FROM SARAH:

A lovely collection, especially good for older kids. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Newbery Medal winner Katherine Paterson and cut-paper artist Pamela Dalton give fans of all ages, even more, to be thankful for with Giving Thanks, a special book about gratitude. Katherine Paterson's meditations on what it means to be truly grateful and Pamela Dalton's exquisite cut-paper illustrations are paired with a collection of over 50 graces, poems, and praise songs from a wide range of cultures, religions, and voices. The unique collaboration between these two extraordinary artists flowers in this important and stunningly beautiful reflection on the act of giving thanks.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.

**Description from Amazon: This timeless Newbery Honor Book from bestselling author Katherine Paterson about a wisecracking, ornary, completely unforgettable young heroine. Now a feature film starring Kathy Bates, Glenn Close, and Octavia Spencer! Eleven-year-old Gilly has been stuck in more foster families than she can reme...

FROM SARAH:

I know this book is out of print, but if you stumble on *any* essays by Katherine Paterson, I have this advice for you: snatch it up! This is my very favorite collection of thoughts about reading and writing books for kids. You can hear my interview with Katherine Paterson on episode 81 of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

World-renowned, award-winning children's book author Katherine Paterson shares her insights into the wonder of a child's imagination in this stunning collection of more than a dozen critical essays on reading and writing for children. Originally published as two books: Gates of Excellence and The Spying Heart.

**Description from Amazon: A collection of essays relating to the author's experience as a writer of novels for children, and her ideas on children's literature in general.

FROM SARAH:

I was instantly swept away by this stunning retelling of "Mary's Song", drawing readers into the wonder and mystery of Christ's birth. Mothers will resonate deeply with Mary as she dotes on every inch of her beloved Baby, and every heart will be filled afresh with worship. Age Rec: 4 and up

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Poetic text by Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson and striking images by Lisa Aisato reveal the intimacy of that unforgettable night long ago, when the mother of Jesus was the first to welcome him into a world he would change forever.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Growing up on a tiny Chesapeake Bay island, angry Louise reveals how Caroline has robbed her of everything: her hopes for schooling, her friends, her mother, even her name. While everyone pampers Caroline, Wheeze (her sister's name for her) begins to learn the ways of the watermen and the secrets of the island, especially of old Captain Wallace, who has mysteriously returned after fifty years.

The war unexpectedly gives this independent girl a chance to fulfill her dream to work on the water alongside her father. But the dream does not satisfy the woman she is becoming. Alone and unsure, Louise begins to fight her way to a place for herself outside her sister's shadow. But in order to do that, she must first figure out who she is...

**Description from Amazon: Who is the man called Sabura, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor? And what is his connection with Yosida, the harsh and ill- tempered master of feudal Japan's most famous puppet theater? Young Jiro, an apprentice to Yosida, is determined to find out, even at risk to his own l...

**Description from Amazon: Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction They tell Jip he tumbled off the back of a wagon when he was small, and no one ever came back for him. He never had a reason to question this tale--but then a stranger shows up and begins asking about him around town. Who is this man, and could...

**Description from Amazon: In an engrossing historical novel, the Newbery Medal-winning author of Bridge to Terabithia follows a young Cuban teenager as she volunteers for Fidel Castro's national literacy campaign and travels into the impoverished countryside to teach others how to read.When thirteen-year-old Lora tells her p...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Angel Morgan needs help. Daddy is in jail, and Mama has abandoned her and her little brother, leaving them with their great-grandmother. Grandma is aged and poor, and doesn’t make any attempt to care for the children—that’s left up to Angel, even though she is not yet twelve. The only bright spot in Angel’s existence is the Star Man, a mysterious stranger who appears on clear nights and teaches her all about the stars and planets and constellations. “We’re made out of the same stuff as the stars,” he tells her.

FROM SARAH:

Read. this. book. The end.

😉 Ok fine, I'll give you more than that. Katherine Paterson's essays on what children's literature does for the humans soul are unparalleled. They make me want to drop everything and read, read, read. Read alone. Read with people I love. Read. There are various collections of these essays (with a lot of crossover), but they are all out of print and can be difficult to find, so just get your hands on whichever one you can.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With the same perception, wit, and generosity that characterize her fiction, a much-honored writer shares her ideas about writing for children, as well as her passion for reading, her spiritual faith, and her conviction that the imagination must be nourished.