Most Popular Books by Kimberly Willis Holt

Ten stories trace the connections between four generations of one Louisiana family from 1939 when a young girl leaves school to help support her family to 2006 when an eighty-year-old woman embarks on a book tour.

Tiger Ann Parker wants nothing more than to get out of the rural town of Saitter, Louisiana--far away from her mentally disabled mother, her "slow" father who can''t read an electric bill, and her classmates who taunt her. So when Aunt Dorie Kay asks Tiger to sp the summer with her in Baton Rouge, Tiger can''t wait to go. But before she leaves, the sudden revelation of a dark family secret prompts Tiger to make a decision that will ultimately change her life. Set in the South in the late 1950s, this coming-of-age novel explores a twelve-year-old girl''s struggle to accept her grandmother''s death, her mentally deficient parents, and the changing world around her. It is a novel filled with beautiful language and unforgettable characters, and the importance of family and home. My Louisiana Sky is a 1998 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award Honor Book for Fiction.

Kimberly Willis Holt''s The Ambassador of Nowhere, Texas is a stunning post-9/11 companion to the National Book Award-winner When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. Decades after the Vietnam War and Toby''s life-changing summer with Zachary Beaver, Toby''s daughter Rylee is at a crossroads—her best friend Twig has started pushing her away just as Joe, a new kid from New York, settles into their small town of Antler. Rylee befriends Joe and learns that Joe''s father was a first responder on 9/11. The two unlikely friends soon embark on a project to find Zachary Beaver and hopefully reconnect him with Rylee''s father almost thirty years later. This beautiful middle grade novel is a tribute to friendships—old and new—and explores the challenges of rebuilding what may seem lost or destroyed. Christy Ottaviano Books

Jolene''s family was just Momma and Grandpa until big, loud Leroy Redfield started taking Momma dancing. Jolene refuses to call him anything but "Mister." Without a name, he isn''t a real person to her. But then Jolene learns that Mister wants to marry Momma. Is there anything Jolene can do to make him go away? "The warmth and love in the Johnson household envelops the novel... Jolene''s willingness to face the uncertainties of her future may well give courage to readers confronting sea changes of their own."-Publishers Weekly Awards: ( New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing" ( A Texas Bluebonnet Master List Book

National Book Award Winner: A compelling coming-of-age story about a thirteen-year-old boy struggling to find himself in an imperfect world. The red words painted on the trailer caused quite a buzz around town and before an hour was up, half of Antler was standing in line with two dollars clutched in hand to see the fattest boy in the world. Toby Wilson is having the toughest summer of his life. It''s the summer his mother leaves for good; the summer his best friend''s brother returns from Vietnam in a coffin. And the summer that Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world, arrives in their sleepy Texas town. While it''s a summer filled with heartache of every kind, it''s also a summer of new friendships gained and old friendships renewed. And it''s Zachary Beaver who turns the town of Antler upside down and leaves everyone, especially Toby, changed forever. At turns passionate and humorous, Kimberly Willis Holt with understated elegance presents this extraordinary novel that deals sensitively and candidly with obesity, war, and the true power of friendship. "Tenderly captures small-town life and deftly fills it with decent characters who ring true . . . her quiet novel offers a slice of life that''s hard to resist." — New York Times Book Review "Holt humanizes the outsider without sentimentality. . . . In the tradition of many Southern writers, Holt reveals the freak in all of us, and the power of redemption." — Booklist (starred review)

Based on her own childhood experience, Kimberly Willis Holt''s Piper Reed, Navy Brat portrays the life of a Navy family with warmth and humor. It''s not easy being the middle child, especially when your dad is a Navy Chief. Meet Piper Reed, a spunky nine-year-old who has moved more times than she can count on one hand. From Texas to Guam, wherever Piper goes, adventure follows, inspired by her active imagination, free-wheeling spirit, and a bit of sister magic. Unlike her older sister, Piper loves being part of a Navy family, and unlike her little sister, Piper is no prodigy genius. Piper is Piper—fearless and full of life.

Publisher Description

National Book Award-winning author Kimberly Willis Holt delivers a charming story about an unlikely friendship between a baker and a dog that hangs around his bakery. Full color.

The first picture book from National Book Award winner Kimberly Willis Holt When exactly is cousin Gregory going to be born? asks little Iris. Each family member has a different answer to her question. While she''s waiting for what seems like forever, Iris thinks about all the exciting things she and her new cousin will someday do together. And given Iris'' vibrant imagination, there''s no telling what to expect. National Book Award winner Kimberly Willis Holt offers a unique take on some of the traditional and not-so-traditional myths surrounding a baby''s arrival, with an extra layer of imagination added by Gabi Swiatkowska''s fresh and whimsical paintings.

