Richard Peck è stato un romanziere americano, celebrato per i suoi contributi alla letteratura per giovani adulti moderna. La sua scrittura ha spesso esplorato temi dell'adolescenza, della famiglia e dei cambiamenti sociali, presentati con un orecchio attento per la voce e il carattere autentici. Peck ha catturato abilmente le complessità delle giovani vite, approfondendo le loro ricerche di identità e appartenenza. Il suo impatto duraturo sul genere YA continua a risuonare, ispirando i lettori con le sue narrazioni riflessive e coinvolgenti.
Siamo a Chicago, nel 1937. Il padre di Mary Alice ha perso il lavoro, il fratello è lontano in cerca di un occupazione e lei, a 15 anni, viene mandata per un anno da Nonna Dowdel. Ma Mary Alice non immagina nemmeno quanto può essere movimentata la vita accanto a quel donnone burbero e dal grilletto facile.
Carol Patterson is a sixteen-year-old girl beset with problems. She feels lonely and unpoular at school. Her quiet bookishness and shabby clothes make her something of an outcast. Her mother can barely support Carol and her sisters with her job as a hostess at a roadside restaurant. To make matters worse, Carol's older sister, Ellen, becomes pregnant and must come to a decision about the fate of her baby. Although overburdened with worry, Carol tries valiantly to help her sister and continue on her own road to maturity. Does she have the endurance to make it through these hard times?
One of the most adored characters in children's literature is the eccentric, forceful, bighearted Grandma Dowdel, star of the Newbery Award-winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor-winning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isn't over. It's now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel: a minister and his wife and kids. Soon Mrs. Dowdel will work her particular brand of charm on all of them, and they will quickly discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital.
A boy in Illinois remembers the homefront years of World War II, especially his two heroes--his brother in the Air Force and his father, who fought in the previous war.
The plot revolves around Josh Lewis and his best friend Aaron Zimmer, who have created a wish-granting computer. While it seems like a dream come true, the machine has unpredictable bugs, granting wishes from unexpected sources, including Aaron's mom's poodle. As chaos ensues, the situation escalates when a mysterious figure known as The Watcher begins to surveil their activities in cyberspace, leading to unforeseen challenges. This engaging tale blends humor and suspense, showcasing Richard Peck's storytelling prowess.
Blossom Culp, the rebellious outcast of Bluff City, unexpectedly discovers her claim of having second sight is real when she finds herself aboard the sinking Titanic. As she navigates this perilous situation, her unique ability to see the Unseen sets her apart, making her both a target and a potential savior. The story blends elements of adventure and supernatural intrigue, as Blossom must confront her newfound powers while facing the looming disaster.
A boy reminisces about spending summers with grandma in her small town
This collection showcases the complete works of Newbery Award-winning author Richard Peck, featuring both previously published short stories and two new additions. Spanning diverse genres such as comedy, tragedy, and historical fiction, it includes beloved tales like "Priscilla and the Wimps" and "Shotgun Cheatham's Last Night Above Ground." Accompanied by the author's insights and writing tips, this vibrant anthology promises to captivate readers and inspire aspiring writers alike.
Set in a folksy environment, this rousing comedy weaves together themes of cars and role models through its quirky characters. The narrative blends humor with poignant moments, creating a unique exploration of revelation and personal growth. With a backdrop of classic cars, the story promises both laughter and heartfelt insights, showcasing the author's signature style that resonates with readers.