'The new wooden soldier was screaming. His eyes were huge holes, his mouth like a wound. He seemed to be stretching his hands towards the sky. 'He's laughing,' said Auntie. 'Johnny, he's 'laughing''.'

It's 1914 and Johnny's father has gone to war, to the mud and the trenches of France. He has made Johnny an army of toy soldiers, and Johnny fights hard with them, like a real soldier, like his dad.

But soon, the letters that arrive from France tell the ugly truth – and the new soldiers Johnny's father carves and encloses begin to show the strain. Suddenly Johnny is afraid. When he fights his battles out in the garden, could he be controlling his father's fate, and even the outcome of the war itself?

A dark, gothic tale of romance... and murder. In the right dose, everything is a poison. Jessamine has spent her whole life in a cottage close to her father's apothecary garden, surrounded by medicinal plants and herbs that could kill her - although her father has never allowed her into the most dangerous part of the grounds... the poison garden. And so she's never had reason to be afraid - until now. Because now a newcomer has come to live with the family, a quiet but strangely attractive orphan boy named Weed. Though Weed doesn't say much in words, he has an instant talent for the apothecary's trade, seeming to possess a close bond with the plants of the garden. Soon, he and Jessamine also share a close bond. But little does Jessamine know that passion can be just as poisonous as the deadliest plants in the garden - for behind Weed's instinctive way in the garden is a terrible secret. The plants can talk to him - and not just the kind ones that can heal, but the ruthless ones that can kill too...

In this second book of the Jane Austen Murder Mystery series, Tirzah Price takes readers for another fun, murderous romp through one of Austen's beloved novels. Perfect for fans of The Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper. A Junior Library Guild pick! When eighteen-year-old aspiring scientist Elinor Dashwood discovers her beloved father slumped over the desk of his office study, she knows his death means dire straits for the Dashwood women. To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate-including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father's partner and protege-to their half-brother and his haughty wife, who waste no time in forcing the Dashwoods out of their home and into a cramped apartment on London's Barton Street. But before they go, the Dashwood sisters make a startling discovery: a suspicious substance in their father's teacup-one that can only be described as poison. And poison, as Marianne's father taught her, always points to murder. It could be dangerous; it could ruin their reputations; and most importantly, it won't bring back their father. But if the Dashwood sisters can combine their talents and bring their father's murderer to justice, it may bring them all some comfort-and it might even lead to love. "Pride and Premeditation is a romantic and entertaining page-turner, sure to delight readers of any genre." -Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series

A moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper Today is a special day. Eli knows it's important if he's allowed to miss one second of school, his "hard-earned right." Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War. With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin' shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author's note, bibliography, timeline, and index.

Jo Kuan is leading a double life. By day, she works as a quiet lady's maid, but by night, she's the voice behind the most radical advice column in 1890s Atlanta.

Jo is used to living life on the margins - invisible except for the occasional looks of disdain - but she won't let it hold her back. While her priority is making sure that she and her father, Old Gin, remain safe in their hideaway beneath a print shop, she still has ambition. And strong opinions of her own that she begins to share in a newspaper advice column under the pseudonym 'Miss Sweetie'. Suddenly, all of Atlanta is talking about her ideas, although little do they know that the witty advice comes from a penniless Chinese girl.

As curiosity about Miss Sweetie mounts, Jo's secret identity may not stay secret for much longer. And as she learns more of the hard truths about her identity and her country, she must find the courage to decide between being herself or staying invisible . . .

An outsider becomes a hero and a boy becomes a man in this classic coming-of-age tale from the heyday of the three-ring circus, by three-time Newbery Honor Book author Eloise Jarvis McGraw. The circus is all young Joe Lang knows. The third generation of a circus family, he becomes a star bareback rider by the time he turns fifteen. But when his father, a lion-tamer, is killed by one of his cats, Joe becomes an orphan and is sent away to a vocational school while the law decides whether or not Mo Shapely, an old clown, is a fit guardian for him. Meanwhile, the circus moves on. Joe escapes from the school and stumbles into the farm life of the Dawson family, who take him in. Mistrustful at first, Joe grows to love farming and his foster family. Faced with prejudice as an outsider in a closely-knit rural community, he closely guards the secret of his past-until the day his extraordinary acrobatic talent is called for to save a life. Joe earns respect, but there is still circus is in his blood, sawdust in his shoes. Will he ever be happy away from his former life with the greatest show on earth? The debut novel of three-time Newbery winner Eloise Jarvis McGraw, Sawdust in His Shoes is reminiscent of Ralph Moody's Little Britches and Man of the Family, Roahl Dahl's Danny the Champion of the World, Sid Fleischman's The Whipping Boy, and Walt Morey's Run Far, Run Fast. Rediscover another great read-aloud treasure from the golden age of the children's novel.

