New Releases by Kirby Larson

Fastidious Shermy and freewheeling Shake face a substitute teacher, fall for a shelter dog, and keep their friendship sparkling in their latest big-hearted adventure. Shermy loves going to second grade. Well, except when the substitute teacher does the lessons out of order (spelling before recess and social studies during math time?). His friend Shake, however, goes with the flow. Maybe that’s why their friendship works. Whether it’s writing letters to their favorite authors, making homemade toys for the animal shelter, or coming up with New Year’s resolutions for each other (“Stay a reading superstar!” Shake writes), the two pals’ personalities always seem to balance out. But when Shermy adopts Wally, a lovable shelter dog, he gets so busy with training that he has less time for Shake—who eventually stops asking to do stuff together. And one day, Shermy hears about moving boxes at Shake’s house. Is Shake moving away? Shermy is so worried he feels like he can’t breathe. Wise Grandpa Gordy tells Shermy friendship is a big responsibility—just like having a dog—and that it blossoms with TLC.

Shermy is excited to learn the new kid in school is none other than his pal Shake, but what if the other kids like Shake better? The two friends’ story, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson, continues with heart and humor. Being a second grader is even cooler than Shermy imagined. He loves reading new stories (and filling out charts about them!), helping his teacher get organized, and being a good classroom leader. So when the teacher asks Shermy to be a school buddy for the new kid, Shermy says, “Sure!” Imagine his surprise when the new kid turns out to be Shake—Shermy’s summer friend from out of town. This is amazing news! Or is it? Meticulous Shermy and boisterous Shake couldn’t be more different, and soon the other kids are all looking at Shake like he’s a super rare Magic Monster card—and not looking at Shermy at all. Can Shermy and Shake stay buddies now that school is in session? A nuanced story about friendship that shines with authentic humor and understanding, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson and illustrator Shinji Fujioka.

Will summer break be a drag or a blast for meticulous Shermy when rambunctious Shake moves in next door? From Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson comes a bighearted chapter book about two boys’ friendship. When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy’s plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That’s because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home? Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson teams up with debut illustrator Shinji Fujioka to create a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer—and to unexpected friendships.

Things at school have changed and at home Nanea''s brother is talking about enlisting in the military; Nanea is having trouble coping with all these changes and turns to hula dancing to help her feel better.

An American girl doll kit which includes: 1 paperback book of The Spirit of Aloha: Nanea, 1941, 1 Nanea American girl doll, 1 set of doll outfit, 1 laminated card of outfit item list, 1 American girl doll carrying case.

"Nanea wants to help! She may be the youngest in her family, but she knows she's grown-up enough to "dip her paddle in" and be useful. Before she can prove she's ready for responsibility , the unthinkable happens. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor--the naval base were her father works--and America is at war! Now Nanea must cope with missing friends and family members, rumors of additional attacks, and lonely nighttime blackouts. As the war wears on, Nanea faces difficult chores and choices. With the spirit of aloha--love, understanding, and compassion--Nanea helps others in ways she never imagined." --

From a Newbery Honor author, a "heartwarming, genuine story" of a girl''s who bonds with a rescued dog after her brother leaves to fight in World War II ( Booklist). Billie has lived with her great-aunt ever since her mom passed away and her dad left. Billie''s big brother, Leo, is about to leave, too, for the warfront. But first, she gets one more weekend with him at the ranch. Billie''s surprised when Leo brings home a fellow Marine from boot camp, Denny. She has so much to ask Leo—about losing her best friend and trying to find their father—but Denny, who is Navajo, or Diné, comes with something special: a gorgeous, but injured, stray dog. As Billie cares for the dog, whom they name Bear, she and Bear grow deeply attached to each other. Soon enough, it''s time for Leo and Denny, a Navajo Code Talker, to ship out. Billie does her part for the war effort, but she worries whether Leo and Denny will make it home, whether she''ll find a new friend, and if her father will ever come back. Can Bear help Billie—and Denny—find what''s most important? A powerful tale about unsung heroism on the WWII battlefield and the home front. "A story of loneliness, loss, friendship." — School Library Journal

Dive into Hawaiian history with Nanea in this three-book boxed set. You'll journey to Honolulu, where peaceful island life is upended with the attack on Pearl Harbor. You'll learn how hula can heal the spirit, and how Nanea wants more than anything to lend a helping hand to the soldiers. Then, travel back in time to meet Nanea in an exciting story that lets you choose what happens next

The plucky and adventurous Audacity Jones returns for a brand new adventure in New York City, by Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson. Audacity Jones and her best friend, Bimmy, are setting off from Miss Maisie''s School for Wayward Girls on an extraordinary adventure! In the glittering city of New York, the girls meet Harry Houdini, the world''s most famous magician, as he prepares a new spectacle: Houdini plans to make an elephant disappear from a crowded theater.But Audacity and Bimmy discover a nefarious plot that puts Houdini''s illusion in jeopardy. Who could be trying to sabotage the master magician? Audie will need all her smarts, the help of friends new and old, and even her best juggling skills to solve this mystery. Will she manage to save the show in time?Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson brings readers a magical romp of a mystery that will delight and thrill to the very last page.

