Beth Pollock: 3 books

Sixth-grader Maggie Ito believes she has been cursed by the Witch of Bloor Street. While her friends all seem to be best at something - Sasha is best at art, Alice is the most musical, and even her nemesis Jarrett Johnson is the fastest runner - Maggie believes the curse is keeping her from being...

Eleven-year-old Harley doesn't ask for much. Her young mother works hard to make ends meet, and there are lots of people in their Toronto neighborhood who are harder off. But Harley has a secret wish: for Mom and Grandma to put aside their differences before Christmas. Harley's Gift is a touching holiday story about redefining family and finding peace. [Fry Reading Level - 3.6

After losing her mother, Clara tries to get used to her new life -- shopping for clothes with dad; Tess' chocolate chip cookies (instead of the sugar cookies Mama made); and more responsibility with her little brother Calvin. Hardest of all, Clara doesn't know how to tell her Dad that dance is just...