Books in Dial Books for Young Readers series

The first poetry anthology for teens to address one of their foremost concerns-the body.Experienced anthologist and teacher Patrice Vecchione has put together an immensely powerful group of poems, all of which address a unifying theme of major interest to teens-the body. Drawing on poems both serious and silly and poets from Shakespeare to Lucille Clifton, The Body Eclectic looks at what our bodies are, what they are not, how we love them and taunt them, what they give us, and what they take away. A wonderful collection of poems on a hot topic for teens, and a perfect gift and companion in one of the most universal struggles of adolescence.

Beagles - Dog Books for Kids Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 Early History Chapter 2 Fascinating Features & Care Chapter 3 Amazing Beagle facts Conclusion A Family's best friend Author Bio Introduction “No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.” -Louis Sabin Beagles are beautiful small sized dogs and a member of the hound group. This group of dogs looks similar to the Foxhound, but the design is a bit different. For example, you will note, Beagles have shorter legs and softer ears. And they have a great sense of smell, which makes them efficient in scenting out their target. The word used to describe their hunting skills is “relentless,” which means they don’t give up easily! And this skill has served them well over the years. Beagles were used mainly for tracking purposes. They would track down animals like deer, rabbits, and other small sized game. And over the years this ability has expanded into other areas. For example, today Beagles are used to detect forbidden agricultural products and other foods, which are not allowed in various countries around the world. I can personally attest to this fact. When I traveled from London to New Jersey a few years ago, I forgot I had a banana in my bag. A cute little beagle let everyone know, including the officer, that I had forbidden fruit. And she sniffed out my sandwich too! The officers were none too pleased with me, but I couldn't be upset with such a beautiful little tattletale! For more than 2,500 years Beagle type dogs have existed, but in the 1800’s the modern breed we know was born. And now this beautiful dog has become one of the top ten dog breeds in the United States. However, this does not mean Beagles have forgotten their origins! When it comes to training, Beagles are not the easiest breed to train. Usually, they are so busy following some interesting scent that your commands are left in the dust. So, if you decide to have a Beagle as a pet, this part of their personality is something to think about. Beagles can also be wary of strangers. They are protective of their family and can be territorial. So, when strangers come around, don’t expect your Beagle to say hello! It will take a little time for your pet to warm up before they invite a stranger into the home. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule as with all dog breeds, but this is the standard behavior of a Beagle. Ultimately Beagles are loyal and faithful companions. Their loving nature and fun personality will endear them to the whole family, but especially children. Full of energy and excitement, Beagles are ready to have fun each and every day! This fun loving spirit makes them an ideal pet for a home with little ones. Although enigmatic on some occasions, Beagles are certainly recommended as a great household pet. Their highly enthusiastic spirit and intelligence are not only deserving of the title “man’s best friend” but also… “Best family friend!”

Originally a Junior Literary Guild selection, Bank Street College choice for Best Books for Children, and winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Best Western Juvenile BookIn 1888 Kansas City, Missouri, twelve-year-old Jocey Royal, who has a cleft lip, no longer goes to school. Jocey believes that she will never have a friend, that others will always chase and make fun of her, as they did at school before she quit.Since her mother died and her father became a drifter, Jocey has lived with her grandmother, a washerwoman. When she’s not helping Gram with laundry, she fills her lonely life with books and dreams. Mostly she dreams of Kansas and the farm her father abandoned there. On the farm, she could live in isolation—free from torment. Eventually she persuades Gram to go with her to Kansas.Life on the farm is not, however, what Jocey expected. Hard work was no surprise. But there are neighbors and traveling salesmen who cannot be avoided. Then there’s Gram, who seems determined to be sickly. Jocey wonders if she made a terrible mistake, until she discovers that any girl can have friends, if she will open herself to others. And maybe even her cleft lip can be helped.

Yorkshire Terriers - Dog Books for Kids Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 Early History Chapter 2 Fascinating Features & Care Chapter 3 Amazing Yorkie facts Conclusion A Great Companion Author Bio Introduction My little dog — a heartbeat at my feet. ~Edith Wharton Yorkshire terriers are beautiful little dogs weighing approximately 7 pounds. They are popular pets and great companions with a “big” personality, despite their size. They are also vivacious, intelligent, feisty and loving. Although stubborn from time to time, with the right training Yorkie’s can be the most adorable pet! Yorkshire Terriers have an interesting history. This particular breed originated from Northern England, but don’t let its size fool you. This little dog packs lots and lots of love. A Terrier’s coat is quite beautiful and silky in shades of black, gray or even tan. When Terriers started out they were used catch rats, but during the Victorian era they became show dogs and beautiful pets. Then after some years passed, people forgot about this small companion… but not for long. When world world II started, something amazing happened. Can you guess what it was? Yorkie Doodle Dandy appeared… and because of her, everyone fell in love with the terrier all over again. Do you know who Yorkie doodle dandy was? She was a beautiful 4 pound terrier that served during the world war. She was found by an American soldier and for quite some time followed him on combat missions in the pacific, traversed the New Guinea jungle and even an Okinawa typhoon! Her owner, Wynne called her “An angel from a foxhole.” This real life story tells you a little about a terrier’s personality: Their protective nature. This means Yorkie’s are not too fond of strangers (or other animals) and they can get a bit aggressive. And if they should see a squirrel, the rest is history as they say. Yorkie’s have a tendency to feed off your emotions. So if you are protective of them and their environment, they will transfer those emotions to their personality and turn into a train wreck! This means they will see danger at every turn, and bark their little life away. However, the good qualities of Terriers far outweigh the bad ones. For one thing, they love spending time with you. Being underfoot and basking in your warmth and affection is the best gift for a Terrier. So take this aspect of their personality into consideration. Ultimately, Yorkie’s are beautiful and loyal pets with a high degree of intelligence. It may take some time to mold them to family life, but once their love and respect is earned, you will not find a more lovable and charming pet!

