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Esperanza believed her life would be wonderful forever. She would always live on her family's ranch in Mexico. She would always have fancy dresses and a beautiful home filled with servants. Papa and Abuelita would always be with her. Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers...

When the Depression strikes America, throwing millions out of work, Petey Williamson's family seems safe. Hadn't the boss promised Petey's father that he'd always have a job? But during the Depression, promises cannot always be kept, and Petey finds his family sliding rapidly into poverty. And when Petey's much-admired cousin Steve starts working as a union organizer in the battle to improve conditions for workers, poverty turns into tragedy. "Collier...

The girl who moves in across the street from Betsy is the same age. Soon they are good friends and everyone thinks of them as Betsy-Tacy.

When the massive metal tank filled with sticky brown molasses that rises up over her crowded North End neighborhood explodes, young Carmen must fight for her life, as a tsunami of molasses rushes through the streets.

"When Travis discovers an abandoned baby skunk, he can't help but bring it home and take care of it. Stinky, as Travis names him, settles in pretty well. But when Travis discovers Stinky's litter-mate, Winky, who is in need of some help, things get complicated around the Tate house"--Provided by publisher.

In the late 1800s, Marianne travels westward on the Orphan Train in hopes of being placed with a caring family.

In the 1980s, two teenage ballet dancers--one American, one Russian--spend an unforgettable night in New York City, forming a lasting friendship despite their cultural and political differences.

Grade 3-6-In 1962, after discussing heroes and martyrs in school, a fourth grader experiences heroism firsthand. Neighborly Mrs. Hall, an African American, invites Ginny, her sister, and their brother to her house for snacks and homework help because their mother is home resting with their new baby brother. While sipping cocoa, Donald, a kindergartner, asks Mrs. Hall, "If I drink a lot of this, will I turn brown like you?" She laughs and gently explains...

For eleven year-old Hugo Ballard, flying on the Hindenburg is a dream come true. Hugo, his parents, and his four-year-old sister Gertie, are making the thrilling four thousand mile journey across the Atlantic in a zeppelin as big as the Titanic. But as the zeppelin gets ready to land, a blast rocks the Hindenburg and fire consumes the ship. The entire disaster lasts a mere thirty-two seconds, but in those few seconds, Hugo finds himself separated...

Engaging images accompany information about Disney. The combination of high-interest subject matter and narrative text is intended for students in grades 3 through 8