Books published by publisher Harcourt Paperbacks 2008

Charro is the Mexican term for horseman, but for a Mexican a charro is much more than a cowboy. A skilled rider of horses and bulls and bucking broncos, an artist with a lariat, and a model of gentlemanly dress and behavior, the charro is also a living symbol of Mexico’s patriotic past. In the rodeo-like sport called la charrería, male charros and female charras, children and adults, show off their skill and daring. But more than that they are showing off their pride in their country--because to be a charro is to be a Mexican.

Brimming with colorful photographs and fascinating information, I Want to Be an Environmentalist offers an up close look at an exciting field. Join scientists as they care for an endangered manatee, study the ozone layer, and work to fight pollution. Delve into the history of environmentalism-and discover its future. A useful listing of resources suggests ways to help protect the earth starting right now!

Lincoln Mendoza remains loyal to his former school’s basketball team, even after he moves from the barrio to the suburbs and plays for his new school’s team. “This touchingly realistic story explores the divided loyalties of a Hispanic basketball player who has recently moved from a poor neighborhood to a more affluent one. . . . Soto masterfully conveys the Hispanic-American experience.”-Publishers Weekly

Moving through her days like a vapor, seventeen-year-old Willie Steinberg sees the world in shades of blue. Her father is away from home more than ever, and her mother drinks a lot. Even Willie's beloved music--Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin--holds no joy. Nothing seems to penetrate the dull feeling of malaise. Willie can't manage to shake off. Nothing, that is except Malachi Gelb. He has no manners, and homely is too mild a word to describe him. Malachi is everthing Willie despises--but he may be the only true friend she has.

He's zany! He's endearing! He's one-of-a-kind Johnny Mutton, the lovable sheep who thinks he's a boy. Now Johnny's back with more wacky and heartwarming comic adventures. Whether he's playing a game of hide-and-seek with an unexpected surprise, attemping a new world record, or failing "manners" classes, Johnny will tickle your funny bone--and leave you wondering just what he'll think of next.

When sixteen-year-old Mel lands a role in a summer production of Chekov's Three Sisters, she is immediately caught up in the exciting world of the theater. Mel forms close bonds with the cast and crew, especially Clare, the costume and set designer. And for a while it seems that Mel is having the most blissful time of her life. But she soon learns that the drama is not entirely confined to the stage: Clare's boyfriend, the director of the show, is romancing a conniving actress behind Clare's back, and Mel has her own love life to figure out--with Mike, a sweet. kind, and mysterious fellow actor. Despite setbacks in production and intrigue among the cast members, the show must go on. But after the final curtain call, will there be a happy ending?

As sixteen-year-old Hilary, a neo-Nazi, lies wounded in a Jewish hospital, she slips into a coma and begins to relive the harrowing memories of Chana-a Jewish girl whose family was brutalized in the wartime ghettos and Nazi death camps of Poland. At the same time, Hilary begins to come to terms with difficult memories of her own. When she wakes, she finally finds herself on the path to recovery from a lifetime of rage and resentment. “Chana’s story . . . is brilliantly rendered.”-Booklist