Fiction / Novel Books

The moving and critically acclaimed story of a young, artistic Bangladeshi girl who bravely defies tradition in order to support her family through hard times

Naima is a talented painter of traditional alpana patterns, which Bangladeshi women and girls paint on their houses for special celebrations. But Naima is not satisfied just painting alpana. She wants to help earn money for her family, like her best friend, Saleem, does for his family.

When Naima's rash effort to help puts her family deeper in debt, she draws on her resourceful nature and her talents to bravely save the day.

Includes a glossary of Bangla words and an author's note about a changing Bangladesh and microfinance.

This Revised and Expanded Edition contains hundreds of new notes and illustrations.

The first-ever fully annotated edition of one of the most beloved novels in the world is a sheer delight for Jane Austen fans. Here is the complete text of Pride and Prejudice with thousands of annotations on facing pages, including:

- Explanations of historical context

Rules of etiquette, class differences, the position of women, legal and economic realities, leisure activities, and more.

- Citations from Austen's life, letters, and other writings

Parallels between the novel and Austen's experience are revealed, along with writings that illuminate her beliefs and opinions.

- Definitions and clarifications

Archaic words, words still in use whose meanings have changed, and obscure passages are explained.

- Literary comments and analyses

Insightful notes highlight Austen's artistry and point out the subtle ways she develops her characters and themes.

- Maps and illustrations

of places and objects mentioned in the novel.

- An introduction, a bibliography, and a detailed chronology of events

Of course, one can enjoy the novel without knowing the precise definition of a gentleman, or what it signifies that a character drives a coach rather than a hack chaise, or the rules governing social interaction at a ball, but readers of The Annotated Pride and Prejudice will find that these kinds of details add immeasurably to understanding and enjoying the intricate psychological interplay of Austen's immortal characters.

Recipient of a 1993 Newbery Honor, this novel is an achingly beautiful, powerfully rendered journey through childhood that is not to be missed, now available in a new edition with a striking new cover.

"From an outstandingly perceptive writer, a moving portrait of a boy, observed at four revealing turning points." -- Pointer Review/Kirkus Reviews

"Combines fast, exciting action with an astonishing ending that proves the power of the individual imagination." -- Starred Review/ALA Booklist

1993 Newbery Honor Book
Notable Children's Books of 1993 (ALA)
1993 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)
1993 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
1993 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
1993 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)

This is the classic story of Sham and his friend, the stable boy Agba. Their adventures take them from the sands of the Sahara to the royal courts of France and, finally, to the green pastures and stately homes of England. For Sham was the renowned Godolphin Arabian, whose blood flows through the veins of almost every superior Thoroughbred. Sham's speed-like his story-has become legendary.

When Papa's seven little mouse boys ask for a bedtime story, Papa does even better than that—he tells seven stories, one for each boy!