American Stories for Gutsy Girls

This historical novel about a Black orphan girl grappling for a solid place in Civil War–era New York City will inspire tweens to dream big, rise above society's limitations, and find their way by being a place for others to belong. Against her wishes, Florence finds herself at the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City, along with her younger sister, Eva. Believing her Mama will come back for her, Florence perseveres. She finds hope and purpose in newfound friends, in the words of female abolitionists and suffragists, in memories of her father's confidence in her, and in a sunflower patch in the back of the orphanage's garden. But when the Draft Riots occur, the orphanage is destroyed in a fire, leaving Florence to wonder if the dreams of a colored girl are even worth pursuing. Readers will appreciate Florence's honesty and struggle with doing the right thing as they cheer her on in discovering what she truly wants and in committing to following the challenging road to her dream. Part of the Own Voices historical series American Stories for Gutsy Girls, this dramatic, heartwarming novel from Kirstie Myvett . . . • Transports children into the past and gives them insight into the life of Northern Blacks during slavery with a compelling story full of mystery, mishaps, and meaning; • Encourages tweens to be a friend in every circumstance and to bring others with them as they succeed; • Shows children that no matter what expectations the world has for them, they can follow their own dreams; • Is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Kekla Magoon, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and Christopher Paul Curtis; and • Includes black-and-white illustrations. This historical novel about a Black orphan girl grappling for a solid place in Civil War–era New York City will inspire tweens to dream big, rise above society's limitations, and find their way by being a place for others to belong. As Florence grapples with orphanage life and escapes the 1863 Draft Riots, she discovers unknown courage inside her. This historical novel about a Black orphan girl grappling for a solid place in Civil War–era New York City will inspire tweens to dream big, rise above society's limitations, and find their way by being a place for others to belong. Against her wishes, Florence finds herself at the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City, along with her younger sister, Eva. Believing her Mama will come back for her, Florence perseveres. She finds hope and purpose in newfound friends, in the words of female abolitionists and suffragists, in memories of her father's confidence in her, and in a sunflower patch in the back of the orphanage's garden. But when the Draft Riots occur, the orphanage is destroyed in a fire, leaving Florence to wonder if the dreams of a colored girl are even worth pursuing. Readers will appreciate Florence's honesty and struggle with doing the right thing as they cheer her on in discovering what she truly wants and in committing to following the challenging road to her dream. Part of the Own Voices historical series American Stories for Gutsy Girls, this dramatic, heartwarming novel from Kirstie Myvett . . . • Transports children into the past and gives them insight into the life of Northern Blacks during slavery with a compelling story full of mystery, mishaps, and meaning; • Encourages tweens to be a friend in every circumstance and to bring others with them as they succeed; • Shows children that no matter what expectations the world has for them, they can follow their own dreams; • Is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Kekla Magoon, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and Christopher Paul Curtis; and • Includes black-and-white illustrations.

From Hispanic author Hailey Alcaraz, this historical tale of arson, sleuthing, and finding friendship in unlikely places is based on the real Hotel Adams fire of 1910. It's up to two Latina girls to turn their knack for being overlooked and underestimated into their greatest strength as they unravel a complex web of suspects, clues, and motives. Ruth and Luisa live very different lives within the dusty desert town of Phoenix. Ruth is the only child of a political official. She spends her days stuffed into scratchy dresses and smiling prettily in the ballrooms of the Hotel Adams. Luisa is a young housekeeper. She looks at the Persian rug and thinks, I also know what it feels like to be walked over, barely noticed, and covered in other people's dirt. The girls stumble into a partnership when they overhear a plan to set fire to the hotel, a political hot spot for the growing western town. As they race to figure out who is behind the plot--and how to stop them--they must not only overcome what other people expect from them but what they've grown to expect from themselves. Part of the Own Voices historical series American Stories for Gutsy Girls Five Days at the Hotel Adams ... • Transports children into the past with a compelling story full of secrets, subterfuge, and sisterhood; • Encourages tweens to look for friends in unexpected places; • Is perfect for fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Erin Entrada Kelly; and • Includes black-and-white illustrations. Enjoy this fast-paced adventure story in which two girls race against the clock to stop a crime as they learn that good always comes from trying your best--even if the outcome is the last thing you expected. From Hispanic author Hailey Alcaraz, this historical tale of arson, sleuthing, and finding friendship in unlikely places is based on the real Hotel Adams fire of 1910. It's up to two Latina girls to turn their knack for being overlooked and underestimated into their greatest strength as they unravel a complex web of suspects, clues, and motives. From Hispanic author Hailey Alcaraz, this historical tale of arson, sleuthing, and finding friendship in unlikely places is based on the real Hotel Adams fire of 1910. It's up to two Latina girls to turn their knack for being overlooked and underestimated into their greatest strength as they unravel a complex web of suspects, clues, and motives. Ruth and Luisa live very different lives within the dusty desert town of Phoenix. Ruth is the only child of a political official. She spends her days stuffed into scratchy dresses and smiling prettily in the ballrooms of the Hotel Adams. Luisa is a young housekeeper. She looks at the Persian rug and thinks, I also know what it feels like to be walked over, barely noticed, and covered in other people's dirt. The girls stumble into a partnership when they overhear a plan to set fire to the hotel, a political hot spot for the growing western town. As they race to figure out who is behind the plot--and how to stop them--they must not only overcome what other people expect from them but what they've grown to expect from themselves. Part of the Own Voices historical series American Stories for Gutsy Girls Five Days at the Hotel Adams ... • Transports children into the past with a compelling story full of secrets, subterfuge, and sisterhood; • Encourages tweens to look for friends in unexpected places; • Is perfect for fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Erin Entrada Kelly; and • Includes black-and-white illustrations. Enjoy this fast-paced adventure story in which two girls race against the clock to stop a crime as they learn that good always comes from trying your best--even if the outcome is the last thing you expected.