This is a story of a gifted teacher and how she impacts her students and their community in post World War II Alaska. Fredrika (Fred), a young girl living in rural Alaska, narrates this story. Fred describes how life in Athabasca changes after a new teacher, Miss Agnes, comes to their school. Fred had experienced a series of teachers who did not understand the local culture and customs. Miss Agnes is different. She genuinely cares about the children as individuals and makes what they are learning relevant to their lives. Miss Agnes uses innovative teaching methods to engage
Yolanda’s Genius, a Newbery Honor winner, is the story of an African-American family’s love and courage in difficult times. Yolanda is smart, tough, and big for her age. Her brother, Andrew, doesn’t talk much and has trouble reading. But Andrew can create beautiful music on his harmonica. Yolanda wonders if her brother is a musical genius. Can his talent be developed and shared with other people? One day some boys destroy the harmonica – and Andrew’s music stops. Soon Yolanda must make an important decision: whether to try to find another harmonica for Andrew, or to obey her mother