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Linda Sue Park
Author Profile

Linda Sue Park

30 Books
Linda Sue Park is an acclaimed Korean American author of children's literature, best known for her Newbery Medal-winning novel A Single Shard and the bestselling A Long Walk to Water. She writes across multiple formats, from picture books like What Does Bunny See? to engaging middle-grade historical fiction such as Prairie Lotus and Project Mulberry. Her extensive catalog frequently explores themes of identity, family, and history.

Project Mulberry

Linda Sue Park

Culture Friendship
- /5
The 39 Clues

Storm Warning: Book 9

Linda Sue Park

Action Adventure
- /5

The Kite Fighters

Linda Sue Park

Family Fiction
- /5
The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers

Trust No One: Book 5

Linda Sue Park

Action Adventure
- /5

When My Name Was Keoko

Linda Sue Park

Courage Family
- /5

Gracie Under the Waves

Linda Sue Park

Environment Family
- /5

Seesaw Girl

Linda Sue Park

Adventure Courage
- /5

Keeping Score

Linda Sue Park

Courage Friendship
- /5

A Single Shard

Linda Sue Park

Adventure Art
- /5

Prairie Lotus

Linda Sue Park

Courage Family
- /5

Archer's Quest

Linda Sue Park

Adventure Fantasy
- /5

Just One Gift

Linda Sue Park

Emotions Family
- /5

Yaks Yak: Animal Word Pairs

Linda Sue Park, Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Animals Humor
- /5

The Third Gift: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

Linda Sue Park, Bagram Ibatoulline

Fiction History
- /5

Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems)

Linda Sue Park, Istvan Banyai

Art Creativity
- /5

Yum! Yuck!: A Foldout Book of People Sounds

Linda Sue Park, Julia Durango

Culture Dogs
- /5

Bee-bim Bop!

Linda Sue Park, Ho Baek Lee

Cooking Culture
- /5

The Firekeeper's Son

Linda Sue Park, Julie Downing

Action Courage
- /5

A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story

Linda Sue Park, Ginger Knowlton

Courage Family
- /5
Wing & Claw

Forest of Wonders

Linda Sue Park, Jim Madsen

Action Adventure
- /5

Gondra's Treasure

Linda Sue Park, Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Family Fantasy
- /5
Wing & Claw

Beast of Stone

Linda Sue Park, Jim Madsen

Action Adventure
- /5
Wing & Claw

Cavern of Secrets

Linda Sue Park, Jim Madsen

Action Adventure
- /5

Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time

Linda Sue Park, Brian Pinkney

Courage Diverse Voices
- /5

The One Thing You'd Save

Linda Sue Park, Robert Sae-Heng

Diverse Voices Emotions
- /5

Xander's Panda Party

Linda Sue Park, Matt Phelan

Animals Friendship
- /5

What Does Bunny See?: A Book of Colors and Flowers

Linda Sue Park, Maggie Smith

Animals Fiction
- /5

Click

Linda Sue Park, Roddy Doyle, David Almond, Eoin Colfer

Anthologies Family
- /5

Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

Peter Lerangis, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Linda Sue Park, Elissa Brent Weissman, Brian Selznick, Kwame Alexander, Rita Williams-Garcia, Grace Lin, Chris Grabenstein, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Eric Rohmann, Yuyi Morales, Tom Angleberger, Kathi Appelt, Ashley Bryan, Tim Federle, Candace Fleming, Marla Frazee, Chris Gall, Alex Gino, Gordon Korman, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Thanhha Lai, Gail Carson Levine, R. J. Palacio, Dan Santat

Anthologies Biography
- /5

The Hero Next Door: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Joseph Bruchac, Lamar Giles, Mike Jung, Hena Khan, Juana Medina, Ellen Oh, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park, Anna Dobbin, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Suma Subramaniam, Rita Williams-Garcia, William Alexander, Ronald Lenard Smith

Anthologies Courage
- /5
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By: Linda Sue Park
Jump into the lively world of Julia Song and her best friend, Patrick, as they try to win a blue ribbon at the state fair! Every year, they team up for a project, and this year, Julia's mom has a surprising idea: raising silkworms, just like she did when she was a girl in Korea. Patrick thinks it's a super cool plan, full of adventure and science. But Julia isn't so sure. She wants a "normal" American project that fits in with her club, and silkworms feel a little too different. As they search for the one thing silkworms will eat—mulberry leaves—and face other funny challenges, Julia starts to wonder if being different is actually pretty special. You'll laugh as Julia sometimes talks directly to the author, Ms. Park, trying to get her to make things easier! Follow Julia and Patrick on their journey of friendship, discovery, and figuring out what it means to be yourself while working towards that big blue ribbon. This chapter book is a warm and funny story about family, culture, and finding your own way.
Culture Friendship Humor Insects Schools
9-12 Years 240 Pages
N/A /5
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The 39 Clues

