Probably the most popular horse story of all time, Black Beauty tells the story of one horse's long and varied life. On the one hand, a fully engaging novel and on the other hand, a strong statement against animal maltreatment. Anna Sewell's classic novel has enthralled readers since it was first published in 1877.

Inside your wall, no one can touch you

It was Randall's sister who first told him about the invisible wall that protected her from the cruelty of her classmates. By the time Randall is in fifth grade, he's had his own wall for years. Inside his wall, he doesn't have to think about his abusive father, gone for several months, or his thin, suffering mother, who never leaves the house -- the house with no running water for laundry or baths. Inside his wall, he can dream about picnics, about riding on his Uncle Luke's motorcycle, and, always, he can lose himself in his drawing.

But one day Randall makes a friend, and slowly, frighteningly, his wall begins to crumble. And miraculously, the gift that comforted Randall within his wall opens up a new world outside it.

Two African American girls grow into teenagers at the turn of the 20th century (1916-1917). The times are much different than they are today. The older girl's sister fled the United States to find fame and fortune in another country (like Josephine Baker). She left behind a daughter, and the two girls (one is the other's niece) each experience different coming of age adventures, according to their temperaments. Bertine, eldest of the pair, is a runner, like her sister. But Alma is a different sort of girl - one who enjoys the dance of life right where she is. This book was written by Carol Fenner over the course of 20 years, but she didn't finish the final edits before she died. The manuscript presented here has been polished and received final edits by her niece, Claudia Alexander.