New Releases by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

Meet the Scottish terrier who won the hearts of a United States president and the American people. In 1940, Fala came to live with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House. The little dog played in the grass outside the Oval Office, attended important meetings with the president''s advisors, and even dined with the president. But as America was drawn into the conflict of a world war, life at the White House changed. Fala accompanied the president across the country and around the world, waiting with him for the return of American servicemen and an end to a terrible war. Author Elizabeth Van Steenwyk offers young readers a glimpse into American history and the life of an American president through the story of a loyal dog. Michael G. Montgomery''s full-color illustrations capture the indomitable spirit of Fala and the nation and president who loved him.

The son of an enslaved blacksmith learns that his father is using the rhythm of his hammering to communicate with travelers on the Underground Railroad. When Pa falls ill, it''s up to his son to help others along the journey―and also lead his family to freedom. Pa works hard as a blacksmith. But he''s got another important job to do as well: using his anvil to pound out the traveling rhythm―a message to travelers on the Underground Railroad. His son wants to help, but Pa keeps putting him off. Then one day, Pa falls ill, and the boy has to take over. A little-known piece of history comes to life in Elizabeth Van Steenwyk''s absorbing story, exquisitely illustrated by Anna Rich. Ripe with themes of bravery, community, family, freedom, and hope, this award-winning book is perfect for Black and Civil War-era history units

2017 Amelia Bloomer List 2017 Jefferson Cup Honor Book for Young Readers In 1856, when Kate Warne went to see Allan Pinkerton, only men were detectives. But Kate convinced Allan to hire her for his detective agency. She explained that she could worm out secrets where men could not go—in disguise as a society lady! Join Kate on her most important mission—to thwart a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on the way to his inauguration.

Sled-dog racing means everything to Scott McClure. It also helps keep his father''s memory alive. Scott plans to form a new team of three sled dogs so that he can continue racing and become a champion like his dad. But life changes quickly when his mother remarries and they move from California to Montana. From the start, Scott has problems with his stepfather and his stepbrother, Brad. Scott won''t let anything interfere with his dreams as he trains and races Kaylah, his Malamute, and the other dogs on the team. But Scott doesn''t know the obstacles he must face.

Ely Parker grew up on the Tonawanda Reservation in New York in the 1830s. There he learned the ways of his people, the Seneca Indians. Ely worked many years to save his reservation from a land company, and as a result, he was made a sachem, or chief, by his people. At the same time, he was working as a translator and ambassador to bridge the gap that divided his people from the white Americans. After serving in the Civil War, Ely went on to become a United States general and lead the agency in charge of Indian affairs. Author Elizabeth Van Steenwyk tells this inspiring, and surprising, story of a man who achieved amazing success in two very different worlds.

In 1941, while visiting relatives in Oquawka, Illinois, eleven-year-old Maggie Calhoun is prodded by a spirited neighbor girl to track down a family secret.

An anecdotal story reveals the character of the young Abraham Lincoln, who grew up to be an American president known for his brilliance, wit, and humanity.

In occupied Holland in 1944, thirteen-year-old Pieter becomes increasingly involved in the work of the Dutch Resistance even though he knows the risk of being discovered by the Nazi informer who lives in his village.

A slave describes the journey he makes with his master, Captain William Clark, into the uncharted territory of the American West to find a water passageway to the Pacific Ocean.

Jennifer is invited to join the exclusive P.M.P. Club (Parties Minus Parents) and learns that being in the popular crowd has its price.

Traces the life of the immigrant Jewish peddler who went on to found Levi Strauss & Co., the world''s first and largest manufacturer of denim jeans.

Discusses the buying, breeding, and training of horses for harness racing, describes the event and its rules, and introduces several famous champions.

After their van is wrecked during a snowstorm, the members of a girls'' basketball team take refuge in an isolated house, but the old house holds secrets the girls would never have imagined.

At first Bob feels threatened when Matt, new in town and possibly a better left-handed pitcher than himself, joins the Sonora Nuggets, but then the two find themselves involved in the mystery of the missing baseballs.

When Reddy goes to Montana to visit his aunt and uncle, he is determined to become a rodeo champion before the summer is over, but then someone tries to steal his horse Ruff.

Gives brief biographical sketches of thirty-nine American presidents from George Washington to Jimmy Carter, describing their houses and home lives.

As she strives for a place on the Midtown Stables gymkhana team, 13-year-old Holly gradually becomes more sensitive to the needs of other people and of her horse.

Presents a brief history of ice skating, roller skating, and skateboarding; defines terms associated with these sports; and identifies people of outstanding achievement in each field.

As two young figure-skaters grow to like each other, they are forced into a dilemma: should friends compete against each other?