Storm Warning

Book 9

By: Linda Sue Park
The end of the greatest hunt in history is drawing near. You will join Amy and Dan Cahill as they hit the high seas for one of their most dangerous adventures yet. Throughout their global search for the 39 Clues, they have faced the darkest parts of history and uncovered shocking truths about their own family's past. Now, they are following the treacherous trail of infamous ancestors to track down a long-lost treasure. But the real prize waiting for them is not hidden inside a sunken chest. You will be on the edge of your seat as Amy and Dan prepare to uncover the most heavily guarded secret of the shadowy Madrigals. Even more shocking, they are about to learn the true identity of the mysterious man in black. Dive into this thrilling mystery packed with action and globe-trotting suspense. Find out if these young explorers are truly ready for the earth-shattering truth that changes everything.
Action Adventure Family History Mystery
9-12 Years 192 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Travel back to Seoul, Korea in the year 1473, where the sky is filled with the colorful thrill of the New Year kite competition. You will meet two brothers who share a passion but possess very different talents. Young-sup knows exactly how to make his kite dance and dive on the wind, while his older brother Kee-sup has the brilliant mind to build and design a kite fit for a king. As they practice together, tradition demands that Kee-sup, the firstborn son, must represent their family in the grand kite-fighting tournament. Young-sup knows he must help his brother and remain in his shadow, but his heart longs for the chance to show off his own breathtaking skills as a kite fighter. You will be swept up in this historical tale of family loyalty, deep traditions, and the struggle to find your own place in the world. Watch as these brothers discover how their unique talents might just be the perfect match when they fly together.
Family Fiction History Teamwork
9-12 Years 148 Pages
N/A /5
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The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers

