New Releases by Patricia Reilly Giff

A broken fence and an animal on the loose take center stage in book three of the series by a two-time Newbery Honor winning author. Alex loves living on Zoo Lane, especially because he gets to visit his favorite animal in the world: the red panda. When he finds a hole in the zoo''s fence, it presents the perfect opportunity to sneak into the zoo before school to see his beloved furry creatures. What Alex doesn''t realize is that the broken fence will cause more problems than almost getting caught by the security guard. When an animal goes missing in the zoo, can he come clean about the fence? In this third book of the series, two-time Newbery Honor author Patricia Reilly Giff has crafted a lively mystery 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 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

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.

"Judith stopped talking long ago when Mom left her in the care of beloved Aunt Cora. Going back into a regular fifth-grade classroom won''t be easy, but she has her Dog and new friend who will help her through"--

Sirens! A scary sound, especially to Siria, whose brave pop is a firefighter. Siria loves everyone at Pop''s city firehouse. She also loves to study the stars. Her mother named her after the brightest start in the winter sky. When Siria hears sirens, she sneaks out to chase the trucks, to bring Pop and the other firefighters luck. She''d be in big trouble if she ever got caught. Good thing her best friend, Douglas, is always by her side. As Christmas approaches, Siria suspects that someone in the neighborhood is setting fires. She has to find out who''s doing it. When clues point to a surprising suspect, she realizes that solving this mystery will take all kinds of courage. Patricia Reilly Giff, the author of many beloved and award-winning books, is at her best in this action-packed story. In Winter Sky, friends, family, and a very special dog help Siria see how brave she really is. Nominated to the Arkansas Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award

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?

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!

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.

When her brother Rob, a Navy cook, goes missing in action during World War II, Jayna, desperate for family, leaves upstate New York and their cranky landlady, accompanied by a turtle and a ghost, to seek their grandmother, who Rob believes may live in Brooklyn. Includes soup recipes.

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.

This week the kids at the Zigzag Afternoon Center are being creative, and trying new things. But that''s not so easy for Destiny. All of her ideas turn into disasters—until she finds out what a good poet she is. The sixth book in award-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff''s Zigzag Kids series captures all the excitement of new friends and after-school fun.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Gina wants more than anything to be the star of the show that her class will perform, but everything seems to go wrong until she makes a generous choice.

The author of the beloved Kids of the Polk Street School series introduces a new generation of readers to a multicultural group of kids who enjoy all the activities of an after-school center. It’s Discovery Week at the Zigzag Afternoon Center! Everyone writes their discoveries on a big sheet of paper in the hallway. But Destiny Washington can’t think of anything new to discover. Before she knows it, Destiny has told a BIG whopper. And snooty Gina, who’s great at discovering things, knows all about it. Destiny has to find a way out of the whopper. In the end, she makes the best discovery of all. In this delightful new series, award-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff introduces readers to a quirky, lovable group of kids, capturing all the excitement and surprises of new friends and after-school fun.

When Mitchell''s father gets a new job and his family moves, he and his sister go to a new school where they must make new friends and adjust to new routines.

A contemporary and irresistible story from Patricia Reilly Giff Lidie lives in Jales, Brazil, where she’s free to ride, to be a wild girl, and to dream of going to live with her father and older brother, Rafael, in New York City. Finally Lidie is 12—time 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. Lidie’s father runs a stable at a famous race track, and Rafael is training to be a jockey. As much as they want to make Lidie feel welcome, they still think of her as the little girl they left behind. They don’t even know what a strong rider she is, and that she’s determined to befriend and ride the wild filly her father has just bought: Wild Girl.

Assisted by her cat Max and her friend Cash, Minnie tries to find Mary Moon, a valuable racing pigeon that has disappeared just before a big race.

Celebrate Valentine''s Day with this classroom tale! It''s time for everyone in Ms. Rooney''s room to make cards for the Valentine box. Emily Arrow couldn''t be happier when Dawn Bosco gives her some colored stars to decorate her cards. She plans to make a special one for Ms. Vincent, the new student teacher. But things take a turn for the worse when Ms. Rooney asks Emily to be class monitor. Emily feels important sitting at the teacher''s desk, until Sherri Dent leaves her seat without Emily''s permission. Emily reports her. That''s when Sherri tells Emily, "You''ll be sorry." Emily is really worried. What will Sherri do to get even?

April is invention month. "We''re going to make our own inventions," says Ms. Rooney, "and work together in groups." Though Emily Arrow knows it''s important for each group to think, listen, and share, she still wishes she were the leader of her invention group. Linda Lorca, the bossy leader, can''t get anyone to cooperate. "Snaggle doodles," Emily says. If the group doesn''t come up with an idea soon, they''ll be the worst group in the class. Meanwhile, Emily is also busy thinking of a wedding present for Ms. Vincent, the student teacher. The wedding is only a few days away. Emily has a lot to do. Can she and her group learn to work together in time?