New Releases by Patricia Reilly Giff

A missing animal at the zoo and strange noises coming from her backyard can mean only one thing for Tori: she''s got a mystery to solve! Tori loves living on Zoo Lane with her family. Who else gets to live at a zoo--and with her cousin Sumiko visiting from Tokyo soon, this is shaping up to be the best summer ever! But when rumors of a missing animal start to spread, Tori wants to help . . . except she doesn''t know which creature is on the loose. An ostrich? A little frog? There''s also a strange noise coming from her backyard. It almost sounds like someone is calling her name! Tori is on the case. In this second book in the illustrated Mysteries on Zoo Lane series, two-time Newbery Honor author Patricia Reilly Giff has crafted a charming story about conservation, animal care, friendship, and problem-solving. In touch with the programs and initiatives that today''s zoos are undertaking, Giff provides readers with a fresh look at the work of zoologists. Charming line artwork by Abby Carter appears throughout and keeps the story upbeat.

Solve mysteries at a city zoo with a diverse group of kids in this illustrated chapter book from a two-time Newbery Honor author. Lions and tigers for neighbors? That doesn''t bother Luke at all. It''s making new friends that scares him. Not only has Luke had to move from Florida to New York because of his dad''s new job as a zoo doctor, but he''s also had to leave behind his best friend--his abuelo. When Luke discovers that there are other kids also living on Zoo Lane and that one of them might be the owner of a mysterious zebra-printed box left outside his house, he wonders if just maybe he can make friends and solve a mystery in this wild new place. In this first book of the series, two-time Newbery Honor author Patricia Reilly Giff has crafted a charming story about conservation, animal care, friendship, and problem-solving. In touch with the programs and initiatives that today''s zoos are undertaking, Giff provides readers with a fresh look at the work of zoologists. Charming line artwork by Abby Carter appears throughout and keeps the story upbeat.

A heart-wrenching novel in verse about a poor girl surviving the Irish Land Wars, by a two-time Newbery Honor-winning author. For Anna, the family farm has always been home... But now, things are changing. Anna''s mother has died, and her older siblings have emigrated, leaving Anna and her father to care for a young sister with special needs. And though their family has worked this land for years, they''re in danger of losing it as poor crop yields leave them without money to pay their rent. When a violent encounter with the Lord''s rent collector results in Anna and her father''s arrest, all seems lost. But Anna sees her chance and bolts from the jailhouse. On the run, Anna must rely on her own inner strength to protect her sister--and try to find a way to save her family. Written in verse, A Slip of a Girl is a poignant story of adversity, resilience, and self-determination by a master of historical fiction, painting a haunting history of the tensions in the Irish countryside of the early 1890s, and the aftermath of the Great Famine. A Junior Library Guild Selection A Bank Street Best Book of the Year

Set during the Irish Land Wars (1879-1882) this novel in verse follows Anna Mallon through a series of tragedies as her mother dies, older siblings immigrate to America, and she and her father and sister with special needs are about to be evicted from their farm.

Two young Americans must evade capture by Axis soldiers--and outlast the brutal Alaskan winter--in this thrilling historical novel which shines a light on a little-known facet of World War II. Fourteen-year-old Matt never wanted to come to the remote Aleutian Islands--he was dragged here by his father for reasons he can''t understand. Eleven-year-old Izzy, on the other hand, loves it--the wild weather, the strange birds, all the new people she''s meeting. The two have little in common, except their hometown--they certainly aren''t friends. But when Japanese soldiers land on the island, Izzy and Matt are the only ones who escape being shipped off to a prison camp. The two kids must put their differences aside and work together if they''re going to survive. With a long, harsh winter ahead of them, they''ll need to dodge Axis soldiers and withstand Allied bombing raids--and keep the village dog from giving them away to the enemy, too. Told in alternating point-of-view chapters, Island War is set amidst the Japanese occupation of the remote Aleutian Islands--the only foreign invasion of the United States that took place during World War II. Fans of Hatchet and Julie of the Wolves will be riveted by two-time Newbery Honoree Patricia Reilly Giff''s thrilling story of survival, resilience, and the power of cooperation.

