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Improve confidence in reading for struggling readers and children with dyslexia with this decodable chapter book collection filled with fun…
and exciting adventures; featuring six separate stories all in one big book! Follow the Plott family on a series of fun and exciting adventures in this series of chaptered stories perfect for independent reading practice or shared reading. For Ash and Mel, two 10-year-old twin girls, there is always fun to be had in their small town of Longbranch. Whether they are on a camping trip with their parents or scaring their mischievous little brother, Calvin, the twins are always up to something. Follow them as they travel, learn new things, and take on challenges together. This engaging collection contains six decodable stories for building reading fluency, stamina and comprehension. This phonics-first text is written for students who have mastered sounding out words with short vowels, closed syllables, and blends. It is written with principles based in the science of reading by two educators who have made teaching students with dyslexia their passion. The six stories are written in a format specifically designed to foster a love of reading, even in reluctant readers, and include adventures such as: A Trip to the Spring The Big Catfish The Camping Trip And more!By Lois Lowry. 2024
From two-time Newbery medalist Lois Lowry comes this warm and resonant story of an unlikely friendship, which unfolds as a…
revelation on how we hold on to—and pass on—what matters most.Everyone knows the two Sophies are best friends. One is in elementary school, and one is . . . well . . . in a little trouble of late. She’s elderly, sure, but she’s always been on her game, the best friend any girl struggling to fit in could ever have. The Sophies drink tea, have strong opinions about pretty much everything, and love each other dearly. Now it seems the elder Sophie is having memory problems, burning teakettles, and forgetting just about everything. It looks like her son is going to come and get her and steal her away forever. Young Sophie isn’t having that. Not one bit. So she sets out to help elder Sophie’s memory, with the aid of her neighborhood friends Ralphie and Oliver. But when she opens the floodgates of elder Sophie’s memories, she winds up listening to stories that will illustrate just how much there is to know about her dear friend, stories of war, hunger, cruelty, and ultimately love.By Monica Murphy. 2014
New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy’s scorching Billionaire Bachelors Club series continues in this 2-in-1: a fiery romance that refuses…
to be left at the office, and a wedding to remember! SavorWill this billionaire meet his match in the girl who’s been there all along?Smart, sexy Matthew DeLuca is everything Bryn James wants in a man. He’s also her boss—the youngest, hottest vineyard owner in the Napa Valley—and he doesn’t see her as anything more than his shy assistant. That’s all about to change. Armed with a hot new look and an attitude to match, Bryn is determined to catch Matt’s eye.He’s always thought her prim demeanor effortlessly sexy, but Matt can’t deny that Bryn’s transformation is jaw-dropping …and going to make it very difficult to keep his hands to himself. But when one thing leads to another and suddenly Matt is stripping Bryn bare, he’ll be faced with the biggest risk of his career—and his heart. Can he convince her—and himself—that this might just be more than a no-strings office affair?IntoxicatedBachelors no longer, can these billionaires really have their cake and eat it too?It's Gage and Marina’s wedding day, but wedded bliss seems a long way off: Ivy’s just gone into labor, Marina’s missing her matron of honor, and Bryn’s giving Matt the silent treatment.It’s up to Archer, Gage, and Matt to make sure this day goes off without a hitch. But between brides and babies, there’s the not-so-little issue of the million-dollar bet to attend to. If only they can figure out who won … and who’s paying up. Is everyone a winner? Or will someone leave broke—and brokenhearted?By Veera Hiranandani, Supriya Kelkar, Maulik Pancholy, Simran Jeet Singh, Aisha Saeed, Reem Faruqi, Rajani LaRocca, Naheed Hasnat, Sayantani DasGupta, Mitali Perkins. 2024
Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in this warm-hearted novel of interconnected stories that celebrates the diversity of…
South Asian American experiences in a local community center. Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in the fictional town of Maple Grove, New Jersey, where the local kids gather at the community center to discover new crushes, fight against ignorance, and even save a life. Cheer for Chaya as she wins chess tournaments (unlike Andrew, she knows stupid sugary soda won't make you better at chess), and follow as Jeevan learns how to cook traditional food (it turns out he can cook sabji-- he just can't eat it). These stories, edited by bestselling and award-winning Pakistani-American author Hena Khan, are filled with humor, warmth, and possibility. They showcase a diverse array of talented authors with heritage from the Indian subcontinent, including beloved favorites and rising stars, who each highlight the beauty and necessity of a community center that everyone calls home.By Taylor Caldwell. 2012
As a Nazi invasion looms, eight men in Czechoslovakia prepare to resist, in this powerful novella by the New York…
