Books with author Jean Van Leeuwen

"Basing her story on the published accounts of her true-life heroine, Mary Ellen Todd, Van Leeuwen describes a family's tumultuous journey along the Oregon Trail in 1852." --Publishers WeeklyWith only a guide book to show them the way, the Todd family sets out from their Arkansas home on a two thousand mile trek to claim unchartered Oregon Territory. Crossing rough terrain and encountering hostile people, the Todds show their true pioneering spirit. But as winter draws near, will the Todds have the strength to complete their journey? And if they make it, will Oregon fulfill their dreams?“This is a convincing picture of a pioneer journey that does a good job of showing the tremendous sacrifices people made to follow their dream of a better life.” –School Library Journal

After clearing enough forest to build a log cabin for their new home, Pa returns east to fetch the rest of the family, while young brothers Daniel and Will stay behind to watch the land. Pa had planned to return within six weeks . . . but something must have gone wrong. Now the boys must survive the winter with only a few supplies and their ability to invent and improvise. But are they alone in the woods? Jean Van Leeuwen?s engrossing novel of pioneer survival is based on a true incident.

More than anything, ten-year-old Weezie wants to please her momma. She babysits her spoiled half-sister, Ruth Ann, and little Jackson. She makes tea for Momma in Gramma Emmeline’s beautiful teapot. She even tries to cook dinner. But nothing turns out quite right. And Momma is never pleased. Hard times and a daddy who ran off before she was born seem to have stolen all of Momma’s love.If only Weezie could find her daddy, she’s sure her life would be happier. Tired of making up stories about a parent she knows nothing about, Weezie teams up with her bike-riding buddy, Calvin, and new friend, Louella, to find her mysterious father. Does he drive a truck? Sing country and western songs? Why, her real daddy might even be better than the made-up father she’s been telling lies about at school! Now, all she has to do is find him.Jean Van Leeuwen’s poignant, powerful novel introduces a feisty heroine whose brave search proves that even a life that’s missing important pieces can be chock full of things that matter.

More than anything, ten-year-old Weezie wants to please her momma. She babysits her spoiled half-sister, Ruth Ann, and little Jackson. She makes tea for Momma in Gramma Emmeline’s beautiful teapot. She even tries to cook dinner. But nothing turns out quite right. And Momma is never pleased. Hard times and a daddy who ran off before she was born seem to have stolen all of Momma’s love.If only Weezie could find her daddy, she’s sure her life would be happier. Tired of making up stories about a parent she knows nothing about, Weezie teams up with her bike-riding buddy, Calvin, and new friend, Louella, to find her mysterious father. Does he drive a truck? Sing country and western songs? Why, her real daddy might even be better than the made-up father she’s been telling lies about at school! Now, all she has to do is find him.Jean Van Leeuwen’s poignant, powerful novel introduces a feisty heroine whose brave search proves that even a life that’s missing important pieces can be chock full of things that matter.

A tough-guy mouse with BIG ideas . . .Merciless Marvin the Magnificent is not your average theater mouse. He’s a crime boss. Along with his mouse gang, Fats the Fuse and Raymond the Rat, he spends his days watching gangster movies in their theater home, and pulling the occasional heist involving popcorn machines and candy bars. But Marvin longs for the Big Time. He wants an adventure on the Outside, a place no mouse has ever returned from alive. Marvin hitches a ride out of the theater and discovers a cheese shop nearby. It’s the perfect target for his gang’s biggest heist yet. But can Marvin, Fats, and Raymond agree on the right plan? And what happens when the mice come face-to-face with the Enemy and his furry feline friend?

The exciting story in the "Hannah" trilogy of the Pioneer Daughters series by best-selling author Jean Van Leeuwen! It's 1779, and Hannah Perley strives to keep up with the highs and lows of her day-to-day life. Whether she;s helping Mother and Rebecca with the spring-cleaning, or healing an injured sheep with one of Granny Hannah's special recipes, she can't help thinking of her older brother Ben, who fights as a colonial soldier in the Revolutionary War that rages on. What will happen to Hannah and her family when that war advances sloser and closer to their hometown of fairfield, Connecicut?