Most Popular Books by Karen English

When the sixteen-year-old boy whom she tutors in reading is accused of attempting to murder a white man, Francie gets herself in serious trouble for her efforts at friendship.

It’s 1965, Los Angeles. All twelve-year-old Sophie wants to do is write her book, star in the community play, and hang out with her friend Jennifer. But she’s the new black kid in a nearly all-white neighborhood; her beloved sister, Lily, is going away to college soon; and her parents’ marriage is rocky. There’s also her family’s new, disapproving housekeeper to deal with. When riots erupt in nearby Watts and a friend is unfairly arrested, Sophie learns that life—and her own place in it—is even more complicated than she’d once thought. Leavened with gentle humor, this story is perfect for fans of Rita Williams-Garcia.

Gavin wants to make a good impression at Carver Elementary, where no one knows he excels at soccer and skateboarding, but an annoying big sister, a bully, and his great aunt''s Pomeranian are not helping.

When Nadia is chosen to be a flower girl in Auntie Laila''s traditional Pakistani wedding, her hands are decorated with beautiful designs made with mehndi, and she comes to understand the rich culture she has inherited.

"Third-grader Gavin and his friends aren''t sure what to make of the new boy in their class, Khufu. He doesn''t look or act like other kids. When Gavin''s bike goes missing, they think Khufu stole it, but did he?"--

Third-grader Richard and his friends are four days from earning a pizza party for good behavior when a very strict substitute suspects that some of them have been cheating.

Carlos isn’t sure how he feels about the news that his cousin Bernardo will be joining his class at Carver Elementary. But when Bernardo comes to live with him temporarily, taking over Carlos’s top bunk, his spot on the school soccer team, and even his Papi’s attention, Carlos knows he isn’t happy. Worse, Bernardo starts messing with Carlos’s pet geckos! Carlos tries to see past his cousin’s annoying ways, but Bernardo sure doesn’t make it easy. Will Carlos—and his geckos—survive Bernardo''s visit? Can he keep the peace for his family’s sake? Emerging and newly independent readers are sure to recognize themselves in this humorous school and family story.

When an arrogant new girl comes to school, third-graders and best friends Nikki and Deja decide to form a club that would exclude her but find the results not what they expected.

While driving to Auntie Dot''s house, Junie tells her children about spending fifth grade there during her parent''s separation many years earlier, when finding a best friend seemed almost as important as seeing her mother again.

Red shoes glowing--Perched on a pedestal in the shop windowas if on a throne."I want those, Nana," Malika says, as they pass the shop."We''ll see," Nana says with a wink. "Looks like you could use a new pair." Malika is delighted when Nana surprises her with a beautiful new pair of red shoes! And with a click-clack-click and a swish, swish, swish, Malika wears her wonderful new shoes everywhere she goes. But one day, the shoes begin to pinch Malika''s toes. And alas, they don''t let her forget that her feet have grown! Soon Malika and Nana are off to the Rare Finds Resale Shop, where the shoes can be resold -- so somebody else can enjoy them!Who will be the next to wear the red shoes? Malika wonders.Then Inna Ziya buys the shoes, and readers follow the shoes all the way across the world to Ghana in Africa, where Amina, another little girl, who has fasted her first time for Ramadan is about to get an amazing gift!Karen English and Ebony Glenn have crafted a satisfying and heartwarming story about a pair of shoes, two girls, and a connection they share across continents.

Richard can''t wait to show off his skills at a friend''s skateboard birthday party, but a note home from his teacher threatens to ruin his plans. This charming second book in a new series about third grade boys by Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winner Karen English offers spot-on storytelling, relatable characters and situations, and plenty of action.

Nikki and Deja are going to Ms. Shelby''s wedding, but will they still be friends when the ceremony is over? Illustrations.

When two best friends get into a fight and stand fast on their front porch in anticipation of an apology, the only thing that gets them to budge is the sound of an exciting game of double-dutch, in a touching story about being and having a best friend.

What will Nikki and Deja do when their beloved teacher is out and a clueless substitute takes her place? Deja is dismayed to learn that her teacher has had an accident and a substitute will be taking her place. Under the new sub''s care, nothing is the same in Room Ten. A few of the class troublemakers plot to take advantage of the situation, and soon other students join in. Should Nikki and Deja go along with the rest of the kids in tormenting him? Should they help him out by tattling on their classmates? Or is there another way to handle the situation? Here is another charming entry in a chapter book series praised for its accessibility, authenticity, and humor.

Will Nikki and Deja''s friendship survive a race for student body president? When the students in Nikki and Deja’s class find out that their school is going to hold its first-ever election for student body president, some kids are more excited than others. But none is as excited as Deja, who figures she’s a shoo-in for the third grade nomination. Deja decides that Nikki will be her campaign manager, of course, and puts her to work right away. But will Deja’s tendency to rush into things and boss people around alienate her best friend when she needs her most, and spoil her chances of becoming president of Carver Elementary? This is a charming new entry in a chapter book series praised for its humor and authentic characters.