Times–bestselling author. Hitler&’s forces are about to close in, but a small group of men is determined to take a stand against the German aggressors. Each of them knows that it will almost certainly be a futile act—but to them, the alternative is unacceptable. This suspenseful story follows the men&’s thoughts, memories, and emotions as they await the inevitable—and steel themselves for a battle that may be the last they ever fight. Originally published decades after Taylor Caldwell&’s death, this is a deeply moving portrait of those who resist tyrants, and of the distinction between a military victory and a moral one. &“A wonderful storyteller.&” —A. Scott Berg, National Book Award–winning author of Maxwell Perkins: Editor of GeniusBy Taylor Caldwell. 1963
New York Times Bestseller: In Victorian Britain, an affluent woman hosts a group of Catholic priests in her home—and listens…
as they tell their stories. Rose, a young girl visiting her grandmother, sits among eleven priests from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. As each guest shares the most challenging moments of their vocations, tests of faith that have brought them face-to-face with the miseries, temptations, and evils that lurk beyond the peaceful confines of the rectory, their worldly, wealthy hostess and her granddaughter come to learn the struggles and outcomes of these confrontations with the human condition. &“The priests themselves represent a mixed lot—men of exalted backgrounds, culture, worldly experience, who have found their hardest task bringing themselves down to the humble people of their flocks; men who understand only the intellectual, realistic aspects of their faith—and must learn to accept the mystical as well; men who hide their saintliness under uncouth exteriors, who learn the hard way to love their fellow men, who encounter devils as well as saints, murderers, sinners. . . . Lively reading.&” —Kirkus ReviewsBy Taylor Caldwell. 1960
A parade of people in need of solace find a mysterious sympathizer, in this uniquely moving classic by a New…
York Times–bestselling author. They come day and night to confess their troubles to an anonymous listener positioned behind a curtain. Could it be a priest, a psychiatrist, a friend, or a judge? Each person draws a different conclusion. From a businessman who feels betrayed by someone he trusted, to a society woman with contempt for her husband, to a scientist troubled by what his work has wrought, the visitors&’ situations vary widely as they struggle with grief, denial, prejudice, and fear. But in this small sanctuary, there are no office hours, the listener is always listening, and the visitors&’ lives are forever changed. This inspiring and inventive work of fiction comes from the award-winning author of Captains and the Kings, Testimony of Two Men, and many other bestsellers. &“The gift of narration and characterization which Taylor Caldwell brings to each of her books is here in strong measure.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“I believe [Caldwell] wanted to instill hope, renew faith, and foster love in what she saw as a society on the decline. The year was 1960. But the issues can be universally applied today.&” —The Book CafeBy Gary D. Schmidt, Leah Henderson, Pablo Cartaya, Nikki Grimes, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Remy Lai, Kyle Lukoff, Meg Medina, Daniel Nayeri, Linda Sue Park, Mitali Perkins, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Young, Ibi Zoboi. 2024
In these hilarious stories by some of the top authors of middle grade fiction today, each young character is coping…
with a minor superpower—while also discovering their power to change themselves and their community, find their voice, and celebrate what makes them unique.The kids in these humorous short stories each have a minor superpower they’re learning to live with. One can shape-shift—but only part of her body, and only on Mondays. Another can always tell whether an avocado is perfectly ripe. One can even hear the thoughts of the animals in the pet store! But what these stories are really about is their young protagonists “owning” a power that contributes to their individuality, that allows them to find their place in the world, that shows them a potential they might not have imagined.Because if you really think about it, we all have something special and unique about ourselves that makes us a little bit super. We all have the power to change as an individual, to change our communities for the better, to have a voice and to speak up. These playful, thought-provoking tales from some of today’s top middle grade authors prompt readers to consider what their own superpower might be, and how they can use it.Written by Pablo Cartaya, Nikki Grimes, Leah Henderson, Jarrett Krosoczka, Remy Lai, Kyle Lukoff, Meg Medina, Daniel Nayeri, Linda Sue Park, Mitali Perkins, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Gary D. Schmidt, Brian Young, and Ibi Zoboi; coedited by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt.By Taran Matharu. 2024
New York Times bestselling author Taran Matharu’s debut adult fantasy series introduces an immersive story written in the tradition of the…