Trust No One

Book 5

By: Linda Sue Park
Jump in! Join brave thirteen-year-old Amy and Dan Cahill on a super-secret mission! Their family is facing big trouble because tricky bad guys called the Vespers have kidnapped some important family members. Amy and Dan are on the hunt to find them, but the Vespers are very good at hiding. What's the big puzzle? Now, a huge surprise makes their adventure even harder: Amy and Dan discover that someone they thought was a friend might actually be helping the Vespers! Can you imagine? It's like a giant puzzle to figure out who the secret helper is. They have to be super quick and clever! Why you'll love it: Get ready for exciting twists and turns as Amy and Dan try to solve this big mystery. They need to figure out who they can really trust before time runs out. It's a thrilling story about bravery, family, and solving puzzles where every clue counts!
Action Adventure Family Mystery Problem Solving
9-12 Years 216 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Experience the heartbreaking and powerful reality of living in a country stripped of its true identity. You will step into the lives of Sun-hee and her older brother Tae-yul, who are fiercely proud of their Korean heritage. But under harsh Japanese occupation during World War II, their entire world is turned upside down. You will feel their silent outrage as Japanese soldiers dictate what they can say, what language they must read, and even force them to adopt the Japanese names Keoko and Nobuo. As the brutal war tears their beloved country apart, you will watch this brave family navigate incredibly dangerous choices. Tae-yul is prepared to risk his own life to defend his family's honor, while Sun-hee must stay behind to guard life-and-death secrets that could destroy them all. Inspired by true events, this gripping story reveals the incredible resilience it takes to protect your culture, your family, and your true name when everything else is threatened.
Courage Family History
9-12 Years 13-18 Years 182 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Linda Sue Park
Dive into a shimmering underwater world where colorful fish dart through coral reefs. You will join Gracie on her dream family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where snorkeling is the main event. She even makes a great new friend, though her irritating little brother keeps finding ways to get under her skin. Just when the trip seems perfect, a sudden leg injury brings all her exciting plans to a screeching halt. But Gracie's vacation takes a much bigger turn when she discovers the beautiful reef is in serious danger. You will follow her journey as she tries to figure out how one kid can possibly make a real difference in the world. Inspired by the author's own life, this engaging story explores the ups and downs of sibling rivalries, the challenge of turning disappointment into opportunity, and the power of finding your voice. Discover how to protect the things you care about most, even when the odds feel as vast as the ocean.
Environment Family Fiction Oceans
9-12 Years 175 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Peek behind the high walls of an aristocratic home in seventeenth-century Korea, where twelve-year-old Jade Blossom is trapped by strict traditions. You will experience life inside the family's Inner Court, where girls are only taught to sew, do laundry, and prepare for marriage. But Jade has a fiercely curious spirit and longs for something more. She is captivated by her older brother's exciting stories of the bustling marketplace, majestic mountains, and the thrill of reading and painting—adventures meant only for boys. You will feel Jade's deep impatience with the rules that try to keep her hidden away from the world. Unable to ignore her wild imagination any longer, Jade makes a daring and secret decision to step outside her gates and do what no other girl her age has ever done before. Follow this lively, determined heroine on a vivid historical adventure as she bravely attempts to enlarge her world and discover her true potential.
Adventure Courage Family History
9-12 Years 90 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Step up to the plate in the early 1950s, where almost-ten-year-old Maggie Fortini lives and breathes Brooklyn Dodgers baseball. Even though she doesn't play the game herself, you will see how she memorizes every statistic and understands the complex strategies of the sport. When a firefighter named Jim Maine teaches Maggie the fine art of keeping score, she finally feels like she is actively helping her team win. But life throws a major curveball when Jim is drafted into the army and sent far away to fight in the Korean War. As season after season brings disappointment for the Dodgers, Jim's sudden silence from overseas brings a different kind of heartbreak. You will follow Maggie's powerful journey as she relies on her love of the game to stay connected to her friend. Against the backdrop of major league baseball and wartime worries, discover how one dedicated young fan finds a creative way to make a very real difference.
Courage Friendship History Sports
9-12 Years 202 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Travel back to a bustling 12th-century Korean village famous for its breathtaking ceramics. You will meet Tree-ear, a brave orphan boy who secretly dreams of becoming a master potter. When he accidentally breaks a delicate, priceless piece of pottery, his life changes in an instant. To pay for the damage, Tree-ear volunteers to work for the grumpy, demanding master potter. You will watch him put aside his own artistic dreams to chop wood, haul clay, and serve his master with unwavering dedication. Soon, Tree-ear is entrusted with a mission that requires him to embark on a difficult and incredibly dangerous journey across the country to present the master's work to the royal court. Join Tree-ear on this compelling adventure as he faces thieves, steep mountains, and his own deepest fears. Discover how courage, honor, and fierce perseverance can help a young boy overcome the greatest of odds to forge a beautiful new destiny.
Adventure Art Courage History
9-12 Years 160 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Travel to the Dakota Territory in the year 1880, where a dusty new town holds the promise of a fresh start. You will step into the shoes of Hanna, a young half-Asian girl determined to build a bright future in America's heartland. She has big dreams: getting an education, helping her father open a shop, becoming a talented dressmaker, and simply making one good friend. But the townspeople of LaForge have never seen an Asian person before, and Hanna must face their harsh prejudice and unwelcoming stares. Instead of giving up, Hanna uses her quick wit, quiet strength, and fierce determination to prove she belongs. You will hear her wry, observant voice narrate this powerful and touching story as she tries to persuade her neighbors to see beyond the surface. Join this captivating heroine on a moving journey of resilience and hope, and discover what it takes to forge your own path when the world tries to hold you back.
Courage Family Friendship History
9-12 Years 261 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Imagine doing your homework when an arrow suddenly flies out of nowhere and pins your baseball cap to the wall. You are about to join twelve-year-old Kevin Kim on a thrilling, mind-bending adventure. A young man complete with a bow and arrows has just crash-landed onto Kevin's bedroom floor, claiming he fell off a tiger. Even wilder, this stranger calls himself the Great Archer and is actually a legendary king from ancient Korea. You will watch as Kevin teaches this time-traveling ruler all about modern life, while learning amazing stories about his own Korean heritage in return. But the clock is ticking. Kevin realizes that unless he can find a way to send the Archer back to his own time and throne, history will be altered forever. Dive into this exciting middle grade novel filled with humor, danger, and legendary myths. See what happens when the ancient past collides with the present in a race against time itself.
Adventure Fantasy History Humor Time Travel
9-12 Years 176 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park
Take a seat in a vibrant, bustling classroom where a simple writing assignment sparks an incredible journey of connection. You will listen to the diverse and honest voices of students answering one deeply thought-provoking question: If you could give someone special in your life just one present, who would it be and what would you choose? As you read these beautifully linked poems, you will relate to the kids who know their answers immediately, and those who take time to search their hearts. Some responses ignite lively and funny conversations across the room, while others are quietly revealed in the private pages of student journals. You will discover that every choice is surprising, heartfelt, and unique. Experience the transformative power of gratitude and community in this eloquent story. See how both big gestures and small, unanticipated moments can deeply enrich the lives of everyone we meet along the way.
Emotions Family Friendship Poetry Schools
9-12 Years 80 Pages
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Animal Word Pairs

