Sophie's World

Sophie's World
Author: Jostein Gaarder
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Total Pages: 599
Release: 2007-03-20
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1466804270

A page-turning novel that is also an exploration of the great philosophical concepts of Western thought, Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World has fired the imagination of readers all over the world, with more than twenty million copies in print. One day fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen comes home from school to find in her mailbox two notes, with one question on each: "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" From that irresistible beginning, Sophie becomes obsessed with questions that take her far beyond what she knows of her Norwegian village. Through those letters, she enrolls in a kind of correspondence course, covering Socrates to Sartre, with a mysterious philosopher, while receiving letters addressed to another girl. Who is Hilde? And why does her mail keep turning up? To unravel this riddle, Sophie must use the philosophy she is learning—but the truth turns out to be far more complicated than she could have imagined.

The Castle of Tangled Magic

The Castle of Tangled Magic
Author: Sophie Anderson
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2022-05-17
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1338814303

Magic and whimsy meet in this Howl’s Moving Castle for a new generation from the critically adored Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs. Twelve-year-old Olia knows a thing or two about secrets. Her parents are the caretakers of Castle Mila, a soaring palace with golden domes, lush gardens, and countless room. Literally countless rooms. There are rooms that appear and disappear, and rooms that have been hiding themselves for centuries. The only person who can access them is Olia. She has a special bond with the castle, and it seems to trust her with its secrets. But then a violent storm rolls in . . . a storm that skips over the village and surrounds the castle, threatening to tear it apart. While taking cover in a rarely-used room, Olia stumbles down a secret passage that leads to a part of Castle Mila she’s never seen before. A strange network of rooms that hide the secret to the castle’s past . . . and the truth about who’s trying to destroy it.

Duke Most Wanted

Duke Most Wanted
Author: Celeste Bradley
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2008-04-29
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1429937491

Sophie Blake's grandfather willed his fortune to the first of his granddaughters to marry a duke. Since her cousin, Deirdre, will seal the deal any day now, the quiet, bookish Sophie can sit back and enjoy her time with the only man she truly adores: Graham. No matter that the part charmer, part scoundrel has absolutely no designs on her! Sophie is content to engage Graham in lively conversation, beat him at cards. . .and probe at the darkness hiding behind his rakish smile. Then Graham unexpectedly gains a title, an estate in near ruins and a mountain of debt. If there is any chance of survival he must find a rich wife—quickly. As his hunt for a bride begins, Sophie realizes that she isn't even in the running. Suddenly no longer content to be a wallflower, Sophie gets a stunning make-over and becomes the belle of the ball. Lots of heads are turning...including Graham's. But this beauty has secrets of her own. Will she be his salvation or seal his fate?

The Chickens Are Coming!

The Chickens Are Coming!
Author: Barbara Samuels
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Total Pages: 21
Release: 2019-03-12
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1466899107

Winston and Sophie live in a big city. When they see a sign for chickens that need a home, Mommy says they don’t need to live in the country to raise chickens. And what could be better—pets that lay eggs! So they prepare the coop, tell their friends, and soon enough, the chickens arrive. But it seems that no matter what the children try, these chickens don’t want to be pets, and they refuse to lay eggs. Can anything change their minds? Will the chickens ever feel at home? With bright, funny illustrations and an informative note from author Barbara Samuels, The Chickens are Coming! is a story about doing something new, learning to be patient, and welcoming new members into the family.

Be Strong

Be Strong
Author: Pat Zietlow Miller
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Total Pages: 19
Release: 2021-08-10
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1250849683

A picture book about finding strength in unlikely places from the team behind the hugely popular New York Times bestseller Be Kind. When her gym class must face the school rock-climbing wall, Tanisha is discouraged. Her muscles are weak, and she knows she'll never reach the top like Cayla. But maybe strength is about more than just muscles. With help from her family, Tanisha learns that by showing up, speaking up, and not giving up, she can be strong, too. And that people are the strongest when they work together and trust each other. Award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller has reunited with illustrator Jen Hill for Be Strong, another unforgettable story sure to inspire kids and adults alike.

Marshmallow Wishes

Marshmallow Wishes
Author: Clara Fairley
Publisher: Pinewood Station Publishing
Total Pages: 100
Release: 2024-10-17
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

Marshmallow Wishes is a heartwarming Christmas romance set in the charming small town of Pinewood. Sophie finds solace in the simple life, working at the coffee counter in the small town of Pinewood’s quaint train station while secretly pursuing her passion for creating artisanal marshmallows. Life is sweet and easy—until Ethan arrives. Balancing his time between two locales, Ethan must care for his elderly aunt in Pinewood while trying to keep up with his demanding job in New York City. When Sophie and Ethan meet, the connection between them is undeniable. Sophie steps up to help Ethan with his caregiving tasks, while Ethan offers to help turn Sophie’s marshmallow hobby into a business. Both are hopeful, but cautious: Sophie because of her shy nature, and Ethan because he’s unsure about what the future holds. But when a glamorous woman from New York arrives on the scene, Sophie begins to question if the warmth between her and Ethan could ever become something more. Just when Sophie is ready to give up on her marshmallow-filled daydreams, Ethan surprises her with news that could change everything. In Marshmallow Wishes, the magic of Christmas, family, love, and homemade marshmallows come together in a feel-good romance that will melt your heart.

