Joan Bauer

Have you ever closed your eyes and just listened to the world around you? In "The Almost Sound of Drowning," Joan E. Bauer takes you on a special journey through wonderful words and sounds. This book of poems invites you to explore all kinds of water sounds, from tiny drips to big, rolling waves. Imagine the gentle gurgle of a secret stream, the soft hum of rain falling, or the exciting splash of a puddle! These poems will help you notice the magic in everyday sounds. They make you wonder what it feels like to be completely surrounded by sound, almost like a cozy hug from the world's noises. Open your ears and your heart as you read these thoughtful poems. You'll discover new ways to listen and feel the rhythm of water, sparking your imagination with every poem. Get ready to dive into a world where every sound tells a story!

Do you love stories about new beginnings and finding your place? Meet twelve-year-old Foster and her mom, who are starting fresh in the small town of Culpepper. It's a brand-new adventure, and they're not sure what to expect! But soon, everyone in town starts to notice them.

Hey there! Meet Tree, a super tall twelve-year-old who's going through a lot. His parents have just gotten divorced, and he's feeling a bit down about not doing so great in sports. It can be tough when things change and you feel like you're not good at something. But Tree learns that sometimes, helping others is the best way to help yourself. You'll see Tree find his strength when he steps up to support his amazing grandfather, who is a Vietnam veteran learning to live with a new challenge. And he also reaches out to Sophie, a new girl at school who could use a friend. Join Tree as he discovers that being a true friend and a loving grandson means standing tall, not just because of his height, but because of his big heart and the courage he finds inside. It's a story about finding your way, even when life feels a little wobbly.

Do you love a good mystery? Meet Hildy Biddle, a determined high school student with a nose for news! She dreams of becoming a real journalist, and her small town of Banesville, nestled in apple country, might just give her the perfect story. Lately, strange things have been happening around the old Ludlow house. Whispers of ghosts and eerie sightings are spreading, and Hildy thinks there's more to it than just spooky tales. Armed with her reporter's notebook and a keen eye for details, she starts digging into the unsettling events. But uncovering the truth isn't easy, and her investigation might stir up more than just dust in the quiet town. Join Hildy as she peels back the layers of mystery in Banesville. Can she solve the puzzle of the haunted house and prove herself as a budding journalist, even when others would rather she drop the story? Get ready for a witty and engaging adventure where courage and curiosity lead the way!

Jump in! Meet Hope, a super helper who is 16 years old! She's a fantastic waitress and travels around with her Aunt Addie, who is an amazing cook. They've just moved to a new town in Wisconsin to work at a diner called Welcome Stairways. Hope doesn't think she'll like it much at first, but she's always ready for an adventure. Why it pulls you in: The diner's kind owner, G.T. Stoop, is not feeling well, but he wants to make the town a better place! He decides to run for mayor because he thinks the current mayor isn't being fair to everyone. Hope learns all about helping people and doing what's right when she helps G.T. with his campaign. What you'll love: This story is about trying your best, being brave, and helping your friends. Hope shows that even in a new place, you can make a big difference and stand up for what you believe in. You'll cheer for Hope as she learns about honor and trust in her exciting new life.

Ivy Breedlove longs to find out the truth of her mysterious aunt, the relative no one will talk about. How did she break free from the mold of the Breedlove family? Young Adult.

Sixteen-year-old Jenna gets a job driving the elderly owner of a chain of successful shoe stores from Chicago to Texas to confront the son who is trying to force her to retire, and along the way Jenna hones her talents as a saleswoman and finds the strength to face her alcoholic father. Jenna Boller is the confident, smart, & moral heroine of this novel that deals with the effects of alcoholism on a family & a girl's growing friendship with a wealthy, elderly woman. Annotation. Meet Jenna Boller, star employee at Gladstone's Shoe Store in Chicago. Standing a gawky 5'11'' at 16 years old, Jenna is the kind of girl most likely to stand out in the crowd?for all the wrong reasons. But that doesn?t stop Madeline Gladstone, the president of Gladstone's Shoes 176 outlets in 37 states, from hiring Jenna to drive her cross country in a last ditch effort to stop Elden Gladstone from taking over his mother's company and turning a quality business into a shop-and-schlock empire. Now Jenna Boller shoe salesperson is about to become a shoe-store spy as she joins her crusty old employer for an eye-opening adventure that will teach them both the rules of the road-and the rules of life.

