Fiction, Reading Recovery Level 10, F&P Level F, DRA2 Level 10, Theme Pets/Humor, Stage Early, Character Sammy

A boy describes some of the many feelings he has about his brother Sammy, who is autistic.

After Morgan’s backyard is flooded by the nearby river, her dog, Shire, finds a baby beaver that has been washed out of its den. Realizing that its parents aren’t coming back, Morgan must quickly learn to care for the beaver, which she names Sammy. Morgan’s parents warn her that he can’t stay with them forever. Will Morgan be able to find a safe home for Sammy? The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

This extraordinary book draws you into Caltha Crowe's "never quit" efforts to help Sammy, a challenging but charming third grader, gain control of his behavior so that he, and his classmates, can learn. Caltha takes readers into her classroom through rich stories, complemented with personal journal entries. Through her sympathetic eyes, we experience Sammy's defiance, angry outbursts, and baffling responses to stress. Caltha's wisdom and kindness turn this book into the one you'll urge on colleagues, and you'll come away with strategies and structures you can use to help the Sammy in your own classroom.

When the going gets tough, the tough . . . go fishing. The daily grind of working for a living starts to wear on Dallas cop Sammy Kidman, so he and wife Marni accept her parents' invitation to spend a week fishing with them and their pastor on Lake Texoma. But when a runaway hiding in their cabin draws the ire of the county sheriff, Sammy resorts to posing as a Hollywood documentary producer come to film the residents of Bastion, Oklahoma. Just when he thinks everything is under control, a member of his party falls seriously ill and he takes up a bedside vigil in the local hospital. But the sheriff's bent on petty revenge, so Sammy's back in the fray. Sammy: On Vacation is the fourth in a series starring the most sweetly obnoxious cop that was never on the Dallas police force. Previous books in the series are Sammy: Dallas Detective, Sammy: Women Troubles, and Sammy: Working for a Living-but new readers can comfortably jump into the series at any point. Robin Hardy is the author of the Streiker Saga, the Annals of Lystra, The Latter Annals of Lystra, and Padre. She is also the editor of W.W. Melton's classic devotional, Sifted But Saved. For photos, articles, guest features, and updates on new releases, see Robin's website at www.robinhardy.com.

Fiction, Reading Recovery Level 1, F&P Level A, DRA2 Level 1, Theme Pets/Humor, Stage Emergent, Character Sammy

Sammy, the best hound dog in the whole wide world, loves his girl and she loves him. When illness cuts Sammy's life short, the girl's family keeps his spirit alive by celebrating his love of chasing wind-blown bubbles, keeping loyal guard at night, and offering his velvety fur for endless pats and tummy scratches. Painter Jamie Wyeth's illustrations - infused with his realist style and lifelong fondness for dogs - radiate the joy and sadness of every tongue-licking, tail-wagging moment in this heartening and lovingly rendered story written by Barbara Walsh.