New Releases by Jennifer Armstrong

The continent has been divided in two for nearly a century; one side a snow covered world of magic, rules, and dictatorship, the other a warm, adventure filled place of wonder. This is at least how Ezivan Lentaris, the daughter of the dictating sorcerer, sees it. In search of adventure she runs from her father to the other side of the continent, taking up a new identity, making new friends, and indeed, finding more adventure that many would see in a lifetime. However, breaking away from her father's tight grip and the control of her past is a little harder then she may have originally suspected.

A study of love, life and loss, though the lens of post-migratory fragmentation

Tells the story of the Civil War photographer, Mathew Brady, and the band of field photographers he hired to travel with the troops and record the unforgettable images of the time, which still haunt us even today.

Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on President Lincoln’s most famous speech, still resonant 150 years later. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln gave one of the most important speeches in the history of the United States—the Gettysburg Address. It wasn’t even much a speech, really. Just a few remarks. Not meant to be remembered. Yet 150 years later, those few remarks have been remembered. How come? What was the true meaning behind them? Where did they come from? Why is it so important that we never forget what President Lincoln said on that cold November day? Originally published as A Three-Minute Speech, this concise, illustrated exploration of a momentous historical event is both fascinating and easy to read.

Meg and Harry are not the most likely combination. Harry thinks he''s God''s servant on earth, and Meg, well, Meg wants to live her dream of becoming a police detective. Like most young and vivacious women she also entertains romantic thoughts of her ideal man; a rough tough pistol packing cop with a kind heart. Someone that she can share her dreams with. But it''s Harry that has the mysteries to solve.Their unlikely association will take them across Canada, down to Texas, even further down to Antarctica, back up to Edinburgh and around the world to Jerusalem. And sometimes unlikely associations have unlikely endings.

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Seinfeldia, a behind-the-scenes history of Walt Disney's classic television show. Full of nostalgia, this book gives you the never before told story of how The Mickey Mouse Club paved the way for all that came after, from its humble beginnings as a marketing ploy, through its short but mesmerizing run, to the numerous resurrections that made it one of television's first true cult hits—all through the recollections of those regular kids-turned-stars who made it a phenomenon. It will reveal, for the first time ever, the stories of Annette, Darlene (and her famous rivalry with Annette), Cubby and Karen, Bobby and the rest of the beloved cast. It will explore, through the reminiscences of former fans who grew up to be some of television's finest minds, what made the show so special. Finally, it will examine why the formula the creators of the show invented is more relevant than ever, and whether we'll ever see yet another Club for a new generation. Take a trip down memory lane with the original Mickey Mouse Club cast and creators, through drama and unexpected fame, to see how a television institution came into being. "Armstrong tracks down most of the original Mouseketeers, and some also-rans, who share with us a behind-the-scenes look as to what it was really like to go from ordinary to idolized in a matter of weeks." — The Florida Times-Union "[An] oral history of the TV show that helped shape the Baby Boomers . . . a captivating cautionary tale." — Booklist

Recounts the experiences of the author who, as a young Polish girl, hid and saved Jews during the Holocaust.

As bullets ring and bombs are dropped, children watch—mostly from the sidelines, but occasionally in the direct line of fire. Unaware of the political issues or power struggles behind the battle, all they know are the human, emotional consequences of this thing called war. This collection examines all of war’s implications for young people—from those caught in the line of fire to the children of the veterans of wars long past. Critically acclaimed author Jennifer Armstrong brings together 12 powerful voices in young people's literature to explore the realities of war from a child's perspective. The settings vary widely—the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, an attempted coup in Venezuela, the American Civil War, crisis in the Middle East—but the effects are largely the same. In war, no life is ever left untouched. In war, lives are shattered.

This compelling collection of stories explores the powerful impact that music has in our lives—especially in the lives of teens. Each story strikes a new note: Ron Koertge introduces us to the boys in the band—the marching band; Joseph Bruchac contributes a Native American boy with no rhythm whatsoever; Jennifer Armstrong writes about what was perhaps the first battle of the bands—during the American Civl War; and David Levithan offers up a love song that speaks powerfully to an unintended audience. But while each story is different, they combine into a harmonic song of praise—for the depths music can reach in us, and the power it has to bind us together.

