Books with author Kathleen Adler

Orphan Tom has been sent to live in the Scottish Borders with an uncle and aunt he's never met. But a remote sheep farm in Scotland is a different world from his home in London. Tom is lonely and struggles to fit in with strange new people and their odd ways, until his uncle gives him a sheep dog puppy called Flash. Flash is loving, clever and brave and Tom is determined to make him the best sheepdog he can be -- perhaps even a champion! But when the day of the competition arrives Tom faces a difficult decision -- will he leave his new life, and Flash, behind? In this true classic by much-loved children's author Kathleen Fidler, a young boy discovers friendship, acceptance and a new home in the Scottish Borders through his love for his best friend, Flash. Adapted for the big screen in 1966, Flash the Sheepdog remains an unrivalled portrait of rural Scotland and is a story that has been loved by generations of children.

Tom Stokes is an orphan. His sister is going to America to get married―but where can he go? They remember an uncle and aunt they scarcely know living in the borders of Scotland. After the city bustle of London, Tom finds his uncle's farm barren and lonely. How can he adjust to such a life? Help comes in the form of a sheepdog puppy, and his loneliness is quickly forgotten as Tom realizes the dog is his to love and train―maybe to be a champion! And so begins his adventurous and challenging life on the hill farm with his new friend Elspeth and sheepdog Flash. Then his sister writes that Tom can come and live with her in America, and he is faced with the most difficult decision of his life... (Ages 6-9)

Farley & Breezy Farley and Breezy is the tale of two black-footed ferrets and their fruitless attempts to catch lunch. With this book, Kathy Adler has far exceeded the expectations for early-reader chapter-books. Pleasantly paced and entertaining, the writing and story are simple while avoiding the dull and trite. Gorgeous illustrations fill the pages, capturing the mood and energy of the characters. As if it needed anything more, the author included "Facts from Farley" (an informative piece on black-footed ferrets written in the main characters voice), "Farley's Questions" (some discussion prompts), and even "Color Me Farley" and "Color Me Breezy". Overall a very entertaining, high-quality book for beginning readers. If you enjoyed Farley and Breezy, don't miss Duck and Cover; The Continuing adventures of Farley and Breezy. In this second tale of the ferret siblings, Farley and Breezy baby-sit their cousin Seek, and receive a visit from the dreaded Aunt Moana. As in Farley and Breezy, the pleasant writing and beautiful illustrations are above and beyond the expected. The characters are very real (I'm sure we all have an Aunt Moana or a Breezy in our lives), and the story is highly entertaining. As in the first book, the extras are a nice touch. These include "Facts from Farley", "Farley's Questions", "Color Me Seek", "Color Me Skunk", and "Color Me Aunt Moana". - Island Books Review SM

Rebekah Yoder loves a good mystery—that is, until she becomes a part of one. Rebekah Yoder has always been curious . . . or nosy depending on whom you ask. When a Yankee stranger moves into the house next door, she’s fascinated. Who is this strange old man who never waves or smiles? When Bekah sees him digging holes in his back yard, she’s sure there is a case to be solved. Unfortunately, when her cousin blabs the story to the whole school, rumors fly. Is he hiding something? Treasure? Victims? And worst of all, annoying Caleb Mullet is now determined to solve the mystery with her. What they don’t realize is there’s not just secrecy lurking next door—there’s danger. Will Bekah take her curiosity too far? Readers will love journeying with Bekah Yoder as they learn the danger of gossip, the importance of prayer, and the real story of The Secrets Beneath.

In the Mysteries of Middlefield series, readers will be immersed into exciting mysteries and authentic Amish culture.With a twin brother and five younger brothers, Mary Beth Mullet's house is in constant chaos. Her parents don't seem to mind the noise, but she needs a break from all the pestering and babysitting. It's the summer before eighth grade, and Mary Beth plans to escape to her secret place as much as possible. The old barn in the neighboring field is dangerous, and her parents have forbidden her to go there, but she escapes to it as often as she can. Mary Beth soon discovers she is not alone in the barn. Someone is living there; someone who needs help. Can Mary Beth help the stranger without losing her secret place? And what if the barn is as dangerous as her parents say it is? Readers will identify with Mary Beth's struggles for peace and independence and be engrossed in the excitement and danger of A Summer Secret.

The Desperate Journey tells the story of the Highland Clearances as they affect one small family. The Murrays are forced to load their possessions onto a cart and travel across Scotland to Glasgow. Here the children have to work in a mill and live in overcrowded and dirty lodgings. The family are offered the chance to join an emigrant ship bound for Hudson Bay in Canada, and make a perilous journey into a new life in the Red River Colony. The spirit and resourcefulness of Davie and Kirsty shines through all their hardships as they witness the evictions and burning of the crofters' homes; endure the hardships of child labor in a Glasgow cotton mill; survive the Atlantic crossing on a disease-ridden ship; and witness bitter feuding among rival colonists. Kathleen Fidler’s skill at bringing characters to life has enthralled generations of readers and will no doubt do so for many more years to come.