It's time to choose: friendship, family or loyalty to the cause. When Emer Davey saves her neighbour Jack Madigan from drowning, it seems that they will be friends forever. But eight months later, they find themselves on opposite sides in a life-or-death struggle, as Dublin is torn apart by the Easter Rising. Emer's father is an officer in the Irish Volunteers who believes that armed rebellion is the only way to gain independence from Britain. His daughter has inherited his passion and is determined to help the rebels in any way she can. Jack's dad is a sergeant in the Dublin Metropolitan Police. They share a deep respect for the law and are sure that Home Rule can be achieved through peaceful politics and helping with the war effort. These two young friends find their loyalties challenged as the terrifying reality of war sets in - and the Rising hits closer to home than either could have imagined. 'Beautiful writing' Sunday Independent on Stormclouds

Christopher Rowe is back and there are more puzzles, riddles, and secrets to uncover in this follow-up to the Indie Next pick The Blackthorn Key, which was called a "spectacular debut" by Kirkus Reviews in a starred review. The Black Death has returned to London, spreading disease and fear through town. A mysterious prophet predicts the city's ultimate doom--until an unknown apothecary arrives with a cure that actually works. Christopher's Blackthorn shop is chosen to prepare the remedy. But when an assassin threatens the apothecary's life, Christopher and his faithful friend Tom are back to hunting down the truth, risking their lives to untangle the heart of a dark conspiracy. And as the sickness strikes close to home, the stakes are higher than ever before...

John Dante is seventeen when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, and he wants to fight for his country. But then he falls head over heels for Ginny Burton, who is against all war, and his beliefs are suddenly questioned. Rather than be judged a traitor or a coward, though, John enlists--a decision that changes his life forever.
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"Includes a reader's guide and an inverview with the author."

Can Marcel make the ride of his life? Marcel loves riding his bicycle, whether he's racing through the streets of his small town in France or making bread deliveries for his parents' bakery. He dreams of someday competing in the Tour de France, the greatest bicycle race. But ever since Germany's occupation of France began two years ago, in 1940, the race has been canceled. Now there are soldiers everywhere, interrupting Marcel's rides with checkpoints and questioning. Then Marcel learns two big secrets, and he realizes there are worse things about the war than a canceled race. When he later discovers that his friend's entire family is in imminent danger, Marcel knows he can help -- but it will involve taking a risky bicycle ride to pass along covert information. And when nothing ends up going according to plan, it's up to him to keep pedaling and think quickly... because his friend, her family, and his own future hang in the balance.

All Ida Mae Jones wants to do is fly. Her daddy was a pilot, and years after his death she feels closest to him when sheos in the air. But as a young black woman in 1940s Louisiana, she knows the sky is off limits to her, until America enters World War II, and the Army forms the WASPnWomen Airforce Service Pilots. Ida has a chance to fulfill her dream if sheos willing to use her light skin to pass as a white girl. She wants to fly more than anything, but Ida soon learns that denying oneos self and family is a heavy burden, and ultimately itos not what you do but who you are thatos most important.
Read Sherri L. Smith's posts on the Penguin Blog

1785. New York, New York. As a young nation begins to take shape, Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler are on top of the world. They're the toast of the town, keeping New York City buzzing with tales of their lavish parties, of Eliza's legendary wit, and of Alex's brilliant legal mind. But new additions to Alex & Eliza's little family mean change is afoot in the Hamilton household. When they agree to take in an orphaned teenage girl along with Eliza's oldest brother, John Schuyler, Eliza can't help but attempt a match. It's not long before sparks start to fly... if only Eliza can keep herself from interfering too much in the course of true love. After all, she and Alex have an arrival of their own to plan for, though Alex's latest case brings a perilous threat that may destroy everything. The sweeping love story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler comes to a close in All for One, the riveting final installment of the New York Times bestselling Alex & Eliza trilogy.

