New Releases by Richard Peck

"The Easy Garden: 25 Plants That Every Family Can Certainly Grow and Eat" is an informative and practical guide for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. This book features a carefully curated selection of 25 plants that are easy to grow and maintain, making it perfect for families who are new to gardening or who have limited time and space. The book begins with an introduction to gardening basics, including soil preparation, planting techniques, and watering tips. Each of the 25 plants is discussed, including detailed information on the type of plants, care instructions, harvest recommendations, and common pests and diseases. The plants covered in this book include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, such as tomatoes, blueberries, green beans, and thyme. The Easy Garden provides readers with easy-to-follow instructions that are accompanied by beautiful photographs and illustrations, making it an engaging and accessible resource. The book is designed to help readers create a thriving garden, even if they have limited space or experience. It is a great tool for families who are interested in eating healthier, more locally-grown foods, and who want to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to being a helpful guide to growing and maintaining a garden, The Easy Garden is also an enjoyable read. The author''s passion for gardening shines through in every chapter, and the book is filled with interesting anecdotes and helpful tips that will inspire readers to get their hands dirty and start growing their own food. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, The Easy Garden is a must-have resource for anyone who wants to grow their own fresh, healthy produce.

A self-help book using forensic techniques to better public speaking

We introduce subsistence requirements in food consumption into a simple new-Keynesian model with flexible food and sticky non-food prices. We study how the endogenous structural transformation that results from subsistence affects the dynamics of the economy, the design of monetary policy, and the properties of inflation at different levels of development. A calibrated version of the model encompasses both rich and poor countries and broadly replicates the properties of inflation across the development spectrum, including the dominant role played by changes in the relative price of food in poor countries. We derive a welfare-based loss function for the monetary authority and show that optimal policy calls for complete (in some cases nearcomplete) stabilization of sticky-price non-food inflation, despite the presence of a foodsubsistence threshold. Subsistence amplifies the welfare losses of policy mistakes, however, raising the stakes for monetary policy at earlier stages of development.

When Archer is in sixth grade, his beloved uncle Paul marries another man--Archer''s favorite student teacher. But that''s getting ahead of the story, and a wonderful story it is.

Intrigue, romance, and scheming aboard the Titanic This updated edition of the popular Richard Peck novel, available in time to commemorate the anniversary of the Titanic''s fateful voyage in 1912, starts with a chilling prophecy. When Miranda begins her position as maid-servant to the glamorous and selfish Amanda Whitwell, Amanda wastes no time in using Miranda to suit her own cruel purposes. Miranda becomes the lynchpin to a plot that Amanda devises to marry an American who can maintain her lavish lifestyle, but also keeps the rogue she loves close at hand. However, destiny intervenes, and they board the ill-fated Titanic. This story has all of the romance, glamour, intrigue, and tragedy of the Titanic but ends, satisfyingly, with redemption and forgiveness.

Being the new girl at school is rough. But when the popular girls choose Kerry as the newest member of their ultra-exclusive clique, she thinks her troubles are finally finished. When her three new friends are killed in a horrifying car crash, her life seems over as well. But then the texts begin. . . . Richard Peck returns to his contemporary teen- and ghost-story roots in this suspenseful page-turner with a subtle commentary on peer pressure that fans of television dramas such as Pretty Little Liars and Vampire Diaries will devour.

One of children''s literature''s most memorable characters returns in this Christmastime companion to the Newbery Medal-winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor-winning A Long Way from Chicago. The eccentric, larger-than-life Grandma Dowdel is back in this heart-warming tale. Set 20 years after the events of A Year Down Yonder, it is now 1958 and a new family has moved in next door: a Methodist minister and his wife and kids. Soon Grandma Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm on all of them: ten-year-old Bob Barnhart, who is shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his two fascinating sisters; and even his parents, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital. As Christmas rolls around, the Barnhart family realizes that they’ve found a true home, and a neighbor who gives gifts that will last a lifetime. “Pitch-perfect prose, laced with humor and poignancy, strong characterization and a clear development of the theme of gifts one person can offer make this one of Peck’s best novels yet—and that’s saying something.”—Kirkus (starred review) “The type of down-home humor and vibrant characterizations Peck fans have come to adore re-emerge in full.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) “With a storyteller''s sure tone, Peck has once again created a whole world in one small Illinois town, a place where the folksy wisdom and generosity of one gruff old woman can change lives.”—School Library Journal (starred review) Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year Booklist Editors’ Choice

Davy Bowman’s dad looks forward to Halloween more than a kid, and Davy’s brother, Bill, flies B-17s. Davy adores these two heroes and tries his best to follow their lead, especially now. World War II has invaded Davy’s homefront boyhood. Bill has joined up, breaking their dad’s heart. It’s an intense, confusing time, and one that will spur Davy to grow up in a hurry. This is one of Richard Peck’s finest novels—a tender, unforgettable portrait of the World War II home front and a family’s enduring love.

Peewee idolizes Jake, a big brother whose dreams of auto mechanic glory are fueled by the hard road coming to link their Indiana town and futures with the twentieth century. And motoring down the road comes Irene Ridpath, a young librarian with plans to astonish them all and turn Peewee’s life upside down. Here Lies the Librarian, with its quirky characters, folksy setting, classic cars, and hilariously larger-than-life moments, is vintage Richard Peck—an offbeat, deliciously wicked comedy that is also unexpectedly moving.

