C
Author Profile
Charles Santoso
3 Books
Odder
Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso
Animals
Courage
-
/5
Willodeen
Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso
Animals
Environment
-
/5
Pocket Bear
Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso
Animals
Empathy
-
/5
Meet Odder, the undisputed Queen of Play. Living off the rocky coast of central California, this fearless sea otter is known for her incredible underwater acrobatics. She does not just swim, she dive-bombs. She does not just ride the waves, she makes them. Odder is a daredevil, curious to a fault, and always ready for her next big adventure. But her playful life takes a terrifying turn when she comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark. Injured and stranded, Odder is rescued by the scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the very same humans who raised her when she was an orphaned pup. Now, as she heals in the safety of the aquarium, Odder must face her deepest fears and discover a new purpose. Told in beautiful, sweeping free verse, this poignant middle grade novel explores themes of bravery, healing, and the powerful bond between humans and nature. It is a deeply moving story about finding your courage when the waters get rough.
9-12 Years
256 Pages
N/A
/5
Eleven-year-old Willodeen loves all creatures, but she has a special place in her heart for the ones everyone else hates. While the rest of her village calls the strange, smelly beasts known as screechers monsters, Willodeen knows they belong in the web of nature just like anything else. But lately, nature seems to be broken. Her village of Perchance is suffering from terrible fires, mudslides, and droughts.
Even worse, the magical hummingbears that bring tourists to the village every year have completely vanished. No one knows why the tiny, beautiful animals have stopped building their glowing bubble nests in the blue willow trees. When Willodeen receives a handmade birthday gift, it sparks an unexpected magic that might just hold the key to the town's problems. With the help of her new friend Connor, Willodeen must find her voice, stand up for the unlovable creatures, and solve the mystery of the missing hummingbears before it is too late.
9-12 Years
272 Pages
N/A
/5
Imagine remembering the exact moment you were created. Pocket Bear remembers every careful stitch, the silken thread, and the gentle hands that brought him to life. Crafted during the chaotic days of World War I, this tiny bear was designed to fit perfectly inside a soldier's jacket pocket. With his eyes sewn to look permanently upward, he served as a faithful good luck charm and a warm reminder of home for a brave soldier facing battle.
Now, more than a hundred years later, Pocket has taken on a completely new mission. He serves as the unofficial mayor of the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. In this special place, forgotten and worn-out stuffed animals are carefully repaired and given a fresh opportunity to find love. Alongside his best friend, a clever cat known as Zephyrina, Pocket watches over his community. You will be swept away by this beautiful story of loyalty, bravery, and the enduring magic of finding a second chance at life.
9-12 Years
256 Pages
N/A
/5
