Books with author SAUNDERS

When the Sleepover Friends go to the city for a weekend, they expect it to be pretty exciting. But Lauren gets a real surprise when she opens her suitcase . . . and finds a gigantic men’s undershirt! Poor Lauren—she picked up the wrong bag at the bus station!The bad luck isn’t over yet. Stephanie accidentally reads Kate’s secret journal, Patti gets trapped alone on a bus, and Stephanie’s city friend turns out to be a real snob. Plus, Lauren still doesn’t have her clothes back. Will the girls make it through their sleepover without everything going wrong?

A sweet, humorous picture book for all new brothers and sisters who are anticipating the arrival of a new sibling.When Archie notices his Mommy's tummy growing, he knows something strange is happening. Not only that: Mommy's office is suddenly completely pink! Mommy shows Archie a picture of his sister growing in her tummy, but Archie things it looks like an alien. Archie isn't sure that he wants a baby sister. He likes cars and trains and playing cowboys. He knows for sure that he doesn't like fluffy, frilly, and very pink things! But soon, a fluffy, frilly, and very pink bundle arrives at home. It's his new baby sister, Olive! Big brother Archie thinks she looks like a marshmallow, and he wonders if life will ever be the same again.

'Saunders is an astoundingly tuned voice - graceful, dark, authentic and funny - telling just the kind of stories we need to get us through these times' Thomas PynchonIn PASTORALIA elements of contemporary life are twisted, merged and amplified into a slightly skewed version of modern America. A couple live and work in a caveman theme-park, where speaking is an instantly punishable offence. A born loser attends a self-help seminar where he is encouraged to rid himself of all the people who are 'crapping in your oatmeal'. And a male exotic dancer and his family are terrorised by their decomposing aunt who visits them with a solemn message from beyond the grave. With an uncanny combination of deadpan naturalism and uproarious humour, George Saunders creates a world that is both indelibly original and yet hauntingly familiar ...

Lauren’s mother has gotten a job at an office, and suddenly Lauren’s on her own. At first the extra responsibility is fun—and having a bigger allowance and getting to stay up later helps. And it’s a blast having the Sleepover Friends visit.But then things get crazy. Lauren feels like she is always cleaning up after her friends when they visit. And they don’t even seem to notice or appreciate how nice she’s being.Is Lauren being too nice? Maybe it’s time for a new Lauren. Or maybe it’s just time for some new friends . . .

The Sleepover Friends are off to Crab Island for a weekend with Stephanie’s grandmother. There’s a festival going on, with all sorts of contests. But when the girls meet the Tyler twins—two bratty fifth-grade boys—they know they’ve got some serious competition. Then Kate, Lauren, and Stephanie begin to notice something strange. Every time they turn around, Patti is missing. Is she just trying to avoid the twins? Or is something else bothering her? The girls will have to find out if they want to win.

The Sleepover Friends are at a slumber party at Kate’s house when they hear about the Video Contest. A new rock group is filming in their town, and the girls have a chance to win the grand prize—a part in a real rock video! Stephanie’s convinced she’ll turn into a glamorous TV star. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get Michael Pastore to notice her! Then Stephanie blows an audition for the lead in the school play . . . and shy Patti gets the part. If Stephanie can’t act in a school play, how will she ever be a video star? She’s so furious she wants O-U-T of the Sleepover Friends.At a sleepover party, there’s only room for one star!

Lauren can’t believe her bad luck. First, her teacher, Mrs. Mead, announces that everyone’s expected to do a project for this year’s art fair—and Lauren is a total art klutz! Then, she finds out she’s got not one, not two, but three cavities!The rest of the Sleepover Friends try to help Lauren with her art project-and her dental problems. (They even agree to eat rice cakes and drink diet Dr Pepper instead of enjoying their usual sleepover treats!) But it isn’t until their new friend, Hope, comes to the rescue that Lauren discovers maybe she’s a better artist than she’d thought.

Ever since that day Patti had to stay after school, she’s been acting weird. She won’t do anything with her friends. But the excuses she gives aren’t the truth—because Kate, Stephanie, and Lauren have seen her somewhere else! And in the company of a cute older boy. But even a game of Truth or Dare doesn’t force Patti to tell her secret. What is Patti up to? Her Sleepover Friends are determined to find out, even if it means spying on her!

This is the worst news ever for the Sleepover Friends: Patty may be moving—to Alaska! What will happen to Kate, Lauren, and Stephanie if Patti’s not around to keep everyone happy? Kate and Stephanie will end up fighting, and Lauren might not be able to keep the old Sleepover Friends together. Well, one thing’s for sure: Their next Friday night sleepover will have to be extra special. Just in case it’s Patti’s last one—ever!

This action-packed, adventure from the author of The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop is a magically good time! Tom is in shock. He's just discovered that his dad is an escaped fairy on the run. And that he must trust his life to three dangerous fairy godmothers he's never met. Two of them are hardened criminals, and one falls out of the window when she tries to fly . . . Will their mad magic be enough to help Tom rescue his dad from the clutches of some killer fairies?Praise for Magicalamity ★ “[Children] will love this action-packed adventure, brimming with sly humor and clever asides….This book should fly off the shelves, with or without a magic carpet.”—SLJ, Starred Review “A quick, magical romp.”—The Bulletin “Saunders weaves a tight tale with a satisfying conclusion.” —Booklist

There’s a new video club at school, and Stephanie and Kate can’t wait to join . . . until Wendy Rodwin gets elected president. She doesn’t want any fifth-graders—especially the Sleepover Friends—in the club. Plus, the school only has one video camera, and Wendy’s sure to keep it to herself.Kate wants to quit the club. Why should they be members when they’ll never get to make videos? Stephanie, however, never gives up at anything—whether it’s a disaster in the kitchen or a snobby sixth-grader. Watch out, Wendy, Stephanie’s striking back!