Books with author Gloria Houston

Bright Cameron has always been taught that freedom is a person's most precious right. After all, Papa came to America as a poor indentured worker from Scotland and he toiled for years until his friend Marcus, a slave, helped him to freedom. But for Bright, slavery has always been something she has only heard about. Then she discovers that Mama and Papa are hiding runaway slaves in a hidden compartment of Papa's wagon and boarding them in the barn. Soon Bright, too, becomes involved in her family's secret world. One night, when Papa falls ill, Bright discovers how dear freedom truly is--and what price it exacts from those who must struggle for it.

This coming of age novel is loved by all ages, particularly by young teens and elder readers, The universal struggle of child and parent involves scholarly, artistic eleven year old Littlejim's efforts to win the approval of his stern cold, disapproving semi-literate logger father, Bigjim, through his skill with words by winning an essay contest about "what it means to be an American" sponsored by The Kansas City Star. Set in World War I, in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the book has been praised for its accurate depiction of time, place, customs and language. A supporting theme is the contribution of immigrant groups and how all Americans come from "sommers else," in the words of a sawyer at Uncle Bob's sawmill, a statement which provides inspiration for Littlejim's essay..Listed as a Best Book for the Social Studies, and the International Reading Association's Teachers and Children's Choices Lists, the book is included in state social studies curricula and has been adapted as an award-winning three act musical included in his portfolio for the Richard Rogers and the Jonathan Larson Awards for Best New Musicals.

What does a boy have to do to earn his father’s respect? Littlejim Houston is the best student in his school and an excellent writer, admired by everyone in his small North Carolina mountain community—everyone except for his father, Bigjim, whose respect he desires most. Rugged and stern, Bigjim is never satisfied with his son’s work on the family farm and doesn’t approve of Littlejim’s love for writing and schoolwork. Littlejim hopes he can finally earn his father’s respect and understanding by winning a local writing contest and getting his essay published in the Kansas City Star, but first he must find inspiration on the assigned topic, “What it means to be an American.” With a vivid depiction of Appalachian mountain life in the early 1900s and a cast of lovingly portrayed characters, Littlejim explores the values and spirit of immigrant Americans through the unforgettable eyes of a boy seeking his father’s approval. Honors for Littlejim, the novel: xInternational Reading Association’s Teachers’ Choices List xChildren’s Book Council’s Best Books for the Social Studies List xTexas Bluebonnet List xFlorida State Sunshine Awards List xFocus novel for the National Endowment for Humanities regional Big Read & Middle School Little Read portion included on the NC DOE End of Grade Test, 4th & 6th grades xIncluded in social studies curricula for 4th grade nationally xAdaptations: Three act musical: NYC: Jason Rhyne, playwright/composer-- part of his portfolio which won the Johathan Larson ( Rent) Musical Award & the Richard Rogers (numerous musicals) Award Mesa, AZ: premiered by the Mesa Performing Arts Center other productions presented nationally.

Bright Cameron has always been taught that freedom is a person's most precious right. After all, Papa came to America as a poor indentured worker from Scotland and he toiled for years until his friend Marcus, a slave, helped him to freedom. But for Bright, slavery has always been something she has only heard about. Then she discovers that Mama and Papa are hiding runaway slaves in a hidden compartment of Papa's wagon and boarding them in the barn. Soon Bright, too, becomes involved in her family's secret world. One night, when Papa falls ill, Bright discovers how dear freedom truly is--and what price it exacts from those who must struggle for it.

Arizona was born in a log cabin her papa built. She grew into a tall girl who liked to sing, square-dance, and -- most of all -- read and dream of the faraway places she would visit one day.Arizona never did make it to those places. Instead she became a teacher, helping generations of children in the one-room schoolhouse which she herself had attended. Gloria Houston's Joyous recounting of her great-aunt Arizona's quiet yet meaningful life reminds us of the magical place a special teacher can hold in our hearts.

This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family. Ruthie and her mother wonder how they will fulfill their obligation of getting the perfect Christmas tree to the town for the holiday celebration, since Papa has left the Appalachian area to go to war.