Newbery Honor–winning author Patricia Reilly Giff writes a tender, timeless story about a girl who stopped speaking long ago, and how she finds her way back to her voice. For fans of Listening for Lucca, Fish in a Tree, The Rules, and Mockingbird. Judith lives with her beloved aunt Cora and her faithful Dog on a beautiful island. Years ago, when her mother left, Judith stopped talking. Now she communicates entirely through gestures and taps, and by drawing cartoons, speaking only when she’s alone—or with Dog. This year, Judith faces a big change—leaving her small, special classroom for a regular fifth-grade class. She likes her new teacher, and finds a maybe-friend in a boy named Mason. But Jubilee’s wandering feet won’t stop until they find her mother. And now she discovers that her mother has moved back to the mainland, nearby. If Jubilee finds her, will her mother’s love be what she needs to speak again? Judith’s cartoons, sprinkled throughout, add lightness and humor. ILA-CBC Choices Reading Lists, Children’s Choices Selected for the Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog

In this companion to the Newbery Honor-winning Lily''s Crossing, thirteen-year-old Genevieve risks everything to defy the Nazis and join the French Resistance. Winner of the Christopher Award! It''s not always thinking of being happy. Doing the right thing will make you happy. Despite the farm-work and her irritable grandmother Memé, Genevieve thinks she may have found a new home in Alsace, France, where she spent the summer of 1939. Without much to return to in New York, Gen is ready to see if this new life will make her happy. But then World War II erupts. The Nazis conquer France. Now everyone in Alsace must speak German, act German, and think German--or else. Even worse, a cold Nazi officer has commandeered a room in Memé''s farmhouse--and he can tell that Gen and her grandmother aren''t loyal to the Reich. But Gen won''t be cowed. And when her friend Rémy commits an act of sabotage, she hides him in the last place the Germans will look--in the attic, right above the Nazi''s head. For more thrilling historical fiction, don''t miss Island War, a survival story set in the remote Aleutian Islands, occupied by the Japanese during World War II, and A Slip of a Girl, a novel in verse about the Irish Land War of the late 19th century.

Newbery Honor–winning author Patricia Reilly Giff tells a vivid, contemporary story about a remarkable boy who risks everything for his family and a bold girl who helps him. At home in Mexico, Mateo knows where he belongs: with Mami, Abuelita, little brother Lucas, and big brother Julian. When Julian leaves to work in el Norte, the United States, Mateo misses him. And when the family stops hearing from Julian, Mateo knows he has to find his beloved brother. With only his old notebook and a backpack, Mateo heads for the border, where dangers await: robbers, and the border police, who will send him back home or perhaps even put him in prison. On his journey, Mateo meets Angel, a smart, mysterious girl who can guide his crossing. Angel is tough; so is Mateo, and his memories of his loving family sustain him. Because no matter what happens, he can’t go home until he finds Julian.

In a humorous and entertaining guide, two-time Newbery Honor-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff breaks down the process of writing fiction into steps, all while trying to cope with constant distractions from her exuberant seventy-pound golden retriever puppy, Rosie. Citing examples from her award-winning novels she explains how to proceed with each step in chapter sections titled "Can You See What I Did?" Young writers can find the inspiration and tips they need to try their hand in sections called "Your Turn." Anecdotes from her writing life and hilarious adventures with her high-energy pet provide entertainment and encouragement.

Hunter, his twin brother, Zack, and neighborhood pest Sarah Yulefsky are about to be rich. All they have to do is find the hidden hoard of town founder, Lester Dinwitty. It shouldn’t be a problem, because they have clues. Shovels in hand, the gang sets to work tearing up their town and getting into some tight spots, including Dr. Diglio''s dreaded dentist''s chair. In a novel that is both humorous and heartwarming, the twins may leave a trail of havoc behind them, but they also make some leaps forward as they discover the true meaning of family unity.

Jilli and Jim solve the mystery of the monster in their garden in the third book in the endearing new chapter book series by two-time Newbery Honor Book author Patricia Reilly Giff. It is time to plant a vegetable garden! Best friends Jilli and Jim must keep the bugs and slugs away.Then they can march in the Vegetable Parade at the end of the summer. But what is that HUGE monster plantgrowing in the middle of the garden?Will it eat their vegetables?Will it eat Jilli''s dog Fiercely?Will it eat Jilli and Jim?Can Fiercely save them from the monster plant?

It''s 1944, W.W. II is raging. Jayna''s big brother Rob is her only family. When Rob is called to duty on a destroyer, Jayna is left in their small town in upstate New York with their cranky landlady. But right before he leaves, Rob tells Jayna a secret: they may have a grandmother in Brooklyn. Rob found a little blue recipe book with her name and an address for a bakery. When Jayna learns that Rob is missing in action, she''s devastated. Along with her turtle Theresa, the recipe book, and an encouraging, ghostly voice as her guide, Jayna sets out for Brooklyn in hopes of finding the family she so desperately needs.

