Newbery Medal winner Island of the Blue Dolphins is considered one of the greatest children's books ever written. This story of survival is as haunting and beautiful today as it was when it first appeared in print. And now, just in time to celebrate the book's fiftieth anniversary, Sandpiper is honored to bring a new paperback edition of this masterpiece to the next generation. With gorgeous packaging and an introduction by Newbery Medal winner Lois Lowry, this version will guarantee Karana's story inspires readers for decades to come. Read more

After he and his good buddy Tom Sawyer had uncovered a small fortune, Huckleberry Finn finds himself restrained by the demands of an overbearing guardian. Never one to be confined by the proprieties of society, Huck bolts from this dull life in pursuit of a more exciting and mischievous life.Witty and poignant, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is often cited as the preeminent “Great American Novel.” So join this willful vagabond as he sails down the Mighty Mississippi and discovers one thrilling adventure followed by another. Read more

Fifteen-year-old Laura lives apart from her family for the first time, teaching school in a claim shanty 12 miles from home. She is very homesick but keeps at it so that she can help pay for her sister Mary's tuition at the college for the blind. During school vacations Laura has fun with her singing lessons, going on sleigh rides, and, best of all, helping Almanzo Wilder drive his new buggy. Friendship soon turns to love for Laura and Almanzo in the romantic conclusion of this Little House book. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts. Read more

Readers today are still fascinated by “Nat,? an eighteenth-century nautical wonder and mathematical wizard. Nathaniel Bowditch grew up in a sailor?s world—Salem in the early days, when tall-masted ships from foreign ports crowded the wharves. But Nat didn?t promise to have the makings of a sailor; he was too physically small. Nat may have been slight of build, but no one guessed that he had the persistence and determination to master sea navigation in the days when men sailed only by “log, lead, and lookout.? Nat?s long hours of study and observation, collected in his famous work, The American Practical Navigator (also known as the “Sailors? Bible?), stunned the sailing community and made him a New England hero. Read more

Avi's treasured Newbery Honor Book now with exclusive bonus content!The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!A Newbery Honor Book* "A thrilling tale, tautly plotted, vividly narrated." --Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewThirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is excited to return home from her school in England to her family in Rhode Island in the summer of 1832. But when the two families she was supposed to travel with mysteriously cancel their trips, Charlotte finds herself the lone passenger on a long sea voyage with a cruel captain and a mutinous crew. Worse yet, soon after stepping aboard the ship, she becomes enmeshed in a conflict between them! What begins as an eagerly anticipated ocean crossing turns into a harrowing journey, where Charlotte gains a villainous enemy... and is put on trial for murder! Read more

NYT best-selling author of Peak, Roland Smith, reimagines the famous Lewis and Clark expedition in this historical fiction novel told through the compassionate eyes of a remarkable dog. “Dogs know humans better than they will ever know us." Captain Lewis’s Newfoundland pup, Seaman, accompanies Lewis and Clark on a path that will make history. With his adventurous and curious spirit, Seaman proves himself to be a loyal companion at every turn. But can this astonishing dog pick his captain up when he needs it most? This exhilarating tale, part history and part science, including actual text from Lewis’s journals, celebrates one of America’s greatest journeys of discovery. Includes an author’s note and a reader’s guide. Read more

A Reese's Book Club YA Pick and New York Times Bestseller From the critically acclaimed author of Luck of the Titanic, Under a Painted Sky, and Outrun the Moon comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender. While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light. With prose that is witty, insightful, and at times heartbreaking, Stacey Lee masterfully crafts an extraordinary social drama set in the New South. "This vividly rendered historic novel will keep readers riveted as witty, observant Jo deals with the dangers of questioning power." --The Washington Post"Holds a mirror to our present issues while giving us a detailed and vibrant picture of life in the past." --The New York Times"A joyful read . . . The Downstairs Girl, for all its serious and timely content, is a jolly good time." --NPR Read more

Jessie Bollier often played his fife to earn a few pennies down by the New Orleans docks. One afternoon a sailor asked him to pipe a tune, and that evening Jessie was kidnapped and dumped aboard The Moonlight, a slave ship, where a hateful duty awaited him. He was to play music so the slaves could "dance" to keep their muscles strong, their bodies profitable. Jessie was sickened by the thought of taking part in the business of trading rum and tobacco for blacks and then selling the ones who survived the frightful sea voyage from Africa. But to the men of the ship a "slave dancer" was necessary to ensure their share of the profit. They did not heed the horrors that every day grew more vivid, more inescapable to Jessie. Yet , even after four months of fear, calculated torture, and hazardous sailing with a degraded crew, Jessie was to face a final horror that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Read more