viral cultivation genre. Discover a rich world of magic, warriors, and dragons, in which a fearless orphan and an ambitious handmaiden flee from the empire that would imprison them, with a dream to return to their homelands and a determination that’s unbreakable… Can an orphan captive learn the secrets of the Dragon Riders to stand up and avenge his people?Jai lives as a royal hostage in the Sabine Court—ever since his father Rohan, leader of the Steppefolk, led a failed rebellion and was executed by the very emperor Jai now serves.When the emperor’s son and heir is betrothed to Princess Erica of the neighboring Dansk Kingdom, she brings with her a dowry: dragons. Endemic to the northern nation, these powerful beasts come in several forms, but mystery surrounds them. Only Dansk royalty know the secret to soulbonding with these dangerous beasts to draw on their power and strength. This marriage—and the alliance that forms—will change that forever.But conspirators lurk in the shadows, and soon the Sabine Court is in chaos. With his life in danger, Jai uses the opportunity to escape with the Dansk handmaiden, Frida, and a stolen hatchling. Hunted at every turn, he must learn to cultivate magic and become a soulbound warrior if he has any chance of finding safety, seizing his destiny…and seeking his revenge.By Alan Pickard. 2024
Rory loved listening to stories and he always remembered the ones that Daddy read to him at bedtime. He wanted…
to know where stories came from. And he told Daddy that one day he would like to write stories. And that was why he couldn’t wait to start reading himself. Rory didn’t think that he would ever get tired of stories!By F. Scott Fitzgerald. 2016
Short stories by the author of The Great Gatsby, including the Jazz Age classic &“Bernice Bobs Her Hair.&” Bernice…
is pretty but awkward—she can&’t dance, flirt, or hold her liquor. When her sophisticated cousin, Marjorie, finally decides to help the poor girl, the results are dramatic—suddenly the boys are interested in Bernice. Too interested, thinks Marjorie. So she decides to play a cruel trick—but Bernice gets the last laugh. First published in the Saturday Evening Post, &“Bernice Bobs Her Hair&” is a classic tale of the Jazz Age and just one of the highlights of this classic story collection. Other gems include &“The Ice Palace,&” &“The Cut-Glass Bowl,&” and &“The Offshore Pirate,&” a delightfully clever story about a spoiled young girl who falls in love with an unlikely suitor. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.By F. Scott Fitzgerald. 2016
A master craftsman brings one of the most fascinating periods in American history to vivid life in these provocative and…
poignant short stories Born gray-haired and grumpy, Benjamin Button may be an infant, but his body and personality are those of an old man. Curiously, however, he grows younger with each passing year. Benjamin is aging backwards, which begs the question, when does a man become a man? And how do we recognize our true selves? A delightful fable that poses serious inquiries about the nature of existence, &“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button&” is one of F. Scott Fitzgerald&’s best-known stories and the centerpiece of this legendary collection. From the Jazz Age decadence of &“May Day&” to the delightful fantasy of &“The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,&” these evocative tales showcase one of the twentieth century&’s greatest authors at the height of his talent.Admired as "the greatest French short story writer," and emulated by Somerset Maugham and O. Henry, Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)…
was a master of plot construction and a keen recorder of life, translating his observations into finely crafted short stories that spoke entire volumes.This edition features twelve of de Maupassant's best-known stories, each reflecting the author's keen, compassionate insights into human behavior. Presented in a dual-language format with new translations by Stanley Applebaum, the stories — written between 1876 and 1890 — represent de Maupassant's major recurring subjects and themes, both tragic and comic. From meditations on the nature of love to jocular stories of friendship and misadventure and tales of irrational, heartfelt anguish, this masterful collection displays the full range of de Maupassant's genius.By M. J. Rose. 2016
As World War I rages and the Romanov dynasty reaches its sudden, brutal end, a young jewelry maker discovers love,…
passion, and her own healing powers in this “dazzling” (Library Journal, starred review) and romantic ghost story, the perfect follow-up to M. J. Rose’s “brilliantly crafted” (Providence Journal) novel The Witch of Painted Sorrows.Nestled within Paris’s historic Palais Royal is a jewelry store unlike any other. La Fantasie Russie is owned by Pavel Orloff, protégé to the famous Faberge, and is known to the city’s fashion elite as the place to find the rarest of gemstones and the most unique designs. But in the summer of 1918, war has transformed Paris from a city of style and romance to a place of fear and mourning. It is in La Fantasie Russie’s workshop that young, ambitious Opaline Duplessi now spends her time making trench watches for soldiers at the front, as well as mourning jewelry for the mothers, wives, and lovers of those who have fallen. People say that Opaline’s creations are magical. Magic is a word Opaline would rather not use, although even she can't deny she possesses a rare gift. Certain gemstones enable her to receive messages from beyond the grave. In her mind, she is no mystic, merely a messenger, giving voice to soldiers who died before they were able to properly express themselves to loved ones. Until one day, when one of these fallen soldiers communicates a message—directly to her. So begins a dangerous journey that will take Opaline into the darkest corners of wartime Paris and across the English Channel, where the exiled Romanov dowager empress is waiting to discover the fate of her family. Full of romance, seduction, and a love so powerful it reaches beyond the grave, The Secret Language of Stones is a “fantastic historical tale of war, love, loss, and intrigue, enhanced by vivid period detail” (Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Aviator’s Wife).By John Buchan. 2008
