Books in Life-Size Series series

When eleven-year-old Elva finally finishes her chores on this beautiful summer morning, she hurries to the neighboring farm to see if her friend Linda can join her for an afternoon adventure. Come on along with the young Mennonite girls as they hitch up the pony, climb into the cart, and trot down the drive for a day filled with unexpected excitement.This charming story, the first in the Farm Life Series, is based on author Elva Hurst's growing-up years on the family farm and written for children from seven to eleven years old. Reminiscent of days gone by, this simple tale is full of good-hearted fun.

This endearing story invites readers ages seven to eleven to share in a few of young Elva's adventures while working the autumn harvest with her family and attending school in rural Lancaster County. While abiding by the traditions of her Mennonite faith, she steps from one fun adventure to another.Every family member, including children like Elva, help gather the fruits and vegetables from the orchards and gardens and then join the efforts to preserve the bounty. Is it all work and no fun? Certainly not! Find out what happens when Teacher invites the girls in Elva's class to a sleepover. Read about the day Elva decides to teach herself to play her brother's guitar—without his permission. Much can happen—and does—between chores!

Readers ages seven to eleven will be drawn to this charming story that happened during a time not so long ago. Take a peek at life in a large, loving Mennonite family where everyone works together, faith is practiced daily, and fun happens often.When the harvest starts in Lancaster County, it signals time for school to begin. Children help gather the fruits and vegetables from the gardens and prepare the one-room schoolhouse for the first day of school, and Elva loves it all!One day Elva and her classmates plan a secret "food roll" to bless Teacher. They try their best to hide their giggles but erupt with laughter as Teacher shows her surprise. Then when her fifth-grade arithmetic lessons get Elva down, her brother suggests the perfect way to forget about her troubles—for a while anyway. And when the beautiful harvest moon is at its fullest, Elva steps quietly through the rustling corn fields to listen for...for what? What is it that makes Elva love autumn so much?

Rachel Reynolds isn't running from her past, but she wouldn't mind if it stopped chasing her, either. A senior in high school getting ready to graduate, Rachel is trying to look ahead toward her future, while forgetting the one night two years ago that set events in motion which altered the course of her entire life. Part of the future she's looking for includes falling out of love with her best friend, an act she seems incapable of, especially when it appears he might just love her, too. As Rachel tries to find her footing in a relationship that has baggage before it starts, a nightmare from her past reappears, upsetting the tenuous balance of Rachel's life and threatening the one person she loves most. (Mature Young Adult)

"The Zoo Life series offers a fascinating look at the captivating world of animals and zoos. With content supplied and verified by experienced zoo staff, each book explores the life of an animal born in an American zoo and compares it to life in the wild. Brain boosters, folktales, and links to conservation organizations provide additional insights into each species."

"The Zoo Life series offers a fascinating look at the captivating world of animals and zoos. With content supplied and verified by experienced zoo staff, each book explores the life of an animal born in an American zoo and compares it to life in the wild. Brain boosters, folktales, and links to conservation organizations provide additional insights into each species."