Kimberly Willis Holt explores themes of divorce, acceptance, intergenerational friendship, and the power that comes with noticing in The Lost Boy''s Gift, an insightful middle-grade novel. There are places where you want to go and places where you want to leave. There are also places where you want to stay. Nine-year-old Daniel must move across the county with his mom after his parents’ divorce. He’s leaving behind his whole life—everything—and he’s taking a suitcase of anger with him. But Daniel is in for a surprise when he settles into While-a-Way Lane and meets his new neighbors—the Lemonade Girl, the hopscotching mailman, the tiny creatures, and especially Tilda Butter. Tilda knows how to look and listen closely, and it''s that gift that helps Daniel find his way in that curious placed called While-a-Way Lane. This title has Common Core connections. Christy Ottaviano Books

1968 looks like it''ll be a pretty good year for Jaynell Lambert. The town''s going to pave the dirt road she lives on, her girly-girl sister, Racine, isn''t driving her completely crazy, and Grandpap has just moved in with his new emerald green Cadillac convertible. Jaynell and Grandpap have something special. But why won''t Grandpap tell her the reason he visits with the dirt-poor Pickens family on the other side of town? When Jaynell finds out Grandpap''s secret, the legacy of an old man transforms a family, and a town. "At once gritty and poetic, stark and sentimental . . . a solid page turner. Holt once again displays her remarkable gift."(School Library Journal, starred review)

Amos Kincaid is the son of a dowser – a person gifted in knowing how to "find" water deep in the ground. As a young person, Amos doesn''t reveal his gift to others; he''s not sure he wants the burden. But through his experiences growing up and crossing the Oregon Trail, Amos learns about life''s harsh realities, especially the pain in losing loved ones. As he cares for those around him, Amos comes to accept his dowsing fate. This epic novel is a fascinating period piece about the westward expansion and one man''s destiny as he searches for love and family.

A coming-of-age middle grade novel about three best friends born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina who must confront storms of their own 12 years later, from a National Book Award-winning author. ★ "Holt takes time developing these characters, allowing readers to see both their individual and collective growth in this appealing and sensitive novel."u200b—The Horn Book, starred review Born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Greer, Joya Mia, and Kiki are seventh graders and the best of friends. After an accident leaves Greer''s little sister paralyzed, Greer is forever changed by the experience and blames herself. Kiki and Joya Mia will do anything to help Greer let go of this emotional burden, and a plan is hatched to compete in a triathlon. Each girl will participate: Kiki will swim, Joya Mia will cycle, and Greer, if they can persuade her, will run—something she once loved to do. Set on the Westbank of New Orleans, this contemporary coming-of-age novel is a journey of growth, healing, and difficult transitions as the girls navigate their many life challenges: family trauma, body insecurity, and the conflict between ambition and responsibility. It''s a powerful and enlightening exploration of how to surmount personal tragedy through friendship and forgiveness. "A tender and triumphant story about friendship and family, in a proud and resilient city."―Deborah Wiles, author of the National Book Award finalists Each Little Bird That Sings and Revolution

Bernard has never been to dinner at a friend''s house before. His mother gives him quite the list of rules to follow—no elbows on the table, put your napkin on your lap, don''t talk with food in your mouth, and so on. But Bernard isn''t prepared to discover that the Goldsmiths think the table is the best place for elbows and feet, never put their napkins on their laps, and talk with food in their mouths! How will Bernard survive dinner with such an obnoxious crew? Kimberly Willis Holt''s funny picture book about manners and etiquette turns the idea of good manners upside-down. The fresh point of view in Dinner with the Highbrows will be appreciated by both kids and their parents. A Christy Ottaviano Book

Piper is excited to move to a new state and catch up with old friends. But the move doesn''t go as smoothly as she expected: Piper has trouble feeling accepted in her new surroundings. But then she meets Arizona Smiley. Arizona is an avid stamp collector and bowls in a league. Piper is intrigued by Arizona''s originality and before long, she wins Arizona''s affections, and the two become great friends. This move turns out to be the best one yet, and Piper is eager to spread her trademark "Get Off the Bus" catchphrase once again.

Stevie''s life seems safe and full of love until the day tragedy strikes. Stevie is sent to live with her estranged grandfather Winston at his rundown motel. Though the colorful tenants who inhabit the motel are quickly charmed by Stevie, she struggles to connect with her grandfather. What dark secret is he keeping from her? It will take another difficult departure before Winston realizes just how strongly Stevie has taken root at the motel--and in his heart. With unwavering emotion and masterful storytelling, National Book Award-winning author Kimberly Willis Holt explores themes of loss, family, love, and the importance of finding a place to call home. A Christy Ottaviano Book

Every club needs a clubhouse, and Piper Reed isn’t going to give up until the Gypsy Club has one!

A visit to Piper''s grandparents'' ranch means time for exploration and adventure!--in Kimberly Willis Holt''s Piper Reed, Rodeo Star, featuring illustrations by Christine Davenier Piper''s parents are going on vacation to France and not taking the whole family. What rotten luck! Still, Piper always looks on the bright side. The Reed sisters will be visiting their two sets of grandparents in Piney Woods, and Piper is determined to have four adventures. By working in a grocery store, listening to Tori''s scary stories, and lassoing a calf, Piper almost reaches her quota. But sometimes the best adventures are the most unexpected ones.

It''s 1948 in Rippling Creek, Louisiana, and Tate P. Ellerbee''s new teacher has just given her class an assignment—learning the art of letter-writing. Luckily, Tate has the perfect pen pal in mind: Hank Williams, a country music singer whose star has just begun to rise. Tate and her great-aunt and -uncle listen to him on the radio every Saturday night, and Tate just knows that she and Hank are kindred spirits. Told entirely through Tate''s hopeful letters, this beautifully drawn novel from National Book Award–winning author Kimberly Willis Holt gradually unfolds a story of family love, overcoming tragedy, and an insightful girl learning to find her voice. This title has Common Core connections.

Piper Reed, the Navy brat, is back and determined to win the Gypsy Club pet show. But teaching tricks to her dog seems impossible. Bruna is just unteachable, as Piper finds out in this latest adventure. Illustrations.