From the mind of the storyteller who has captured the imagination of readers from around the world and across generations comes this classic work of science fiction.First prize in the Skyway Soap slogan contest was an all-expenses-paid trip to the moon. The consolation prize was an authentic space suit, and when scientifically minded high school senior Kip Russell won it, he knew for certain he would use it one day to make a sojourn of his own to the stars. But "one day" comes soon...

In 1756, New York State was still a British colony, and the French and the Indians were constant threats to young Edward and his family. When his father was called away to watch for a raid from the north, only Edward was left to protect Mama and little Trudy. His father had shown him how to use the huge matchlock gun, an old Spanish gun that was twice as long as he was, but would Edward be able to handle it if trouble actually came?Originally published in 1941, The Matchlock Gu...

This tale from Newbery Medal–winning author Walter D. Edmonds is based on a story found in Lydia Maria Child’s Letters from New York.An adventuresome youth determined to travel the world, Tom Whipple leaves his mother in New York and signs up for sea duty on a ship bound for Russia. As he sails, he makes up his mind to see the czar—and to present him with a gift.

In this classic short story, Newbery Medal–winning author Walter D. Edmonds tells the story of Uncle Ben, who, free of his domineering wife for a spell, finds a whale in the bay while out with his friend Henry. When they bring it back with them, they discover they can earn a little cash by turning it into a side show attraction.

This collection features seven tales inspired by America’s colorful history, from colonial times to the early twentieth century, including the Newbery Medal winner The Matchlock Gun.In The Matchlock Gun, young Edward must protect his family from marauding Indians when his father is called away. In Two Logs Crossing, John Haskell spends two harsh winters fur trapping with a wise Indian to pay off his father’s tremendous debt. And in Tom Whipple, a...

Cadmus Henry, mounted on one of the finest mares in Virginia and perfectly turned out from head to toe, dreams of charging intrepidly into battle under the orders of General Lee himself. Unfortunately, young Cadmus can write and is therefore assigned to a desk. But when an unexpected chance to volunteer for scout duty presents itself, Cadmus jumps at it. He learns too late that that, rather than riding into battle and proving himself a hero, he will be floating over enemy lines in a balloo...

An absorbing, deeply moving adventure story from the Newbery Medal–winning author of The Matchlock GunWhen John Haskell’s father dies, he leaves behind a mountain of debt for his family to overcome. John had never given much thought to his father’s financial iniquities, but now he finds himself faced with the responsibility of paying back those who are owed.With the aid of an Indian trapper, John sets about the hard work of clearing his family’s name. Through two h...

This short story pulled from Seven American Stories, and originally published in Harper’s in 1930, is a classic of historical fiction.

From haunting ghost stories to classic fairy tales, Going Public … In Shorts! is a collection of forty classic and lesser-known works by history's greatest writers.Among the stories included are "The Death of a Government Clerk," Anton Chekhov's defining vignette; "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," Mark Twain's comedic story that earned him national fame; "The Gift of the Magi," O. Henry's masterful Christmastime tale about love and sacrifice; and "The Stor...

Published shortly after his high school graduation, "Beyond Lies the Wub" is the classic short story by science fiction master Philip K. Dick.Peterson, a crew member from a spaceship visiting Mars, purchases a giant, pig-like creature called a wub. Although Captain Franco means to make a meal of the strange beast, the wub proves to be likeable and intelligent by discussing the travels of Odysseus and the impact of myth on the human spirit.Proceeds from sale of this title go...

Clumsy, diffident Dick Mount and clever Maggie Gordon live in isolated clearings in New York’s Mohawk Valley. Both just sixteen, they are young and inexperienced—and unprepared for the tragedies that will befall them. When Dick’s brothers are killed by marauding Indians in the fall of 1777, and Maggie’s father falls desperately ill, they must turn to each other to face the perils of the time.Based on the true story of the Mount boys who were killed by Indians, Wilderness Cleari...

“Davidson’s latest novel is her best work yet. One Small Sacrifice is a fast-paced winner. Highly recommended.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben“Twisty, absorbing, and deeply humane, it’s a thriller you won’t want to miss.” —New York Times bestselling author Megan AbbottNYPD detective Sheryn Sterling has had her eye on Alex Traynor ever since his friend Cori fell to her death under suspicious cir...