Josephine Heltemes: 4 books

This sweet story explores the changing role of friendships during adolescence. When Phoebe Hammond, a fifth grade student, sprains her ankle in a tumble over Ralph Melkie's backpack, she blames him for ruining summer vacation. Later, Phoebe suspects her friend, Ralph, is the culprit who ransacked...

Shantay's winter vacation is beginning along with the holiday parties, caroling, and special times with family and friends. Unfortunately, instead of enjoying the season, she is focused on purchasing a tube of "Cinnabearry" flavored lip-gloss. When the girl learns the drugstore is out of...

This brightly illustrated tale of an old hen and her newly hatched "chicks" will delight children of all ages. Follow along as the little family bravely deals with the unwelcoming attitudes of the other barnyard fowl. The theme of the book deals with courage when faced with prejudices based on outward appearances.

Estevan's life had lost its charm. Day after day, he planted banana trees in the fertile soil on the slopes of a mountain. Sometimes, he would stop in his labor, look out across the verdant valleys, and wish he was anyplace other than on that mountainside. So, when the opportunity arose to ride "look...