After a few months of being the "new kid" in Cypress City, Texas, Jimmy Stringer thinks he's finally fitting in. Then, his parents start arguing and can't seem to stop. Next thing, his dad, a captain in the Air Force, up and disappears on the night of the Summer Solstice. Rumors abound. Is Captain Stringer AWOL? Did he desert? Jimmy knows better, but he doesn't know where his dad has gone or why he didn't leave a note or some sign, if not for him, at least for his mom. Relying on the help of his two buddies, Lupe and Billy Ray, Jimmy makes it through a tough West Texas summer. Finally, school starts again. Walking home from a high school football game on the Autumnal Equinox, Jimmy sees an unusual shooting star appear to land behind a neighbor's house. The next day, he watches that neighbor's little Chihuahua, Elmer, explode in Mr. Cadwallader's barbershop. Nothing is at it should be, but something tells Jimmy it's all related to his dad disappearing, and, just maybe, he and his friends can put it together and get his dad back.

Master James, a Missouri farmer during the 1850s, wants to make sure his slaves had a better life upon his death. So when he passes away, fourteen-year-old Joe, his pap, and the rest of the family are set free.

Stepping in to help, the master's brother, Doc, travels with the freed family to Iowa and lets them work on land that he owns, with the promise that one day it will be their own. But it's not long before the family learns that even though they have gained their freedom, they have not earned respect. They are taunted, harassed, and threatened.

As his family struggles to maintain dignity, young Joe learns from Doc about a plan for an Underground Railroad, which would help enslaved blacks make their way north to the free states. Joe knows that he must help others fight for the freedom, however imperfect, that he's had the privilege of experiencing firsthand. But in doing so, he also knows he risks his very life.

As Joe comes of age, he teams up with abolitionist preacher John Brown and others to organize the Underground Railroad in Iowa, which eventually helps hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of slaves on their way to freedom.

The third and final book in the acclaimed THE LOOP trilogy - perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner ... 'A terrifying and sinister look into the future that will leave your jaw on the floor.' KASS MORGAN, New York Times bestselling author of THE 100 on book 1 'Your next YA obsession.' ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY on book 1 'Fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner should look no further ... Thrilling and terrifying in equal measure.' OBSERVER on book 1 Luka Kane was executed in front of a jeering crowd, but before he died, he opened one pair of eyes to the truth: lab assistant Chester 'Chilly' Beckett's. Chilly is now determined to find out what's happening in the mysterious locked laboratory on the 65th floor. When he finally does, he finds three paralysed subjects ... and one of the subjects, impossibly, is Luka Kane. A bold escape sets in motion a race against time as Happy's world-ending plans draw to a climax ... The final, nail-biting instalment in The Loop trilogy: a must-read YA series for teens and adults alike Prison Break meets 1984 in this cutting-edge sci-fi thriller - perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner

This Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader is all about American Girl (R) Molly (TM) and her Christmas on the home front during World War II in 1944-with more than 30 stickers included! The battles of World War II may be a world away, but Molly McIntire and her family do what they can to help from the 1944 home front. Meet Molly and her family, and get to know what it was like to be a girl celebrating Christmas during World War II in this Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader. Great for young American Girl fans ages 5 to 8, the book includes more than 30 stickers. Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own. Introduced in 1986, American Girl's flagship line of historical characters features 18-inch dolls, books, and accessories that give girls a dramatic understanding of the role women and girls played in shaping our country. Look out for these other great books: * Samantha Helps a Friend (American Girl) 9780593381878 * Freedom for Addy (American Girl) 9780593381915

My Story: Princess Sophia Duleep Singh - the thrilling story of the princess and suffragette. Born in Britain to Indian and Egyptian parents, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was a prominent suffragette and campaigned for the women's right to vote. Explore Sophia's incredible life with My Story. Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about history's untold stories Great background reading for Key Stage 2 & 3 My Story: exciting stories with reliable and accurate historical detail Experience history first-hand with My Story.

