Bien que Frances O'Roark Dowell soit surtout connue pour ses romans primés, elle anime également le populaire podcast « Off-Kilter Quilt ». Dans celui-ci, elle discute de ses derniers projets de courtepointe avec des amis et d'autres passionnés de courtepointe dans le monde entier. Son œuvre littéraire est célébrée pour son style unique et ses récits captivants qui résonnent auprès des lecteurs. Elle crée des histoires convaincantes qui captivent le public par leur voix distinctive.
Set in the 1920s Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, the story explores the impact of a single mistake on a girl's life and opportunities. It celebrates the beauty of handwritten letters and the profound strength of friendship, highlighting the various ways one can remain true to oneself. The narrative weaves together themes of personal growth and connection against a rich historical backdrop.
Phineas L. MacGuire, determined to become the best scientist in fourth grade, sets his sights on attending Space Camp. To fund his dream, he takes on the job of walking Mrs. McClosky's yellow Lab, Lemon Drop. However, Mac quickly realizes that Lemon Drop is not just an ordinary dog, leading to unexpected adventures. The story combines humor and science, enhanced by engaging illustrations, as Mac navigates his quest to earn money and explore the wonders of science.
Sam the Man is back with not one, but TWO plans in this third hilarious chapter book in the Sam the Man series from Frances O’Roark Dowell. Sam Graham is a dragon fan and a big truck man. Monster trucks to be specific. And when the family minivan needs replacing, Sam has the perfect plan: get a family monster truck instead! But convincing Mom that a monster truck is the way to go may prove to be a little too difficult, even for Sam. So he comes up with plan number two: Turn the minivan into a monster minivan with a super-cool dragon painted on it! First, though, Sam has to convince his family why a monster minivan is the best choice—oh, and learn how to paint a dragon…
Exploring the lives of twenty diverse children, this novel masterfully weaves together their unique perspectives into a cohesive and vibrant narrative. The interplay of voices creates a dynamic exploration of childhood, showcasing the chaos and brilliance of their experiences. Each character contributes to a multifaceted story that captures the essence of growing up, making for an engaging and imaginative read.
A charming and quirky story about friendship and family, featuring Tobin, who navigates life with his eccentric grandmother, wild siblings, and an impossible father. His classmate Henry's passion for raising chickens leads to unexpected lessons for Tobin, who initially seeks solitude but finds his life transformed by these new connections.
Set in 1928 North Carolina, the story follows Dovey Coe, a determined 12-year-old girl who faces accusations of murder. As she navigates the challenges of her small town, Dovey gains a deeper understanding of those around her, particularly her deaf brother. This coming-of-age tale explores themes of family, perception, and resilience in the face of adversity.
The evolving friendship between Kate and Marilyn highlights the challenges of middle school as they navigate their diverging paths—Marilyn embracing cheerleading while Kate feels left behind. As they attempt to mend their relationship, they confront the realities of growing apart and the pressures of adolescence. This companion novel continues to explore themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of social dynamics on young girls.
In the final installment of the Secret Language of Girls trilogy, Marylin and Kate navigate the complexities of relationships as they discover that boys are as intricate as their friendships. As they face new challenges and emotional growth, the story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the evolving dynamics of their lives.
Told in a series of reports to his therapist, Hazard is resentful about being forced into counseling after being suspended from his school football team for unsportsmanlike conduct, angry that his father has served four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, angry that his father has lost a leg when an IED blew up--but as his therapy progresses he begins to process what has happened to him and his family, including his father's psychological trauma that has made him refuse to see his sons.
The story follows 12-year-old Jamie Dexter as she navigates her feelings of pride and concern when her brother TJ is deployed to Vietnam. Instead of traditional letters, TJ sends her undeveloped film rolls, which, once developed, expose the harsh realities of war. Through Jamie's perspective, the narrative explores themes of family, the impact of war on loved ones, and the stark contrast between the glorified image of military service and the grim truths captured in TJ's photographs.