American history comes alive in these 100 true stories that define our country. This magnificent treasury tells the story of America through 100 true tales. Some are tales of triumph—the midnight ride of Paul Revere, the Wright brothers taking to the air, Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. Some are tales of tragedy—the fate of the Donner Party, the great fire in Chicago, the eruption of Mount Saint Helens. There are stories of inventors and athletes and abolitionists and artists. Stories about struggling for freedom—again and again, in so many ways. With full-color illustrations on nearly every page and short, exciting stories, this book is perfect for browsing by the entire family. Notes at the end of each story direct readers to related stories. And a guide to thematic story arcs offers readers (and teachers) an easy way to follow their particular interests throughout the book. A treasure trove of a book that belongs in every home! “This lively and engaging collection of stories recounting American history is a wonderful gift not only to the children of this country but also their parents. I can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren.” —Tom Brokaw

Magnus lives and works at the Broadway Firehouse. He knows that when the fire alarm clangs, he and his partners, Billy and Sparks, are supposed to spring into action. Without them the firemen would never be able to move the gigantic steam pumper. And without a pumper the crew wouldn''t be able to put out fires. Then one day the captain drives into the firehouse on a loud, newfangled contraption called a motorized fire truck. It doesn''t need horses to pull it to a fire. So just like that, Magnus, Sparks, and Billy are out of a job. A little history, a little humor, and a whole lot of heart are artfully blended in this rousing tale of one high-spirited horse who can''t accept being put out to pasture. And thank goodness! Because it''s this steadfast sense of duty that ultimately saves the day.

Four score and seven years ago... So begins one of the most important speeches in the history of the United States -- Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Given on a cold November day, it wasn't much of a speech, really -- just a few remarks. Not meant to be remembered. But these few remarks have been remembered. Why? What was the true meaning behind them? Where did they come from? Why is it so important that we never forget what President Lincoln said on that cold November day?

The first title in this exciting trilogy is now available in mass market. When all the grown-ups die in an apocalypse, a handful of young survivors make the trek to Washington, D.C., and discover the dark secret at the heart of the Fire-us.

They are not alone. After most of the world''s population was wiped out by a deadly plague five years ago, this small group of children formed a family. They''ve taken care of each other, scavenging food from deserted supermarkets, fighting off the wild animals that prowl soccer fields and schools. The children thought they were the only ones left. Then they came across the Keepers, the first Grown-ups they''d seen for years, living in an abandoned shopping mall. The Keepers offered fresh food, clean beds, and security. But what looked like safety was instead the worst danger the family had yet faced. Now the family is once again on the road. But if they want to reach the end of their journey, if they want to solve the mystery of what happened and who is to blame, they must head straight into danger -- to Pisgah, the heart of the Keepers'' power. In this stunning conclusion to the Fire-us Trilogy, Jennifer Armstrong and Nancy Butcher return to the post-apocalyptic world they created in The Kindling and The Keepers of the Flame, as the family discovers the dark secret that changed their world forever.

Briefly tells the story of this nineteenth-century painter and naturalist who is most famous for his detailed paintings of birds.

Cory put her hands to her face. She was covered with layers of gauze, and she tore at it, layer after layer shedding in her hands as she hurried onward. The rocks in the path were bones and grinning skulls. This was what she had been stumbling over, and what her dress had been catching on. Panicked, she looked up. Five years after a deadly plague killed all the Grown-ups, the world''s population has nearly vanished. Civilization is gone, and the children who outlived their parents have mostly perished of hunger or disease. But ten children survived, and have forged a new family, a new life, and together traveled up the coast of Florida, searching for answers. To their shock, they''ve found a group of adults, the only Grown-ups they''ve seen for years, living in an abandoned shopping mall. The Grown-ups seem delighted to see the children, and welcome them to the brave new world they''ve made for themselves -- a place with comforts the family had forgotten: cupcakes, clean clothes, adults to depend on. But something is terribly wrong. This friendly community is not what it appears. Can they find out the truth -- before it''s too late? In this second book of the Fire-us Trilogy, Jennifer Armstrong and Nancy Butcher return to the post-apocalyptic world they created in The Kindling, as the family searches for the dark truth at the heart of the Fire-us.

