by Kathryn Worth (1996)
Tears and laughter alternate in this novel of a young girl's growth to womanhood in the 1830s. 16-year-old orphan Martitia Howland has been transplanted into a Quaker farm family of five intimidating sons and one disapproving daughter. As Martitia runs their gauntlet, she suffers their teasing but finally begins to bloom. Valiantly she acquires the skills they expect of her, and discovers other gifts all her own. Her achievements earn respect in the end and more, her heart's true love.
Barry Jonsberg
Candice is a twelve-year-old optimist, with a literal mind, the very best of intentions, and an unwavering determination to fix all the problems of her family, friends, pets, and everyone in her life.
Carrie Bender
When, after their brother's marriage, Nancy and Dannie leave Hemlock Hill Farm to help the Taylor family at Timber Lane Cove, Nancy wonders if she'll ever have a home of her own, especially since Andrew, her intended, is still far away in Tennessee.
Carol Weston
While spending spring break in Spain with her family, eleven-year-old Melanie keeps a diary of her experiences improving her Spanish, struggling with her little brother, meeting her mother's former boyfriend, and falling in love with his son.
Beverly Cleary
To the delight of Ramona Quimby readers everywhere, Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary has just made Ramona's world a little bit bigger.As she starts the fourth grade, Ramona believes that this year will be "the best year of her life, so far." She can show off her calluses from swinging on the rings in the park; the boy she calls Yard Ape sits across the aisle from her; her teacher praises her writing; and she has a new baby sister, Roberta. But best of all, she has a new best friend, Daisy.Little does Ramona know the challenges her fourth-grade year holds in store. Not only must she improve her rotten spelling, but she must also be a good role model for baby Roberta. And her mother wants her to spend more time with the awful Susan.Life isn't easy, especially when she is surrounded by perfect spellers and everyone praises her big sister, Beezus, for being responsible. Sometimes Ramona fails, often with hilarious results. But with the support of family and friends, she discovers something reassuring -- that being imperfect can be perfectly fine.