Women are never lazy . . . To call them the weaker sex is to utter a hideous mockery. They are the stronger sex, the nosier, the more persevering, the most self-assertive sex. When the beautiful, child-like governess Lucy Graham marries widower Sir Michael Audley, Robert Audley gives his new aunt barely a thought. But when his friend George goes missing, he begins to suspect that Lucy Graham is not quite what she seems . . . The true nature of Lady Audley is uncovered in this stunning novel that combines a crime thriller with historical drama. An unputdownable tale that has been perennially popular since its publication in 1862.

Mori and his family went on a fun journey to Rio de Janeiro. They traveled many historical sites to learn about the rich history and culture of Brazil. This book offers readers valuable knowledge about the largest African Diaspora in the world, Brazil. The Culture Exchange series focuses on educating children on different cultures and aims to challenge early readers. This book comes with a 5th grade lesson plan to test readers on the history of Brazil. Brazilian Culture Exchange makes learning so much fun!

True to his word, Mayor Harper has brought in a Marshall to get rid of 'Lonesome', thrown in jail by a repentant sheriff. But it takes more than that to stop the lone rider in his quest for revenge, and he is soon back on the trail of Markham, the mad preacher. When a band of Ruffians - pro-slavery vigilantes and sworn enemies of Markham - intercept our hero, an unexpected encounter will provide him with an opportunity to learn more about the mysterious figures pulling all the strings... Ages 12+

The purrrrfect new story for young readers this Halloween! From Philip Ardagh, bestselling author of The Grunts series, and illustrated by Rob Biddulph, award-winning creator of Draw With Rob, comes a charming new series for fans of Alex T. Smith, Pamela Butchart and Mr Dog! Meet Furry Purry Beancat - one extraordinary cat with nine extraordinary lives! Just like every other cat, Furry Purry Beancat loves a catnap. But unlike other cats, when Beancat wakes she often finds herself about to embark on a whole new adventure! Watch out! There's a WITCH in the village - or is there? With talk of potions, toads and spells flying around, will Beancat be able to sniff out the truth, before it's too late? 'Exciting and comic, these are purr-fect first adventures' - LoveReading4Kids LOOK OUT for more Furry Purry adventures: The Pirate Captain's Cat, The Railway Cat and The Library Cat!

"Powerful storytelling and immersive art." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Vibrant writing and magical realism lift this story to one of triumph." --Publishers Weekly "Nolen's lively prose style recalls the richness of the oral tradition in this tale of triumphant courage and abiding hope." --The Horn Book "A moving choice for children's collections." --Booklist A Parents' Choice Silver Award Recipient In this inspiring story in the tradition of American black folktales, an enslaved brother and sister are inspired by a majestic and mysterious bird to escape to freedom in this dramatic and unforgettable picture book. There was nothing civil about that war. They should have called it what it was: a big, bad war. Brother and sister Millicent and John are slaves on Simon Plenty's plantation and have suffered one hurt and heartbreak after another. Their parents had told them old tales of how their ancestors had flown away to freedom just as free and easy as a bird. Millicent and John hold these stories in their hearts long after their parents are gone. "Maybe such a time will come for you," their parents said. Then one day a mysterious bird appears in their lives. The bird transforms them and gives them the courage to set their plan into motion and escape to freedom.

Lonely after their family moves to London, Ben and Hattie are delighted to find a new friend in the park: a talking lion wearing a top hat, dress suit and red cravat. But not only is Mr Dandy Paws an exceptionally well-dressed feline, he's a highway lion who robs from those who are cruel to animals and invests the proceeds in animal justice. But with a P.I. on his tail, Dandy's latest scheme - a daring break-out at Tower Zoo - could get Ben and Hattie into far more trouble than they bargained for ... A delightfully old-fashioned debut adventure for modern children aged 7 and up, full of friendship, daring and fun Set in an off-the-wall 1920s London complete with talking animals! Strong animal welfare and ecological themes with a funny and fantastical twist Inside illustrations with a classic nostalgic feel by Roxana de Rond

A hilarious and swashbuckling teen historical fiction novel, named one of summer's 20 must-read books by Entertainment Weekly! A New York Times bestseller!

A young bisexual British lord embarks on an unforgettable Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend/secret crush. An 18th-century romantic adventure for the modern age written by This Monstrous Thing author Mackenzi Lee—Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets the 1700s.

Henry “Monty” Montague doesn’t care that his roguish passions are far from suitable for the gentleman he was born to be. But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quests for pleasure and vice are in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

So Monty vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Witty, dazzling, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue is an irresistible romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.