Books published by publisher HarcourtPaperbacks

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

When Vicki's father is laid off from his job, everything changes. Her family moves to a city apartment, and Vicki has to forge a new path at her urban school. Worst of all, one night her depressed father simply disappears. Vicki soon finds herself living a double life--fine on the outside, anything but fine on the inside--and that leads to a moral dilemma she's ultimately forced to confront.

For young Kay, growing up in middle class America during World War II is a confusing and sometimes painful experience. Her stepmother, Amazing Grace, is a selfish woman who takes her unhappiness out on those around her. And for a little girl so concerned with pleasing others and doing the honorable thing, life with Amazing Grace is nearly unbearable. But Kay is also a believer. She’s determined to “keep smiling through,” as the song says, knowing that one day she will do something extraordinary. “A bittersweet historical novel.”-Kirkus Reviews

This is the story of Cupid--the god responsible for heartache, sleepless nights, and all those silly love songs—finally getting his comeuppance. When the god of love falls in love himself, things are bound to get interesting. And when he crosses his mama, Venus, in the process . . . Well, things could get downright messy. The much-lauded author of Pharaoh's Daughter and When Dad Killed Mom brings his renowned storytelling skills to one of the world's most famous tales. In doing so he weaves a romantic, hilarious drama brought to life with a bold new voice that's loaded with sly wisdom. Julius Lester's retelling is sure to draw new readers to classic mythology while satisfying old fans as well.