NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER

A classic YA novel about a teenage girl searching for a sense of home and family that celebrates the true spirit of independence on the American frontier.

For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim.

Under the big sky, Hattie braves hard weather, hard times, a cantankerous cow, and her own hopeless hand at the cookstove. Her quest to make a home is championed by new neighbors Perilee Mueller, her German husband, and their children. For the first time in her life, Hattie feels part of a family, finding the strength to stand up against Traft Martin's schemes to buy her out and against increasing pressure to be a loyal American at a time when anything--or anyone--German is suspect. Despite daily trials, Hattie continues to work her uncle's claim until an unforeseen tragedy causes her to search her soul for the real meaning of home.

This young pioneer's story is lovingly stitched together from Kirby Larson's own family history and the sights, sounds, and scents of homesteading life.

Critically acclaimed, bestselling author and Newbery Honor-winner, Kirby Larson, and her daughter, debut author, Quinn Wyatt, pen this gorgeously moving and often funny story that explores what living with a chronic illness is like. Inspired by Quinn's own personal journey, Gut Reaction is full of heart and humor and highlights the importance of asking for help when it comes to mental and physical health alike.

Tess Medina is still dealing with the loss of her father when she starts at a new school. One way she is still able to feel close to him is by doing what she does best: baking. He taught her everything she knows. But when tasting her creations causes a deep stabbing pain in her abdomen, she tries to power through and be strong in the same way she powers through her emotional pain. She doesn't mind too much--she's okay with sharing her baked goods at school in the hopes of making new friends.

Lucky for Tess, her baking skills attract the right kind of attention, and she assembles a ragtag team to help her taste her new and classic creations in preparation for the Jubilee Flour Junior Baker West Coast competition. This is a chance to redeem herself and prove that she's a star baker. Above all, Tess is desperate to win first place and make her dad proud.

But leading up to the competition, Tess's pain gets worse and worse, and, soon, she finds that she's avoiding so many foods that she's barely eating. When the physical pain becomes too great, Tess will be forced to confront everything she has been trying so desperately to hide.

From Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson and her daughter, debut author Quinn Wyatt, comes a poignant, sometimes silly, and always moving story of coming to grips with grief and finding the sweet filling inside every treat.

Praise for Gut Reaction by Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt:

Gut Reaction is a poignant, triumphant tale about living with chronic illness, overcoming loss, and reaffirming joy and self-love. Tess is funny, relatable, brave, and an awesome baker! --Jewell Parker Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Boys.

A powerful story about living with a disease and not letting it define who you are.--Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Two Degrees.

Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt have cooked up a rich, warm story about Crohn's Disease, courage, and cookies. The voice is heartfelt and authentic, leavened with humor and, oh my frog, delicious desserts. Gut Reaction is a wonderful book about important things, and I recommend it highly.--Karen Cushman, author of the Newbery Award-winning The Midwife's Apprentice.

A multi-layered, straight-from-the-heart story written with a light, deft touch, Gut Reaction will inspire readers to pursue their creative passions. I loved this touching, sweet, and engaging book!--Barbara Dee, award-winning author of Unstuck.

Sweet and delicious! You will gobble up this book in one bite!--Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times bestselling author of The Fourteenth Goldfish.

Gut Reaction is a much-needed and important book for everyone: those suffering with Crohn's disease, their family and friends who want to help them, and for all the rest who need to understand. Written with the voice of authenticity by a mother/daughter team who know firsthand the effects of this painful and often embarrassing disease. Toss in a handful of lovable and diverse characters and an edge-of-your-seat cooking competition and Gut Reaction is a recipe for success.--Barbara O'Connor, author of How To Steal A Dog and WISH.

I would have finished Gut Reaction in one swoop--but I didn't want it to end. I especially loved the baking connection, but the story's honesty, the humor and the friendships added so many layers. If the topic seems serious--and it is, the way Tess struggles to accept her illness will resonate with readers. Tess Medina is an inspiration. Her story will be one you'll remember long after that last page is turned.--Augusta Scattergood, author of Glory Be and The Way To Stay In Destiny.

Great British Baking Show meets Guts by Raina Telgemeier. Entertaining and informative. Really put me inside the mind of a level-headed fourteen-year-old forced to deal with one awkward and humiliating situation after another.--Gennifer Choldenko, Newbery Honor author of Al Capone Does My Shirts, and coauthor of Dogtown with Katherine Applegate.

An understated slice-of-life story. . . . Earnestly told, low-conflict vignettes affirm the compassion and understanding that friendship can require to bloom. --Publishers Weekly

When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy's plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That's because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home? Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson teams up with debut illustrator Shinji Fujioka to create a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer--and to unexpected friendships.

From Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII. Now in paperback

Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they've lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

Will summer break be a drag or a blast for meticulous Shermy when rambunctious Shake moves in next door? From Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson comes a bighearted chapter book about two boys' friendship.

When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy's plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That's because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home? Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson teams up with debut illustrator Shinji Fujioka to create a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer--and to unexpected friendships.

Newbery Honor-winning author Kirby Larson delivers a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and courage, and the incredible contributions of Navajo Code Talkers during WWII.

Billie has lived with her great-aunt ever since her mom passed away and her dad left. Billie's big brother, Leo, is about to leave, too, for the warfront. But first, she gets one more weekend with him at the ranch.

Billie's surprised when Leo brings home a fellow Marine from boot camp, Denny. She has so much to ask Leo -- about losing her best friend and trying to find their father -- but Denny, who is Navajo, or Dine, comes with something special: a gorgeous, but injured, stray dog. As Billie cares for the dog, whom they name Bear, she and Bear grow deeply attached to each other.

Soon enough, it's time for Leo and Denny, a Navajo Code Talker, to ship out. Billie does her part for the war effort, but she worries whether Leo and Denny will make it home, whether she'll find a new friend, and if her father will ever come back. Can Bear help Billie -- and Denny -- find what's most important?

A powerful tale about unsung heroism on the WWII battlefield and the home front.

Shermy is excited to learn the new kid in school is none other than his pal Shake, but what if the other kids like Shake better? The two friends' story, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson, continues with heart and humor.

Being a second grader is even cooler than Shermy imagined. He loves reading new stories (and filling out charts about them!), helping his teacher get organized, and being a good classroom leader. So when the teacher asks Shermy to be a school buddy for the new kid, Shermy says, Sure! Imagine his surprise when the new kid turns out to be Shake--Shermy's summer friend from out of town. This is amazing news! Or is it? Meticulous Shermy and boisterous Shake couldn't be more different, and soon the other kids are all looking at Shake like he's a super rare Magic Monster card--and not looking at Shermy at all. Can Shermy and Shake stay buddies now that school is in session? A nuanced story about friendship that shines with authentic humor and understanding, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson and illustrator Shinji Fujioka.

Everything has changed since the war started. Nanea had hoped that going back to school would make life seem normal again. But it hasn't. There are still curfews and blackouts and constant reminders of war. Nanea's dear friend Donna had to leave Hawaii, and Nanea's big brother won't stop talking about joining the Army. She can't bear the thought of him far from home and in danger. In the swirl of changes, Nanea turns to hula. Dancing makes her feel better, and soon she learns how much it lifts the spirits of the soldiers, too. When a surprising hula partner boosts everyone's morale, Nanea gets a big idea.

Shermy and Shake: the two unlikeliest friends . . . or are they? Get a jump start on this fun series with a bind-up of the first two adventures.

The new kid next door, Shake, is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. It might take all summer for the two boys to figure out how to get along--right in time for Shake start at Shermy's school! Uh-oh. Will they manage to strike up a friendship--and if they do, can the friendship last? Enjoy two books in one from Newbery Honor-winning author Kirby Larson and illustrator Shinji Fujioka.

Contains the first two books in the Shermy and Shake series:

Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor
Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-New Kid

This modern classic from Newbery award winning author Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery is a remarkable true story of the devotion, friendship, and survival of two pets left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. A testament to the spirit that defined post-Katrina rescue missions, this beautiful picture book has been a favorite of young readers for fifteen years.

During Hurricane Katrina, evacuating New Orleans residents were forced to leave their pets behind. Bobbi the dog was initially chained to keep her safe, but after her owners failed to return, she had to break free. For months, Bobbi wandered the city's ravaged streets--dragging her chain behind her--followed by her feline companion, Bob Cat. After months of hunger and struggle, the Two Bobbies were finally rescued by a construction worker helping to rebuild the city. When he brought them to a shelter, volunteers made an amazing discovery about the devoted friends--Bob Cat was actually blind! He had survived the aftermath of the storm by following the sound Bobbi's chain made as she dragged it along the ground.

At the shelter, the two bob-tailed friends refused to be parted, even for a moment. Could rescue workers find the Bobbies' owners? Or could they find a new home that would take them together?