With the help of his grandmother, his dead father's best friend, and his own best friend, a math genius, ten-year-old Mickey prepares to compete in the most important pool championship of his life, despite his mother's reservations.

In this sequel to the beloved Rules of the Road, Jenna Boller is dripping with newfound maturity after her life-altering summer on the road. She has a job she loves at Gladstone Shoes, a best friend who makes her laugh, and a dysfunctional family she's learning how to handle. Jenna feels ready for anything-until Tanner Cobb, a guy with a past, a police record, and dangerously good looks, walks into her life. Suddenly Jenna's surrounded by crises, including a shoe empire on the verge of crumbling. Tanner's street smarts seem to be what Jenna needs, but can she trust him enough when the going gets tough?

Newbery Honor winner Joan Bauer's new novel will touch your heart

When twelve-year-old Sugar's grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren't so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar's mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog, Shush; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can't control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.

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Sixth-grader Sugar and her mother lose their beloved house and experience the harsh world of homelessness, in this new work by a Newbery Honor winner ("Hope Was Here").

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Sixth-grader Sugar and her mother lose their beloved house and experience the harsh world of homelessness.

When your world feels like it's falling apart, sometimes you have to find your own strength. Twelve-year-old Anna knows this feeling all too well. Her dad's anger has made her home a scary place, and now her parents are separating, leaving Anna feeling lost and powerless. To escape the turmoil, Anna spends the summer with her wise grandmother. It's a chance to breathe, but a new mystery soon captures her attention. From her grandmother's porch, Anna sees something deeply unsettling – what looks like a girl being held against her will in a nearby house. With a brave heart, Anna realizes she can't ignore what she's seen. Even though she's been through a lot, she knows she has to make a difference and speak up for someone who might not be able to. Join Anna as she finds her voice and courage, learning that even when life is hard, one person's actions can bring light to the darkest corners.

As sixteen-year-old Ellie pursues her two goals--growing the biggest pumpkin in Iowa and losing twenty pounds herself--she strengthens her relationship with her father and meets a young man with interests similar to her own.

Imagine having a personal cupid--an actual winged  being--pop into your life and offer to make your  dreams come true. The catch is he can help you in  only one way: artistically, academically, or  romantically. That's what happens to aspiring  photographer Allison Jean (A. J.) McCreary. A. J. knows she  should concentrate on getting into a top-notch art  school. But she's spent five torturous months  obsessed with handsome hunk, Peter Terris. Just one  shot from the cupid's bow and  thownk, A. J. will have the undying devotion of handsome  Peter...forever.

--- Added from Google Books ---

Imagine having a personal cupid--an actual winged being--pop into your life and offer to make your dreams come true. The catch is he can help you in only one way: artistically, academically, or romantically. That's what happens to aspiring photographer Allison Jean (A. J.) McCreary. A. J. knows she should concentrate on getting into a top-notch art school. But she's spent five torturous months obsessed with handsome hunk, Peter Terris. Just one shot from the cupid's bow and thownk, A. J. will have the undying devotion of handsome Peter...forever.

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A cupid doll comes to life and offers romantic assistance to A.J., a teenage photographer suffering from unrequited love.

A poignant, hopeful story of a girl and her puppy from Newbery Honor-winning author Joan Bauer, now in paperback!

Olive Hudson desperately wants a dog. But that doesn't seem to be a possibility right now. Newly orphaned, she's moving in with the half sister she hardly knows and their life is too chaotic to include a dog. But then something wonderful happens: Olive gets a chance to raise Lumie, a guide dog puppy. Discipline. Rules. Lots of hugs. Only the best of the best puppies continue on to become guide dogs, and of course Olive wants Lumie to be chosen. But if she is, that means that Olive will lose her. Once again, the incomparable Joan Bauer tells a touching story that is full of heart and warmth and unabashed idealism.

--- Added from Google Books ---

A poignant, hopeful story of a girl and her puppy from Newbery Honor-winning author Joan Bauer, now in paperback! Olive Hudson desperately wants a dog. But that doesn't seem to be a possibility right now. Newly orphaned, she's moving in with the half sister she hardly knows and their life is too chaotic to include a dog. But then something wonderful happens: Olive gets a chance to raise Lumie, a guide dog puppy. Discipline. Rules. Lots of hugs. Only the best of the best puppies continue on to become guide dogs, and of course Olive wants Lumie to be chosen. But if she is, that means that Olive will lose her. Once again, the incomparable Joan Bauer tells a touching story that is full of heart and warmth and unabashed idealism.