Presents a selection of short fiction written by students in grades four through twelve followed by Bauer's comments on each, detailing what works well and making suggestions for improvements.

When Rebecca Rowena Randall goes to live with her spinster aunts in Riverboro, Rebecca's aunts find her to be more of a handful than they bargained for. But even more surprising than the transition of Rebecca into a well-mannered young lady are the effects that Rebecca has on her aunts' humdrum lives. Rebecca, with her wide dark eyes and spirit that no walls can contain, will change their lives -- and the lives of everyone she meets -- forever.

Pollyanna's eternal optimism has made her one of the most beloved characters in American literature. First published in 1913, her story spawned the formation of "Glad" clubs all over the country, devoted to playing Pollyanna's famous game. Pollyanna has since sold over one million copies, been translated into several languages, and has become both a Broadway play and a Disney motion picture.

The time is 1950. The place is a small town in the Midwest. The girl is Claire, and she has a new black friend. But in an all-white town, how open can the girls be about their friendship?
Now Claire faces being the "new girl" in school. A year later, she is confronting betrayal . . . and sin. Finally, she is fifteen and in love. But it is not a love that can be spoken of, least of all by Claire.
In five interrelated stories, Claire grows into a young woman, learning about racism, sex, and love along the way. Most of all, she learns about truth.

What causes an earthquake is a mystery -- until you go deep beneath the Earth's surface. Read on to find out what causes the incredibly destructive natural disaster -- the earthquake!

Filled with the most popular Karen Katz illustrated lift-the-flap board books, this set includes "Where Is Baby's Belly Button?, Where Is Baby's Mommy?," and "Toes, Ears, and Nose." Full color.

A "wholly satisfying" "(Kirkus Reviews," starred review) novel in verse starring a boy, a lost dog, and a lonely old man, from Newbery Honoree Marion Dane Bauer
Mark is a boy who "needs" a dog. But he can't get his mom on board with his plan.
Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner already, but not one who understands what a dog "really "needs.
Mr. LaRue is a neighbor who needs a community. He's alone all the time in his huge old house--and "everyone" needs more than that.
Over the course of a summer thunderstorm and one chaotic town council meeting, these three characters cross paths and come together in a timeless tale ripe with emotions. They'll realize they all need the same things: love, understanding, and a sense of belonging--plus a place to play a game of fetch ""

Explore the planet Mars in the second book in this new, nonfiction Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about the universe that's perfect for kids who love science and space! Do you see that red dot in the night sky? It's Mars! Discover the exciting surprises about the Red Planet in this cosmic, fact-filled Level 1 Ready-to-Read.

The Rocky Mountains form the backbone of North America. They sure make a beautiful backbone! But how did they come to be and what animals call them home? Read on and find out.

Visit the Appalachian Trail as Newbery Honor recipient and New York Times bestselling author Marion Dane Bauer takes you on a tour of one of our country's greatest treasures in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read. The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest trails in the world! It crosses fourteen states between Georgia and Maine. Hikers from all over the world come to explore and discover the natural wonders along the trail. Beginning readers will enjoy trailing along in this informative Ready-to-Read.

Joel's best friend Tony is a daredevil. It was Tony's idea to make the long bike ride to Starved Rock state park, and Tony's idea to stop for a swim in the dangerous Vermillion River. So why does Joel feel so much guilt when tragedy strikes? Features an introduction by Katherine Paterson, author of the Newbery Medal book "Bridge to Terabithia."

Original stories by C. S. Adler, Marion Dane Bauer, Francesca Lia Block, Bruce Coville, Nancy Garden, James Cross Giblin, Ellen Howard, M. E. Kerr, Jonathan London, Lois Lowry, Gregory Maguire, Lesléa Newman, Cristina Salat, William Sleator, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jane Yolen

Each of these stories is original, each is by a noted author for young adults, and each honestly portrays its subject and theme--growing up gay or lesbian, or with gay or lesbian parents or friends.

Inside my boots I've got toes,
and beneath my scarf is a...

Baby is bundled in a mountain of clothes! Peek under the flaps of clothing to find out what's underneath, and play this fun peekaboo book again and again!

Snow is coming, and it's time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soarsouth, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise-yet it's not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall.

Some animal daddies comfort their babies, or hold them tight, or face every danger for them. But the little boy in this heartwarming story knows his daddy does all of that--and more--for him and is the very best daddy of all. In the tradition of her "New York Times" best-selling story "My Mother Is Mine," Marion Dane Bauer celebrates the love and bond between parents and their children. Featuring Leslie Wu's glowing illustrations, this loving message is perfect for sharing at Father's Day or anytime.

The story of the creation of one of America's man-made wonders is brought to life in simple, easy-to-read language and descriptive art that is ideal for younger readers. Full color.

There's nothing more precious than the relationship between mother and child, and Some Babies Are Wild perfectly illustrates this unbreakable bond. Adorable photographs by nationally renowned wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela are coupled with heartwarming text by award-winning author Marion Dane Bauer. Stan and Marion's first book together won a Mom's Choice Award for Most Outstanding Children's Book. The duo has once again captured that magic.

Level 1: Starting to Read

• Simple stories
• Increased vocabulary
• Longer sentences

Everyone loves snow! It's fun to play in and makes wonderful snowmen. But where does snow come from? The answer is at your fingertips. Just open this book and read about the wonders of snow....

Bubbling mud puddles, shooting steam, and majestic bison make Yellowstone National Park -- the world's first national park -- a magical place to visit!

Baby critters are soft and cuddly, but which is the cutest? Award-winning author Marion Dane Bauer poses this question, leading readers on a heartwarming journey to find The Cutest Critter. Stan Tekiela's adorable photographs provide plenty of choices, but by story's end there is just one answer. Stan and Marion's other collaborations both won Mom's Choice Awards. The Cutest Critter is sure to become another family favorite. Share it with someone you love, and introduce them to the wonders of nature.

Level 1: Starting to Read

• Simple stories
• Increased vocabulary
• Longer sentences

Though you can't see the wind, you can certainly feel it when the wind blows! But where does wind come from? The answer is at your fingertips. Just open this book and read about the wonders of wind....