By: Linda Sue Park , Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Get ready to laugh out loud as you discover the silly and surprising world of wordplay. In this funny and informative book, you will see animals literally acting out the action words hidden right inside their own names. You will giggle at the sight of greedy hogs actively hogging all the treats, or slow-moving slugs bravely slugging it out. Through incredibly clever and richly detailed illustrations, you will easily learn all about homographs—words that share the exact same spelling and sound, but have completely different meanings. It is the perfect book to read aloud and share with your friends and family. Dive into these colorful pages for a sprightly and highly imaginative introduction to language that makes learning vocabulary feel like a hilarious game. You will never look at a yak, or the word yak, the same way again!
Animals Humor Imagination Early Readers Picture Books
6-8 Years 38 Pages
N/A /5
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A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

By: Linda Sue Park , Bagram Ibatoulline
Have you ever wondered about the special gifts brought to baby Jesus? Join a young boy as he helps his father collect a precious resin called myrrh, learning about this amazing substance from their desert land. One day, three travelers in bright, colorful robes arrive, searching for extraordinary presents. They are looking for gifts like gold, frankincense, and myrrh to bring to a new baby King. This beautiful Christmas story, told by Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park, gives a fresh look at the familiar tale of the three wise men. Discover the meaning behind one of the special gifts and feel the wonder of that very first Christmas. It's a heartwarming tale about ordinary people and an extraordinary event, perfect for sharing with your family during the holiday season.
Fiction History Holidays Religion
9-12 Years 32 Pages
N/A /5
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Sijo (Poems)

By: Linda Sue Park , Istvan Banyai
Discover the delightful rhythm of a poetry style you may have never heard of before. You will be introduced to the sijo, a brilliant traditional Korean verse form that is just as fun as a haiku but always ends with a clever, funny, or totally unexpected twist. You will read beautifully crafted, deceptively simple poems that illuminate the amazing magic hidden in everyday life. From the crackle of breakfast and the boom of a thunderstorm to houseplants, tennis matches, and freshly laundered socks, these verses will make you see the world in a brand new way. Accompanied by bright, incredibly sophisticated illustrations that add a giddy sense of joy to every page, this collection is an absolute gem. Dive into these witty lines and feel the irresistible urge to experiment with this rhythmic poetry yourself. It is a wonderfully playful invitation to twist your words and tap dance with your imagination.
Art Creativity Culture Humor Poetry
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 55 Pages
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A Foldout Book of People Sounds