Compiled for the first time, here are all of Newbery Award– winning author Richard Peck’s previously published short stories and two brand-new ones. From comedy to tragedy to historical to contemporary; from "Priscilla and the Wimps," Peck’s first short story, to "Shotgun Cheatham’s Last Night Above Ground," which inspired both A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder, to "The Electric Summer," Peck’s jumping-off point for Fair Weather, readers will thrill at Peck’s engaging short fiction. Complete with the author’s own notes on the stories as well as tips and hints for aspiring writers and two new stories, this vibrant and varied collection offers something for everyone.

The year is 1861. Civil war is imminent and Tilly Pruitt''s brother, Noah, is eager to go and fight on the side of the North. With her father long gone, Tilly, her sister, and their mother struggle to make ends meet and hold the dwindling Pruitt family together. Then one night a mysterious girl arrives on a steamboat bound for St. Louis. Delphine is unlike anyone the small river town has even seen. Mrs. Pruitt agrees to take Delphine and her dark, silent traveling companion in as boarders. No one in town knows what to make of the two strangers, and so the rumors fly. Is Delphine''s companion a slave? Could they be spies for the South? Are the Pruitts traitors? A masterful tale of mystery and war, and a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact one person can have on another.

Join Joey and his sister Mary Alice as they spend nine unforgettable summers with the worst influence imaginable-their grandmother!

Traditionally, it has been thought that the lives of bison and Native Americans were intricately entwined, with the movement of the animals influencing the movement and behaviour of the people.

Daytime at Grandma''s house is fine, but bedtime is terrifying when a monster seems to be about.

Shares the author''s insights into life, writing, creativity, malls, American values, young adults, and individuality.

Molly Moberly knows she doesn''t belong in this small Missouri town with her great-aunt Fay. It''s just a temporary arrangement--until her mother gets out of the hospital. But then Molly meets Will, a fellow stray, and begins to realize she''s not the only one on the outside. In fact, it seems like the town''s full of strays--only some end up where they belong sooner than others. Richard Peck has created a rich, compassionate story that will go straight to the heart of every kid who''s ever felt like an outsider."This sensitive heroine is one readers will want to take under their wing." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Josh Lewis'' best friend, Aaron Zimmer, has turned his computer into a wish-granting machine. It ought to be every techno-addict''s dream, but there are a few bugs in the system. Nobody knows when the computer will interactivate next--and it doesn''t just grant Josh and Aaron''s wishes. In fact, Aaron''s mom''s poodle seems to eb doing some of the wishing, too. When a mysterious spy called The Watcher starts monitoring their every move in cyberspace, the real trouble begins in this compelling story from Newbery medal-winning author Richard Peck. "A guaranteed fun, faced-paced adventure."--School Library Journal

A wry, engaging novel of three women''s midlife escape into the charming bustle of London--a stylish read scented with a dreamy touch of armchair travel.

Meet Josh Lewis, a sixth grader at the elite Huckley School. When his best friend Aaron announces that he can time travel with his computer, Josh isn''t fazed. But when Aaron actually microprocesses himself into cyberspace, the duo must deal with unexpected visitors from the past -- and find out more about Huckley''s history than they ever wanted to know!"Amiable characters, fleet pacing, and witty,in-the-know narration will keep even the non-bookish interested."-- Publishers Weekly

Only Alexander knows why the barn is haunted—-and by what When Alexander notices an eerie light coming out of the barn,. He thinks his friend Blossom Culp is trying to spook him. But strange things really are happening there. Slimy footprints appear out of nowhere, and whimpering sounds float down from the hayloft. And when he ventures into the barn in the dark of night, his breath catches in his throat. Suddenly Blossom''s words come back to him: "You can make contact with the Unseen...." Now there''s a girl ghost standing right in front of him, telling him of great danger ahead. But is there time for Alexander to act on her warning? Blossom Culp #1 “Peck’s blending of mystery and humor makes an unusual and entertaining ghost story.” —Booklist, starred review

Using a broad range of literature to examine the political culture of white South Africa, Peck finds both a preoccupation with political issues and a dislike for politics. The literature examined ranges from South African propaganda, through a variety of bestsellers—adventure stories and mystery novels written by authors such as Wilbur Smith and James McClure—to self-conscious literary works of the canonical white South African authors such as Alan Paton, André Brink, and Nadine Gordimer. The study gives attention to anti-political features of the liberal tradition that dominated South African writing, and to the failure of writers who undermined that tradition to generate a more positive view of politics. The morbid fascination with politics that is found across the full spectrum of creative writing is a reflection of the circumstances in which writers found themselves, but it is still a worrisome feature of the white South African political culture.

After his mother dies, 17-year-old Jim realizes he must raise his younger brother, Byron, alone. But when their father shows up with plans to take them to Florida, Jim wonders if the reunion will last. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Bambi, Buffie, and Brick, three totally cool siblings from Los Angeles, move with their parents to Hickory Fork, a small town terrorized by a high school gang.

Comments on the creative process, American values, changing lifestyles and expectations, and how they relate to the kinds of writing to which young readers respond

The popular author describes how he grew up in Decatur, Illinois, went into teaching, and eventually became a writer, incorporating his earlier experiences into novels intended to reach and change young readers.

Eighty-six poems representing viewpoints or observations on a variety of current topics.

When teenage beauty Darlene Hoffmeister wins a beauty contest and is offered a glamorous life in New York City with her friend Verna, both girls have some major re-thinking to do about their lives and values.

In her new high school, where her mother has taken a job as counselor, Chelsea experiences joys and sorrows as she makes choices about new friends and learns they are not always what they seem.

Drew and Steph reluctantly take a Baltic cruise with their grandmother and have the experience of a lifetime.