Jennifer Armstrong’s two masterful novels about Mary Mehan are now together in one volume. Set against the pivotal events of the American Civil War, The Dreams of Mairhe Mehan depicts an Irish immigrant girl and her family, struggling to find their place in a country at war with itself. In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews said, “Armstrong mixes vision and reality with breathtaking virtuosity, salting Mairhe’s narrative with poetic turns of phrase, snatches of song, story, and history.” Mary Mehan Awake takes up Mary’s story after the war when, much like the broken country, Mary must begin a journey of emotional and physical renewal. Of this book, The Horn Book Magazine said, “The story unfolds effortlessly and richly. It’s The Secret Garden for an older audience, with friendship and nature gratifyingly providing healing and wholeness.” This new Readers’ Circle edition includes an interview with the author discussing her ideas about how history is remembered and recorded, and the obligations and opportunities of the historical novelist.

The extraordinary true story behind Ernest Shackleton's harrowing expedition to Antarctica on the Endurance—the ill-fated ship that became trapped in ice and sank to the ocean floor. Defying the odds, the crew made it back alive, bringing with them the astounding collection of photographs included in this critically acclaimed, timeless book. In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his crew sailed from England on the Endurance in an attempt to become the first team of explorers to cross Antarctica from one side to the other. Five months later and still 100 miles from land, their ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice. Defying the odds, the expedition survived another five months camping on ice floes, followed by a perilous journey through stormy seas to remote and unvisited Elephant Island. In a dramatic climax to this amazing survival story, Shackleton and five others navigated 800 miles of treacherous open ocean in a 20-foot boat to fetch a rescue ship. Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World vividly re-creates one of the most fascinating adventure stories in history. Award-winning author Jennifer Armstrong recounts one of the most extraordinary adventure stories in history with vigor, an eye for detail, and an appreciation of the marvelous leadership of Shackleton, who brought home every single one of his men alive.

In August 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton set out from England in an attempt to lead the first expedition across the Antarctic continent. What followed was one of the most extraordinary survival stories in history: a ship trapped and then wrecked by ice; an expedition marooned, first on the constantly shifting Antarctic pack, then on a remote, uninhabited island; a daring open boat journey across the world''s most violent ocean; a trek over unmapped mountains; and finally an amazing rescue. Jennifer Armstrong''s Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World received widespread praise and won the Orbis Pictus Award. Now she tells the Endurance story for a younger audience, in an oversize format with color paintings re-creating the detail and drama of the expedition''s ordeal.

Thinking he is dreaming, Pierre, a lazy, foolish man, shows no fear as he performs many amazing and dangerous circus acts.

While working as a servant in the home of a naturalist, Mary Mehan gradually recovers from the numbing effects of her experience as a Civil War nurse and falls in love with a man who had lost his hearing.

A lyrical novel about a day in the life of a young pioneer girl growing up on the Dakota prairie is now available in a Knopf Paperback edition. This widely praised and beautifully crafted tale deftly evokes the vast expanse of the American West, the hardships faced by pioneer families, and the strong bonds of family and community.

Illustrations and rhyming text follow the sun and moon as they shine on a young boy's day.

Nine-year-old Patrick promises his buddies that his baseball hero will come to their playground in Hell''s Kitchen, bat for him, and chase the Copperheads out.

Meet Gretel Muller, a young German girl growing up in Galveston, Texas in 1855. Gretel dreams of living in a fairy-tale castle by the sea, but instead spends her days working with her short-tempered sisters in their mother''s hat shop. When a rich resident announces that she wants a young German girl to come stay with her, Gretel sees her opportunity. But how will she ever get a chance when everyone thinks she''s a lazy and foolish girl?

Mairhe, who lives in an Irish slum in Washington, D.C., in the 1860s, struggles to come to grips with the impact of the Civil War on her family.

Illustrated in full color. Watch out below! Here comes a giant snowball tumbling down a hill, picking up everything--and everybody--in its path!

In 1855 two thirteen-year-old girls, one white and one black, run away from a southern farm and make the difficult journey north to freedom, living to recount their story forty-one years later to two similar young girls.