Books published by publisher Pacific Books

a day in the life of a native American boy from the Chumash tribe ( located on the coast of California from S.L.O. to L.A.). His story is told in vividly colored computer generated graphic images comparing his life to the life of a modern boy. A simple story line explains the action and an item of interest from each scene is explained in more detail in the sidebar.Second printing

How did Lucy Greythorne die?From the moment Nell Featherstone arrives at Greythorne Manor as a governess to eight-year-old Sophie, she finds herself haunted by the fate of the mistress of the house, and entranced by the child’s father, the enigmatic Professor Nathaniel Greythorne.When a violent storm reveals Lucy’s body is not in her grave, Nell becomes suspicious about the Professor’s research. But what she discovers in his laboratory will turn all her ideas about life and death, morality and creation on their head.Enthralled by a man walking a fine line between passion and madness, Nell must make an impossible choice between life, death, and life after death, where any mistake could be her last.

“There’s a ghost train that runs along here at night. They say it carries the souls of those bound for hell.”Jane Adams is only twenty-three, but she’s already a widow. A daughter of the railway, after her husband’s death she takes a job as a level crossing gatekeeper in the little town of Tungold, out at the end of the line. But all is not right in Tungold. The townspeople are frosty and unwelcoming, and Jane’s only ally is the new young police constable, Alec Ward, an outsider just like her.When a railway official is murdered, Jane and Alec become determined to get to the bottom of the town’s secrets. Who killed Brian Mathieson? And what is behind the mysterious ghost train? But Jane is also hiding a secret of her own — one that will put her life and everything she cares about on the line.

Originally published by Stanford University Press in 1948 to usher in the centennial of California's Gold Rush - issued in 21 small booklets, one for each California mission - in 1962 Helen Roberts' Mission Tales were republished in seven volumes with three of the small books in each volume and Helen's daughter Muriel providing the more than 250 illustrations for the stories. Volume 6 includes the stories for Mission Santa Cruz, Mission Santa Clara and Mission San Jose. Born in Toronto, Canada, author Helen Roberts in 1911 moved with her family to Porterville, California. She was married in 1916 and for the next 11 years lived in Porterville, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Oregon, and Fresno, during this time having four children and getting an education degree at Fresno State University, practicing teaching in the Fresno adult education program, helping Mexican women to read, write and speak English. For 23 years, Helen actively wrote and produced more than 60 children's plays for the Palo Alto Children's Theater. In the mid-1940s she became interested in the California Missions, producing the 21 Mission Tales. From 1958 to 1975, battled illiteracy in Africa, teaching reading, writing, health and Christian religion to thousands of illiterate adults. In the course of her African work, she mentored and sponsored many promising young Africans, encouraging them to pursue higher education, including Barack H. Obama, the father of U.S. President Barack Obama. Roberts' autobiography, The Unfolding Trail, was completed shortly before her death in 1983.

Originally published by Stanford University Press in 1948 to usher in the centennial of California's Gold Rush - issued in 21 small booklets, one for each California mission - in 1962 Helen Roberts' Mission Tales were republished in seven volumes with three of the small books in each volume and Helen's daughter Muriel providing the more than 250 illustrations for the stories. Volume 6 includes the stories for Mission Santa Cruz, Mission Santa Clara and Mission San Jose. Born in Toronto, Canada, author Helen Roberts in 1911 moved with her family to Porterville, California. She was married in 1916 and for the next 11 years lived in Porterville, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Oregon, and Fresno, during this time having four children and getting an education degree at Fresno State University, practicing teaching in the Fresno adult education program, helping Mexican women to read, write and speak English. For 23 years, Helen actively wrote and produced more than 60 children's plays for the Palo Alto Children's Theater. In the mid-1940s she became interested in the California Missions, producing the 21 Mission Tales. From 1958 to 1975, she battled illiteracy in Africa, teaching reading, writing, health and Christian religion to thousands of illiterate adults. In the course of her African work, she mentored and sponsored many promising young Africans, encouraging them to pursue higher education, including Barack H. Obama, the father of U.S. President Barack Obama. Roberts' autobiography, The Unfolding Trail, was completed shortly before her death in 1983.