The second popular book about Nikki and Deja, two third-grade girls who are best friends. Deja’s birthday is coming up, and she’s been talking about it for weeks. But just before the big day, Auntie Dee gets called away on a business trip and Deja must stay with an elderly neighbor . . . who cooks turnips for dinner and doesn’t even have a color TV! Worse, the machinations of spoiled Antonia, Deja’s new nemesis, threaten to ruin Deja’s birthday party plans. Like the first book, this story captures with subtlety and humor all the small betrayals and triumphs of young girls’ relationships. Readers will get a wider view of the girls’ diverse neighborhood and will recognize themselves and their classmates in the colorful, deftly drawn school scenes. A more serious theme is also introduced (with a light touch) in a subplot concerning Deja’s absent father.

A brief biography of Jackie Robinson and his struggles as the first African American baseball player.

While her mother and aunts try desperately to get Big Mama''s favorite food seasoned just right, Victoria observes quietly, without revealing the secret ingredient.

Wedding drama brews when Nikki and Deja''s beloved teacher announces her plans to be married! Ms. Shelby is getting married! As the girls in Nikki and Deja''s class compete over who can plan the best imaginary wedding for their teacher, Nikki excitedly throws herself into preparations for the real thing. But Deja is not so enthusiastic. Her Auntie Dee has been temporarily laid off from her job, and Deja is worried. What will happen now that Deja can no longer afford a new dress and special hairdo? Will Nikki leave her best friend behind while she shops and primps? Will Deja be able to get over her jealousy and enjoy the celebration anyway? This accessible chapter book series shines with emotional depth and humor, perfectly capturing the complexities and joys of elementary school girls'' friendships.

Will Nikki and Deja''s plans to become celebrated journalists succeed? Nikki and Deja know that there''s plenty of newsy news—news that''s interesting and exciting—happening on their block and at Carver Elementary, just waiting to be reported. Luckily, Nikki has her special pen and notepad, Deja has the use of Auntie Dee''s computer, and they both have lots of ideas. Before long, the Fulton Street Newsy News Newsletter is born. At first, everyone wants to read what the girls have written. But after just one issue, some unexpected problems arise. This accessible chapter book series shines with emotional depth and humor, perfectly capturing the complexities and joys of elementary school girls'' friendships.

Essie eagerly awaits the visit of her cousin but feels disheartened after her arrival because Neeny is no longer interested in life on the island from which she moved.

An extended family and their neighbors prepare for, and then wait out a fierce storm, wondering what will remain of their farms when the wind and rain stop.

De una premiada autora, una interesantísima serie de libros infantiles protagonizados por niños afroestadounidenses y latinos, llenos de esa magia que fascina a los niños y que tiene un encanto universal.

From an award-winning author, another title in a chapter book series featuring African American and Latino boys that''s full of kid-friendly charm and universal appeal De una premiada autora, una interesantísima serie de libros infantiles protagonizados por niños afroestadounidenses y latinos, llenos de esa magia que fascina a los niños y que tiene un encanto universal. u200b

From an award-winning author, another title in a chapter book series featuring African American and Latino boys that''s full of kid-friendly charm and universal appeal. De una premiada autora, una interesantísima serie de libros infantiles protagonizados por niños afroestadounidenses y latinos, llenos de esa magia que fascina a los niños y que tiene un encanto universal.

De una premiada autora, una interesantísima serie de libros infantiles protagonizados por niños afroestadounidenses y latinos, llenos de esa magia que fascina a los niños y que tiene un encanto universal.

From an award-winning author, another title in a chapter book series featuring African American and Latino boys that''s full of kid-friendly charm and universal appeal. De una premiada autora, una interesantísima serie de libros infantiles protagonizados por niños afroestadounidenses y latinos, llenos de esa magia que fascina a los niños y que tiene un encanto universal.

De una premiada autora, una interesantísima serie de libros infantiles protagonizados por niños afroestadounidenses y latinos, llenos de esa magia que fascina a los niños y que tiene un encanto universal.

The fourth title in a chapter book series featuring African American and Latino boys that''s full of kid-friendly charm and universal appeal.

Marisol is the only member of her family who can speak English, and spends much of her time translating for her relatives and friends who cannot speak English. Ideal for bilingual children living in America. Full-color illustrations.

When his cousin temporarily moves in and enrolls in his class, a skeptical Carlos feels overshadowed by his cousin''s popularity and put off by his inclination to mishandle Carlos'' pet geckos.

Third-grader Gavin and his friends aren''t sure what to make of the new boy in their class, Khufu. He sure doesn''t look or act like the other kids... and they suspect that he stole Gavin''s bike!

Third grader Calvin is dealing with his next door neighbors moving away--and the school bully moving in. Meanwhile, competition at the school science fair is heating up, and Calvin must decide what to do when his data doesn''t prove his theory.