In grey, 1930s England, Bea has grown up kicking against the conventions of the time, all the while knowing that she will one day have to marry someone her parents choose - someone rich enough to keep the family estate alive. But she longs for so much more - for adventure, excitement, travel, and maybe even romance. When she gets the chance to spend the summer in Italy with her bohemian uncle and his fianc e, a whole world is opened up to Bea - a world that includes Ben, a cocky young artist who just happens to be infuriatingly handsome too. Sparks fly between the quick-witted pair until one night, under the stars, a challenge is set: can Bea and Ben put aside their teasing and have the perfect summer romance? With their new friends gleefully setting the rules for their fling, Bea and Ben can agree on one thing at least: they absolutely, positively will not, cannot fall in love... A long, hot summer of kisses and mischief unfolds - but storm clouds are gathering across Europe, and home is calling. Every summer has to end - but for Bea, this might be just the beginning.

The year is 1922. Brooklyn is crowded with Jewish immigrants and their American-born children. For Debbie, almost 14 it is a wonderful, exciting time in a fresh new land, seen through the eyes of a girl at the edge of womanhood. Change is everywhere-the country is changing and the old ways are changing. But Debbie is changing even faster. She faces all the challenges of growing up: new friends, first love, questions about the future. And she's learning just who Debbie Gold is. Debbie's story is like life itself - timeless, yet always new.

As much as he longs for peace, King Edwin is repeatedly forced into war against treacherous neighbor kingdoms. For twenty years, though, Edwin succeeds in bringing peace, prosperity, and Christianity to England.

Then, Cadwallon, his rival and enemy almost since birth, raises an army to overthrow Edwin. Aided by Edwin's other nephews, Aelfrith's sons, Cadwallon succeeds in killing Edwin at last.

But Cadwallon and his ally Penda betray the other princes and attempt to murder them, killing two. The others escape, regroup and attack the following spring. Cadwallon is killed, Penda is driven off, and Oswald, the oldest prince, takes the throne of Northumbria. Once again, the kingdom is under Christian rule.

For eight years Oswald is Bretwalda. Then Penda returns with a huge force of Britons and Welsh. The Christian Saxon nations band together, facing Penda near Leeds. He and his invaders lose. Oswald, however, also dies in the battle. His brother Oswiu takes the throne. Oswiu marries the daughter of King Edwin, Eanfled, uniting the once-warring families, and establishes Christianity solidly in England. He rules for 28 peaceful years, healing the wounds of the nation.

A wonderfully murky, carnivalesque world of intrigue, unexpected friendships and mysteries solved. Sheba the wolf girl joins an unusual troupe of performers that includes Pyewacket, a witch's imp; Gigantus the giant and Sister Moon, a knife thrower. For the first time in her life she feels she might make true friends, and learn a real stage craft. But soon that's not all she has to think about . . . Children are being sucked into the Thames and there have been strange sightings of a mechanical monster. The carnival troupe know first-hand that looks only tell half a story - they become determined to find these forgotten children. Perhaps they will unravel the mystery that has defied even the law! Illustrated with black and white artwork from superstar illustrator, Sam Usher, and the first in a brand new series! 'Thrilling, original, full of zest and wit.' The London Times 'An atmospheric and exciting read.' BookTrust 'A page-turning adventure.' The Daily Mirror

A gripping heart-in-your-mouth adventure told by Eve, a Tudor girl who sets out on a dangerous journey to change her life for the better. Voices: Diver's Daughter - A Tudor Story brings Eve and her mother, who was stolen from her family in Mozambique as a child, from the Southwark slums of Elizabethan London to England's southern coast. When they hear from a Mary Rose survivor that one of the African free-divers who was sent to salvage its treasures is alive and well and living in Southampton, mother and daughter agree to try to find him and attempt to dive the wreck of another ship, rumoured to be rich with treasures. But will the pair survive when the man arrives to claim his 'share'? Will Eve overcome her fear of the water to help rescue her mother? In this thrilling adventure based on real events, Patrice Lawrence shows us a fascinating and rarely seen world that's sure to hook young readers. ABOUT THE SERIES VOICES: A thrilling series showcasing some of the UK's finest writers for young people. Voices reflects the authentic, unsung stories of our past. Each shows that, even in times of great upheaval, a myriad of people have arrived on this island and made a home for themselves - from Roman times to the present day.