Dachshund - Dog Books for Kids Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1 Early History Chapter 2 Fascinating Features & Care Chapter 3 Amazing Dachshund facts Conclusion A little-big Companion! Author Bio Introduction "A dog is man's best friend, and vice versa." -Anonymous Dachshunds are beautiful little dogs with a big personality! They have a long body, short little legs and belong to the hound family group. Dogtime.com refers to them as “short on leg but long on personality.” Aren’t they cute? At the start of their history, Dachshunds were busy chasing and flushing out badgers. This skill applied to burrow dwellers, which are animals that dig holes or tunnels. Normal size Dachshunds were bred for this singular purpose, but the shorter size breed was another story. They were better at chasing rabbits, so they were bred for this purpose. Some even hunted in packs to track bigger animals. Today, Dachshunds have other abilities apart from game hunting. They are found in many conformation shows and living at home as family pets. Their unique personality and versatile nature is very appealing and they make great family companions! Their coat can be a unique blend of colors. Some are single colored or dappled, which is single colored with spots. The primary color is red. Black and tan is the most common color. There is even solid black and solid chocolate. For a long time, Dachshunds were considered favorites, but especially since the 1950s! Can you believe this little dog has kept its fame for such a long time? No doubt the Dachshunds high intelligence and loving affection has been a great part of their fame. But don’t let their large eyes and soulful glances fool you. A Dachshund is not the easiest dog to train! And if you leave them to their own devices you may be surprised at their stubborn nature. Despite this, these little dogs are big on heart. And because of their variety, colors, and skills, there is a Dachshund for almost everyone! For these reasons and many more, Dachshunds are highly recommended as a faithful companion. Unlike other dogs, they are more of a one - person family pet. This steadfast and loyal nature is well deserving of the title “man’s best friend!”

In early summer 1959, Texas Tech senior Jerry Craft was planning to stay home on the family ranch when Carl Sedberry, a semipro baseball manager, phoned, asking him to try out for his club. Craft had never heard of the Wichita Falls/Graham Stars, but they needed a pitcher, and Craft was surprised and persuaded by their offer to pay $75 per game. Craft was in for an even bigger surprise when he reported to Spudder Park and realized that Mr. Sedberry was recruiting him for the West Texas Colored League. No one—least of all Craft—could know for sure what would happen when the League’s first white pitcher took the mound that summer day. But as Mr. Sedberry’s wisdom prevailed, the Stars and their white teammate pulled together to play a game they loved. Craft would pitch two seasons for the Stars. As they made history Craft and his teammates would learn much from Mr. Sedberry and each other about sports and life, and share experiences that would change them forever. Looking back on those years before the Civil Rights movement, when baseball was still very much a segregated game in a segregated society, Craft relates an unlikely story of respect, character, humor, and ultimately friendship.

When Colo was born unexpectedly on the cold concrete floor of the zoo on December 22, 1956, the book, How to Raise a Baby Gorilla didn t exist. How do you raise a baby gorilla? the keepers at the Columbus Zoo wondered. They raised Colo the only way they knew as if she were a human baby. She wore diapers, drank from bottles, and had an entire wardrobe of baby clothes. Follow Colo s amazing journey from a cuddly baby, to a feisty toddler, to a mother of three, to the matriarch of one very large gorilla family--and now the oldest living gorilla in the world. Colo has done more than live her own amazing life; she s helped teach generations of zookeepers and veterinarians learn what s best for all gorillas in captivity. Readers will see lots of photos of Colo, from her baby years to the present. Family tree, recommended reading, and bibliography.

Vera's back and on the run again-this time from the dentist!-in this playful addition to an ever-charming series."Open, please," said Dr. Knoll.Vera opened her mouth again. Suddenly she saw a whirring machine on a long handle coming closer and closer. It sputtered pink flecks.Vera shut her mouth tightly.When Vera goes to the dentist for a checkup, she wears her favorite cowgirl skirt since it always makes her feel brave. But not even her special skirt prepares her for the whir of the tooth-cleaning machine, and Vera's off and running before Dr. Knoll knows what's happened!A trip to the dentist can often be scary for young children. With charm and subtlety, Vera Rosenberry takes the fear out of this new experience and proves that a little reassurance goes a long way.