Robert Burleigh

Wendell Minor

In the icy waters of the Pacific, a massive humpback whale unexpectedly finds herself tangled in a net abandoned by fishermen. When a rescue boat and a convoy of divers arrive to help the struggling humpback, a realistic and moving encounter bridges the human and aquatic worlds.

Trapped!  A Whale's Rescue

Jim Averbeck

Nick Bertozzi

An intrepid boy teams up with Alfred Hitchcock himself in this rollicking mystery rife with action, adventure, intrigue, and all the flavor of film noir. After the mysterious death of his mother, eleven-year-old Jack Fair is whisked away to San Francisco’s swanky Fairmont Hotel by his wicked Aunt Edith. There, he seems doomed to a life of fetching chocolates for his aunt and her pet chinchilla. Until one night, when Aunt Edith disappears, and the only clue is a ransom note written…in chocolate? Suddenly, Jack finds himself all alone on a quest to discover who kidnapped Aunt Edith and what happened to his mother. Alone, that is, until he meets an unlikely accomplice—Alfred Hitchcock himself! The two embark on a madcap journey full of hidden doorways, secret societies, cryptic clues, sinister villains, and cinematic flair. Including an author’s note about the real Hitchcock and an appendix of film references, this “fine read” is a “love letter to all that Hitchcock stood for” (Kirkus Reviews).

A Hitch at the Fairmont

Annette Bay Pimentel

Rich Lo

The true story of a Chinese American mountain man who fed thirty people for ten days in the wilderness–and helped inspire the creation of the National Park Service. Tie Sing was born in the mountains. The mountains were in his blood. But because he was of Chinese descent at a time in America when to be Chinese meant working in restaurants or laundries, Tie Sing’s prospects were limited. But he had bigger plans. He began cooking for mapmakers and soon built a reputation as the best trail cook in California. When millionaire Stephen Mather began his quest to create a national park service in 1915, he invited a group of influential men–writers, tycoons, members of Congress, and even a movie star–to go camping in the Sierras. Tie Sing was hired to cook. Tie Sing planned diligently. He understood the importance of this trip. But when disaster struck–twice!–and Tie Sing’s supplies were lost, it was his creative spirit and quick mind that saved the day. His sumptuous menus had to be struck and Tie Sing had to start over in order to feed the thirty people in the group for ten whole days. His skills were tested and Tie Sing rose to the challenge. On the last night, he fed not just the campers’ bodies, but also their minds, reminding them to remember and protect the mountains. 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, created by Congress on August 25, 1916. Today, you can hike to Sing Peak, named for Tie Sing, in Yosemite National Park.

Mountain Chef: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed His Plans, and Helped Cook Up the National Park Service

Wendelin Van Draanen

Brian Biggs

While on her first hiking and camping trip, thirteen-year-old Sammy tries to solve a mystery involving endangered condors while avoiding scorpions, ticks, and embarrassment.

Sammy Keyes and the Wild Things

Matt  Phelan

Susan Patron

Lucky, age 10, can’t wait another day. The meanness gland in her heart and the crevices full of questions in her brain make running away from Hard Pan, California (population 43), the rock-bottom only choice she has.
It’s all Brigitte’s fault for wanting to go back to France. Guardians are supposed to stay put and look after girls in their care! Instead, Lucky is sure that she’ll be abandoned to some orphanage in Los Angeles where her beloved dog, HMS Beagle, won’t be allowed. She’ll have to lose her friends: Miles, who lives on cookies, and Lincoln, future U.S. president (maybe) and member of the International Guild of Knot Tiers. Just as bad, she’ll have to give up eavesdropping on 12-step anonymous programs, where the interesting talk is all about Higher Powers. Lucky needs her own “higher power” - and quick.

But she hadn’t planned on a dust storm, or needing to lug the world’s heaviest survival-kit backpack into the desert.

The Higher Power of Lucky

Joanne Rocklin

neighborhoods

family

illness

When a mysterious man arrives one day on Orange Street, the children who live on the block try to find out who he is and why he’s there. Little do they know that his story–and the story of a very old orange tree–connects to each of their personal worries in ways they never could have imagined. From impressing friends to dealing with an expanding family to understanding a younger sibling’s illness, the characters’ story lines come together around that orange tree.  
Taking place over the course of a day and a half, Joanne Rocklin’s masterful novel deftly builds a story about family, community, and the importance of connection. In the end the fate of the tree (and of the kids who care for it) reminds us of the magic of the everyday and of the rich history all around us.

