In post-WWII Russia, one boy dares to save an entire race of outlawed dogs -- the German shepherd!World War II has just ended when thirteen-year-old Mikhail finds a dying man and his German shepherd, Zasha, in the woods. It's dangerous -- some say traitorous -- to own a German dog after Germany attacked Russia, so Mikhail must keep Zasha a secret to keep her alive.But Mikhail's rival, Katia, is determined to find the dog she is sure he's hiding. At the same time, a soldier named Dimitri is breeding a new Russian dog at a nearby farm. So many dogs were lost in combat, to starvation, and in the slaughter of German dogs that the country is in dire need of every kind of dog.Dimitri, too, has suspicions of Zasha's existance, and would like nothing more than to add her to his breeding program. He'll have to compete with the armed dog thieves who are also on her trail.Mikhail's inspiring journey to save his best friend, the last German shepherd in Russia, forces him to face some of life's hardest lessons about war, hate, forgiveness, hope, love, and man's best friend.

A heroic and daring WWII story perfect for fans of Alan Gratz and Jennifer A. Nielsen! In 1941, the Germans began the long, bloody siege on Leningrad. During the chaos, twelve-year-old Ivan is sent to live with relatives when his mother's job is moved to the mountains. But it is a long and dangerous journey to get out of Leningrad. After settling into a new town it falls under Nazi occupation and Ivan is picked by Axel Recht, an especially heinous soldier, to come work for the Nazis. One of Ivan's more pleasant tasks is to train Alex's dogs. Yet Ivan is determined to use his position to undermine the Nazis and rescue the dogs. But Ivan underestimates Axel's attachment to Zasha and Thor, and soon finds himself being hunted by a ruthless soldier who will stop at nothing to get his dogs back. As World War II rages around them, Ivan must find a way to hide from Axel, protect Zasha and Thor, avoid the constant barrage of deadly bombings, and survive in the devastating conditions of a city cut off from the world.

Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick presents a gripping yet poignant novel about a 12-year-old boy and his dog who become trapped in New Orleans during the horrors of Hurricane Katrina. Zane Dupree is a charismatic 12-year-old boy of mixed race visiting a relative in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. Unexpectedly separated from all family, Zane and his dog experience the terror of Katrina's wind, rain, and horrific flooding. Facing death, they are rescued from an attic air vent by a kind, elderly musician and a scrappy young girl--both African American. The chaos that ensues as storm water drowns the city, shelter and food vanish, and police contribute to a dangerous, frightening atmosphere, creates a page-turning tale that completely engrosses the reader. Based on the facts of the worst hurricane disaster in U.S. history, Philbrick includes the lawlessness and lack of government support during the disaster as well as the generosity and courage of those who risked their lives and safety to help others. Here is an unforgettable novel of heroism in the face of truly challenging circumstances.

Learn all about Lay Lay -- the latest teen music sensation and Nickelodeon's newest star -- in this full-color photographic memoir! Alaya "Lay Lay" High is the latest teen influencer and role model to take over social media. She's a rapper, dancer, style icon, yoga lover, and gardener. In 2018, at only eleven years old, she was the youngest female rapper ever to be signed with Empire Records. Now, her fans include such followers as Cardi B, Le'Veon Bell, and North West -- and she's soon to have her own show on Nickelodeon! Lay Lay has already amazed the world with her style, enthusiasm, and positive lyrics. And now she'll amaze kids everywhere with her journey, from going viral after rapping in her dad's car to becoming a superstar, in this photographic memoir! Find out all about Lay Lay and her incredible success -- including her words of inspiration, never-before-heard stories about growing up with her dad and siblings in Atlanta, how she got into gardening and yoga, her goals for the future, and her tips on how you can become confident and learn how to slay, just like Lay Lay! With exclusive content and full-color photos on every page, this biographic scrapbook is a must-have for any Lay Lay fan!

World War II has just ended when thirteen-year-old Mikhail finds a dying man and his German shepherd, Zasha, in the woods. It's dangerous-some say traitorous-to own a German dog after Germany attacked Russia, so Mikhail must keep Zasha a secret to keep her alive. But Mikhail's rival, Katia, is determined to find the dog she is sure he's hiding. At the same time, a soldier named Dimitri is breeding a new Russian dog at a nearby farm. So many dogs were lost to starvation and in combat that the country is in dire need of every kind of dog. Dimitri, too, has suspicions of Zasha's existence, and would like nothing more than to add her to his breeding program. Mikhail's inspiring journey to save his best friend, the last German shepherd in Russia, forces him to face some of life's hardest lessons about war, hate, forgiveness, hope, love, and man's best friend.

Sometimes a dog isn't just a dog--sometimes he's the glue the holds a whole family together. Mr. Mosely is a special dog. Not just because he's so big (he's part Great Dane.) Not just because he's all white (with one black spot under his eye and a heart shaped splotch on his chest.) Not just because he's clumsy, or because of tricks (he only knows one, and it's not very good.) He's special because he seems to know exactly what everyone in Corey's family needs, even when they don't know themselves. This is the story of Mr. Mosely, from his puppyhood to the last time he curls up on the back porch. It's the story of how sometimes a dog isn't "just a dog". Sometimes he's the glue the holds a whole family together.

Support current educational initiatives with a ready-to-use tool that will help you with selection, motivation, and skill building relative to titles published within the last five years. New demands by Common Core and other national and state standards mean teachers and librarians need support in pairing high-interest content with skill building that speaks to those standards. This hands-on, research-based resource will help. Covering 100 titles, it guides you to topics, themes, values, and activities that meet national and state standards. The book's organization—by genres, topics, and themes—will enable librarians to serve customers with specific requests and help teachers build thematic units. Focusing on recent young adult fiction and nonfiction (2010–2014), the guide offers a succinct plot summary, links to popular themes and genres, indication of reading levels, and an engaging booktalk for each title. It also includes guidelines for further promoting each book and extending knowledge through discussion. The author, a former middle and high school teacher, demonstrates how you can foster close reading through paraphrasing, comparison, and response and explains how to strengthen critical thinking among teens. Lists of related titles and notes on gender appeal can be used for readers' advisory.