Books with author Cynthia Lord

A moving new middle-grade novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES. When Lucy's family moves to an old house on a lake, Lucy tries to see her new home through her camera's lens, as her father has taught her -- he's a famous photographer, away on a shoot. Will her photos ever meet his high standards? When she discovers that he's judging a photo contest, Lucy decides to enter anonymously. She wants to find out if her eye for photography is really special -- or only good enough. As she seeks out subjects for her photos, Lucy gets to know Nate, the boy next door. But slowly the camera reveals what Nate doesn't want to see: his grandmother's memory is slipping away, and with it much of what he cherishes about his summers on the lake. This summer, Nate will learn about the power of art to show truth. And Lucy will learn how beauty can change lives . . . including her own.

There is a town that is similar to a few other small time places in the US. It's a countryside oasis for both its longterm citizens with roots spanning over generation after generation and urbanites transplanting quickly with their lifelong dreams of "country life" or raising backyard chickens. On the cusp of suburban development, different ideals, values, and experiences come into play.Meet the colorful townsfolk of Crescent as they face off amidst a global pandemic. A retired veteran squares off with a bear in his backyard. Two Mexican restaurants compete on the same street. A young woman from town is lost at sea. A man meditates with a gun in hand every day on his front porch. These are just a few neighbors residing in Crescent, VA .Laugh along to the idiosyncrasies of every day living, unusual circumstances, dreams, fitting in to a new place, and everyone having to get along despite their opposing beliefs.

An exquisite second novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES! TOUCH BLUE, sure as certain, will touch your heart. The state of Maine plans to shut down her island's schoolhouse, which would force Tess's family to move to the mainland--and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately, the islanders have a plan too: increase the numbers of students by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home. And Tess needs a plan of her own--and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess's wish come true or will her luck run out? Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord offers a warm-hearted, humorous, and thoughtful look at what it means to belong--and how lucky we feel when we do. Touch Blue, sure as certain, will touch your heart.

Rules, Cynthia Lord's Newbery and ALA Award-winning debut novel, is a tender look at the frustration, struggle, devotion, and hope experienced by families with autistic children. Catherine, a 12-year-old girl with big responsibilities, loves her autistic younger brother David and makes lists of rules she thinks will help him get by. But she often feels that her parents, focused on special care for David, forget that she exists, too. "... this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance."-School Library Journal