Based on a true story, Priscilla and the Hollyhocks follows a young slave girl named Priscilla from her early years on a Southern plantation to her forced march along the Trail of Tears to the chance encounter that leads to her freedom.

"Priscilla and the Hollyhocks tells a story too often ignored or overlooked — a story of how the west was not won but captured. Reading about Priscilla's remarkable life makes all our hearts a bit warmer while filling our heads with a much-needed piece of American history."
— Nikki Giovanni, poet

Coming August 2013

What if you were ten years old and thrown into prison with hardened criminals? That's just what happens to Jake Oliver Evans. Inspired by a true account of a prisoner in the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary in 1885, Jake's story is as affecting as it is shocking.

"You will love Jake and wish you could know him forever. Leah Pileggi is a wonder."
--Naomi Shihab Nye, author of Habibi, winner of the Jane Addams Children's Book Award

". . . fast-paced, absorbing debut . . ."
--Kirkus Reviews

Ralph Masiello explores the mysteries of Ancient Egypt, from the great pyramid of Khafra to Queen Nefertiti. Step-by-step diagrams show kids how to draw pyramids, sphinxes, pharaohs, and more. Bonus steps encourage young artists to customize their drawings with historically accurate symbols and other details.

An introduction and annotations throughout the book provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of this ancient civilization.

More than anything Sophy wants to go to school, but there are no schools in her small Cambodian village. The nearest school is many miles away over terrible roads. When Sophy is given a pair of running shoes, her life changes forever.

Coming August 2013

Camille Saint-Saëns was a brilliant French composer from the nineteenth century. In Saint-Saëns’s Danse Macabre, readers are transported to France in 1872 when Saint-Saëns visited the catacombs beneath the streets of Paris, known best as the final resting place of victims of the French Revolution. It was in this underground graveyard that Camille found the inspiration to compose Danse macabre, his spooky, mischievous masterpiece.

Throughout the ages, women from all classes and walks of life turned to pirating out of necessity, desperation, or greed. Acclaimed author Jane Yolen examines the contradictions of these bold women's lives and times.

Meet Artemisia, the admiral-queen of Persia in 500 BC; Grania O'Malley, the Irish "pirate queen" who challenged Queen Elizabeth I's ships; Madame Ching, who sailed the South China Sea in the early 1800's; and ten other female pirates on their ships, in battle, and in disguise.

"Young pirate princesses (and princes) will be dazzled."
–Kirkus Reviews

"[F]ascinating dramatically told stories . . ."
–Booklist

Now in paperback!

Throughout the ages, women from all classes and walks of life turned to pirating out of necessity, desperation, or greed. Acclaimed author Jane Yolen examines the contradictions of these bold women's lives and times.

Meet Artemisia, the admiral-queen of Persia in 500 BC; Grania O'Malley, the Irish "pirate queen" who challenged Queen Elizabeth I's ships; Madame Ching, who sailed the South China Sea in the early 1800's; and ten other female pirates on their ships, in battle, and in disguise.

"Young pirate princesses (and princes) will be dazzled."
–Kirkus Reviews

"[F]ascinating dramatically told stories . . ."
–Booklist

When her mother dies, Brigitte is sent to live in Paris where she helps her aunt and uncle in their café. Her new life seems strange and interesting. When Brigitte befriends Paco, the young circus performer from the Cirque Medrano who poses from the temperamental Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, she is drawn into a web of international intrigue.

"Scott's historical novel for readers in fifth-through-ninth grades was inspired by Picasso's famous painting, Family of Saltimbanques, and mixes history, mystery, and art into an interesting story of amazing adventures that will keep pages turning."
&mdashParent Wise Austin

"[P]laces an interesting historical moment within the grasp of middle-schoolers."
&mdashKirkus Reviews

"An agreeable introduction to an unusual political, artistic, and social world."
&mdashBooklist

A young boy looks back through time at his family's history on the railroad.

While Nora waits impatiently for dinner, her father stirs up a story from his childhood. During a famine Nora's grandfather must travel over the mountains to find work so he can provide food for his family. While young Ali waits for his father's return, he learns a lesson of patience, perseverance, and hope.

"[A] warm family story about a rarely viewed culture..."
--Booklist

"Essakalli's memorable gouache illustrations provide a sense of place..."
--Kirkus Reviews

"[A] heartfelt tale about patience and hope..."
--School Library Journal

"A fine way to introduce [the problem of hunger] to youngsters..."
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Literature