In 1963, when her flamboyant mother abandons the family to pursue her dream of becoming an actress, eleven-year-old Ellie Dingman takes charge of her younger siblings, while also trying to deal with her outcast status in school and frightening acts of prejudice toward the "misfits" that live on her street.

Karen is moving to Chicago for six months. Will she like it, or will she miss her home and friends too much?

Eleven-year-old Lou wishes she could turn back time to mend her friendship with Francie after a terrible fight, so when Lou befriends Cece she is eager to prove herself, but as she uncovers the truth about Cece's family, she grapples with what being a good friend means.

"Millie is a feisty border terrier who lives on the streets and has a keen sense for finding scraps of food, usually in the shadows or the cover of darkness. She protects herself with a shield of what is perceived by many as aggression--barking and snarling--when in reality, she is just plain scared. Turned over to animal control after a recent run-in with the dogcatcher, Millie is rescued by a special teacher who also rehabilitates and rehomes dogs....

Karen discovers that her cowboy friend has a big problem with his ranch. Can Karen help him before it is time to saddle up and head for home?

Will jealousy tear the witch twins apart? Aspiring witch Claire Bundkin has been Melody Malady's most devoted fan ever since the singing sensation was selling Sudsy Perfect Shampoo on TV. Since then, Melody's gotten her own show, her own recordings, and now her own movie - which is being shot on location in Claire's hometown, Philadelphia! When Claire gets a chance to meet Melody, she just about does a flip. And when Melody offers her a part in the...

Eight-year-old Kwame is eager to start Nkonyaa School and learn calabash magic, yet none of the teachers can figure out what kind of magic is in his calabash--but when one of Kwame's new friends is possessed by an evil magic his power is revealed.

Alice experiences the joys and embarrassments of seventh grade while advising her father and older brother on their love lives.

"This little pea is very, very hungry! So hungry it swallows a sprout, slurps up some soup, munches the bread, wolfs down the pie, and so much more. What will happen when it runs out of things to eat?  And just whose dinner did it steal, anyway?"--Book jacket.

Karen is very good at ice skating and is practicing for an ice show but she is getting sick of it.