One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street

Amy Novesky

David Diaz

Like a tiny bird in a big city, Frida Kahlo feels lost and lonely when she arrives in San Francisco with her husband, the famous artist Diego Rivera. It is the first time she has left her home in Mexico. And Frida wants to be a painter too.  But as Frida begins to explore San Francisco on her own, she discovers more than the beauty, diversity, and exuberance of America. She finds the inspiration she needs to become one of the most celebrated artists of all time.  Me, Frida is an exhilarating true story that encourages children to believe in themselves so they can make their own dreams soar. Praise for Me, Frida”The writing is lucid, the emotions are universal, and the illustrations soar. Glowing with warm, vibrant colors, the charcoal and acrylic paintings create distinctive, statuesque people within imaginatively conceived landscapes, cityscapes, and interiors.” -Booklist

Me, Frida

Laurence Yep

Over the years the earth has moved many times under San Francisco. But it has been thirty-eight years since the last strong earthquake. People have forgotten how bad it can be. But soon they will remember. Based on actual events of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and told from the alternating perspectives of two young friends, the earth dragon awakes chronicles the thrilling story of the destruction of a city, and the heroes that emerge in its wake.

Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906

Adam Gamble

Good Night San Francisco highlights the San Francisco Bay, sea lions, Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Lombard Street, Stow Lake, Conservatory of Flowers, Cliff House, sandy beaches, Aquarium, Exploratorium, historic ships, fishing boats, Palace of Fine Arts, The Thinker statue, and more. What could be more exciting for young readers than touring the fascinating city of San Francisco? Children will be lulled into a peaceful night’s sleep while visiting the city’s famous landmarks and attractions. This book is part of the bestselling Good Night Our World series, which includes hundreds of titles exploring iconic locations and exciting, child-friendly themes. Many of North America’s most beloved regions are artfully celebrated in these board books designed to soothe children before bedtime while instilling an early appreciation for North America’s natural and cultural wonders. Each book stars a multicultural group of people visiting the featured area’s attractions as rhythmic language guides children through the passage of both a single day and the four seasons while saluting the iconic aspects of each place.

Good Night San Francisco

Ron Roy

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose tackle an out-of-this-world mystery–in the twelfth A to Z Mysteries Super Edition! Mystery takes off in 3. . . 2. . . 1! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are in Florida, visiting a space museum, Alice’s Space Shuttle. There, they get to check out cool NASA gear! But someone is sneaking around Alice’s house, and not because they want a tour. They want Alice’s property! Why? Only Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose can solve this Jupiter-size mystery! Help Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve mysteries from A to Z! From The Absent Author to The Zombie Zone, there’s a mystery for every letter of the alphabet, plus super editions with even more A to Z fun. And don’t miss Ron Roy’s series for younger readers, Calendar Mysteries!

Space Shuttle Scam

Soon to be an animated movie! Don’t miss this middle grade fantasy adventure about a boy, a magical tiger, an outlaw dragon, and a mischievous monkey who carry the fate of the world on their shoulders. From two-time Newbery Honor-winning author Laurence Yep (Dragonwings, Dragon’s Gate), now with an all-new cover and introduction!  Tom Lee’s life changes forever the day he meets a talking tiger named Mr. Hu and discovers that he has magical powers and great responsibilities that he never imagined. Despite his doubts and fears, Tom joins Mr. Hu’s ragtag band of creatures in their fight to keep an ancient talisman out of the hands of the worst possible enemy. This action-packed fantasy from two-time Newbery Honor-winning author Laurence Yep reveals a hidden world within our own where animals take human form, where friendship is the final weapon in the battle between good and evil, and where a young boy is responsible for saving the world he knows . . . and the one he is just discovering. This updated edition includes an all-new introduction by Laurence Yep!

