Books with author Tom Johnston

Tony Johnston's THE BARN OWLS recalls in quiet tones the memory of a barn that has stood alone in a wheat field for one hundred years at least. The owls have nested there and have hunted in the fields and circled in the night skies as time slowly slipped by. Every night, as the moon rises, a barn owl awakens and flies out to hunt. Feathered against the endless starry night, he swoops and sails to the darkened wheat field below and catches a mouse in his nimble talons. With outstretched wings, this barn owl returns to his barn nest and his hungry family, repeating the ageless ritual his ancestors have practiced here, in this barn, for at least one hundred years. Following the life cycle of the barn owl, this gentle poem evokes a sense of warm sunshine and envelopes readers with the memory of the scent of a wheat field.

Living in the Bloggins School boiler room isn't glamorous, but that's life for Martha Snapdragon, daughter of the beleaguered janitor. Life only gets weirder when Martha realizes bizarre events are afoot at the school. There's the dastardly dealings of evil principal Dr. Klunk and school bully Rufus. There's the dozen dancing eggs and the misbehaving dragons, property of the mysterious science teacher. And then there's the strangest thing of all: a giant golden spoon that simply appears one day, stuck in the wall of the school bathroom. Although everyone tries, only Martha is able to extract the spoon from the wall--an act that leads her to a destiny far beyond her meager life in the boiler room. Tony Johnston's funny, magical story spoofs the legend of The Sword in the Stone—and conveys some poignant truths about teaching, leadership, and the responsibilities we have to one another.

Living in the Bloggins School boiler room isn't glamorous, but that's life for Martha Snapdragon, daughter of the beleaguered janitor. Life only gets weirder when Martha realizes bizarre events are afoot at the school. There's the dastardly dealings of evil principal Dr. Klunk and school bully Rufus. There's the dozen dancing eggs and the misbehaving dragons, property of the mysterious science teacher. And then there's the strangest thing of all: a giant golden spoon that simply appears one day, stuck in the wall of the school bathroom. Although everyone tries, only Martha is able to extract the spoon from the wall--an act that leads her to a destiny far beyond her meager life in the boiler room. Tony Johnston's funny, magical story spoofs the legend of The Sword in the Stone—and conveys some poignant truths about teaching, leadership, and the responsibilities we have to one another.

FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN WHITE AND BLACK in 1950s Tennessee. Tony Johnston draws on her own childhood memories to limn a portrait of a sensitive and compassionate boy fighting for a friendship his father forbids.David's daddy is determined that his son will grow up to be a doctor like himself. David studies the human bones, and secretly teaches them in turn to his black friend, Malcolm. In a rage, Dr. Church forbids Malcolm to ever enter their home--and threatens to kill him if he does. David tries to change his daddy's mind. but when Malcolm crosses the line, Dr. Church grabs his shotgun.

Reincarnation offers a second chance… but it comes with strings attached. On Jay's world coming of age is a big deal. That's when the recollections start. Recollections are powerful dreams filled with memories of the dreamer's previous life on Earth. They can lay the foundation of a successful second life, even change the world. Jay remembers everything of the woman he was on Earth. Ri Sun-Hui was a brilliant scientist, but she served a dictator's dark dreams. Hers was a life of misery with only a single joy—the precious daughter she would die for. Jay's memories are beyond disturbing. They threaten to destroy his new life. Can Jay escape who he was? If you ever wonder "what if?" you'll love this tale. Get it now. "A sparkling debut that leaves the reader's mental wheels turning." - Kirkus Reviews ★★★★★ "The writing is great, the plot wonderful and the characters mesmerizing. RE Johnston transports readers into interesting landscapes and worlds, and invites them to redefine life." - Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite "Adults will enjoy the thought provoking study in the socio-political environment while young adults will identify with the adolescent who enjoys video games, his friends, and his girlfriend. It has the depth of character and connection to family and young love that ground it in our reality today, while at the same time allowing your imagination to soar.” - Susan Stradiotto quoted in Hidden Gems' Best Young Adult Books We've Recently Reviewed

In this inspiring story, young Carlos learns that change effects everyone, even his uncle. Uncle Tomàs does not speak English and does not adjust well to his new life in Los Angeles. To him, English is "El Blah-blah," and he is frustrated and ashamed by his inability to communicate. He is always grouchy–like a thunderstorm about to break. But, Carlos is held spellbound by his stories about old Mexico and the tongue-twister gods. How can this brilliant man be afraid like Carlos was when he first went to school and couldn't speak English very well? In time, Carlos and Uncle Tomàs form a partnership–Carlos teaching Uncle Tomàs English and Uncle Tomàs teaching Carlos about his ancestorsUncle Rain Cloud is a heartwarming story of friendship and courage told in rich, poetic language and given dramatic spirit by Fabricio VandenBroeck's vivid, expressive illustrations. The colors and styles of the Aztec culture bring the ancient gods alive in the imaginations of the readers.