Esperanza Ortega's life of ease and wealth on her father's Mexican ranch is turned upside down the day before her 13th birthday when she and her mother find out that her father was killed by bandits. They are forced to leave all they have and migrate to California with their servants to start a new life. After reading this book, you will better understand the Mexican proverb the author quotes at the beginning of the book: "The rich person is richer when he becomes poor, than the poor person when he becomes rich."
Based on the true story of Regina Leininger who was captured by Indians in 1755 near Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Her mother was away when the family home was burned to the ground, her father and brother were scalped, and she and her sister were taken captive. Gradually Regina (now Tskinnak) becomes more accustomed to the ways of the Indian tribe. She takes on responsibilities of caring for another young captive girl, and the memories of her former life begin to fade. After nine years, the American army frees the white captives. Regina is torn between leaving her new family and possibly being reunited with her mother.
In 1935, Moose Flanagan's family moves to Alcatraz Island, off the coast of San Francisco so that Moose's father can take a job as a prison guard and Natalie, his autistic sister can attend a school in the city. Moose liked his life back in Santa Monica, and he's not very excited to be living in such close proximity to the nation's worst criminals -- guys like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. He eventually gets used to his new home, makes friends with Piper, the rison warden's daughter, and comes to terms with Natalie's dependence on him.
This is a story of the Irish Potato Famine which took place between 1845 and 1852. Twelve-year old Nory Ryan woke up one morning, went out to harvest potatoes as usual and found that there was a rotten smell coming from the potatoes in the field. Because potatoes were a large part of the Irish diet in those days, many people starved from lack of food. Nory shows courage as she helps her family find food and the hope to survive.
Before Bandit Wong leaves Shanghai, China in 1947 to move to New York City with her parents, she asks her grandfather to change her name to an American name so she'll fit in better. Bandit chooses the name Shirley Temple Wong since that's the only American name she knows. The Brooklyn Dodgers have a star black player named Jackie Robinson who becomes a hero to this 10-year old girl who is trying to fit into her new culture without abandoning her Chinese heritage.
It's 1912 in Newfoundland, Canada, and all non-sheepherding dogs are being outlawed in Maggie's town. The mayor thinks that a dog is killing sheep. Maggie has a Newfoundland dog named Sirius. He is big and gentle, and she knows he is not the one killing sheep. In order to save his life, Maggie hides Sirius in the rocky cliffs above her house. One day a steamer ship crashes into the rocks during a storm. One hundred people are on board, and the ship is about to sink. Maggie knows Sirius can help save the people, but bringing him out of hiding will put him in danger.
Set in 14th century England, a 13-year old boy known simply as "Asta's son" must flee his village after the death of his mother. He doesn't know why, but someone falsely accuses him of theft and murder. This in turn has him declared a "wolf's head" which means anyone is allowed to kill him. While on the run, the boy finds out his real name is Crispin, and the mystery that has surrounded his family begins to unfold. Also read the sequel Crispin: At the Edge of the World.