The Tiger's Apprentice

“A powerful read.” –Ahmed Rashid, New York Times Bestselling author of Taliban “By the end of the book, young readers will be cheering for Fadi as a good friend.” –Mitali Perkins, author of Tiger Boy and You Bring the Distant Near “Senzai has brought a whole new world to life for young readers. It is a world they won’t soon forget.” –Reza Aslan, author of No God but God In the summer of 2001, twelve year old Fadi’s parents make the difficult decision to illegally leave Afghanistan and move the family to the United States. When their underground transport arrives at the rendezvous point, chaos ensues, and Fadi is left dragging his younger sister Mariam through the crush of people. But Mariam accidentally lets go of his hand and becomes lost in the crowd, just as Fadi is snatched up into the truck. With Taliban soldiers closing in, the truck speeds away, leaving Mariam behind.  Adjusting to life in the United States isn’t easy for Fadi’s family and as the events of September 11th unfold the prospects of locating Mariam in a war torn Afghanistan seem slim. When a photography competition with a grand prize trip to India is announced, Fadi sees his chance to return to Afghanistan and find his sister. But can one photo really bring Mariam home?  Based in part on the Ms. Senzai’s husband’s own experience fleeing his home in Soviet controlled Afghanistan in the 1970s, Shooting Kabul is a powerful story of hope, love, and perseverance.

Shooting Kabul

John Steven Gurney 

Celebrate 20 years of A to Z Mysteries! No foolin’!  It’s the first of April in Green Lawn! Mr. Paskey, owner of the Book Nook, plays an April Fools’ Day prank on Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. They hatch a plan to get back at him, but then the bookstore is robbed–no joke! Can the kids track down the crook? Or will this April Fools’ be an April fail?  The alphabet may be over, but the mysteries continue in this ninth A to Z Mysteries Super Edition, featuring a 26-letter secret message hidden in the illustrations.

April Fools' Fiasco

Karen Cushman

In 1849 a twelve-year-old girl who calls herself Lucy is distraught when her mother moves the family from Massachusetts to a small California mining town. There Lucy helps run a boarding house and looks for comfort in books while trying to find a way to return home.

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

Thar she blows! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are on an Alaskan whale watching adventure. On their first day, they see a mother orca and her calf. But the next day, the baby orca is missing! The calf needs its mother’s milk. Can the kids solve this whale of a mystery?  The alphabet is over, but the mysteries continue in this seventh A to Z Mysteries Super Edition, featuring a 26-letter secret message hidden in the illustrations.

Operation Orca

It’s Valentine’s Day in Green Lawn! But Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose just aren’t feeling the love this year.   Valentine’s Day was so much more fun when they were little. Then they each start getting messages and clues from a secret admirer! Can the kids figure out who wants to be their Valentine?  The alphabet may be over, but the mysteries continue in this eighth A to Z Mysteries Super Edition, featuring a 26-letter secret message hidden in the illustrations.

Secret Admirer

In the tenth A to Z Mysteries Super Edition, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose have a sleepover . . . with a Spinosaurus! It’s sleepover night at a science museum in Boston. Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose can’t wait to settle their sleeping bags near the museum’s colossal fossil–a giant Spinosaurus skeleton–and tour the exhibits long after closing time. But after they fall asleep, they wake to a terrible crash! Is the dinosaur fossil damaged? Or is there another big problem at the science museum? Help Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve mysteries from A to Z! From The Absent Author to The Zombie Zone, there’s a mystery for every letter of the alphabet, plus ten super editions with even more A to Z fun. And don’t miss Ron Roy’s series for younger readers, Calendar Mysteries!

Colossal Fossil

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon–and a mystery–in the eleventh A to Z Mysteries Super Edition! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are visiting the Grand Canyon when they spot Parker Stone–a famous TV star. They can’t wait to get his autograph, but before they can, Parker is kidnapped! Only a few clues–and his pet parrot–are left behind. It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to find Parker–before it’s too late! Help Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve mysteries from A to Z! From The Absent Author to The Zombie Zone, there’s a mystery for every letter of the alphabet, plus super editions with even more A to Z fun. And don’t miss Ron Roy’s series for younger readers, Calendar Mysteries!

