Betsy R. Rosenthal – författare

One of 12 siblings growing up in depression-era Baltimore, Edith isn''t quite sure of who she is. Between working at her father’s diner, taking care of her younger siblings, and living in the shadow of her more mature sisters, Edith feels lost in a sea of siblings. When a kind teacher encourages Edith to be a teacher herself one day, Edith sees prospects for a future all her own. Full of joy, pain, humor, and sadness, this novel in verse is a wonderful look at the life of Edith Paul, the author''s mother, and is an enduring portrait (complete with family photos and an author''s note at the end) of one family''s pursuit of the American dream.

Have you ever heard of a prickle of porcupines? Or a tower of giraffes? What about a parcel of penguins?

This fun-filled romp through the animal kingdom introduces collective nouns for animals through wordplay. Clever rhymes and humorous illustrations bring these collective nouns to life in funny ways, making it easy to remember which terms and animals go together. A glossary in the back matter offers further explanation of words used as collective nouns, such as sleuth meaning "detective."

"This crash course in juxtaposition and imagination should be celebrated with a peal of bells. An inspiring addition to any poetry collection."—starred, School Library Journal

"Cleverness abounds in Rosenthal''s latest. . . .The tongue-in-cheek text never falters in its rhythm and rhyme. . . .The illustrations are a perfect match for the text''s wit. . . .Collective nouns have never been this much fun."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

Have you ever heard of a prickle of porcupines? Or a tower of giraffes? What about a parcel of penguins?This fun-filled romp through the animal kingdom introduces collective nouns for animals through wordplay. Clever rhymes and humorous illustrations bring these collective nouns to life in funny ways, making it easy to remember which terms and animals go together. A glossary in the back matter offers further explanation of words used as collective nouns, such as sleuth meaning "detective.""This crash course in juxtaposition and imagination should be celebrated with a peal of bells. An inspiring addition to any poetry collection."—starred, School Library Journal"Cleverness abounds in Rosenthal''s latest. . . .The tongue-in-cheek text never falters in its rhythm and rhyme. . . .The illustrations are a perfect match for the text''s wit. . . .Collective nouns have never been this much fun."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

Porcupine is going on a picnic! First he''s joined by Koala. Then Squirrel scampers down a nearby tree. Porcupine offers to share his clover. But Koala eats eucalyptus, and Squirrel loves acorns! What will they all eat? Luckily each animal has brought along the perfect food. Tortoise, Butterfly, Ostrich, and other animals join the fun. Everything is going well until Tiger shows up. Uh-oh! This sweet and slightly scary story is the perfect bite-sized introduction to herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores.

Porcupine is going on a picnic! First he''s joined by Koala. Then Squirrel scampers down a nearby tree. Porcupine offers to share his clover. But Koala eats eucalyptus, and Squirrel loves acorns! What will they all eat? Luckily each animal has brought along the perfect food. Tortoise, Butterfly, Ostrich, and other animals join the fun. Everything is going well until Tiger shows up. Uh-oh! This sweet and slightly scary story is the perfect bite-sized introduction to herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores.

It''s 1928 in Odessa, Texas, and eleven-year-old James is struggling to find his purpose in life and to uncover a family secret. With his father struck dead by lightning and his mother in jail, he is taken in by his grandparents. Treated as a pariah at school, James is taunted as being cursed by his family''s bad luck. But he finds a friend in Paul, a Russian immigrant, who is also treated as an outcast, and together, they battle the school bully. But James''s life is turned upside-down yet again when he uncovers a family secret involving his beloved grandmother. His discovery leads him to find the sense of purpose he''s been seeking.