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Books in Puffin Modern Classics series

  • The Westing Game

    Ellen Raskin

    Paperback (Puffin Books, April 12, 2004)
    A Newbery Medal Winner"A supersharp mystery...confoundingly clever, and very funny." —Booklist, starred review A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, on things for sure: Sam Westing may be dead…but that won’t stop him from playing one last game! Winner of the Newbery Medal Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award An ALA Notable Book "Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review"A fascinating medley of word games, disguises, multiple aliases, and subterfuges—a demanding but rewarding book." —The Horn Book
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  • Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

    Eleanor Coerr, Ronald Himler

    Paperback (Puffin Books, April 12, 2004)
    “An extraordinary book, one no reader will fail to find compelling and unforgettable.” —Booklist, starred reviewThe star of her school’s running team, Sadako is lively and athletic…until the dizzy spells start. Then she must face the hardest race of her life—the race against time. Based on a true story, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes celebrates the courage that makes one young woman a heroine in Japan. "[The] story speaks directly to young readers of the tragedy of Sadako's death and, in its simplicity, makes a universal statement for 'peace in the world.” —The Horn Book "The story is told tenderly but with neither a morbid nor a sentimental tone: it is direct and touching." —BCCB
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  • The Devil's Arithmetic

    Jane Yolen

    Paperback (Puffin Books, April 12, 2004)
    30th Anniversary edition with a new introduction from the author Hannah is tired of holiday gatherings−all her family ever talks about is the past. In fact, it seems to her that's what they do every Jewish holiday. But this year's Passover Seder will be different−Hannah will be mysteriously transported into the past . . . and only she knows the unspeakable horrors that await.Winner of the National Jewish Book Award"A triumphantly moving book." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
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  • A Long Way From Chicago

    Richard Peck

    Paperback (Puffin Books, April 12, 2004)
    Join Joey and his sister Mary Alice as they spend nine unforgettable summers with the worst influence imaginable-their grandmother!
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  • The Bell Jar

    Sylvia Plath

    Paperback (Harper Perennial Modern Classics, Aug. 2, 2005)
    The Bell Jar chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under -- maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther's breakdown with such intensity that Esther's insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such deep penetration into the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
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  • Rascal

    Sterling North

    Paperback (Puffin Books, Sept. 23, 2004)
    Rascal is only a baby when young Sterling brings him home. He and the mischievous raccoon are best friends for a perfect year of adventure—until the spring day when everything suddenly changes. A Newbery Honor Book
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  • The Twenty-One Balloons

    William Pene du Bois

    Paperback (Puffin Books, April 21, 2005)
    A Newbery Medal WinnerProfessor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic fantasy-adventure is now available in a handsome new edition."William Pene du Bois combines his rich imagination, scientific tastes, and brilliant artistry to tell astory that has no age limit."—The Horn Book
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  • The Diary of a Young Girl. Anne Frank

    Anne Frank

    Paperback (Puffin Books, Jan. 31, 2003)
    None
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  • Adam of the Road

    Elizabeth Janet Gray, Robert Lawson

    Paperback (Puffin Books, Oct. 5, 2006)
    Eleven-year-old Adam loved to travel throughout thirteenthcentury England with his father, a wandering minstrel, and his dog, Nick. But when Nick is stolen and his father disappears, Adam suddenly finds himself alone. He searches the same roads he traveled with his father, meeting various people along the way. But will Adam ever find his father and dog and end his desperate search?
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  • Rabbit Hill

    Robert Lawson

    Paperback (Puffin Books, Feb. 15, 2007)
    It has been a while since Folks lived in the Big House, and an even longer time has passed since there has been a garden at the House. All the animals of the Hill are very excited about the new Folks moving in, and they wonder how things are going to change. It’s only a matter of time before the animals of the Hill find out just who is moving in, and they may be a little bit surprised when they do.
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  • To Be a Slave

    Julius Lester, Tom Feelings

    Paperback (Puffin Books, Dec. 18, 2000)
    A Newbery Honor BookWhat was it like to be a slave? Listen to the words and learn about the lives of countless slaves and ex-slaves, telling about their forced journey from Africa to the United States, their work in the fields and houses of their owners, and their passion for freedom. You will never look at life the same way again."The dehumanizing aspects of slavery are made abundantly clear, but a testament to the human spirit of those who endured or survived this experience is exalted."—Children's Literature
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  • Gentle Ben

    Walt Morey, John Schoenherr

    Paperback (Puffin Books, Feb. 2, 2006)
    The Alaskan wilderness is a lonely place for Mark Andersen, especially after the death of his brother. But Mark finds a friend named Ben, who happens to be an Alaskan brown bear. Ben and Mark form a special bond, but the townspeople are determined to destroy it. It is only through the strength of an enduring friendship that Ben—and Mark—have a chance of being saved.
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