Books with author Nancy Ruth Patterson

Ten-year-old Carrie O'Connor has lots of questions. Where does her mother, a famous New York children's writer, find ideas for her best-selling Michael Madigan series? Why does her father, a busy surgeon, sometimes spend more time curing people than caring for her? How would her life change if she landed a role in a play directed by a Broadway director? Carrie unwraps the answers in a Junior Library Guild selection called "a love song to the theatre...a love song to life." Selected for William Allen White and Mark Twain Master Lists.

Mischievous Robert Morris Reynolds can't even say his name right. His "r's" come out as "w's"-until a wise speech therapist promises him a special rock when he can pronounce the word "rock" properly. Robert's struggle to earn that rock leads him to become aware of other's feelings. "Characterizations are superb; even minor characters are portrayed with depth and roundness unusual in such a brief, accessible novel." The Horn Book "An amiable slice-of-life story. Economically told and often touching, this is a good portrait of a good- and brave- boy." The Bulletin of the Center of Children's Literature

Finding the courage to make amendsTen-year-old Carrie O’Connor wants to be an actress. After starring as a singing tooth in her class play at a New York City school, she convinces her parents to let her audition for a summer theater production in the mountains of North Carolina. And not just any production – it is a play based on a beloved children’s book written by her own mother! By virtue of a plucky audition (and not, she makes certain, her relation to the book’s author), Carrie is invited to join the cast. But as Michael Madigan’s Curtain Call wends its way toward opening night, Carrie makes a blunder so big it threatens to topple the whole production. Young readers will identify with this spunky young heroine as she finds a way to put things right – and makes some unexpected discoveries about her writer-mother’s past in the process.

Eight-year-old Ann Megan McCallie impulsively bids all of her hard-earned money for a worthless milkshake cup she sees at an auction. Her grandmother Nannie comforts her when other children tease her for buying junk. As Megan and Nannie secretly find the perfect use for Megans disappointing purchase, Megan begins to see beauty in people and things others often overlook. Notable Childrens Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies by National Council on Social Studies-Childrens Book Council-1990.

Ellie and her mother lost everything in the hurricane: their home, their family business, and, tragically, Ellie's dad. They get a chance at a new life when Ellie's mom gets a job apprenticing as a farrier and managing a horse farm in Virginia. Ellie has a scholarship to Twin Creeks Preparatory School, where her snobby classmates aren't friendly at all—until a rumor begins that Ellie is actually a princess! Suddenly Ellie is the school's most popular girl. But what will happen when the truth comes out?

Ellie and her mother lost everything in the hurricane: their home, their family business, and, tragically, Ellie's dad. They get a chance at a new life when Ellie's mom gets a job apprenticing as a farrier and managing a horse farm in Virginia. Ellie has a scholarship to Twin Creeks Preparatory School, where her snobby classmates aren't friendly at all--until a rumor begins that Ellie is actually a princess! Suddenly Ellie is the school's most popular girl. But what will happen when the truth comes out?

Finding the courage to make amendsTen-year-old Carrie O’Connor wants to be an actress. After starring as a singing tooth in her class play at a New York City school, she convinces her parents to let her audition for a summer theater production in the mountains of North Carolina. And not just any production – it is a play based on a beloved children’s book written by her own mother! By virtue of a plucky audition (and not, she makes certain, her relation to the book’s author), Carrie is invited to join the cast. But as Michael Madigan’s Curtain Call wends its way toward opening night, Carrie makes a blunder so big it threatens to topple the whole production. Young readers will identify with this spunky young heroine as she finds a way to put things right – and makes some unexpected discoveries about her writer-mother’s past in the process.

Case Callahan isn't a star swimmer like his sister, Quinn. He's not a champion horse trainer like his father, or a popular stage actor like his mother. Still, Case is determined to make his mark. But one effort after another – talent show, science fair, junior horse show – is a terrible failure. It isn't until Case comes upon a lost dog that he finds his path to success. The dog, whom Case names Noah, is certainly one of a kind – what other golden retriever can answer the telephone and put dishes in the dishwasher? Together Case and Noah seem destined to become a trophy-winning team. Noah, however, is so smart because he was trained to be a service dog, and when Case learns about his dog's past, he realizes there is more than one way to be a winner.With thoughtful black-and-white illustrations, this is the perfect story for any child who has struggled to discover his talents – and for any dog lover.