Books with author Michael Hale

*“An excellent read.”—School Library Journal, StarredIt's true: After 17-year-old Ben’s father announces he’s gay and the family splits apart, Ben does everything he can to tick him off: skip school, smoke pot, skateboard nonstop, get arrested. But he never thinks he’ll end up yanked out of his city life and plunked down into a small Montana town with his dad and Edward, the Boyfriend. As if it’s not bad enough living in a hick town with spiked hair, a skateboard habit, and two dads, he soon realizes something’s not quite right with Billy, the boy next door. He’s hiding a secret about his family, and Ben is determined to uncover it and set things right. In an authentic, unaffected, and mordantly funny voice, Michael Harmon tells the compelling story of an uprooted and uncomfortable teenaged guy trying to fix the lives around him—while figuring out his own.*“Tracking Ben’ transformation from rebellious city boy to hardworking cowboy, Harmon digs beneath the stereotypes. . . . Skillful, often witty insights into human nature.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred

With her martyr-doctor mother gone to save lives in some South American country, Poe Holly suddenly finds herself on the suburban doorstep of the father she never knew, who also happens to be a counselor at her new high school. She misses Los Angeles. She misses the guys in her punk band. Weirdly, she even misses the shouting matches she used to have with her mom.But Poe manages to find a few friends: Theo, the cute guy in the anarchy Tshirt, and Velveeta, her oddly likeable neighbor—and a born victim who’s the butt of every prank at Benders High. But when the pranks turn deadly at the hands of invincible football star Colby Morris, Poe knows she’s got to fix the system and take down the hero.With insightfulness, spot-on dialogue, and a swiftly paced plot, Michael Harmon tells the story of a displaced girl grappling with a truly dangerous bully.

Adventure, fantasy, romance ... a world full of toys and sweets ... and, of course, Christmas—these are the hallmarks of this timeless story, brought theatrically to life by one of America's favorite illustrators. It is the unforgettable dream of a peculiar Christmas gift—a nutcracker that leads a young girl into a magical realm, where she boldly helps save a boy living under an evil curse. This elegant retelling combines E. T. A. Hoffman's original version with beloved elements of the ballet in a readable picture book format.Michael Hague, celebrated for his lavish interpretations of classics, now makes this tale accessible to a new generation. From the sweeping drama of the battle scene to the magnificent illusions of rich, draped fabrics, every detail will be cherished.

Michael Hauge lends vivid and lavish illustrations to the ultimate collection of classic dragon lore, from Perseus and Andromeda, to St. George and the Dragon. Available for the first time in paperback! o Michael Hague, famous for his illustration of classic tales such as The Hobbit and Wind in the Willows, does what he does best with this vibrant, imaginative depiction of the dragon world. o This comprehensive collection contains re–tellings of Perseus and Andromeda, Sigurd and Fafnir, St. George and the Dragon, as well as writings by C. S. Lewis, Kenneth Grahame, J.R.R. Tolkien, and E. Nesbit. o This paperback has all of the beauty of the hardcover interior at a much more cost–friendly price point. o Publishers Weekly called The Book of Dragons "A deliciously old–fashioned storybook, delivering just the sort of fantasy Hague is best known for." Ages 8+

"Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground." For generations, children of all ages have enjoyed this playful action rhyme. Now bestselling artist Michael Hague brings Teddy to life in some of his most appealing pictures ever. With the help of step-by-step instructions, parents and children will enjoy turning out the light and saying good night! Full color.

"Save the Dancer" is the story of five high-school cheerleaders who are involved in a near-fatal automobile accident, while returning home from an evening basketball game. It's the story of each girl's remarkable recovery and their touching relationships with their families, their boyfriends, and the small-town that came together to support them, emotionally and spiritually. Based on a true-story of faith and love, this screen-play relates the touching testimony of small town residents who reacted to a single, jolting event, which leads them to rediscover a true sense of community.

It’s true: After 17-year-old Ben’s father announces he’s gay and the family splits apart, Ben does everything he can to tick him off: skip school, smoke pot, skateboard nonstop, get arrested. But he never thinks he’ll end up yanked out of his city life and plunked down into a small Montana town with his dad and Edward, The Boyfriend. As if it’s not painful enough living in a hick town with spiked hair, a skateboard habit, and two dads, he soon realizes something’s not quite right with Billy, the boy next door. He’s hiding a secret about his family, and Ben is determined to uncover it and set things right. In an authentic, unaffected, and mordantly funny voice, Michael Harmon tells the wrenching story of an uprooted and uncomfortable teenaged guy trying to fix the lives around him–while figuring out his own.

This pocket-size edition of The Nutcracker captures the magic of the original story with an array of enticing illustrations. In The Nutcracker, Michael Hague's show-stopping artwork brings the excitement of this festive holiday story to life. The timeless appeal of this classical Christmas tales in this visually stunning mini edition is a glorious tribute to the most magical night of the year.

From Kenneth Grahame's beloved classic comes a heart-warming tale of friendship, and homecoming. Since living with his good friend Rat, Mole has been away from his home, Mole End, for quite some time. But with the help of Rat's unwavering determination, Mole End is rediscovered and the empty place is transformed into a haven of warmth and contentment for Mole, Rat, and the cheerful field mice who come a-caroling. Michael Hague's wondrous, all-new paintings capture the tenderness and magic of this cherished story and its enduring holiday spirit.