Melissa A. Manwill

Step back in time to the winter of 1944 and experience the holiday season through the eyes of an ordinary girl living in an extraordinary time. The mighty battles of World War II might be happening an entire ocean away, but for Molly McIntire and her family, the war changes everything about their daily lives on the home front. Even with rationing, worries, and missing loved ones, Molly is determined to make this Christmas as special and bright as possible. As you read this engaging and heartwarming story, you will discover exactly what it was like to be a kid during one of the most important periods in American history. You will see how Molly and her family pull together, find creative ways to help the troops, and learn the true meaning of generosity. Perfect for readers who are ready to confidently tackle simple plots on their own, this adventure brings the past vividly to life. Join Molly as she proves that hope, kindness, and a little bit of holiday magic can shine through even the darkest of times!

Before she was a world-famous ballerina performing on the biggest stages, she was just an ordinary girl with an extraordinary dream. Misty Copeland made history when she became the first African American Female Principal Dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. But her journey to the top of the ballet world was not easy, and it certainly did not happen overnight. How did a young girl who started dancing much later than her peers rise to become a global icon? You will discover the incredible true story of Misty's early life, the tough challenges she faced, and the intense dedication it took to perfect her craft. She had to overcome doubts, break down barriers, and work harder than anyone else in the studio. This inspiring biography shows you exactly what it takes to leap over obstacles and achieve greatness. It is the perfect read for anyone who has big dreams, loves to dance, and wants to learn how one American girl changed history with her grace and strength.

The morning after a massive, violent storm, young Kirstie and her brother Angus are exploring the debris on a quiet Scottish beach when they stumble upon a massive, strange-looking egg. Curious, they drag the heavy object back home, completely unaware of what is growing inside. The very next day, the shell cracks open to reveal an incredibly bizarre creature. With the head of a horse, rough warty skin, four flippers, and the long, powerful tail of a crocodile, it is unlike anything they have ever seen. The children decide to keep the magical beast, naming him Crusoe and treating him like an ordinary family pet. But there is one massive problem: Crusoe simply will not stop growing. As he transforms from a bathtub-sized baby into a gigantic sea monster, keeping him hidden from the rest of the world becomes a hilarious and heartbreaking challenge. Discover the legendary, heartwarming origins of the Loch Ness Monster in this unforgettable tale of magic, loyalty, and letting go.