New Releases by Cynthia Lord

Longing for independence and adventure brings Roger the chick more than he bargained for in a Book Buddies episode offering plenty of charm. Roger the chick almost never gets the chance to do things on his own—he’s always attached by Velcro to his mother, Olive the hen, who prefers a quiet nap to any excitement. The two Book Buddies even come as a pair when they’re borrowed from the library, so Roger doesn’t go on many solo adventures. One day, a boy named Liam is persuaded by his little sister to borrow Roger and Olive before picking up Grandpa from the airport. While Liam is preoccupied with showing Grandpa how grown-up he is, however, Roger the chick wriggles free, only to be accidentally left behind. Could this be the chance that Roger’s been waiting for, or will his airport adventure—complete with a too-playful dog and a looming top of the escalator—prove too exciting even for him? If Liam admits his mistake, will he have a chance to show how grown-up he is—and help Roger get back from the Lost and Found?

From Newbery Honor Winner Cynthia Lord, a brilliant story about how to find home when everything around us is changing. Mia and her mom visit Grandma in Maine every summer, but this year Mia is going alone. Her mom will stay behind to get their house ready to sell. It’ll be a new start, she says, after the divorce. Mia doesn’t want a new start. She’d rather everything just stayed the same! At least things will be the same at Grandma’s, though. Mia will walk to town for ice cream, and wait by the water, watching for birds, just like always. Then Mia meets Grandma’s know-it-all new neighbor, who’s just her age. Cayman acts like he belongs at Grandma’s house. He acts like he’s the expert on everything. And when he and Mia spot an unusual white bird of prey, he acts like it’s his job to find out what it is. Unless, that is, Mia finds out first. And, in her effort to prove herself to him, she makes a decision that will change things for the town, for the bird, for Cayman, and even for herself. Can Mia stop what she’s put into motion? Acclaimed author Cynthia Lord, with her trademark sensitivity, weaves her love of nature with a profound reflection on what it means to be at home in a changing world.

Will lonely Maya’s wish for a friend come true when she borrows Dazzle, a toy unicorn, from the library? What about Dazzle’s wish for a place to belong? The heartwarming series continues with a third adventure. Dazzle is a snow-white unicorn with a twisty horn, a sparkly pink tail, and a tag that says unicorns can grant wishes. He isn’t sure whether he can make a wish for himself, but he does so anyway, hoping for a child and a home of his own. Instead, Dazzle gets sold at a yard sale and becomes one of the Book Buddies, friendly toys that children can check out of the library just like books. Meanwhile, Maya has just moved to town and decides to borrow Dazzle, hoping he can grant her a wish for a new friend. But when a girl named Isabelle comes over for a playdate that doesn’t go as well as Maya had expected, she’s worried that they won’t become friends after all. Maybe Dazzle and Maya can help each other make their wishes come true? With a gentle tale of empathy and growth, Newbery Honor winner Cynthia Lord and celebrated artist Stephanie Graegin offer another endearing story in the Book Buddies series.

Includes an excerpt from Marco Polo brave explorer.

Can an intrepid toy mouse help a child venture out of his comfort zone? Book Two of an endearing illustrated series about friendly library toys and the children who borrow them. Marco Polo is a retired Christmas ornament, but in his mind he is a great mouse explorer. Because he’s tiny and likely to be lost, he is the least-borrowed of the Book Buddies—toys that children can check out of the library just like a book—and he almost never leaves the library. But the little mouse finally meets the right match in Seth, a boy who is about to attend his first sleepover. If Seth were to bring the stuffed bunny he usually sleeps with, he’d risk being teased, but Marco Polo is the perfect size to hide away in his sleeping bag. Are both boy and mouse in for an unexpected adventure? Charmingly illustrated and offering a window into the secret life of toys (including a suspenseful glimpse at where all the household’s lost toys go), Marco Polo Brave Explorer explores common fears and quiet bravery and will leave readers eager for the next episode in the Book Buddies series.

Marco Polo is a retired Christmas ornament, but in his mind he is a great mouse explorer. Because he''s tiny and likely to be lost, he is the least-borrowed of the Book Buddies--toys that children can check out of the library just like a book--and he almost never leaves the library. But the little mouse finally meets the right match in Seth, a boy who is about to attend his first sleepover. Are both boy and mouse in for an unexpected adventure?

Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord has written a sensitive and accessible book about the challenges of fitting in when you know you''re a little different. On the last night of summer, Emma tags along with her game warden father on a routine call. They''re supposed to rescue a wild rabbit from a picket fence, but instead they find a little bunny. Emma convinces her father to bring him home for the night.The next day, Emma starts public school for the very first time after years of being homeschooled. More than anything, Emma wants to make a best friend in school.But things don''t go as planned. On the first day of school, she''s paired with a boy named Jack for a project. He can''t stay on topic, he speaks out of turn, and he''s obsessed with animals. Jack doesn''t fit in, and Emma''s worried he''ll make her stand out.Emma and Jack bond over her rescue rabbit. But will their new friendship keep Emma from finding the new best friend she''s meant to have?Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord has written a beautiful and sensitive book about being different and staying true to yourself.

Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord likes fostering rabbits—or, as she fondly calls it, “borrowing bunnies.” This is the heartwarming true story of the author’s own journey with two very special rabbits. In the spring of 2016, Peggotty and Benjamin were saved by Maine’s Cottontail Cottage Rabbit Rescue after their previous owners had neglected them. But before the two Netherland Dwarf rabbits could be adopted, Cynthia had to help them learn to trust people and feel safe inside a home. The bunnies slowly settled in, enjoying their clean pens, nibbling new foods, and playing with fun toys, while Cindy’s husband, John Bald, photographed Benjamin and Peggotty’s every step toward adoption. At that time, hundreds of viewers were drawn to Cindy’s Facebook page to watch their progress. Now, she has adapted the rabbits’ true story into a picture book that explores love, responsibility, empathy, and letting go—along with fostering’s many surprises, both big and small. Young readers will delight in watching these bunnies thrive while also learning a few fun animal facts. With Cindy’s pitch-perfect blend of warmth and real-life experience, Borrowing Bunnies is a new classic in narrative nonfiction.

There''s a new Hot Rod Hamster early reader from the dynamic duo of Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and New York Times bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson, and it''s sure to make a splash! When Hamster and his friends go looking for some cool, wet, wild fun at the Water Kingdom waterpark, Hamster and his new friend, Holly, challenge two dogs to a race down the waterslide. Can they win?With the same bouncing rhythms, fun choice rhymes, and daredevil antics that made the picture books so popular, this original Level 2 reader will be a sturdy stepping-stone for both Hot Rod Hamster fans and series newcomers moving on to independent reading. The years Ms. Lord spent as a first-grade teacher have given her the perfect sense for what language and storylines work best for emerging readers. Little boys and girls will race to collect this latest story from their favorite furry friend.Speed down the early-reading water slide and join Hot Rod Hamster and his buddies for loads of fun in the sun!

In this charming illustrated chapter book series by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord, the Shelter Pet Squad kids find the perfect homes for animals in need! There''s a big surprise for the Shelter Pet Squad: A group of sato puppies has arrived! Satos are homeless dogs -- of various breeds -- from Puerto Rico. The kids will help them settle in until they are ready for adoption. Suzannah plays with a pup named Paloma until the little dog falls asleep in her lap. It''s puppy love! That''s why it''s hard, the next week, when a line of people forms at the shelter to adopt the satos. Suzannah should be happy that Paloma will soon have a new home. The only problem is... she''s not ready to let the dog go. Is there any way for Paloma to get adopted without breaking Suzannah''s heart? Animal lovers will adore this third book in the irresistible Shelter Pet Squad series by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord.

In this charming illustrated chapter book series by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord, the Shelter Pet Squad kids find the perfect homes for animals in need! A pet is missing! When Suzannah arrives to volunteer at the shelter, one of the animals is missing! It''s Merlin, a mischievous ferret who gets into everything, and loves to play hide and seek.Owning a ferret can be really hard work, the Shelter Pet Squad discovers. Whoever takes Merlin home will need to be prepared. That''s why Suzannah and the other kids make up a test to give to anyone who wants to adopt him. But the ferret is full of surprises . . . and even the Shelter Pet Squad has a lot to learn.Animal lovers will adore this charming series by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord.

The early reader series from the dynamic duo of Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and New York Times bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson now features Hot Rod Hamster in his spookiest adventure yet! It''s Halloween and Hot Rod Hamster is going to a party! But first, he must come up with a costume that''s fun and spooky enough to win the contest. Can you help him?With the same bouncing rhythms, fun choice rhymes, and daredevil antics that made the picture books so popular, this original Level 2 reader will be a sturdy stepping-stone for Hot Rod Hamster fans as well as series newcomers as they move on to independent reading. The years Ms. Lord spent as a first-grade teacher have given her the perfect sense for what language and storylines work best for emerging readers. This new adventure skillfully emphasizes word families and rhyming structures with pedal-to-the-metal flare! Little boys and girls will race to collect this latest story from their favorite furry friend.Hop into the early-reading driver''s seat and join Hot Rod Hamster and his buddies for loads of spooky fun!

