Books published by publisher Doodle and Peck Publishing

At almost fourteen, Myra shops in the fat girl department. No one, least of all her mother, will let her forget it. But Myra finally finds a friend who wants to spend time with her and doesn’t mind being seen with her.But is it for real? Or will her new friend be like all the other kids, and make fun of her for being fat? Why does she have to choose between friendship and doing what’s right?And who is really answering the notes Myra leaves at the statue she calls Stone Girl?Is the writer a friend or a foe?

Lisa Cox and Lori Hockema, both former educators, believe that students need to learn to enjoy the process of striving for a goal and not to be defeated by mistakes. The setting of this book is one full day in the life of Lorisa, the main character. The story takes the reader through her day at home and at school as she models for children a positive attitude, makes some mistakes, and experiences successes, too. Lorisa's mom demonstrates belief in her daughter by allowing her daughter to learn from her mistakes as noted when she says, "just clean it up." When Lorisa is at home, her younger brother can be found watching her carefully. Lorisa has the character traits of perseverance, kindness, assertiveness, and a positive mindset. She models how to keep a positive attitude through imperfections and mistakes as portrayed by her messy room, unorganized backpack, and always untied shoes. Lisa and Lori as authors, believe in the children who read this book. Are they there? Not yet. They'll get there you bet.

Ellen Zanderfrog found an old trumpet. “I’m going to Memphis to be in a blues band!” E.Z. travels down the river, meeting other musical characters along the way. One friend gives her an invitation to a talent show on Beale Street.Ready to sing the blues, E.Z. arrives in Memphis. But she discovers the talent show was last year.Will E.Z. give up and go home? Will she ever get to sing the blues?

Bored with their usual summer games, Kat and Tanya want to play with the neighborhood boys. The boys a real teepee in their backyard! But they refuse, saying it’s for Native American boys only. The girls resort to desperate measures and blackmail the boys into including them. But “Chief” Randy isn’t ready to surrender. He creates three initiation tests for the sisters to pass. Can the girls pull a few tricks from their sleeve and become tribe members in this boy versus girl war of the summer?

Jerome the Stone sees butterflies, bees, and birds flying above him. "What do they see?" he wonders. "I want to fly, too!" But no matter how hard he tries, Jerome doesn't move a bit. But Jerome suddenly sails through the air, high above patchwork fields, a train, and even an airplane.Did his wish come true? Can Jerome the Stone defy the law of gravity?Join Jerome on his impossible, improbable, incredible journey.

Since she was little, Tessa has believed in Andre. When she inherits her uncle's house, she goes back to Ama, Oklahoma, determined to solve the mystery of the man her uncle told her didn't exist. But once she gets to Ama, Tessa finds more than one mystery.How did her uncle really die?And what do you do when you find the tall, dark and handsome man of your dreams, one that even cooks and cleans?Too bad he's dead.

Herbie really wants a pet, but his mother says no. One day, wishing for “a puppy, a cat, anything,” Herbie sees an angry crowd running down the street. Herbie hides, but then sees who they are after--a big guy who looks very different. Herbie decides to take him home. On the way, Frank helps retrieve a kite, recharges a radio’s batteries and plays chase with Herbie’s friends. Herbie’s mother says Frank can’t stay.Will bumps and crashes, angry people with pointy things, and the Rhyming Bandit force Herbie’s friend back to the streets? Or will Herbie and Mom discover that looks can truly be deceiving?

Willa Grace is always listening. To animals, that is. The weatherman says the drought will continue. But Willa heard mice singing about the coming rain. So when she brings her toys inside to keep them from getting wet, Mama and Daddy are concerned and big brother, Kelvin, just thinks she’s “c-r-a-z-y”. Will they be right about Willa? Or will vindication be sweet for the little girl who believes she can hear mice sing?

April 1 starts off with a bang when Mila's mom and dad play pranks on her. Determined to be the giver of pranks and not the receiver, Mila tries to dream up a way to be the best "prankster" ever. But her friends seem to be way ahead of her. Mila's day gets worse and worse, prank after prank.Will Mila be able to play a successful prank on her friends? Or is she destined to always be the receiver and not the giver?