Grand Canyon Grab

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose catch a crypt criminal–in the thirteenth A to Z Mysteries Super Edition! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are headed to the Big Apple! They plan to spend time with Ruth Rose’s grandmother in Brooklyn. But their plans are foiled when a famous vase is stolen from the Greenwood Cemetery. And all evidence points to Ruth Rose’s grandmother as the culprit! Is she really a criminal? It’s up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to clear her name. Help Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve mysteries from A to Z! From The Absent Author to The Zombie Zone, there’s a mystery for every letter of the alphabet, plus super editions with even more A to Z fun. And don’t miss Ron Roy’s series for younger readers, Calendar Mysteries!

Crime in the Crypt

Carolyn Keene

Macky Pamintuan

The Clue Crew is seeing stars!    Look out – the Clue Crew is headed to Hollywood! Carson Drew’s client invited him to the set of a new movie – starring the most famous cat in Hollywood, Fluffington! The girls are thrilled when Mr. Drew asks them to come along. They get their first taste of a real movie set and are even cast as extras in the film. Plus they get to pet Fluffington as much as they want. But then Fluffington vanishes. When no one can find the famous feline, the Clue Crew springs into action – because a movie is not a movie without its star!

Lights, Camera . . . Cats!

Gary Soto

Susan Guevara

Chato can’t believe his luck. Not only is he the coolest low-riding cat in East L.A., but his brand-new neighbors are the plumpest, juciest, tastiest-looking family of mice to move into the barrio in a long time. So Chato and his best friend, Novio Boy, get out the pots and pans, the tortillas and the beans–everything you’d need for a welcoming feast, except for the main dish, and the guests of honor. Of course, in Chato’s mind they are one and the same thing. But the mice are bringing a surprise guest of their own, who may be more than a cool cat can swallow. Also available in Spanish as Chato y su cena.

Chato's Kitchen

Franklin W. Dixon

Atac Briefing for Agents Frank and Joe Hardy  Mission:   Investigate and determine the power behind a possibly dangerous Utopian community with potential plans for criminal activity within the oil industry.  Location:   Between the San Bernadino and San Jacinto Mountains, CA.  Potential Victims:   Undetermined. Could be thousands of innocents who use oil to generate electricity.  Suspects:   Arthur Stench, leader of the community. Other members could be involved.  This mission requires your immediate attention.  This message will be erased in five seconds.

Running on Fumes

ATAC BRIEFING FOR AGENTS FRANK AND JOE HARDY  MISSION:  Someone is suspected of trying to murder young rock star Madison vee. You must stop her killer before her killer stops her.  LOCATION:  Los Angeles, CA.  POTENTIAL VICTIMS:  Aside from Ms. Vee, any number of crew members, fans, and friends.  SUSPECTS:  Her agent, jealous relatives…Ms. Vee has no shortage of possible hidden enemies ready to pounce. Keep your ears to the ground.  THIS MISSION REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. THIS MESSAGE WILL BE ERASED IN FIVE SECONDS.

Top Ten Ways to Die

Catherine Ryan Hyde

The internationally bestselling book that inspired the Pay It Forward movement is now available in a middle grade edition. Pay It Forward is a moving, uplifting novel about Trevor McKinney, a twelve-year-old boy in a small California town who accepts his teacher’s challenge to earn extra credit by coming up with a plan to change the world. Trevor’s idea is simple: do a good deed for three people, and instead of asking them to return the favor, ask them to “pay it forward” to three others who need help. He envisions a vast movement of kindness and goodwill spreading across the world, and in this “quiet, steady masterpiece with an incandescent ending” (Kirkus Reviews), Trevor’s actions change his community forever. This middle grade edition of Pay It Forward is extensively revised, making it an appropriate and invaluable complement to lesson plans and an ideal pick for book clubs, classroom use, and summer reading. Includes an author’snote and curriculum guide.

Pay It Forward

Ruth Ames

Poison Apple Books: Thrilling. Bone-chilling. These books have bite! Ashlee Lambert, the queen bee from THIS TOTALLY BITES, has had a tough time ever since she became a full-fledged vampire. But now that she’s moving from New York City to sunny Los Angeles, she’s excited to make a fresh new start. But Ashlee never counted on a clique of popular mean girls or awful sunburns. Keeping her huge secret is suddenly harder than ever. And when something – or someone – starts attacking people at her school, Ashlee realizes she’s not the only vampire in town. It’s up to Ashlee to figure out who’s behind the attacks before her cover is blown forever!

Top 10 West Coast United States Books

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