New Releases by Dorothea Jensen

Dizzy (Tizzy's best friend), one of Santa's high tech, 21st century elves, is eager to have his own adventure. He sneaks aboard Santa's sleigh, then literally drops into the bedroom of two mischievous boys, Drake and Stuart. The three share a wild joy ride that might just be too MUCH of an adventure! ". . .a lively tale about a stowaway elf." -Kirkus Reviews "My 7-year-old picked it up and read it cover to cover and he hates reading!" -Goodreads Review

Could a playful kiss on the cheek from a world-famous Revolutionary War hero change the life of a troubled young girl in 1825 New England? A Buss from Lafayette, called "a winning historical tale" by Kirkus Reviews, shows how it could have happened. Fourteen-year-old Clara Hargraves lives on a farm in Hopkinton, a small New Hampshire town, during the early 19th century. She has a couple of big problems. First of all, she has a stepmother, Priscilla, who used to be her spinster schoolteacher aunt. Clara resents that her late mother’s older sister has not only married her father but is about to have a baby. To make matters worse, “Prissy Priscilla” keeps trying to make the rambunctious, clever, and witty Clara act like a proper young lady. Secondly, Clara has red hair, making her a target for teasing by a handsome older boy, Dickson Weeks, and by her pretty seventeen-year-old Dread Cousin Hetty. Clara, however, has a secret plan she hopes will change this. During the last week of June, 1825, Clara’s town is abuzz because the famous General Lafayette is about to visit their state during his farewell tour of America. In those eventful seven days, Clara learns a lot about her family, Hetty, Dickon, herself, and about Lafayette. She comes to understand the huge and vital role the young French aristocrat played in America’s Revolutionary War and to see that her problems might not be quite so terrible after all. "A winning historical tale that may appeal to young fans of the musical Hamilton." - Kirkus Reviews

A complete guide for using the award-winning historical nove A BUSS FROM LAFAYETTE in the school or home classroom. It contains bulletin board ideas, vocabulary exercises, varied student handouts, puzzles, games, reading comprehension quizzes, discussion questions, and both individual and class projects. A full answer key is provided. Its cross-curricular activities include language arts/reading, social studies, mathematics, health/safety, art, music, dance, drama, recipes, and suggestions for real and virtual field trips. The main topics covered are the American Revolution, Lafayette's crucial role in our struggle for independence, the French Alliance, Lafayette's Farewell Tour of America in 1824-5, and everyday life and customs in rural America in the 1820s.(This teacher's guide includes a link to downloadable, printable handouts for use in the classroom.)

Two naughty boys, Alex and Owen, sneak downstairs early on Christmas morning. There they find Tizzy, one of Santa's Izzy Elves, who has been packed inside a present by mistake. Tizzy says that Santa's sleigh is powered by the imagination of children, and asks the boys to use their own imaginations to send him back to the North Pole. But how?

Bizzy (Santa's "Right Hand Man") is a great organizer. He not only convinces S. C. (Santa Claus) to let the depressed Izzy Elves go on a much-needed vacation, but he finds a great place where they can blend in-Santa Claus Lane. What he doesn't plan on, however, is the other elves calling him "bossy boots," or two smart boys, Henry and Miles, recognizing the Izzies despite their disguises.

"Inspired by the Broadway hit, Hamilton, and by Longfellow's "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," author Dorothea Jensen wrote this short rhyming narrative about the Marquis de Lafayette and his crucial role in our Revolutionary War. A glossary and extensive endnotes supply further information about the historical figures and events mentioned in the poem. This playful historical account is aimed at middle schoolers, as well as young and older adults. It would be entertaining and educational to perform in a classroom or other settings, such as events celebrating the upcoming bicentennial of Lafayette's 1824-5 Farewell Tour of America"--

The Santa's Izzy Elves stories are not your usual picture books: older kids who enjoy playing with words and reading rhythmical verse will love them, too! One reason for this is that although these stories echo the famous 19th century poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" Santa's Izzy Elves are definitely 21st century, with electronic devices galore in their North Pole workshop! In this fourth story of the series, Frizzy, one of Santa's Izzy Elves, styles the hair of Christmas dollies, but misses them dreadfully when Santa takes them away on Christmas Eve. (She suffers from S.A.D.: Seasonal Affection Distress.) Frizzy decides she needs to change her job so she doesn't get so attached to the toys she works on. She starts making something completely different but soon finds that her plan isn't going to work out exactly as she intended! ...a highly original and wonderfully developed children's book...appeal[s] to...girls and boys alike...a memorable Christmas story for children that is so good...it will be enjoyed year round. 5 Stars - RED CITY REVIEW

The Santa's Izzy Elves stories are not your usual picture books: older kids who enjoy playing with words and reading rhythmical verse will love them, too! One reason for this is that although these stories echo the famous 19th century poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" Santa's Izzy Elves are definitely 21st century, with electronic devices galore in their North Pole workshop! This second Izzy Elf story, a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award in the e-book category, is about Blizzy, Tizzy's "favorite lass." She is the only elf who notices that Tizzy is missing on Christmas morning. When she starts questioning all her friends about when they saw him last, and where Tizzy could possibly be, however, they think she is just being a "worrywart." What Blizzy REALLY is, however, is very, very clever, and she just might figure out the mystery!

Lars Olafson's move to a farm near Valley Forge brings him friendship with the ghost of an eighteenth-century ancestor who recounts his adventures during the American Revolution.