By: Linda Sue Park , Julia Durango
Take a stroll through a bustling, vibrant street market where delicious treats and surprising accidents are waiting at every turn. You will meet kids from all over the world enjoying sweet ice cream and exclaiming "Yum!" in their own unique languages. From "Geshmak!" in Yiddish to "Nam-nam!" in Danish, you will learn how different cultures express their delight. But watch out! Disaster suddenly strikes when a mischievous little dog accidentally overturns a massive cart of spices, sending a huge cloud of pepper raining down on everyone's favorite desserts. You will lift the interactive flaps to discover if the kids end up crying out in dismay or cheering for the funny surprise. Explore the world of languages in this energetic and incredibly fun adventure that proves laughter—and a little bit of pepper—translates perfectly no matter where you are from.
Culture Dogs Food Humor Interactive Books
9-12 Years 36 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Ho Baek Lee
The kitchen is bustling with energy, and the smell of sizzling garlic and roasting vegetables fills the air. It is time to make bee-bim bop, a traditional Korean dish that literally means mix-mix rice. You get to jump right into the action, helping your mother chop ingredients, flip the frying egg, and set the table for a massive family feast. Preparing this special meal is about much more than just cooking. It is a fast-paced, joyful celebration of family traditions and the pride you feel when you help create something delicious from scratch. The bouncy, rhythmic story captures the exact chaotic fun of a busy kitchen where everyone is hungry and waiting for dinner. You will follow along from the frantic trip to the grocery store all the way to the final, satisfying moment of mixing your own personal bowl of rice, sauce, and colorful vegetables. Whether you are already a fan of Korean food or discovering it for the first time, this lively kitchen adventure will definitely make your stomach rumble. You might even be inspired to try the included recipe and start mixing up a bowl of your own.
Cooking Culture Diverse Voices Family Food Poetry
9-12 Years 32 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Julie Downing
Travel to the dramatic mountaintops of Korea in the early 1800s, where the safety of the entire kingdom relies on a single spark. You will learn how the king watches for signal fires from the distant countryside every night; a burning fire means peace, while a dark mountain means trouble and war. You will meet young Sang-hee, the son of the village firekeeper. When his father suffers a sudden injury, the heavy responsibility of lighting the evening flames falls directly onto Sang-hee's small shoulders. Though he knows how vital the fire is for peace, a part of him desperately wishes to leave the mountain dark just once, so he can finally see the king's majestic soldiers ride into town. Witness the brilliant firelight and deep shadows as Sang-hee wrestles with this incredibly difficult choice. Discover the true meaning of duty and peace in this radiant, beautifully painted historical tale.
Action Courage Family Fiction History Responsibility
9-12 Years 40 Pages
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Based on a True Story

By: Linda Sue Park , Ginger Knowlton
Embark on an unforgettable journey across the harsh and beautiful landscapes of Africa. You will follow the powerful, intersecting stories of two eleven-year-old children in Sudan, separated by decades but united by their incredible resilience. First, you will walk with Nya in 2008 as she makes a grueling two-hour trek to a pond twice a day just to fetch water for her family. Then, you will travel back to 1985 and meet Salva, a brave boy forced to flee his home and become a refugee traversing the continent on foot. You will witness Salva endure unimaginable hardships, from overwhelming loneliness and armed rebels to dangerous encounters with lions and crocodiles. As you experience their gripping tales of survival side-by-side, you will see how their two distinct worlds eventually collide in an astonishing and profoundly moving way. Based on a true story, this deeply inspiring novel explores the strength of the human spirit and the life-changing impact of hope.
Courage Family History
9-12 Years 133 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Jim Madsen
Unlock the hidden magic of nature alongside a gifted young apothecary named Raffa Santana. You will venture deep into the mysterious Forest of Wonders, where Raffa knows every leaf holds the potential for incredible power. When an injured bat suddenly crashes into his life, Raffa takes a massive risk and invents a special cure using a rare crimson vine. But this potent remedy does far more than just heal the animal; it transforms the bat into something extraordinary and magical. You will follow Raffa as his exciting botanical experiments lead him far from his safe home and into the forbidding city of Gilden. Once there, troubling discoveries force him to question everything he knows about his own abilities. Join Raffa in this enchanting fantasy adventure as he tries to figure out who he can trust. Discover if his incredible magical inventions will ultimately save the wondrous creatures of the forest, or put them in the greatest danger of all.
Action Adventure Animals Fantasy Magic
9-12 Years 368 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Meet Gondra, a lovable little dragon who is perfectly unique. When you visit Gondra's cozy home, you will discover that her family is a wonderful mix of two different worlds. Her dad is an Eastern dragon from Asia, and her mom is a Western dragon from Europe. Gondra loves having traits from both sides of her family. She enjoys talking with her parents about all the funny and special differences between their homelands. Through cheerful banter and beautiful, whimsical illustrations, you will see how Gondra celebrates the exact things that make her special. This warm and playful story paints a beautiful picture of a blended family. You will want to return to these rich, imaginative pages again and again as you discover that the greatest treasure of all is simply being yourself.
Family Fantasy Fiction Imagination Picture Books
6-8 Years 45 Pages
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Wing & Claw

