“For a moment Lorena could almost see Grandma running to greet them, her silver hair flying, and Grandpa greeting them in his full, almost shouting voice.” Memories can be confusing, even when they feel good: Grandma has passed away,... Read More

Listen to the squirrels. The bushy-tailed fellows in the park come in different colors, but don’t notice or care that there’s only one black squirrel in the neighborhood. Actually, the fact that they have individual colors has to be... Read More

Armed with the same tenacity and unwavering determination as Henke’s precious Lily in Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, Suki takes center stage. The comparison stops there, however, as the story’s tone evokes more reverence than sass in... Read More

Rondavels and manyattas, beehives and bataks. Just imagine what these houses look like! Most American children, who live in houses made of bricks, stone, or wood, and covered with stucco or vinyl siding, might find that a challenge... Read More

Imagine beautiful poinsettias growing like weeds! The author noticed that they grow profusely in Mexico. Where did these flowers come from? According to Mexican legend, a miracle produced the first poinsettias. In Oppenheim’s version,... Read More

“How are you? My name is Xochitl. Do you like flowers?” As Xochitl adjusts to the new language and culture of San Francisco she remembers El Salvador and the beautiful flowers that surrounded her there. After all, her name means... Read More

What most birds have in common is their ability to fly. This book dissects the scientific components of flying without diminishing the sense of awe inspired by a bird in flight. Starting with a look at the design of the lightweight... Read More

“I’m afraid there’s nothing more we can do for your Emily,” the doctor told them. “She’s in God’s hands now.” These words echo through a quaint farmhouse in rural Québec as twelve-year-old Emily, victim of a winter... Read More