After leaving Uncle Chester's homestead claim, orphan Hattie Brooks throws a lasso around a new dream, even bigger than the Montana sky. She wants to be a reporter, knowing full well that a few pieces published in the Arlington News will not suffice. Real reporters must go to Grand Places, and do Grand Things, like Hattie's hero Nellie Bly. Another girl might be stymied by this, but Hattie has faced down a hungry wolf and stood up to a mob of angry men. Nothing can squash her desire to write for a big city newspaper. A letter and love token from Uncle Chester's old flame in San Francisco fuels that desire and Hattie jumps at the opportunity to get there by working as a seamstress for a traveling acting troupe. This could be her chance to solve the mystery of her scoundrel uncle and, in the process, help her learn more about herself. But Hattie must first tell Charlie that she will not join him in Seattle. Even though her heart approves of Charlie's plan for their marriage, her mind fears that saying yes to him would be saying no to herself. Hattie holds her own in the big city, literally pitching her way to a byline, and a career that could be even bigger than Nellie Bly's. But can making headlines compensate for the pain of betrayal and lost love? Hattie must dig deep to find her own true place in the world. Kirby Larson once again creates a lovingly written novel about the remarkable and resilient young orphan, Hattie Inez Brooks.

Shermy is excited to learn the new kid in school is none other than his pal Shake, but what if the other kids like Shake better? The two friends' story, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson, continues with heart and humor.

Being a second grader is even cooler than Shermy imagined. He loves reading new stories (and filling out charts about them!), helping his teacher get organized, and being a good classroom leader. So when the teacher asks Shermy to be a school buddy for the new kid, Shermy says, Sure! Imagine his surprise when the new kid turns out to be Shake--Shermy's summer friend from out of town. This is amazing news! Or is it? Meticulous Shermy and boisterous Shake couldn't be more different, and soon the other kids are all looking at Shake like he's a super rare Magic Monster card--and not looking at Shermy at all. Can Shermy and Shake stay buddies now that school is in session? A nuanced story about friendship that shines with authentic humor and understanding, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson and illustrator Shinji Fujioka.

Nanea Mitchell may be the youngest in her family, but she knows she's old enough to do grown-up things. Before she can prove she's ready for responsibility, the unthinkable happens. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor - the naval base where her father works - and America is at war Now Nanea must cope with missing friends and family member, rumors of additional attacks, and lonely nighttime blackouts. As the war wears on, Nanea faces difficult chores and choices. With the spirit of aloha - love, understanding and compassion - Nanea helps others in ways she never imagined.

I am Miss Kanagawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn't all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their stories won't be an unpleasant diversion. You will make the acquaintance of Bunny, bent on revenge; Lois, with her head in the clouds; Willie Mae, who not only awakened my heart, but broke it; and Lucy, a friend so dear, not even war could part us. I have put this tale to paper because from those 58 Friendship Dolls only 45 remain. I know that someone who chooses this book is capable of solving the mystery of the missing sisters. Perhaps that someone is you.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER

A classic YA novel about a teenage girl searching for a sense of home and family that celebrates the true spirit of independence on the American frontier.

For most of her life, sixteen-year-old Hattie Brooks has been shuttled from one distant relative to another. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she summons the courage to leave Iowa and move all by herself to Vida, Montana, to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim.

Under the big sky, Hattie braves hard weather, hard times, a cantankerous cow, and her own hopeless hand at the cookstove. Her quest to make a home is championed by new neighbors Perilee Mueller, her German husband, and their children. For the first time in her life, Hattie feels part of a family, finding the strength to stand up against Traft Martin's schemes to buy her out and against increasing pressure to be a loyal American at a time when anything--or anyone--German is suspect. Despite daily trials, Hattie continues to work her uncle's claim until an unforeseen tragedy causes her to search her soul for the real meaning of home.

This young pioneer's story is lovingly stitched together from Kirby Larson's own family history and the sights, sounds, and scents of homesteading life.

Alone in the world, teen-aged Hattie is driven to prove up on her uncle's homesteading claim.
For years, sixteen-year-old Hattie's been shuttled between relatives. Tired of being Hattie Here-and-There, she courageously leaves Iowa to prove up on her late uncle's homestead claim near Vida, Montana. With a stubborn stick-to-itiveness, Hattie faces frost, drought and blizzards. Despite many hardships, Hattie forges ahead, sharing her adventures with her friends--especially Charlie, fighting in France--through letters and articles for her hometown paper.
Her backbreaking quest for a home is lightened by her neighbors, the Muellers. But she feels threatened by pressure to be a Loyal American, forbidding friendships with folks of German descent. Despite everything, Hattie's determined to stay until a tragedy causes her to discover the true meaning of home.

From the Hardcover edition.