Beast of Stone

By: Linda Sue Park , Jim Madsen
Return to the magical world of Obsidia for the thrilling final chapter of the Wing and Claw trilogy. You will join the gifted young apothecary Raffa Santana on the terrifying front lines of a massive battle. Despite his incredible healing talents, Raffa has failed to free the innocent animals that the heartless Chancellor captured and magically weaponized. Now, Raffa and his brave, ragtag group of allies must prepare to confront the Chancellor's mighty armies head-on. As great beasts, small creatures, and humans all clash on the battlefield, you will feel Raffa's desperate heartbreak knowing these enchanted animals are fighting strictly against their will. He yearns to protect everyone and prevent devastating injuries on both sides of the war. Dive into this enchanting adventure and see if Raffa can rely on his deep knowledge of magical plants to find a peaceful resolution to an impossibly unfair fight before all is lost.
Action Adventure Animals Fantasy Magic
9-12 Years 357 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Jim Madsen
Step into the harsh and frozen wilderness of the Sudden Mountains, where Raffa Santana has spent a long winter hiding from danger. Now, it is finally time for him to make the treacherous journey back home. You will travel alongside Raffa as he prepares to fight back against the vile Chancellor, a cruel leader who has captured and magically altered the wild creatures of the Forest of Wonders. As if the journey across Obsidia is not dangerous enough, Raffa must also find a way to heal his beloved companion, Echo the bat, from a mysterious sickness. You will see Raffa rely on his powerful intuition as a gifted apothecary, using his deep knowledge of nature to survive. Alongside a loyal band of human and animal friends, Raffa faces a thrilling adventure full of magic, risk, and bravery. Discover if this young hero can keep his friends safe and protect the magical creatures of the forest before it is too late.
Action Adventure Animals Fantasy Magic
9-12 Years 336 Pages
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A Step at a Time

By: Linda Sue Park , Brian Pinkney
The dusty path stretches endlessly ahead, and the heavy water vessel weighs down your tired arms. Young Nya faces a grueling two-hour trek every single day just to fetch water for her family in South Sudan. But today, the journey becomes a test of sheer survival. Her little sister Akeer has fallen violently ill, leaving Nya with an impossible choice. The water they desperately need is too heavy to carry if she also has to carry her sick sister. Out in the vast, dry landscape, there is no one else to ask for help. You will feel the scorching sun and the weight of Nya's burden as she tries to find a way home. She realizes that she cannot look at the entire distance all at once. Instead, she focuses on taking just one step, and then reaching the next thorn bush, and then the next tree. This powerful story of persistence shows how you can overcome overwhelming odds by breaking a massive challenge into smaller pieces. You will experience the fierce love between two sisters and the incredible strength it takes to keep moving forward when giving up seems like the only option.
Courage Diverse Voices Empathy Environment Family Fiction
9-12 Years 32 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Robert Sae-Heng
The fire alarm rings, and your teacher asks a question that stops the whole class in its tracks. If your house were on fire and your family and pets were already safe, what is the one single thing you would save? You might think you know your answer immediately. Maybe it is your phone, a favorite sweater, or a special photograph. But as you listen to your classmates share their choices, your mind might start to change. Some kids pick things that are practical, while others choose items attached to a deep memory. Through a series of linked poems, you get a front-row seat to this classroom debate. You will hear the voices of many different students as they argue, agree, and reveal surprising truths about themselves and their families. This unique story captures the exact feelings, worries, and hopes of being in middle school. As the conversation flows around the room, you will discover that the things we hold most precious are not always what they seem. Join the discussion and figure out what matters most to you when everything else is stripped away.
Diverse Voices Emotions Poetry Schools
9-12 Years 72 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Matt Phelan
Get ready for the wildest celebration at the zoo with Xander, the only panda in the entire park. Since he is the only one of his kind, Xander decides to throw a massive party and invite all the other bears to join the fun. But when Koala protests that she cannot attend because she is actually a marsupial and not a bear at all, everything changes. You will watch Xander rethink his entire guest list as "calling all bears" quickly evolves into "calling all creatures!" This endearing, laugh-out-loud story beautifully introduces you to the fascinating world of animal families and science taxonomy without ever feeling like a lesson. Accompanied by charming, expressive watercolor paintings, you will want to join this unforgettable whoop-de-do of a celebration. Dive into this perfect read-aloud and discover how making room for everyone turns a simple gathering into the greatest party of the year.
Animals Friendship Humor Science Picture Books
6-8 Years 45 Pages
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A Book of Colors and Flowers

