Frank Carlson Library

"Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and The Nightingale. Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge--until strangers arrive...

Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly old skinflint who hates everyone, especially children, but at Christmas three ghosts come to visit him, and scare him into mending his ways. He finds, as he celebrates with Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and family, that geniality brings its own reward.

Now a grown man returning from Europe as a successful painter, Seth Quinn is settling down on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Still, a lot has changed in St. Christopher - and the most intriguing change of all is the presence of Dru Whitcomb Banks. But a secret Seth's kept hidden for years threatens to explode, destroying his new life and his new love.

Journalist Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary and their four children lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing...

The classic Dickens story about a bitter old man who's given a chance for redemption when three ghosts come to visit him on Christmas Eve.

Fourteen-year-old LaVaughn, trying to earn the money for college, takes a job caring for the two children of Jolly, a single teenage mom, and must find the courage to make the right decision for all of them after Jolly is fired.

Living in the inner city amidst guns and poverty, fifteen-year-old LaVaughn learns from old and new friends, and inspiring mentors, that life is what you make it--an occasion to rise to.

The river Niger: A house painter/poet struggles to provide emotional and financial support for his cancer-stricken wife. Death of a prophet: Chronicles the final twenty-four hours of the life of Malcolm X.

"Kara the cocker spaniel loves her family--especially nine-year-old Jessy. But she also knows that the family is having a tough time. Then one day, Kara gets mistaken for a famous movie-star dog and suddenly she's got soft pillows to lie on and fancy food to eat ... will Kara leave to become a Hollywood spaniel?"--Publisher.