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A Land Remembered has become Florida's favorite novel. Now this Student Edition in two volumes makes this rich, rugged story of the American pioneer spirit more accessible to young readers. Patrick Smith tells of three generations of the MacIveys, a Florida family battling the hardships of the frontier. The story opens in 1858, when Tobias and Emma MacIvey arrive in the Florida wilderness with their son, Zech, to start a new life, and ends in 1968 with Solomon MacIvey, who realizes that his wealth has not been worth the cost to the land. Between is a sweeping story rich in Florida history with a cast of memorable characters who battle wild animals, rustlers, Confederate deserters, mosquitoes, starvation, hurricanes, and freezes to carve a kingdom out of the Florida swamp.In this volume, meet young Zech MacIvey, who learns to ride like the wind through the Florida scrub on Ishmael, his marshtackie horse, his dogs, Nip and Tuck, at this side. His parents, Tobias and Emma, scratch a living from the land, gathering wild cows from the swamp and herding them across the state to market. Zech learns the ways of the land from the Seminoles, with whom his life becomes entwined as he grows into manhood.Next in series > >See all of the books in this series Read more

A New York Times Bestseller, Margi Preus’s Heart of a Samurai is “a terrific biographical novel” (Wall Street Journal), filled with international adventure, a look at cultural differences, and both American and Japanese history. A John Newbery Medal Winner An NPR Backseat Book Club pick In 1841, a Japanese fishing vessel sinks. Its crew is forced to swim to a small, unknown island, where they are rescued by a passing American ship. Japan’s borders remain closed to all Western nations, so the crew sets off to America, learning English on the way. Manjiro, a 14-year-old boy, is curious and eager to learn everything he can about this new culture. Eventually the captain adopts Manjiro and takes him to his home in New England. The boy lives there for some time and then heads to San Francisco to pan for gold. After many years, he makes it back to Japan, only to be imprisoned as an outsider. With his hard-won knowledge of the West, Manjiro is in a unique position to persuade the emperor to ease open the boundaries around Japan; he may even achieve his unlikely dream of becoming a samurai. This award-winning adventure novel will thrill and enrich every young reader who picks it up. “Illustrated with Manjiro’s own pencil drawings in addition to other archival material and original art from Tamaki, this is a captivating fictionalized (although notably faithful) retelling of the boy’s adventures. Capturing his wonder, remarkable willingness to learn, the prejudice he encountered and the way he eventually influenced officials in Japan to open the country, this highly entertaining page-turner.” —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) Read more

Tears and laughter alternate in this novel of a young girl's growth to womanhood in the 1830's. 16-year-old orphan Martitia Howland has been transplanted into a Quaker farm family of five intimidating sons and one disapproving daughter. As Martitia runs their gauntlet, she begins to bloom. Valiantly she acquires the skills they expect of her, and discovers other gifts all her own. Her achievements earn respect in the end and more, her heart's true love.North Carolina, 1830sRL5.4Of read-aloud interest ages 11-up Read more

More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can't be it. . . . Or can she?In the spirit of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Newbery Medal winner Avi creates an inspiring story of a headstrong girl determined to control her own destiny. Read more

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FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE FAST-PACED AVENGING ANGELS SERIES COMES A NEW KIND OF WESTERN HERO.Fourteen-year-old Connor Mack dreams of a life full of adventure—while he’s stuck plowing, doing chores, and being worked to death on a half barren family spread in East Texas. He plans to one day flee the beatings delivered by his hulking older brothers and lazy pa. But he knows when he does, he has to take his twin sister, Abby, with him.Connor gets his chance when River Hicks, a man wanted for the murder of a policeman in Fort Worth, rides into town with a pack of bounty hunters on his trail. As the gun smoke clears, and Connor has killed men for the first time in his life, he knows this is his and Abby’s time to escape their life of abuse.Knowing the law will soon be on their heels, they follow Hicks—an outlaw driven by his own demons and deep secrets, which somehow involve the Mack twins.Conner has a lot of learning and growing up to do…and he has to stay alive to do it.Read along across nine action-packed books as odds are defied, relentless dangers are faced, and treacherous journeys of self-discovery are navigated in an attempt to carve out a life of freedom in several gripping tales.Gunslinger: The Complete Series includes Gunslinger: Killer's Chance, Gunslinger: Killer's Fuse, Gunslinger: Killer's Choice, Gunslinger: Killer's Train, Gunslinger: Killer's Reckoning, Gunslinger: Killer's Brand, Gunslinger: Killer's Ghost, Gunslinger: Killer's Gamble, and Gunslinger: Killer's Requiem. Read more