The endearing new chapter book series by two-time Newbery Honor Book author Patricia Reilly Giff. Take one girl with a big imagination.Add one frisky dog with a nose for trouble.And get ready for an irresistible adventure!Fiercely has run away again. And Jilli is sure that the fox from her favorite book is loose in her neighborhood! Now Jilli and her best friend, Jim, must find Fiercely and save him from the fox! Will they make it in time?Two-time Newbery Honor Book author Patricia Reilly Giff and veteran illustrator Diane Palmisciano have created a charming book filled with "shivery" fun and delicious surprises!

While trying to hide an incriminating report card and dodge meddling siblings, fifth-grade twins Hunter and Zack set out to save their town from a diabolical dentist who is planning to blow it to smithereens.

An endearing new chapter book series by two-time Newbery Honor author of the bestselling Polk Street series.Jilli and Jim are best of friends. But today, Jim has some news. Something scary is happening next door. Workmen are building something that is big and red. And a woman in a pointy hat is on a ladder painting. Could she be the witch from Hansel and Gretel making a big red gingerbread house?When Jilli''s dog Fiercely crawls under the fence and runs into the witch''s yard--the children must go over there and rescue him! But a surprise is in store for everyone. The woman is not a witch at all. She''s Ms. Berry--the nicest teacher from the school. And soon she will be their teacher! With her characteristic warmth, humor, and irresistible child-friendly drama, Patricia Reilly Giff is at her very best!

Hunter and his twin brother, Zack, are on high alert after they hear about a potential kidnapping in Newfield. But the most shocking news is yet to come: the twins figure out that Steadman, their younger brother, is the kidnapper''s target! The boys keep an eye out for suspicious activities around town from a treetop watchtower in Werewolf Woods. They are shocked to discover a probable ax murderer hiding in the cellar of an empty house, Bradley the neighborhood bully poking at what must be dead bodies in the pond, and a mysterious letter for their mom. All these could be clues, and it''s up to the Moran boys to uncover whatever evil plans are afoot before it''s too late.

The Zigzag Zebras have been challenged by the Timpanzi School Tigers to a race. They''ll have to practice hard. Too bad Gina is a better opera singer than a runner. Ramon has them running all over—in the schoolyard, down Stone Street, back into the gym, down the stairs. They have to win!

When Destiny Washington gets the notion that everyone''s favorite teacher, Ms. Katz, is going to be dismissed from the Zigzag Afternoon Center, she and classmate Yolanda think of several ways to save her.

Rachel, Cassie, and Joey live in the city with their Pop, until Pop''s search for work lands the family on a run down farm. Dreamy Rachel loves to read, and doesn''t know much about the country. Times are hard there, too—the school and library are closed. When Pop gets work near Canada, he has to leave the children on the farm alone. For two months! But Rachel''s the oldest, and she''ll make sure they''re all right. Somehow.

It’s August 1941, and Brick and Mariel both love the Brooklyn Dodgers. Brick listens to their games on the radio in Windy Hill, in upstate New York, where his family has an apple orchard; Mariel, once a polio patient in the hospital in Windy Hill, lives in Brooklyn near the Dodgers’ home, Ebbets Field. She was adopted by Loretta, a nurse at the hospital, and has never known what happened to her own mother. Someday, somehow, she plans to return to Windy Hill and find out. When a fire destroys their orchard, Brick’s parents must leave the farm to find work. They send him to live in Brooklyn with their friend Loretta, even though Brick knows that their elderly neighbors need his help to pick what’s left of the apples. The only good thing about Brooklyn is seeing the Dodgers play–that, and his friendship with Mariel. Maybe, together, they’ll find a way to return to Windy Hill, save the harvest, and learn the truth about Mariel’s past.

Charlie has lots of ideas. Need something to go sky high? Ah-ha! The zinger-winger! Need to launch a cheese popper into soup? The amazing popper-upper! But the zinger-winger zings more than wings and the popper-upper plops. Charlie isn''t allowed to invent for a week. Meanwhile, the afterschool invention fair is coming up. He needs time to make something special. Good thing he has his friends and Mr. Redfern, another inventor, to help him out.

