Books with author Kristiana Gregory

*** NEW free study guide written by the author: www.kristianagregory.com ***KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A poignantly wholesome offering."BOOKLIST: "This book shows how talking about a great story can spark connections."When twelve-year old Bronte moves to a small California beach town, she tries to form a book club in order to make friends. It has a rocky start with jealousy, quarrels, and gossip. But as the girls discuss the historical novel "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell, they see parallels in their lives and that of the main character, Karana, the Chumash Indian who had lived alone on San Nicholas Island during the mid-1800s. As they reflect on, and quote from the story they begin to discover true friendship. And of course, a good dog is involved!

*** NEW free study guide written by the author: www.kristianagregory.com ***When a camper disappears from the dangerous lookout at Skull Cliff, the cousins wonder if it is the old town curse at work. Then the police discover a ransom note, and everyone is in search of a kidnaper. But Jeff, David, and Claire can't make the clues fit. Was the bossy boy from the city kidnapped, or did something even spookier take place on Skull Cliff?

It is the spring of 1865, and the end of the Civil War is near. As the nation is struggling to come to peace with itself, all Vanessa Clemens can think about is her birthday. She has been dreading it for weeks, for the day she turns fourteen she must leave the orphanage that has been her home for a decade. The headmaster has made arrangements for Nessa. Either she can become a servant or marry the pastor, an older dreary man. Those are her only options. Then, on her birthday morning, Nessa hears cries flooding the sleepy Missouri town: President Lincoln has been assassinated. This national tragedy spurs her to flee on the first stagecoach heading West, determined not to be a servant or unloved wife.This is #1 in the series.

*** NEW free study guide written by the author: www.kristianagregory.com ***A diary account of 14-year-old Susanna Fairchild's life in 1849, when her father succumbs to gold fever on the way to establish his medical practice in Oregon after losing his wife and money on their steamship journey from New York. Includes an historical note.Originally published with Scholastic's Dear America series, "Seeds of Hope" shares characters from "Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell, 1847."

When twelve-year-old Danny and six-year-old Judd lose their parents to pneumonia in 1878, they are sent to an orphanage in San Francisco. The headmaster wants to separate the brothers and send them to different families, but because they have only each other they escape. They make their way to the dangerous mining camp of Bodie, California in the High Sierras to be with their Uncle Hank. A tenderhearted croupier named Madame Mustache takes them under her wing, along with other orphans roaming the raucous town. When the boys find their Uncle Hank and learn he's involved with a Chinese woman, they realize life with him won't be what they had expected. Then Judd becomes sick, and Danny must decide if he's willing to set aside his prejudice to have a real family again. Historical fiction at its finest: short chapters & high adventure for reluctant readers. Great for classrooms studying California history; highly recommended by 4th grade teachers.

It is December 1865, and Nessa feels safe and at home in Prairie River. But when on a blustery night Reverend McDuff arrives unexpectedly at the Lockett's door, Nessa's hopes of leaving her past behind are shattered. Only Ivy and Mrs. Lockett know her secret - her reason for fleeing Independence. Now she fears the town will judge her and revoke her position as schoolteacher. Furthermore, her dear friend Albert had promised to warn her if the McDuff headed west, yet no word. Nessa's sense of self is shaken. In what promises to be a long and fierce winter, Nessa must be stronger than ever.This is #3 in the series.

Cabin Creek is a small town with a lot of big secrets. It’s the middle of the night when Jeff spots someone dumping a large bundle into the lake. It’s too dark to identify anyone — or anything. But the cousins immediately suspect foul play, and plunge right into the mystery. Before they know it, the kids of Cabin Creek are in too deep. Everyone is a suspect — and the cousins are all in danger!

*** NEW free study guide written by the author: www.kristianagregory.com ***A diary account of 14-year-old Susanna Fairchild's life in 1849, when her father succumbs to gold fever on the way to establish his medical practice in Oregon after losing his wife and money on their steamship journey from New York. Sequel to Dear America's "Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: the Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell, 1847." Grades 6-8.-- Includes historical note and e-links to Author Interview.