What if you discovered yourself alone in the wilderness on the Overland Trail in 1857, wounded, weaponless, helpless? How would you react if, when you came to the following day, you found a young Shoshone medicine man and a cute Indian shaman girl tending your wounds? Connal Lee woke up that morning to a new life as a white Shoshone boy. Homesick for his brother and sister, his circumstances dictated he stay with the Shoshones until he made it to Great Salt Lake City. Raised in the Ozarks, educated while pushing a handcart across the country, the intelligent young teen adapted to another significant change in his life.Connal Lee entered a new phase of his coming-of-age journey, growing up, finding love, and finding his purpose in life.The United States of America had declared war on the renegade Mormons and sent an army across the country to bring law and order to the Territory of Utah. The natives and Connal Lee found themselves embroiled in the turmoil.To learn the part Connal Lee played in history, read his story today. Read more

From two-time Newbery award-winning author Katherine Paterson.When Lyddie and her younger brother are hired out as servants to help pay off their family farm's debts, Lyddie is determined to find a way to reunite her family once again. Hearing about all the money a girl can make working in the textile mills in Lowell, Massachusetts, she makes her way there, only to find that her dreams of returning home may never come true.Includes an all-new common core aligned educator's guide."Rich in historical detail...a superb story of grit, determination, and personal growth." —The Horn Book, starred review"Lyddie is full of life, full of lives, full of reality." —The New York Times Book ReviewAn ALA Notable Book An ALA Best Book for Young Adults A Booklist Editor's Choice American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists" School Library Journal Best Book  Parents magazine Best Book Read more

Long before he volunteers to help friends Walter Hamilton and Gus McIntyre transport gold from a hidden location in the San Juan Mountains, Buford Wineguard is an angry and defiant teen who uses his size and strength to bully anyone who crosses his path. While securing a Christmas tree for his aunt, Maggie Longmire, he discovers his brawn is no match for Mother Nature.Blinded by the worst blizzard in history and lost in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Buford finds himself buried beneath mountain of snow and an avalanche of regret. An ancient forest dweller promises him survival if he chooses a path of reformation. Will he see the light or perish alone like his cruel and domineering father? Read more

When Ben took the Bay Avenue path that led over the dune to Lewes Beach, he saw something shining on the wet sand and picked up a small piece of metal, inscribed with the words: U.S. Life-Saving Service, District No. 5, Station No. 4, Surfman No.1. He rubbed the sand off the badge and looked up to see a surfman, dressed in dark blue and carrying a walking stick, who introduced himself as Levi Lynch and said: “Why, you’ve found my surfman’s brass patrol check.” Discover what Ben learns about the brave surfmen living a life of sacrifice and service at the Lewes Life-Saving Station and how the surfmen from the Cape Henlopen area stations – Levi Lynch among them – joined together to save nearly two hundred lives during the Great Blizzard of 1888. Exciting adventures awaited Ben! And what happens to the brass check?What sets this story apart is how it beautifully portrays the courage, dedication, and self-sacrifice of surfmen like Levi Lynch. Vivid descriptions and archival images immerse readers in the historical setting that brings these unsung heroes back to life. Lessons of teamwork, integrity, and bravery offer a meaningful message to children about doing the right thing, no matter the challenges. Litzenberg’s story will inspire future generations to value the importance of service and history.Capt. Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)President, National Coast Guard Museum Association Read more

From best-selling author L.J. Martin comes the fourth book in this action-packed young adult western series.Join young Jake Zane on an unforgettable journey as he navigates the demands of his employer and mentor, Lord Stanley-Smyth. Tasked with a job he never desired, Jake becomes the trusted eyes and ears of the Lord, overseeing his latest acquisition—the legendary gold rush saloon and brothel, The Bucket of Blood. Witness the transformation of this notorious establishment into the city's most prestigious high-class saloon, gambling hall, and brothel, known as The Piccadilly.In this gripping narrative, Jake finds himself immersed in a world of gamblers, city cops, Chinese tong soldiers, and intriguing soiled doves. It's a challenging balancing act that forces a young country boy to mature quickly and comprehend the complex dynamics surrounding him. Prepare for a heart-pounding adventure where loyalty is tested, alliances are formed, and unexpected twists abound.The Two Thousand Grueling Miles series is a must-read family adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Experience non-stop action and riveting storytelling that will leave you unable to put the book down. Dive into this captivating tale today!The Two Thousand Grueling Miles series is a true family adventure tale full of can’t-put-it-down action. Read more