Best Selling Books by Gary D. Schmidt

"Hugh Lofting (1886-1947) is best known for his classic series of children''s books depicting Doctor Dolittle - the kindhearted, eccentric veterinarian whose ability to converse with animals and whose astounding travels with a cadre of critters have delighted readers for more than 70 years. Beginning with The Story of Doctor Dolittle in 1920, Lofting went on to write eleven other Dolittle books, among them the Newbery Medal-winning The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle. While critics have praised the Dolittle books for their humor, wit, and imagination, and while the Dolittle character has captivated audiences in screen and stage adaptations, Lofting''s larger message - one concerning issues of peace and justice - has often been overlooked." "That Lofting''s work deserves reconsideration is the thesis of this new study by Gary D. Schmidt. Drawing on not only extensive research but also numerous personal communications with Lofting''s family members, Schmidt provides fresh insights into his subject''s life and work. In clear, engaging prose Schmidt argues that Lofting viewed his writing as a political and moral task: to encourage peace by providing children with examples of kindness, gentleness, compassion, and tolerance." "In an illuminating first chapter readers learn intriguing biographical information - for instance, that The Story of Doctor Dolittle, perhaps Lofting''s greatest work, had its beginnings in a series of story-letters that Lofting, writing from the trenches of World War I, sent home to his children. Subsequent chapters examine each of the Dolittle books, as well as Lofting''s lesser-known works, among them the essay "Children and Internationalism" and the long poem Victory for the Slain." "An important addition to existing studies in children''s literature, Hugh Lofting will appeal to scholars, students, and general readers alike. Included are a preface, chronology, notes, bibliography, and index, as well as illustrations."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This beautiful book weaves together faith and wonder, miracles and mystery, to tell the little-known story of Saint Ciaran of Ireland.

Edging the Boundaries is a genre-based children''s literature sourcebook that emphasizes issues in thinking and writing about the literary qualities of children''s literature.This book examines the field by defining and discussing literature genres and their qualities. This book includes information and issues about literary genres, writing/thinking opportunities, teaching pointers for classroom use, and examples of the best authors and illustrators in each genre.For elementary school educators, or anyone interested in the genre of children''s literature.

In these hilarious stories by some of the top authors of middle grade fiction today, each young character is coping with a minor superpowerwhile also discovering their power to change themselves and their community, find their voice, and celebrate what makes them unique. The kids in these humorous short stories each have a minor superpower they''re learning to live with. One can shape-shiftbut only part of her body, and only on Mondays. Another can always tell whether an avocado is perfectly ripe. One can even hear the thoughts of the animals in the pet store! But what these stories are really about is their young protagonists "owning" a power that contributes to their individuality, that allows them to find their place in the world, that shows them a potential they might not have imagined. Because if you really think about it, we all have something special and unique about ourselves that makes us a little bit super. We all have the power to change as an individual, to change our communities for the better, to have a voice and to speak up. These playful, thought-provoking tales from some of today''s top middle grade authors prompt readers to consider what their own superpower might be, and how they can use it.

The story of Saint Martín de Porres--an endearing tale of perseverance, faith, and triumph over racial and economic prejudice.

The heart of Donal O¿Donnell, like his farmhouse door, has been bolted shut since the day his son died. So when he returns from tending his puck goats in the freezing sleet of a winter storm to find three huddled peddlers sitting at his hearth, he is furious with his wife, Sorcha. But then the three peddlers -- Donal O¿Sheary, Donal O¿Neary and Donal O¿Leary -- begin to tell tales -- tales of marvels and of mysteries. Slowly Donal O¿Donnell and Sorcha begin to imagine a wonder greater than they had ever hoped for. The story of this wonder is told in the interweaving of four traditional Irish tales with illustrations that are themselves full of marvels and mysteries. Author¿s Note. Reinforced library binding.