This book about a child's simple faith is one that children will long remember--and adults will love to share. When Wanda discovers a thornbush growing in the empty lot at the corner of Fillmore and Hudson, she's quite sure it's a rosebush all ready to bloom. So she clears away the trash, checks on it every day, and brings water from the butcher shop across the street. But no roses appear. Wanda's neighbors and friends are all doubtful, but when she invites them to a tea party in her "rose garden" one day in June, they're in for a big surprise.

Over the years, thousands of readers have immersed themselves in the world of Rose, an abandoned and abused child who stubbornly and defiantly became a caring and loving mother. In her honest and straightforward style, and in appreciation of those who have taken such an interest in her life, Rose continues her original storyrevealing events from the next two decades. Along with the discovery of some of the missing pieces of her childhood, Rose describes the frustration, hard work, and unexpected benefits found among the challenges of the social welfare system. This unique individual has made many of her readers reconsider their views of those in need, especially those we may consider undeserving of our help. In doing so, Roses Story proves to be a case that redefines what it means to help someone.

Annabelle Applegate will not stop tap-dancing no matter what the frustrated citizens of Fiddlers Creek do to make her quit.

A grandchild surprises a beloved grandmother with a night-blooming garden where she can work while she is ill. Includes facts and resources related to gardening.

Shunned at school because he sprouts flowers every full moon, Rink Bowagon makes a special pair of shoes for a classmate who is able to appreciate his unique abilities.

The everyday sights, sounds and smells of a colorful and bustling city come alive in this book - a child's view of Boston. Maryann Cocca-Leffler remembers frequent bus trips she took into the city as a girl with her mother and little sister. Together they shopped for delicious treats in the Italian North End - warm pizza and creamy cannoli - or stopped for ice cream sundaes at Bailey's after a day of bargain hunting at Filene's Basement. One of the best things about the trips was the bus driver, Bill. He started his route each day in their neighborhood and knew all the kids on the street. In this engaging Parents' Choice Award book, the author-artist conveys all the warmth and simple pleasure of childhood memories and the people and places that made them so special.

On her eighth birthday Jamaica receives paints which she uses to surprise her grandmother and to brighten the subway station where Grammy works.