How did Lucy Greythorne die?From the moment Nell Featherstone arrives at Greythorne Manor as a governess to eight-year-old Sophie, she finds herself haunted by the fate of the mistress of the house, and entranced by the child's father, the enigmatic Professor Nathaniel Greythorne.When a violent storm reveals Lucy's body is not in her grave, Nell becomes suspicious about the Professor's research. But what she discovers in his laboratory will turn all her ideas about life and death, morality and creation on their head.Enthralled by a man walking a fine line between passion and madness, Nell must make an impossible choice between life, death, and life after death, where any mistake could be her last.

Caitlin loves summer camp! She has spent every summer she can remember at camp with her mom, who is a counselor. This summer, Caitlin wants to join the difficult, three-day hike with the older girls. But Caitlin’s mom says she’s not old enough yet. Caitlin is determined to change everyone’s mind and prove she is strong enough for the hike. Will Caitlin be allowed to go on the overnight hike? And if so, will she be able to do the full three days? Readers will enjoy the outdoor setting, the fun illustrations, and a good story with an unusual ending. Tagalong Caitlin is an early chapter book for ages 6 to 9. Good readers will be able to read for themselves this charming story of a strong young girl with determination. Younger children will like having the story of Caitlin read to them. Caitlin is a wonderful example of goal setting, perseverance, and flexibility.

Caitlin loves summer camp! She has spent every summer she can remember at camp with her mom, who is a counselor. This summer, Caitlin wants to join the difficult, three-day hike with the older girls. But Caitlin’s mom says she’s not old enough yet. Caitlin is determined to change her mom’s mind and prove she is strong enough for the hike. Will Caitlin be allowed to go on the overnight hike? And if so, will she be able to do the full three days?“Tagalong Caitlin is about growing up; about setting a goal and working to get there, and about sticking to it when the going gets tough. Young readers will love the outdoor setting and enjoy Caitlin’s 'can-do' attitude as she tries to become just like the other campers."Marion Coste, award winning author of seven children’s books.

First-time campers can be a lot of trouble! Caitlin agrees to be the buddy of a new camper. She and new camper Misha are assigned to the most rustic area where campers sleep in tents and cook over an open fire. Misha doesn't know anything about camp life. She trips over tent stakes, cries herself to sleep, and hides food in her backpack. Caitlin often gets frustrated as she teaches Misha what she needs to know. Caitlyn’s Buddy describes fun camping activities, outdoor cooking, and the growing friendship of two very different girls. As the days pass, Misha learns the importance of teamwork and Caitlyn realizes everyone has something special to contribute. Then, after a campfire, Misha runs off into the dark night and Caitlin follows to stop her. Will Caitlin be able to forgive Misha for getting them lost? Will the two girls only be temporary tentmates or friends forever? Children, in grades 1 thru 4 (ages 5 to 9), especially girls who will be going to summer camp for the first time will enjoy the feeling of taking part in summer camp adventures and sharing the ups and downs of new friendships.

"There's a ghost train that runs along here at night. They say it carries the souls of those bound for hell."Jane Adams is only twenty-three, but she's already a widow. A daughter of the railway, after her husband's death she takes a job as a level crossing gatekeeper in the little town of Tungold, out at the end of the line. But all is not right in Tungold. The townspeople are frosty and unwelcoming, and Jane's only ally is the new young police constable, Alec Ward, an outsider just like her.When a railway official is murdered, Jane and Alec become determined to get to the bottom of the town's secrets. Who killed Brian Mathieson? And what is behind the mysterious ghost train? But Jane is also hiding a secret of her own -- one that will put her life and everything she cares about on the line.