In 'The Strange Adventures of Mr Andrew Hawthorn' and the other stories in this collection, peculiar worlds of temptation, adventure…
or iniquity are perilously close at hand. Mr Hawthorn himself steps outside to allow his porridge to cool and disappears for five years and more, a Glasgow grocer is shipwrecked and ultimately worshipped as a god, a young mathematician discovers an entirely new aspect of reality and becomes terrified by what he finds there, and an ageing sinner clings grimly, weakly to a hard-won life of decency: John Buchan in each demonstrating his abilities as a gripping writer of short stories.In his introduction, Giles Foden explores Buchan's innate sense of the fascination held by sudden jeopardy and vanished comfort, and the themes of the will and fate in his work.By Anton Chekhov. 1991
This collection of Chekhov's finest early writing reveals a young writer mastering the art of the short story. 'The Steppe',…
which established his reputation, is the unforgettable tale of a boy's journey to a new school in Kiev, travelling through majestic landscapes towards an unknown destiny. 'Gusev' depicts an ocean voyage, where the sea takes on a terrifying, primeval power; 'The Kiss' portrays a shy soldier's failed romantic encounter; and in 'The Duel' two men's enmity ends in farce. Haunting and highly atmospheric, all the stories in this volume show a writer emerging from the shadow of his masters - Tolstoy, Turgenev and Gogol - and discovering his own voice. They also illustrate Chekhov's genius for evoking the natural world and exploring inner lives.By Patricia Burns. 2011
A magical love story- and a richly detailed evocation of a great city.1909, and life is hard for young Poppy…
Powers. Her dad has disappeared-gone to a season in the North somewhere and failed to return-leaving her mum to earn their keep and Poppy doing chores for Gran. Poppy dreams of being a musician like dad, but Gran would never allow it, and Gran’s rule is absolute in Cinnamon Alley.There is more than a littleof Gran’s stubbornness and determination in Poppy, however and the discovery of her Dad’s saxophone, secret music lessons and the Salvation Army band bring the stirrings of possibility. Waitressing in the drinking clubs during the terrible Great Was, Poppy and her dreams find a direction. It is there she falls in love, tragically and irrevocably, with the American Scott Warrender.Alone and destined to rely on her own talents, Poppy, with few loyal friends and a flair for dance music, forms the Power Girls, the first all-female band. The fight for respect and recognition is doubly hard for women, but this is the heady Roaring Twenties and all the Bright Young Things are desperate to dance. Among them is Roddy Ffitch. Charming, rich, madly in love with Poppy, he introduces her to a dangerous world of endless parties and fast cars. But can he help her forget Scott?From smoky clubs to ocean liners, from North Millwall to New York, though the war, the reckless dancing years and the Wall Street Crash, Poppy is determined to succeed, and to make her own way on her own terms. Only her last ambition remains unfulfilled-to share it all with the man she loves. But, maybe after all, what Poppy craves is just a step from Cinnamon Alley…By Leslie Thomas. 2009
The worst has happened. On the eve of their return to Blighty, Brigg and his fellow National Servicemen find themselves…
sentenced to another six months in Panglin Barracks...Many of the surviving characters from The Virgin Soldiers live again in these pages: dogged Tasker, the odious Sergeant Wellbeloved, the vulnerable Colonel Bromley Pickering and the comically touching Juicy Lucy.But we encounter new characters too: the fanatical and demented Lieutenant Grainger; the endearing Welshman, Morris Morris - strong as a horse but bafflingly buxom; US Private Clay - mysteriously lost in transit by the American Army; and last, but not least, Bernice Harrison, the sporting nurse who threatens to replace the wayward Lucy in Brigg's affections...By Ambrose Bierce. 2008
Death awaits them all …A man stares into the deep river swirling beneath him – hands tied, noose around his…
neck – and waits for the order to end his life. Another is trapped for eternity in a room full of corpses. A cowering woman is strangled in the dead of night. These are just some of the countless victims for whom all hope is lost in Ambrose Bierce’s chilling stories of death, delusion and the supernatural.By Megan Rix. 2014
SAMMY is a football crazy rescue puppy.MOUSER is a fearless black and white tomcat.Together they make an unlikely pair that…
won't be parted, not even by the First World War.As the war rages in Europe, Londoners are sending brave animals to help the soldiers - and Mouser and Sammy are soon on their way to the trenches. Boldly criss-crossing no-man's land they make new friends of every nationality - and reunite with old ones. But on the muddy front line, under fire and constantly in danger, will their friendship be enough to save them so they can return home together?'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Express 'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReadingAbout the author:Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. Also available by Megan Rix:The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs and The Bomber Dogwww.meganrix.com