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?

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"The story gives children an invaluable message. No matter how young you are or what your situation is, there is always something you can do. One of the wonderful things about this book [is] the illustrations...,tactfully drawn in classic black and white...Walters’ writing style and choice of words make this book an excellent choice for beginning readers and also for reluctant readers...The suspense that the plot offers, as well as the message of empowerment, will ensure that children aren’t bored or disengaged...Sure to please any young reader as well as keep listening parents entertained. This book would be a wonderful addition to any children’s literature collection. It could be a very good choice for reluctant readers or for older children reading at a lower grade level."

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"A wonderful book that focuses on giving hope to those in need, whether they be human beings or animals that roam Earth...This short chapter book has easy to read text and is accompanied by illustrations that depict real life characters with rustic and rural appeal...Can be read by students who have a love for wildlife or by those who cherish and embrace the opportunity to make a difference for those that surround them. Within the classroom, teachers may find this book useful as a read aloud or a short novel study where concepts such as open and closed questions, personal connections and summarizing and visualizing can be strengthened and enhanced."

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"Morgan and her family, with their two dogs, are engaging, and their willingness to care for a small wild animal and make sure it has a safe future sets a good example for young readers. The story can also serve to introduce interactions with wild animals for children who live in larger urban centres and may not encounter wildlife regularly. Well-written, with a variety of vocabulary suited to the reading level."

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"Valuable information about [wildlife conservation] agencies is seamlessly woven into the story which flows smoothly. Characterization is good for such a short story and Sammy is adorable."

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"Young readers will be captivated with this adventure based on a true story. Not only does the book teach children what to do with a baby beaver that is found in one’s backyard, it also serves as a great introduction to animal shelters and wildlife conservation."

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The year is 1935 and Maggie Sullivan's world has fallen apart. Maggie has grown up in a close-knit mining community perched atop a mountain in British Columbia. But now her father has been killed in a mine explosion and she is being forced to leave the only home she has ever known. To make matters worse, she must also leave behind her best friend Lucky, the three-legged dog that was a special gift from Pa.

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"a fast moving book... [with a] spunky heroine... Recommended."

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"many threads can be teased from this book, including school bullies, courage, accepting people regardless of their looks"

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Reg and Keely and Burt and Shawna are back, and ready for new adventures from hunting for treasure to sledding together and building fearsome creatures in the snow.

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Reg and Keely are twins. Keely loves painting and bugs. Reg loves rocks. Keely sings crazy rhymes. Reg plays softball. Shawna and Burt are their friends. In this series of linked stories, the childrenís deep involvement with their daily activities never falters, from a bug walk, through incidents flying a kite and dividing labor at clean up time, to a chance to swim in the river on a hot summer's day.

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It's Ramadan, a time to focus on good deeds and to fast, and Badir and his brother, Anis, are out for a walk one evening while they wait for their iftar meal. In the park Badir sees a rat. A very, very large rat. He soon learns it’s actually a beaver, an animal that doesn't live in Tunisia, the country Badir and his family have emigrated from. It turns out that some of the neighbors who enjoy the park think this beaver is a bit of a pest, but Badir thinks it's wonderful and learns everything he can about the iconic Canadian animal. When a petition is started to remove the beaver, Badir, who knows firsthand how difficult it is to leave your home behind, rallies his classmates to save it. And with a little help from new friends, the kids learn that collaboration and faith can change the way we think about the world.

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When ten-year-old Journey Song hears that two pandas are being held in a warehouse in her neighborhood, she worries that they may be hungry, cold and lonely. Horrified to learn that the pandas, originally destined for a zoo in Washington, might be shipped back to China because of a diplomatic spat between China and the United States, Journey rallies her friends and neighbors on the poverty-stricken Eastside. Her infectious enthusiasm for all things panda is hard to resist, and soon she's getting assistance from every corner of her tight-knit neighborhood.

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"Pandas on the Eastside is undoubtedly one of the grooviest books I've read in ages...Prendergast has created a multicultural community of complex, authentic characters, just like the real people who lived and continue to live in the neighbourhood...Sweetness and humour infuse this book...Prendergast's book celebrates the emergence of a young activist, and the power in a group of people coming together to make a difference. I hope we get to read more about Journey in the future."

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"The spirited and likeable character Journey Song navigates a life filled with struggles in this novel set in 1970s Canada...Young readers who deal with tough challenges will identify with Journey Song. Recommended."

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"This book is heartfelt and hopeful, a gift to anyone of any age."

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"[B]eautifully portrayed characters, all seen compassionately but realistically through Journey's eyes...a book to inspire readers to be the change they want to see in the world."

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"Prendergast...demonstrates a formidable skill for writing an intricately plotted, character-filled middle-grade novel that confronts prejudice without preaching. Yet it's her rich setting that truly drives the story, providing the impetus for the action and, consequently, acceptance."

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"This excellent novel contains a variety of characters and...some historical background on the Vietnam war...The action is fast-paced and will hold the reader's attention...An excellent read-aloud, this novel should promote both lively discussion and further study. It is well written, appropriate for intermediate readers but should interest advanced readers as well. This book is highly recommended for both an elementary library and classroom collection."

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Meet Justine McKeen, the Queen of Green. She talks a little too much, bosses a little too much and tells the truth, just not all at once. She's trying to save the planet, one person at a time, and when she decides to get something done, it's a lot of fun.

In the fourth book of the Justine McKeen series, Justine finds a stray cat and her kittens living off food in the school Dumpster. Eager to reduce waste and save animals in need, Justine comes up with a plan. Can she convince grumpy Mr. Raymond, the cafeteria manager, to put her plan into action?

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"The initiative Justine displays in this story is endearing, and her efforts to help the environment are creative and ambitious. Justine McKeen, Eat Your Beets shows readers how a little consideration and small changes in day-to-day living can make a big impact...This story is told in short, easy to read chapters, and the full-page illustrations by Dave Whamond showcase some of the tale's scenes. The dialogue between Justine and her friends is often humorous, and readers will smile at her somewhat over the top antics. The book concludes with a section of facts about food waste around the globe and tips for kids who want to help prevent it...A fun glimpse into how kids can make a difference in their community and help the environment. "

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"Justine delights the heart of the primary chapter book reader with her charm, her common sense, and her ability to set an environmental plan in motion and enlist even the most unusual characters to help her in her quest. This thought-provoking, humourous story is a wonderful springboard for topical environmental discussions in the classroom."

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"This lively...read may pique interests in environmentalism."

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