This powerful middle-grade novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES explores a friendship between a small-town girl and the daughter of migrant workers. When Lily''s blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it''s Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season. After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily''s grandfather, and Salma''s friendship transforms Lily''s summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they''ll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?Set amongst the blueberry barrens and by the sea, this is a gorgeous new novel by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord that tackles themes of prejudice and friendship, loss and love.

A new fun-filled Hot Rod Hamster reader from the dynamic duo of Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson! Hot Rod Hamster is looking for adventure!Hamster and his friends go looking for an awesome adventure at Al''s ATV Park. But Hamster needs YOUR help to make it the perfect ride, full of bumps, jumps, and down-and-dirty fun! After roaring up hills, rolling over rocks, and splashing through mud puddles, the group halts at the sound of one word: "Help!" A family out for a picnic has gotten their ATV stuck in the mud! So Hamster and his friends stage a down-and-dirty rescue, proving that great adventure--and great new friends--come in all sizes!Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord and New York Times bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson''s beloved characters return. With the same bouncing rhythms, fun choices, and daredevil antics that make the acclaimed picture books sparkle, these Level 2 readers will be a sturdy stepping-stone for Hot Rod Hamster fans and series newcomers alike as they move on to independent reading.

A new early reader series from dynamic duo, Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson, featuring Hot Rod Hamster! Hot Rod Hamster LOVES to drive superfast. And today he''s building a box car from scratch to race downhill in the Wacky Whatever Race. He needs to pick out a box, wheels, and a paint color for his car. Can you help him?With the same bouncing rhythms, fun choice rhymes, and daredevil antics that made the picture books so popular, this original Level 2 reader will be a sturdy stepping-stone for Hot Rod Hamster fans as well as series newcomers as they move on to independent reading. The years Ms. Lord spent as a first-grade teacher have given her the perfect sense for what language and storylines work best for emerging readers. This new adventure skillfully emphasizes word families and rhyming structures with pedal-to-the-metal flare! Little boys and girls will race to collect this latest story from their favorite furry friend.Hop into the early-reading driver''s seat and join Hot Rod Hamster and his buddies for a fun-filled race day with a thrilling surprise at the finish line!

In this charming illustrated chapter book series by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord, the Shelter Pet Squad kids find the perfect homes for animals in need! Suzannah''s always wanted a pet of her own, but she lives in an apartment where there are absolutely no pets allowed. What she CAN do is volunteer at a local pet shelter. There, although she''s the youngest, Suzannah quickly finds herself making friends with the kids and bonding with the animals. She makes toys and treats for the animals. She feeds the cats and plays with the puppies! Then a girl just her age brings a guinea pig named Jelly Bean to the shelter. Suzannah promises that she''ll find the little creature the perfect home. But what if no one wants an abandoned guinea pig? Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord has created a fun and heartwarming chapter books series.

A collection of Cynthia Lord''s critically acclaimed and bestselling titles including RULES, a Newbery Honor Book. This new ebook collection of Cynthia Lord''s middle grade novels includes RULES, TOUCH BLUE, and HALF A CHANCE. These are stories of family, friendship, and hope.In RULES, all Catherine wants is a "normal" life, and having a brother with autism makes that seem nearly impossible.To save the local schoolhouse in TOUCH BLUE, the town decides to increase the number of students by having several families take in foster children.When Lucy''s family moves to an old house on a lake in HALF A CHANCE, she tries to see her new home through her camera''s lens.

Fearless Franco''s famous Monster Truck Mania has come to town, and Hot Rod Hamster and his friends are searching for the very best ride at the fair.

These critically acclaimed, bestselling Newbery Winner and Honor books that highlight inner strength and perseverance are now available in this convenient eBook collection! The young protagonists in each of these stories are confronted by varying conflicts, which can only be overcome by their inner will and tenacity. These are stories of family, friendship, and hope.In RULES, all Catherine wants is a "normal" life, and having a brother with autism makes that seem nearly impossible.Summer is sad when her aunt May dies in MISSING MAY. But when a boy from school tells Summer that it''s possible to reconnect with her aunt, they go on an adventure.OUT OF THE DUST is written in verse and tells the story of Billie Jo''s struggle to survive in the Oklahoma dust bowl years during the Great Depression.Hattie''s world is turned upside down in A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE when her uncle returns after being institutionalized for schizopphrenia and autism.

An exquisite second novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES! TOUCH BLUE, sure as certain, will touch your heart.The state of Maine plans to shut down her island''s schoolhouse, which would force Tess''s family to move to the mainland--and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately, the islanders have a plan too: increase the numbers of students by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home. And Tess needs a plan of her own--and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess''s wish come true or will her luck run out?Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord offers a warm-hearted, humorous, and thoughtful look at what it means to belong--and how lucky we feel when we do. Touch Blue, sure as certain, will touch your heart.

Frustrated at life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence but her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic.