Books with author Hilary McKay

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year 2002 A Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book 2002 A Junior Library Guild Selection Saffron Casson has discovered that she's adopted. The daughter of her mother's twin, Saffy was brought back by her Grandad from Siena, Italy, when her mom died in a car crash. At Grandad's death, he leaves something to Saffy: it is "her angel." How Saffy discovers what her angel is lies at the heart of this enchanting story. 630LFor ages 8-12. Available only in Juvenile 3 Series.

Miss Gilhoolie is one cool teacher. She wears diamonds in her hair, decorates the classroom in spangly colors, and actually manages to make school really interesting. But mad Mr. Bang Bang Jones, the horrible headmaster, is on a mission to get her sacked. The award-winning Hilary McKay has here created an extraordinary school filled with the kind of smart, feisty children you just wish had been your own best friends. As they fight to save their favorite teacher from the axe, Simon, Madeline, and Dougal bicker and banter like every other child, each dealing with their own problems yet at the same time letting their intelligence and wit sparkle and save the day.

Indigo's going back to school after a long bout of glandular fever. He's not looking forward to it, as he knows the bullies will be waiting for him. But he's determined to stand on his own two feet - so when Saffy and Sarah break up a fight in the boys' bathroom, he's furious. Until he meets Tom. Tom is over from the States for a term, staying with his gran while his family sort out their own problems back home. He loves music and joking and is unfazed by the bullies, slowly beginning to win the class round. He helps Indigo to challenge his fears, and in doing so is absorbed into the crazy Casson family and finds some answers of his own. Rose adores him and is determined to help him get the guitar he's been eyeing in the local music shop - but her attempts to help end in disaster, leaving only one way out: Daddy needs to come back from London to the home (and wife) he's been neglecting. Rose couldn't have an ulterior motive, could she?