The first Christmas since Julie's parents' divorce is difficult for the whole family, but Julie finds comfort sharing the Chinese New Year traditions of her best friend, Ivy Ling, and thinking about new beginnings.

When Marie-Grace discovers a baby outside her father's office and a slave catcher claims the boy, she helps place him at a white orphanage where she becomes a volunteer, as her friendship with Cécile grows and she hears rumors of yellow fever.

"Lanie is having a busy summer. The backyard wildflower garden she planted with her aunt is starting to bloom with all the flowers that butterflies like best. Lanie is delighted, but her next-door neighbor objects-she says that Lanie is growing an ugly "weed garden" and she threatens to interfere. ... Can Lanie find a way to get along with her neighbor-and find a creative solution to their garden problem?"--Publisher.

Now that the yellow fever epidemic is over, the people of New Orleans raise money to care for the orphans, and Cécile seeks to discover something special she can to do help.

"The WellieWishers have just one coin to toss into a wishing well. What should they wish for? Wings? Roller skates? A pony? The friends can't decide! Emerson tries to be patient, but she wants that pony more than anything! She tosses the coin in when the others aren't looking--and then her wish actually comes true! How will Emerson explain this pony surprise to her friends?" --

"Kaya is a Nez Perce girl who takes pride in helping out and supporting the tribe--and also in her beloved horse, Steps High. But when she chooses racing her horse over family responsibilities, Kaya has to prove herself to earn her tribes respect. Kayas story of adventure in the wilderness is sure to engage todays readers as they learn what it was like to be a Native American girl in 1764" --

Samantha organizes a talent show to support the library, but wonders what her special talent is. Includes historical notes on vaudeville as well as instructions for juggling scarves.

"A goat that does tricks. A lamb in pajamas. A celebrity who offers Blaire the opportunity of a lifetime. Things are never boring at Pleasant View Farm! Things get interesting at school, too. Blaire's determined to find a big idea for the Community Service Challenge. Her project becomes personal when she befriends a young girl at the local food pantry. With a love of cooking and a farm full of fresh ingredients, Blaire soon has a plan for making a...

Addy's jubilation over her family's new freedom after the Civil War is cut short by the news that President Lincoln has been shot and killed.