Ann E. Burg

A beautiful, hopeful story of how a young impassioned naturalist grows up to change the world. For everyone who cares about our fragile planet and perfect for fans of Wishtree and Wildoak. "An absolute joy to read." -Book Riot Rachel was a girl who loved science and the sea, books and writing and all the creatures of the world. Rachel was quiet, a listener by nature. But when she saw problems, she could not remain silent. Some people thought girls shouldn''t be scientists. They thought girls shouldn''t use their voices to question or challenge, even to protect all the creatures of the world. Luckily Rachel didn''t listen to them.

Ann E. Burg explores the deep class divides and social injustice behind one of America''s greatest tragedies. * "Stunning, significant and sorrowful, Ann E. Burg''s requiem melts history into prose... Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal, starred review "Chillingly effective." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children''s Books Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1889 was a lively, working-class factory city. Above the soot-soaked streets, an elite fishing and hunting club, built on a pristine man-made lake, drew America''s wealthiest business barons. Though repeatedly urged to fix the deteriorating dam that held the lake, the club members disregarded the warnings. And when heavy rains came, the dam collapsed and plunged the city into chaos. On that fateful day, six children found themselves caught in the wreckage. The chorus of their voices--all inspired by real people--create a gripping portrait of loss and healing. Plumbing themes of class, injustice, deprivation, and the environment, Ann E. Burg summons her prodigious heart and virtuosic poetry to turn one of the deadliest tragedies in our country''s history into a transcendent and hopeful work of art.

Our Readers (also known as primers) are patterned after the popular nineteenth century McGuffey Readers which were used to teach life lessons and reading skills to young children. From the author of E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet and Times Square: A New York State Number Book comes yet another reason to enjoy learning about the Empire State. In The New York State Reader Ann Burg uses a variety of writing forms to showcase the state''s rich and fascinating history, people, and culture. Poetry (including an original state pledge), counting games, hidden state symbols, and landmark riddles attract and engage beginning readers. Prose, biographies, and short stories challenge more advanced readers. Some of the topics covered are early Native American influence, immigration, and the Harlem Renaissance. With its broad scope, The New York State Reader provides ample opportunity for student/classroom interaction.Former educator Ann E. Burg has been writing since early childhood. Her other books with Sleeping Bear Press are E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet; Times Square: A New York State Number Book; and Rebekkah''s Journey. She lives in upstate New York. K. L. Darnell earned her BFA at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design. She has illustrated all of the books in the Reader series. In addition to her work as an illustrator, Kate is an art instructor. She lives in East Lansing, Michigan.

From the award-winning author of All the Broken Pieces and Serafina''s Promise comes a breathtaking new novel that is her most transcendent and widely accessible work to date. The day Grace is called from the slave cabins to work in the Big House, Mama makes her promise to keep her eyes down. Uncle Jim warns her to keep her thoughts tucked private in her mind or they could bring a whole lot of trouble and pain. But the more Grace sees of the heartless Master and hateful Missus, the more a rightiness voice clamors in her head-asking how come white folks can own other people, sell them on the auction block, and separate families forever. When that voice escapes without warning, it sets off a terrible chain of events that prove Uncle Jim''s words true. Suddenly, Grace and her family must flee deep into the woods, where they brave deadly animals, slave patrollers, and the uncertainty of ever finding freedom. With candor and compassion, Ann E. Burg sheds light on a startling chapter of American history--the remarkable story of runaways who sought sanctuary in the Great Dismal Swamp--and creates a powerful testament to the right of every human to be free.

An award-winning debut novel from a stellar new voice in middle grade fiction.Matt Pin would like to forget: war torn Vietnam, bombs that fell like dead crows, and the terrible secret he left behind. But now that he is living with a caring adoptive family in the United States, he finds himself forced to confront his past. And that means choosing between silence and candor, blame and forgiveness, fear and freedom.By turns harrowing, dreamlike, sad, and triumphant, this searing debut novel, written in lucid verse, reveals an unforgettable perspective on the lasting impact of war and the healing power of love.

A luminous novel in verse from the author of the Jefferson Cup award winner ALL THE BROKEN PIECES. Serafina hasa secret dream. She wants to go to schooland become a doctorwith her best friend, Julie Marie. But in their rural villageoutside Port-au-Prince, Haiti,many obstaclesstand in Serafina’s way--little money,never-ending chores,and Manman’s worries. More powerful eventhan all of theseare the heavy rainsand the shaking earththat test Serafina’s resolvein ways she never dreamed. At once heartbreaking and hopeful,this exquisitely crafted storywill leave a lasting impressionon your heart.

A perfect companion to our "E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet", "Times Square: A New York State Number Book" teaches children about numbers, using state landmarks, historical events, and famous faces; from finger lakes to the stitches on a baseball, readers of all ages will know the number they represent and their ties to New York. There are so many number questions to answer about New York State. Where do the two lions -- Patience and Fortitude -- reside? Can you name the six major Finger Lakes? Can you name the five boroughs of New York City? Ann E. Burg is the author of E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet. She lives in Albany, New York. Maureen K. Brookfield has illustrated several books including E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet. She lives in Marshfield, Massachusetts.

In 1944 a vacant army base in upstate New York became the temporary home of over 900 men, women and children who had fled Europe towards the end of World War II. With little more than the clothing on their backs, Rebekkah and her mother are just two of the many refugees who come to live in the camp. Adjusting to a strange new world and a new language, Rebekkah puts aside her own fears to try and recreate tiny bits of home for her mother. A fictional story based on the real-life experiences of surviving refugees, Rebekkah''s Journey shares the illuminating story of one refugee''s arrival on America''s shores.

From B is for Brooklyn Bridge to K is for Kodak and onward to T is for Fort Ticonderoga, E is for Empire is an alphabet book that introduces children and adults to New York State''s history, culture, and landscape in a unique two-tiered approach. A quick rhyme offers children facts about New York from A to Z. Alongside each rhyme, older readers gain a deeper understanding of the topic by reading the longer expository text."We travelled New York from A to Z and there is still so much to do and see... We could round each letter twice again and still not reach the very end - Mountains, monuments, museums galore, There is still so much for us to explore, So much for us to celebrate In beautiful, bountiful New York State! "

"Modeled after traditional primers, this book includes individual stories, riddles, and original poems about the New York State. Subjects include Freedom of the Press; the Harlem Renaissance; and cultural diversity"--Provided by publisher.

Pete wants to go outside and play in the snow, but he has a sore throat so he can only watch his sister play outside, until she thinks of a great surprise for him, in a story that features long vowels.

A Rookie Reader skill sets actively engage young readers, encourage language development, build fluency, and promote independent reading. We have place each A Rookie Reader title in skill-specific categories. By targeting a skill, you can help young readers build fundemental reading skills using these, fun, lively, colourfully illustrated stories. All A Rookie Reader titles contain high-frequency words.