Books with author Mary Casanova

Based on actual events from 1989 in International Falls, Minnesota, Riot tells the story of sixth-grader Bryan, whose family becomes stressed when nonunion labor “rats” are hired by the local paper mill, leaving his father, a union worker, angry and out of a job. Tension erupts into daily fights at school and nightly acts of vandalism with no solution in sight. Already torn between his parents’ opposing viewpoints on how to handle the escalating situation, Bryan’s growing feelings for the daughter of a nonunion worker only complicate matters.Bryan tries to understand the turmoil affecting his home and his town, but it is becomes harder and harder to separate his friends from his enemies. And when he witnesses a violent act that implicates his father, he must wrestle with family loyalty and telling the truth.

Dogs have gone missing! Fall is not Kito's favorite time of year -- too many strange smells and spooky sightings. All of it makes Kito nervous: Something bad is going to happen. At the fire hydrant his fears are confirmed. Missy and Muffin are missing! No one's seen them for days. They could have just wandered off, but Kito doesn't believe it. When four puppies also disappear, Kito is sure they've been dog-napped! Kito, Chester, and the rest of the Dog Watch team set out to find the dog-napper and rescue their friends -- before it's too late!

Violet has always imagined ruling a kingdom with sharp claws and velvet paws, so when she is adopted and goes to live with two dogs, she immediately takes over with a Meowww! Hisssss! and Spat! Poor George and Zippity try to befriend Violet, but they get nowhere. One afternoon, while her new family is out fishing, Violet is awakened by some stray dogs who chase poor Violet into a corner. Luckily, George and Zippity arrive home just in time to help.

Little Otter is ready for some action! Rustling leaves call to him. Sweet, spicy air beckons. The moon is as huge and golden as Owl’s eyes. So Little Otter sets off for some fun. But with wolves on the prowl, Little Otter’s adventures are a series of dizzying close calls. When he finally returns to his den, Little Otter’s family is all played out and ready for bed!

The day Dirk Yeller came to town, the wind curled its lip, cattle quit lowin’, and tumbleweeds stopped tumblin’ along. Townsfolk whispered. “He starts stampedes!” “He holds up trains!” “He’s trouble!” When Dirk Yeller scours the town for something to stop his itchin’ and twitchin’ and jumpin’ and rattlin’, no one seems able to help. But Sam, who’s been following Dirk all day—and who can sometimes be a little fidgety, too—knows the perfect solution . . . Energetic illustrations and lively language capture the Wild West in this perfect read aloud for book lovers of all ages.

Hai Li Bu is a good hunter, but not even he can find enough food for his village when the drought comes. The people grow thin and weak, the children rarely laugh -- but worst of all, they begin to argue and stop listening to one another. Out on a hunt one day, Hai Li Bu saves a small snake from the beak of a crane. He is surprised to learn that he has rescued the daughter of the Dragon King of the Sea. The Dragon King offers Hai Li Bu the reward of his choice. Hai Li Bu asks only to know the language of animals. Then he can be a better hunter for his village. His wish is granted with a provision: He must never reveal the secret of his gift to anyone. Hai Li Bu's people are saved from famine, but when he hears from the animals that a flood is coming that will destroy everything in his village, the people do not listen to him. "You ask us to leave our homes. How can we know what you say is true?" a village elder asks him. Now Hai Li Bu is faced with a terrible choice: to let the people of his village die in the flood or to reveal his secret, knowing the dire consequences for himself. Caldecott Medal and Honor-winner Ed Young's magnificent illustrations bring this poignant traditional folktale to life.

George was once a bouncy pup; now his pace is steady and slow. Still, he feels special. Then – “Ya-yippity, yappity, yeep-yeep-yeep!” – a stray dog bristling with energy lands on George’s doorstep and wiggles himself right into George’s family. Full of tricks, this new dog, Zippity, is a wonder! But when Zippity disappears, it’s George who proves that an old dog with a few tricks of his own can still be . . . SOME DOG! Expressive watercolors brimming with humor make this a perfect choice for dog lovers of any age, while any child who has felt his status usurped by a new sibling will cheer as George, a most unlikely hero, saves the day.