Elizabeth is drawn into a dramatic story from the American Revolution when she discovers a portrait of her ancestor, a girl called Zee, who has a striking resemblance to Elizabeth. The girls'' lives intertwine and Elizabeth''s present-day story alternates with Zee''s. As Elizabeth learns about Zee, and walks where Zee once walked and battles raged, the past becomes as vivid and real as the present.

In the fourth book in the Zigzag Kids series, it''s showtime at the Zelda A. Zigzag Afternoon Center. Gina loves to sing and she''s determined to be the star of the play. She''s already told everybody she knows to come see her. But her friend Destiny wants to be the star, too!

DIV There’s a thief at Camp Wild-in-the-Woods, and it’s up to Dawn Bosco to catch her! Dawn Bosco and Jill Simon are going away to Camp Wild-in-the-Woods for the first time. There will be horseback riding and swimming and walks in the woods and cookouts with marshmallows. But the other girls at camp, the ones from the Coolidge School, don’t seem very friendly. And then someone steals Dawn’s mirror and special pin, the ones her grandmother gave her. Dawn’s summer will be ruined if she doesn’t find the thief—and soon! This ebook features an illustrated biography of Patricia Reilly Giff including rare photos from the author’s personal collection. /div

DIVTo help her class win the school contest, Dawn Bosco will have to find the person who is trying to ruin their play, Little Red Riding Hood/divDIV /divDIVMs. Rooney’s second-grade class is determined to win the school contest by putting on a surprise play. Dawn Bosco will play Little Red Riding Hood, and Jason Bazyk will be the Big Bad Wolf./divDIV /divDIVBut someone is trying to ruin everything. First, Dawn hears a scary voice backstage. Then, the wolf suit goes missing. Dawn has to get to the bottom of the mystery in order to save the play and win the prize./divDIV /divDIVThis ebook features an illustrated biography of Patricia Reilly Giff including rare photos from the author’s personal collection./divDIV/div

DIV Powder Puff the cat might be gone forever, unless Dawn can piece together the puzzle One hot summer day, Dawn Bosco’s cat, Powder Puff, jumps into an open car window. Before Dawn can catch up, the driver speeds off! Dawn is sad, but she knows she’s a great detective. It’s up to the Polka Dot Private Eye to track down the car, the driver, and Powder Puff. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Patricia Reilly Giff including rare photos from the author’s personal collection. /div

Arno Eliot is always causing trouble—and when he disappears at the zoo, Dawn Bosco will have to solve a mystery to set things right It’s almost the end of the summer, and Dawn Bosco is hoping for one last mystery before school starts. Then Noni, Dawn’s grandmother, has to babysit Arno Eliot, the worst six-year-old Dawn has ever met, for the whole week! Dawn doesn’t want to spend her last week of summer vacation watching Arno. When Arno says he wants to go to the zoo, Dawn knows there will be trouble—and maybe a mystery, too. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Patricia Reilly Giff including rare photos from the author’s personal collection.

DIVSecond-grader Dawn Bosco puts her mystery-solving skills to the test when her former best friend, Emily Arrow, loses her birthday ring/divDIV /divDIVDawn Bosco and Emily Arrow used to be best friends, until Dawn took Emily’s unicorn. Even though Dawn eventually gave it back, Emily still won’t talk to her./divDIV /divDIVWhen Emily’s blue birthday ring goes missing after art class, the rest of the second grade accuses Dawn of stealing it. Dawn sets out to solve the mystery herself to prove she is innocent—and maybe get her best friend back./divDIV /divDIVThis ebook features an illustrated biography of Patricia Reilly Giff including rare photos from the author’s personal collection./div

When Charlie hears that special buzz in his head, he knows it means one thing: an idea for a new invention. But Charlie''s ideas tend to backfire—such as the flying feet that don''t really fly. If only Charlie could make his inventions work, people might think he''s as special as his older brother, Larry. Then the Zigzag afternoon center organizes a Come as a Character Day, and Charlie gets his chance to shine.

Lidie lives in Brazil, where she rides, a wild girl dreaming of going to live with her father, Pai, and older brother, Rafael, in New York City. Pai runs a stable at a famous race track. Since her mother died long ago, Lidie has lived with relatives. Now she''s 12—ready to leave Brazil for New York. Meanwhile, a filly is born and begins her journey to a new home. As Lidie''s story unfolds, so does the filly''s. In New York, Lidie finds that moving to another country is a big challenge. And Pai and Rafael still think of her as the little girl they left behind. But she''s determined to befriend, and ride, the spirited filly her father has just bought: Wild Girl.