Evan Balkan Knihy

Baltimore, 1952 With her father fighting in the Korean War, bigotry in her school, and the desire to play a "boy's sport," one girl struggles to find her place in the world. Caroline Panski harbors one dream: to play ice hockey. But, as the neighborhood boys--and her mother--tell her: Boys play hockey; girls figure skate. Caroline, however, refuses to give up, and she navigates her world with determination. Knowing that her beloved father is fighting for freedom far away in Korea saddens her but also gives her strength. And when her school is integrated and she develops a crush on an African- American student, she will need strength and courage to stand up to her classmates just to be his friend. In the end, Caroline's is a difficult and imperfect world, but one that allows for moments of triumph and friendship.

Felix Laszlo embarks on a poignant journey to recover his father's body, a dedicated doctor who lost his life while aiding victims in war-torn Sierra Leone. This mission not only highlights the personal grief of a son but also sheds light on the broader themes of sacrifice and the impact of war on individuals and families. As he navigates the challenges of this somber task, Felix confronts the realities of loss and the complexities of honoring his father's legacy.

Penelope is a pine tree who lives in the forest with her tree friends. When fall comes and her friends turn beautiful colors, Penelope thinks she doesn't measure up. But when winter comes and her friends are cold without their leaves, Penelope learns she's perfect the way she is.