Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Knihy

When mean and angry Judd, who has never known kindness, takes to drinking and mistreats his dogs, Marty discovers how deep a hurt can go and how long it takes to heal.

The story continues with Marty facing new challenges as he navigates the complexities of dog ownership and responsibility. With Shiloh now his, Marty must protect him from Judd, the troubled original owner who poses a threat due to his reckless behavior. Themes of loyalty, courage, and the struggle to do what is right are central as Marty fights to keep Shiloh safe in a tense and unpredictable environment.

Eleven-year-old Marty Preston loves to spend time up in the hills behind his home near Friendly, West Virginia. Sometimes he takes his .22 rifle to see what he can shoot, like some cans lined up on a rail fence. Other times he goes up early in the morning just to sit and watch the fox and deer. But one summer Sunday, Marty comes across something different on the road just past the old Shiloh schoolhouses -- a young beagle -- and the trouble begins. What do you do when a dog you suspect is being mistreated runs away and comes to you? When it is someone else's dog? When the man who owns him has a gun? This is Marty's problem, and he finds it is one he has to face alone. When his solution gets too big for him to handle, things become more frightening still. Marty puts his courage on the line, and discovers in the process that it is not always easy to separate right from wrong. Sometimes, however, you do almost anything to save a dog.

Set during Alice's middle school years, this boxed set continues the beloved series, exploring her adventures and challenges as she navigates friendships, family dynamics, and the trials of growing up. The stories delve into relatable themes of self-discovery and resilience, capturing the essence of adolescence with humor and heart. Fans of Alice will enjoy her journey through the ups and downs of middle school life.

Includes a reading group guide for the Alice series.

Billie Tommie, a ten-year-old Seminole Indian, navigates life between his traditional heritage and modern society as he becomes the first in his family to attend school. Guided by his grandfather's teachings, Billie grapples with his identity and the choices he faces between two cultures.

The story follows Marty and his best friend Shiloh as they embark on a new adventure, confronting the challenges of keeping a dangerous secret. Through their journey, Marty discovers the destructive nature of hate and its ability to spread uncontrollably. Themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of honesty are central to their experiences, highlighting the impact of choices on their lives and relationships.

Often left alone on their five-acre Mississippi farm by her traveling-salesman father, Ellen learns, through a terrifying experience, to distinguish between real and false fears.

Alice embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting the challenges and lessons life has to offer. As she navigates her experiences, she uncovers valuable insights and personal growth, highlighting the importance of resilience and understanding in the face of life's complexities. This repackaged installment in a cherished series promises to engage readers with its relatable themes and character development.

Thirteen! It's finally happening. Alice McKinley is an actual, official teenager. But the problem is, she still sort of feels like a kid. Wasn't being a teenager supposed to feel different? Turning thirteen happens overnight, but the teenager stuff takes time—and a little more patience than Alice has at the moment! Still, being thirteen does have its advantages, she decides. Alice is allowed to do more exciting things, like take a trip to Chicago with her two best friends. And when she takes a good look at all the relationship problems her older brother has, she realizes that in-between can sometimes be the perfect place.