By: Linda Sue Park , Maggie Smith
Hop into a colorful adventure with Bunny as it explores a beautiful garden! What amazing sights will Bunny discover as it bounces along? Get ready to see a world filled with bright and wonderful colors. As Bunny makes its way through the flowers, you'll spot red poppies, yellow primroses, purple violets, and many other vibrant blooms. Each turn of the page brings a new, cheerful surprise. Listen closely to the rhyming clues and see if you can guess what Bunny sees next! After a day of exploring all the pretty colors and sweet-smelling flowers, Bunny heads home for a cozy nap and dreams of rainbows. This delightful picture book is a perfect way to learn about colors and discover different kinds of flowers right alongside Bunny!
Animals Fiction Flowers Gardening Nature Poetry
9-12 Years 32 Pages
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By: Linda Sue Park , Roddy Doyle , David Almond , Eoin Colfer
Your grandfather has passed away, leaving behind a strange inheritance. For Jason, it is a collection of old photographs and a camera. For Maggie, it is a simple box of seashells. These ordinary objects hold the key to a globe-trotting puzzle that will change everything you thought you knew about your family. As Jason and Maggie follow the trail of clues their grandfather left behind, they uncover hidden secrets that span generations and continents. You will travel alongside them as they piece together the truth about their grandfather's extraordinary life. This unique story is told in ten parts, with each chapter written by a different bestselling author, seamlessly blending their voices into one continuous adventure. Each click of the camera and every turned shell reveals a new piece of the mystery. The journey will make you question what it means to truly know the people you love. Step into a world where a simple photograph can unlock a life-changing secret, and discover how a chorus of brilliant writers can create a single, unforgettable tale of discovery and legacy.
Anthologies Family Fiction Mystery
9-12 Years 217 Pages
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Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

By: Peter Lerangis , Phyllis Reynolds Naylor , Linda Sue Park , Elissa Brent Weissman , Brian Selznick , Kwame Alexander , Rita Williams-Garcia , Grace Lin , Chris Grabenstein , Cynthia Leitich Smith , Eric Rohmann , Yuyi Morales , Tom Angleberger , Kathi Appelt , Ashley Bryan , Tim Federle , Candace Fleming , Marla Frazee , Chris Gall , Alex Gino , Gordon Korman , Jarrett J. Krosoczka , Thanhha Lai , Gail Carson Levine , R. J. Palacio , Dan Santat
Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors and illustrators were like before they became famous? Every great storyteller has to start somewhere, and the journey is rarely perfect. This unique and deeply inspiring collection pulls back the curtain on the childhoods of some of today's most beloved creators. Before they were winning massive awards and topping the bestseller lists, these brilliant artists were just regular kids trying to find their creative voices. You will discover the very early, sometimes embarrassing, and always fascinating works of celebrated writers and artists. Read a third grade writing assignment that sparked a lifelong passion, explore the early sketches of a future illustrator, and see the discarded drafts that eventually turned into brilliant poetry. This collection reveals the failures, the rough drafts, and the vital moments of encouragement that helped shape these incredible minds. It is a powerful reminder that creativity takes practice and patience. Whether you love writing, drawing, or just a good story, these vulnerable and smart childhood memories will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start creating your own masterpiece.
Anthologies Biography Creativity Essays Non-Fiction
9-12 Years 208 Pages
N/A /5
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A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

By: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich , Joseph Bruchac , Lamar Giles , Mike Jung , Hena Khan , Juana Medina , Ellen Oh , R. J. Palacio , Linda Sue Park , Anna Dobbin , Cynthia Leitich Smith , Suma Subramaniam , Rita Williams-Garcia , William Alexander , Ronald Lenard Smith
Jump in Not all heroes wear capes or fly through the sky. Some heroes teach martial arts, talk to ghosts, invent amazing gadgets, or play soccer. They are your sisters, your neighbors, and your friends. They come in every shape and size, but they all share one important mission. They step up and make the world a better place when it counts. Why it pulls you in You will explore thirteen amazing stories written by some of the best voices in children's books today. Each tale introduces a new character facing their own unique challenges. You will see how small acts of bravery and everyday kindness can completely save the day. You do not need superpowers to make a huge difference in your community. What you will discover You will meet characters from all walks of life who find the courage to stand up for what is right. As you read about these everyday champions, you might just realize something powerful. The next great hero could be sitting right beside you. Or maybe, the real hero is already inside of you.
Anthologies Courage Diverse Voices Kindness Short Stories
9-12 Years 274 Pages
N/A /5
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