Would Like to Meet

Would Like to Meet
Author: Rachel Winters
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 370
Release: 2019-12-03
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0525542310

Can you fall in love like they do in the movies? It's Evie Summers's job to find out. Because if she can't convince her film agency's biggest client, Ezra Chester, to write the romantic-comedy screenplay he owes producers, her career will be over. The catch? He thinks rom-coms are unrealistic--and he'll only put pen to paper if Evie shows him that it's possible to meet a man in real life the way it happens on the big screen. Cynical Evie might not believe in happily ever after, but she'll do what it takes to save the job that's been her lifeline . . . even if it means reenacting iconic rom-com scenes in public. Spilling orange juice on a cute stranger? No problem. Leaving her number in books all over London to see who calls? Done. With a little help from her well-meaning friends--and Ben and Anette, the adorable father-daughter duo who keep witnessing her humiliations--Evie is determined to prove she can meet a man the way Sally met Harry. But can a workaholic who's given up on love find a meet-cute of her very own?

The Big Book of Christmas Magic: 400+ Holiday Novels, Tales, Poems, Carols & Legends

The Big Book of Christmas Magic: 400+ Holiday Novels, Tales, Poems, Carols & Legends
Author: Selma Lagerlöf
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 6692
Release: 2023-12-10
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN:

The Big Book of Christmas Magic: 400+ Holiday Novels, Tales, Poems, Carols & Legends offers an unparalleled journey through the vast landscapes of Christmas literature, weaving together an intricate tapestry of narratives that span from enchanting fairy tales and profound poems to soul-stirring carols and timeless legends. This anthology celebrates the eclectic richness of the holiday season, showcasing a remarkable diversity of literary styles and themes. The collection draws together works that reflect the spirit of Christmas in all its forms, from the solemnity of sacred hymns to the playful mirth of festive stories. Each piece, whether it be a poignant tale by Charles Dickens or a whimsical poem by William Wordsworth, contributes to a larger narrative that captures the heart of the holiday season. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology represent a constellation of some of the most influential figures in literary history. From the introspective reflections of Emily Dickinson to the sweeping epics of Leo Tolstoy, and the fantastical adventures of J.M. Barrie, this collection bridges diverse periods and cultures, offering a glimpse into the universal human experience through the lens of Christmas. By uniting such varied voices, the anthology not only celebrates the vast spectrum of human creativity but also highlights the common threads of joy, generosity, and reflection that the holiday season inspires across different times and places. The Big Book of Christmas Magic is an essential addition to the libraries of readers who seek to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Christmas literature. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a multiplicity of perspectives, styles, and themes within a single volume. This collection invites readers to delve into its pages for both its educational value and the pure joy of discovering the myriad ways in which the magic of Christmas has been captured in words. Through this exploration, readers will engage in a meaningful dialogue with the works of some of the greatest authors in history, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling to unite and inspire.

Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
Total Pages: 346
Release: 2013-12-16
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1409579956

Anna had everything figured out – she was about to start senior year with her best friend, she had a great weekend job and her huge work crush looked as if it might finally be going somewhere... Until her dad decides to send her 4383 miles away to Paris. On her own. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna finds herself making new friends, including Étienne St. Clair, the smart, beautiful boy from the floor above. But he's taken – and Anna might be too. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss she's been waiting for?

This Vicious Grace

This Vicious Grace
Author: Emily Thiede
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Total Pages: 349
Release: 2022-06-28
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
ISBN: 1250794064

"One of the best fantasies of the year." - Buzzfeed "Riveting, passionate, and full of high stakes danger." —Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Thiede's exciting fantasy debut, This Vicious Grace, the first in The Last Finestra duology, will keep readers turning the pages until the devastating conclusion and leave them primed for more! Three weddings. Three funerals. Alessa’s gift from the gods is supposed to magnify a partner’s magic, not kill every suitor she touches. Now, with only weeks left until a hungry swarm of demons devours everything on her island home, Alessa is running out of time to find a partner and stop the invasion. When a powerful priest convinces the faithful that killing Alessa is the island’s only hope, her own soldiers try to assassinate her. Desperate to survive, Alessa hires Dante, a cynical outcast marked as a killer, to become her personal bodyguard. But as rebellion explodes outside the gates, Dante’s dark secrets may be the biggest betrayal. He holds the key to her survival and her heart, but is he the one person who can help her master her gift or destroy her once and for all? Don't miss the thrilling conclusion to The Last Finestra duology, This Cursed Light— out now wherever books are sold!