A lonely doll without a name endures a series of terrible misfortunes before she finally finds someone to love her.

A sad beginning for a little girl who had nothing but poverty in her life and a friendly relationship with her school teacher... "e;She pressed her little face so tight to the window of the shop"e;. "e;They even found an old Porcelain Doll down these mines dating back to maybe the 1800's"e;.

It is the early thirties and Clinton and Mader Morehouse are doing their best to raise their six children during one of the harshest times in America. Clinton, once a playboy and accomplished musician, has left his dreams behind to farm the dry land. Mader, a skilled seamstress, has always relied on her endless energy to help create a path for their future. But as the dust constantly swirls around their tiny town of Burton, Nebraska, the hope they once held for their lives is beginning to dwindle. As farmers try to survive without crops to harvest and water to revive the plants, Clinton and Mader must rely on their creativity and education to ease the hardships that are causing many to perish. As they do their best to overcome malnutrition, death, black blizzards, and the loss of beloved trees needed for fuel, the perpetual winds rage on, seemingly laughing at those who are able to stand against its bluster. But what no one knows is that the Morehouse family is embracing a secret weapon that may just hold the key to their survival. In this riveting historical novel, a Nebraska farm couple must find a way to endure the Dust Bowl and Great Depression and raise their six children to become productive citizens.

Based on a true story from the life of Gail Saxton Miller, who owned a simple treasured doll as a little girl while living in poverty in the 1940s.

NO COUNTRY NO HOME: A Family’s Exodus and Homecoming By: Trudy Walter Carlson Spanning three generations, this book recounts the story of a real German family who endured WWII, overcame poverty, and embraced an opportunity to come to a new country. Sadly, after surviving one of the most horrific events of world history, generations of decent, hardworking German people were affected by a societal prejudice and distrust for their culture. Nevertheless, their story exemplifies the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit. A compilation of personal histories, the book recounts the journeys of individual family members, often in their own words, and it proves that the struggles and victories of our ancestors can impact generations to come.

There’s a mystery brewing in Abuelita’s shop in the fourth and final Hand-Me-Down Magic book. The complete series is perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory, with adorable illustrations and short, easy-to-read chapters. Del finds a very beautiful tea set hidden deep in the Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe—but something about it doesn’t add up. It’s missing some teacups, and the hand-painted design on it looks very familiar. The tea set must be connected to their family. Alma and Del are excited to solve the case of the mysterious tea set, but their questions (“Who painted it?” “Is it magical?”) only get an Abuelita shrug and a confusing answer. Still, with determination, neighborhood magic, and a little help from Evie, the best-friend-cousins will learn the story behind the tea set as they work to make it whole once more. Corey Ann Haydu’s writing is filled with tender moments, wholesome humor, and magical detail—reminiscent of literary icons like Beverly Clearly, Marla Frazee, and Katherine Applegate. This chapter book series is pitch perfect for kids reading at this young level. And Luisa Uribe's stunning black-and-white illustrations capture the warmth and unique personality of each character. Enjoy the whole series: Hand-Me-Down Magic #1: Stoop Sale Treasure Hand-Me-Down Magic #2: Crystal Ball Fortunes Hand-Me-Down Magic #3: Perfect Patchwork Purse Hand-Me-Down Magic #4: Mysterious Tea Set

Hand-sewing soft dolls has never been easier with these adorable patterns from the Gingermelon Dolls designer. The eagerly anticipated first book by popular toy designer Shelly Down, My Felt Doll shows sewers of all abilities how to make adorable soft dolls—and more than forty accompanying accessories—using the most basic of materials and skills. With just felt sheets and a handful of simple notions, you will learn how to sew the simple yet delightful doll pattern and then discover eleven imaginative variations on the design—from a mermaid to a witch, from a princess to a superhero, and from a ballerina to a bride—guaranteed to delight little girls everywhere. With no hems to sew and all the stitching done by hand, My Felt Doll makes a great entry point to sewing dolls for beginners and even children. Full-size templates make life easy—trace straight from the page with no need to enlarge. “Totally lovely . . . The instructions are clear and Shelly’s hand-drawn illustrations for each step are a perfect accompaniment . . . This is one of those instances in which buying a book is really worthwhile.” —While She Naps “Great for absolute beginners with no sewing experience . . . Also, a great addition to an experienced plushie maker . . . as the details and color palette will surely inspire you in your next customization.” —Noisybeak “The cutest book . . . Since the dolls are entirely handsewn out of wool felt, they take a little extra time, but the end results were so cute!” —Clover & Violet