Richard Peck Knihy

Carol Patterson is a sixteen-year-old girl beset with problems. She feels lonely and unpoular at school. Her quiet bookishness and shabby clothes make her something of an outcast. Her mother can barely support Carol and her sisters with her job as a hostess at a roadside restaurant. To make matters worse, Carol's older sister, Ellen, becomes pregnant and must come to a decision about the fate of her baby. Although overburdened with worry, Carol tries valiantly to help her sister and continue on her own road to maturity. Does she have the endurance to make it through these hard times?

One of the most adored characters in children's literature is the eccentric, forceful, bighearted Grandma Dowdel, star of the Newbery Award-winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor-winning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isn't over. It's now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel: a minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm on all of them, and they will quickly discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.

The story follows a young protagonist navigating challenges that test their resilience and courage. With themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of community, the narrative unfolds in a richly detailed setting that enhances the emotional depth of the characters' journeys. The author skillfully weaves humor and heartwarming moments throughout, making it a compelling read for both children and adults. The Newbery Medal recognition highlights its significance in children's literature, celebrating its impact and storytelling excellence.

The plot revolves around Josh Lewis and his best friend Aaron Zimmer, who have created a wish-granting computer. While it seems like a dream come true, the machine has unpredictable bugs, granting wishes from unexpected sources, including Aaron's mom's poodle. As chaos ensues, the situation escalates when a mysterious figure known as The Watcher begins to surveil their activities in cyberspace, leading to unforeseen challenges. This engaging tale blends humor and suspense, showcasing Richard Peck's storytelling prowess.

A boy reminisces about spending summers with grandma in her small town

Josh Lewis navigates the challenges of sixth grade at the prestigious Huckley School, where his best friend Aaron claims to have discovered time travel through his computer. When Aaron successfully transports himself into cyberspace, they encounter surprising figures from the past, unveiling hidden aspects of Huckley's history. The story features engaging characters, quick pacing, and clever narration that appeals to a wide range of readers, including those who may not typically enjoy reading.

Matt Moran transforms his pain at the loss of Dory into new feelings for the older, beguiling, and opinionated Margaret and learns about losing, taking chances, and starting over

Forced to ask herself whether her father was indeed a criminal, Karen comes to rely on her own instincts and judgment as her situation becomes increasingly terrifying.

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.