This stunning picture book, which features peek-through pages, engaging artwork, and gentle, lyrical text, celebrates every parent's wish for his or her child in the face of life's challenges. Every parent wishes for his or her child to be able to handle the challenges that life presents. Sometimes, our life experiences will not be smooth; there will be times when fierce winds blow, storms rage, and rain falls, making the situation feel hopeless. Through lyrical text and inviting illustrations, children are reminded that they are strong and smart and can figure out a solution to every tricky situation that they may face. Features peek-through pages throughout.

On a cold, snowy night, Haswell Magruder makes a decision that will have a profound effect on his own life as well as the lives of all those he loves. A wounded Confederate soldier appears at the family’s Virginia farm, and Haswell convinces his mother and sister to take the man in, despite the certain repercussions if the enemy Yankees were to catch them in such a “traitorous” act. Unfortunately, this is precisely what happens, setting off a horrific chain of events that leaves Haswell’s mother dead and the farmhouse burned to the ground. After leading his younger sister to safety with relatives, Haswell sets out on his journey in search of his older brother, a Confederate soldier. His quest is also a passage into manhood, as he experiences the last bloody days of the Civil War. Skillful storytelling, well-developed characters, and a fast-paced plot distinguish this compelling family story by an award-winning author.

Wind is invisible, but watchful students can see how air in motion be detected by movement around them. This simple book introduces the different intensities of the wind, from gentle breezes that make flags flutter to powerful tornadoes that can lift a house. As the book progresses, readers discover how wind intensities can be measured, and they indirectly become acquainted with the Beaufort Wind Scale used by meteorologists. Throughout the book, the text flows like poetry, moving young readers along as easily as the wind makes little boats sail across the water. How Does the Wind Blow? is part of the I Wonder Why book series, written to ignite the curiosity of children in grades K–6 while encouraging them to become avid readers. These books explore the marvels of geology, land forms, weather, environments, and other phenomena related to science and nature. Included in each volume is a Parent/Teacher Handbook with coordinating activities. The I Wonder Why series is written by an award-winning science educator and published by NSTA Kids, a division of NSTA Press.

Chicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2021 The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College STARRED REVIEW! "An artful blend of language, illustration, and science."—Kirkus Reviews starred review You can almost feel the wind in this explanation of the Beaufort scale, with science and rhythmic verse. The stages of the Beaufort wind scale, portrayed with precision and also with poetic free verse, style, and imagination. It will stretch readers' imaginations as we see the wind pick up from a kiss of air, to a gentle breeze that shivers the shifting grasses, to a roiling hurricane that makes tree roots shudder.

A rhymed tale describing the antics of a capricious wind. The wind blew, and blew, and blew! It blew so hard, it took everything with it: Mr. White’s umbrella, Priscilla’s balloon, the twins’ scarves, even the wig on the judge’s head. But just when the wind was about to carry everything out to sea, it changed its mind! With rhyming verse and colorful illustrations, Pat Hutchins takes us on a merry chase that is well worth the effort.

Life doesn't always go smoothly. Sometimes, the wind may blow, but remember: you can do hard things. This gorgeous picture book puts into words every parent's wish for their child as they face life's challenges. With peek-through pages and a gentle, lyrical text, this is a book to share and treasure.

This story of small-town life centers on 12-year-old Isadora Clay, and on Haskell Moore, the meanest boy in school.