Joanne Rocklin

The last remaining orange tree on a Southern California street brings together neighbors of all ages as they face their problems and anxieties, including the possibility that a mysterious stranger is a threat to their tree.

This gem of a novel takes place in Pittsburgh in 1952. Franny Katzenback, while recovering from polio, reads and falls in love with the brand-new book Charlotte's Web. Bored and lonely and yearning for a Charlotte of her own, Franny starts up a correspondence with an eloquent flea named Fleabrain who lives on her dog's tail. While Franny struggles with physical therapy and feeling left out of her formerly active neighborhood life, Fleabrain is there...

Fifth-grader Penny writes a series of letters to her future sibling, including facts about their Oakland, California, home, questions about whether their moms will ever marry, and especially that he or she is loved.

Tom the cat tries to evenly divide the snacks he has baked for himself and two friends, but after gobbling up a few treats, Tom is faced with a new division problem. Includes division activities.

The entries in the journals of two sixth grade students reveal much about their personal feelings, family lives, and a growing interest in poetry sparked by their new substitute teacher.

Three friends find humorous solutions to several problems as they spend a sunny afternoon together.

Seven generations of a Jewish family hear stories of their family history, all told while making apple strudel.