Audacity Jones and her best friend, Bimmy, are on their way to New York City, with Cypher, who is now a detective in the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, and their assignment involves Harry Houdini and the illusion he is planning--and it will take all of Audie''s skills, and the help of her clever cat Min, to prevent the performance from being sabotaged.

Things at school have changed and at home Nanea's brother is talking about enlisting in the military; Nanea is having trouble coping with all these changes and turns to hula dancing to help her feel better.

"Nine-year-old Nanea may be the youngest in her family, but she still wants to "dip her paddle in" and be useful. She knows she's grown-up enough to help in her grandparents' market. But before she can prove that she's ready for more responsibility, the unthinkable happens: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, the naval base where her father works, and America is at war! With friends and family missing, and rumors of more attacks to come, Nanea worries will life ever be the same again?"--Page [4] of cover.

From a Newbery Honor author, a white boy and black girl bond in World War II Louisiana as they rescue a dog in this "practically perfect" historical novel ( Kirkus Reviews). With his dad serving in World War II in Europe, and his sister working at the Higgins Boat factory to support the war effort, Fish Elliot fights off loneliness. That is, when he''s not fending off his annoying neighbor, Olympia, who has a knack for messing up Fish''s inventions. But when his latest invention leads Fish to Liberty, a beautiful stray dog who needs a home, he and Olympia work together to rescue her. His growing friendship with Olympia, who is African American, is not the norm in 1940s New Orleans. But as they work together to save Liberty, he finds his perceptions of the world—of race and war, family and friendship—transformed. "Larson . . . creates an engaging story that is rich in historical details. She purposefully captures both the fear and the hope in a world torn by war as well as the simple love of a boy for his dog. Practically perfect." — Kirkus Reviews "A slice-of-life tale for historical fiction fans and animal lovers alike." — School Library Journal

An irrepressible orphan named Audacity Jones is headed on an adventure of historic proportions! The first book in a brand-new series from beloved Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson! Audacity Jones is an eleven-year-old orphan who aches for adventure, a challenge to break up the monotony of her life at Miss Maisie''s School for Wayward Girls. Life as a wayward girl isn''t so bad; Audie has the best of friends, a clever cat companion, and plenty of books to read. Still, she longs for some excitement, like the characters in the novels she so loves encounter.So when the mysterious Commodore Crutchfield visits the school and whisks Audie off to Washington, DC, she knows she''s in for the journey of a lifetime. But soon, it becomes clear that the Commodore has unsavory plans for Audie -- plans that involve the president of the United States and a sinister kidnapping plot. Before she knows it, Audie winds up in the White House kitchens, where she''s determined to stop the Commodore dead in his tracks. Can Audie save the day before it''s too late?

Perfect for storytime! This loveable Bitty Baby gift set includes the Princess Bitty Baby hardcover picture book about a little girl and her Bitty Baby who just can't wait for their bedtime story! Also includes a mini plush dragon just like the one from the story.

New from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII. Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they''ve lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

A little girl and her Bitty Baby doll go to a birthday party where the birthday girl is reluctant to share her gifts during playtimeNespecially her new kitten. Includes a "For Parents" section with tips on helping children learn to share. Full color.

Perfect for storytime This loveable Bitty Baby gift set includes the Bitty Baby Has a Tea Party hardcover picture book about a little girl and her Bitty Baby who discover that even best friends can like different things. Also includes a mini plush hedgehog just like the one from the story.

A collection of short stories from favorite authors, all about dogs and the kids who love them. Royalties will be donated to RedRover, an organization that helps animals in need! This collection is full of heartwarming and hilarious stories about the Pawley Rescue Center, where rescued dogs find their way into hearts and homes. You''ll meet Foxtrot, a feisty Pomeranian who can''t bear the thought of leaving her best friend. And Beatrice, whose bark is definitely worse than her bite. And then there''s Pumpkin, one of the 101 Chihuahuas who turn life at the center upside down. Whether drooling, dueling, or just fooling around, these captivating canines will show you why the dog is kid''s best friend! LUCKY DOG features sweet and silly stories about playful pups and the kids who love them by some of your favorite authors: Randi Barrow, Marlane Kennedy, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, Kirby Larson, C. Alexander London, Leslie Margolis, Jane B. Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens, Ellen Miles, Michael Northrop, Teddy Slater, Tui T. Sutherland, and Allan Woodrow.

Discover the world of Bitty Baby with this story and plush pack - she's a special new friend to help girls ages 3 - 5 shine bright! In the included picture book, when a little girl feels stage fright before a ballet recital, she tells her Bitty Baby doll a story about a bunny who overcomes her nerves to win a hopping contest - and discovers the secret to overcoming her own jitters. Includes a "For Parents" section that offers tips on supporting your young daughter's interests and talents. The adorable mini-plush bunny brings the story to life for your little one!

