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.

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.

There are all kinds of fearful night noises on the backwoods farm where Ellen lives, often by herself because her salesman father travels a lot. But more than anything, Ellen is terrified of their horse, Sleet, who had thrown her brother a year ago and killed him. Then a local boy is kidnapped, and to Ellen the woods are full of devils and demons. One morning she is awakened before dawn by a cry--is it a "night cry" or the cry of the kidnapped child? Does Ellen have the courage to venture out into the dark and find out?

The adventure begins when Marco and Polo, tired of their indoor life, escape into the outside world. They soon meet Carlotta, who introduces them to Texas Jake, the charismatic leader of the Club of Mysteries. Together, they embark on a journey filled with friendship and exploration, discovering the secrets of their new surroundings.

In a quest to prove their loyalty to their injured leader, Texas Jake, Marco and Polo embark on an adventurous mission to locate a medicinal plant. Their journey takes them into the perilous territory controlled by the notorious Steak Knife and his gang, presenting challenges that test their courage and resourcefulness. This tale combines elements of mystery and camaraderie as the feline duo faces danger in their pursuit of healing and loyalty.

The ups and downs of high school life continue in the second and third bind-ups in the Alice series. In It’s Not Like I Planned It This Way, Alice’s sophomore year is chock full of change, from a new living arrangement, to a possible new relationship, to the newfound freedom that comes with driving. And in Please Don’t Be True, the adventure of growing up continues in Alice’s junior year, when she and her friends deal with issues like a pregnancy scare and a heartbreaking good-bye. But no matter what changes, Alice is as relatable as ever.

Emily Wiggins, a timid orphan with only her turtle Rufus for company, faces a daunting journey after her unexpected loss. Tasked by her quirky neighbors to reach her Aunt Hilda, she encounters the formidable Miss Catchum, who aims to deliver her to the clutches of her cruel Uncle Victor. With the help of fellow traveler and fellow orphan Jackson, Emily must summon her inner strength and cleverness to evade her uncle's grasp and uncover the truth behind his intentions. Adventure and self-discovery await in this whimsical tale.

The summer before eighth grade, Alice tries to confront her fears, not the least of which is a fear of deep water.