From a Newbery Honor author, a boy loans his dog to the US Army during World War II in this "incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice and bravery" ( Publishers Weekly). Hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country, even if it means giving up his beloved German shepherd, Duke. Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, Hobie decides to donate Duke to Dogs for Defense, an organization that urges Americans to "loan" their pets to the military to act as sentries, mine sniffers, and patrol dogs. Hobie immediately regrets his decision and tries everything he can to get Duke back, even jeopardizing his friendship with the new boy at school. But when his father is taken prisoner by the Germans, Hobie realizes he must let Duke go and reach deep within himself to be brave. Will Hobie ever see Duke, or his father, again? Will life ever be the same? "Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic." —Kirkus Reviews

Discover the world of Bitty Baby with this story and plush pack - she's a special new friend to help girls ages 3 - 5 shine bright! In the included picture book, a little girl and her Bitty Baby doll encounter a scary noise in Grammy and Grampa's basement. After an imaginary jungle adventure involving a gorilla, a boa, and an elephant, Bitty Baby and the little girl learn that friends can help you face your fears. Includes a "For Parents" section that offers insight and tips on traveling with your child. The adorable mini plush elephant brings the story to life for your little one!

Discover the world of Bitty Baby with this story and plush pack- she's a special new friend to help girls ages 3 - 5 shine bright! In the included picture book, a little girl wants to build a snowman with her brother, but he's too busy sledding. So instead, she tells her Bitty Baby doll a story about Bitty Baby and a polar bear and how they learn to play together. By the time her brother shows up, she no longer needs help, and he admires the snow caterpillar she has built! Includes a "For Parents" section that suggests ways to encourage positive play with other children. The adorable mini-plush polar bear brings the story to life for your little one!

After leaving Uncle Chester''s homestead claim, orphan Hattie Brooks throws a lasso around a new dream, even bigger than the Montana sky. She wants to be a reporter, knowing full well that a few pieces published in the Arlington News will not suffice. Real reporters must go to Grand Places, and do Grand Things, like Hattie''s hero Nellie Bly. Another girl might be stymied by this, but Hattie has faced down a hungry wolf and stood up to a mob of angry men. Nothing can squash her desire to write for a big city newspaper. A letter and love token from Uncle Chester''s old flame in San Francisco fuels that desire and Hattie jumps at the opportunity to get there by working as a seamstress for a traveling acting troupe. This could be her chance to solve the mystery of her "scoundrel" uncle and, in the process, help her learn more about herself. But Hattie must first tell Charlie that she will not join him in Seattle. Even though her heart approves of Charlie''s plan for their marriage, her mind fears that saying yes to him would be saying no to herself. Hattie holds her own in the big city, literally pitching her way to a byline, and a career that could be even bigger than Nellie Bly''s. But can making headlines compensate for the pain of betrayal and lost love? Hattie must dig deep to find her own true place in the world. Kirby Larson once again creates a lovingly written novel about the remarkable and resilient young orphan, Hattie Inez Brooks.

Discover the world of Bitty Baby - a special new friend to help girls ages 3 - 5 shine bright! These engaging tales are written by Newbery Honor winner Kirby Larson and illustrated by award-winning artist Sue Cornelison. In this story, a little girl and her Bitty Baby doll hear a scary noise in the basement when they visit Grammy and Grampa's new house. To calm her fears, the little girl tells Bitty Baby a story about overcoming fear with friendship where Bitty Baby goes on an imaginary adventure and meets a gorilla, a boa, and an elephant. Includes a "For Parents" section that offers insight and tips on traveling with young children.

Discover the world of Bitty Baby - a special new friend to help girls ages 3 - 5 shine bright In this story, a little girl and her Bitty Baby doll are all ready for bed and cant wait for a bedtime story. So the girl tells one of her own - about Princess Bitty Baby, a dragon, and an enchanted frog - and discovers the power of her own storytelling. Includes a "For Parents" section that provides tips to help make bedtime a happy experience for you and your little one.

I am Miss Kanagawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn''t all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their stories won''t be an unpleasant diversion. You will make the acquaintance of Bunny, bent on revenge; Lois, with her head in the clouds; Willie Mae, who not only awakened my heart, but broke it; and Lucy, a friend so dear, not even war could part us. I have put this tale to paper because from those 58 Friendship Dolls only 45 remain. I know that someone who chooses this book is capable of solving the mystery of the missing sisters. Perhaps that someone is you.

Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson brings us the first new Dear America diary in years, taking readers through the attack on Pearl Harbor, the start of World War II, and the Japanese incarceration.With this sweeping tale of life on the World War II homefront, Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson brings her incredible talent to the Dear America series. When Pearl Harbor is attacked, America is finally unable to ignore the wars raging in Europe and Asia any longer. And one girl''s entire life is about to change when everything she knows is turned on its head. After the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, where her brother, a navy sailor, is stationed, Piper Davis begins chronicling her compelling journey through one of history''s most tragic and unforgettable eras.