Random House Publishing Group

Take Our Children to Work Day 2003

Kids' Book Publishing Workshop Book List

CHALLENGES, by Colleen Masterson

The life of an athlete can often be a trying one. Between the constant threat of injury and the instability of management, the challenges that face athletes are painfully brutal. In this searing biography, Masterson tells her own story of struggle and triumph in the face of adversity. The life lessons that Masterson shares will guide readers from nearly every walk of life. And her triumphant climax will leave readers with a precious truth: only in the company of others can we face life's most difficult times.

"Masterson truly knows the makings of a good team. This should be required reading for every athlete!"
--Mike Ditka, former coach of the Chicago Bears.


CANDY LAND by Niki Constantine

From the bestselling author of My Classmate Is an Alien and A Ballerina

"TWO THUMBS UP!"
--Red and Yellow M&M's


FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, by Rebecca Resnic

In this enchanting biography, the author shares with readers a culinary legacy that has spanned generations. As the granddaughter of a distinguished fruits and vegetables man, Resnic developed a deep passion for produce, praising everything from apples to zucchinis. While she masterfully describes the taste and texture of her favorites, like broccoli and carrots, she also imparts the importance of a healthy attitude toward food. Her enchanting account will leave readers running to the nearest market.

"Rebecca Resnic takes you on a culinary cruise that will mystify your taste-buds and wholeheartedly rekindle your passion for fruits and vegetables."
--Martha Stewart


GERONIMO, by Alexandra Porter Clark

"Not since The Velveteen Rabbit has there been such an emotionally gripping story of animal-human friendship."
--Seabiscuit, American legend and subject of Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit

Geronimo is a brown and white pony who lives at Sagpond Farm, and every Saturday at three o'clock, Alex Porter Clark comes to ride him. Alex wears jodhpurs, feeds Geronimo carrots, and never uses the whip too hard. All is well with these two friends until one day a startling group of rollerskaters threatens to destroy the very foundation on which their relationship is built...

By turns exhilarating, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, this true story of the love between a horse and his girl is utterly unforgettable.


FAITH, by Kristen Lange

New York Times bestselling author of It Was Just A Dream

"A searing story with an emotional wallop that took me completely by surprise. There are images here that will remain with me for a long, long time."
-Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post

"I need to get out of here. I can't take it anymore. My brain is going to burst. . . ."

On a small ranch in the middle of nowhere - also known as the armpit of Dallas, Texas - a young girl named Faith rails against the tragic chain of events that have led her to despair: the shocking car accident that took her parents' lives . . . her wayward, pregnant sister and her dead-end string of boyfriends . . . and a brother whose mind resembles a frying egg on drugs with a side of hash browns and no parsley.

Yet through it all, Faith finds joy and emotional sustenance in her only friend: a diary that holds her deepest thoughts and even deeper dreams. And from these pages springs a message of hope that inspires Faith to make a bold, unexpected move that will change her life forever. . . .


BASEBALL, by Danny Constantine

"I am blown away by Baseball. I forgot about my shoulder and read the whole thing in one sitting!"
--Derek Jeter

Many kids dream of playing for the Yankees. Only the very best actually make it to the top. But when Danny is cherry-picked out of his baseball practice one day and thrust into the amazing life as a Yankee's pitcher, his life changes forever. Gaining the highest salary ever in the history of baseball, and striking out every single member of the Mets, the thrills never end. His story, riveting, astonishing, and wild, will leave you breathless and begging to know what could possibly come next.

"I can't believe he made it to the Hall of Fame before I did... A page-turner!"
--Roger Clemmons


MY FRIEND TIERRA, by Laquisha Lewis

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Selected Poems

She just calls out her name. . . .

A FRIENDSHIP THAT WILL NEVER SINK
In this touching, luminous portrait, Laquisha Lewis shines an adoring light on her best friend, the unforgettable Tierra. Growing up together from pre-school to the third grade, these two girls form an indelible bond of unconditional trust and rope jumping. But while Laquisha and Tierra play and explore the great outdoors, another little girl is watching, stewing with jealousy. Will the best friends remain true?

"A fabulous story - if Shopaholic made a friend, it would definitely be with Laquisha! I'd follow her anywhere. Where's my jump rope?"
--Sophie Kinsella, Author of the Shopaholic novels


THE HORRIBLE WAR, by Daniel Dyssegaard Kallick

Bestselling author of The Great Moving of the Earth's Population in 20,018

"The torch has been passed--brilliantly. I tip my hat to young Mr. Kallick, the future of the genre!"
--Arthur C. Clarke


ONCE THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO HAD BUG DISEASE, by Michael Lange

"This story's got legs...and it's bound to create a buzz!"
--The New York Review of Bugs


NEIL ARMSTRONG, by Gabriel Dreyer

"If you've ever had a dream, read this book. Gabriel Dreyer's story about Neil Armstrong made me feel as though the impossible could be a reality."
--Stephen William Hawking

This is the most exciting take on iconic Neil Armstrong's life and flight from earthman to astronaut ever written. Dreyer successfully combines carefully researched material on the famous space man with exclusive personal details about how Armstrong felt in space as a young man with dreams, and as the man who leaped for us all. The story soars from Armstrong's spinning chair to his famous moon flight. The gripping prose will leave you dizzy with your own desire to explore a new frontier.

"I've never been so captivated by any other book on space. This is a masterpiece!"
--Sean O'Keefe, appointed by President Bush as the 10th Administrator of NASA


UPSTATE NEW YORK, by Mathias Dyssegaard Kallick

In the spirit of Frog and Toad are Friends, Mathias and Daniel befriend a trio of horses-Blackie, Brownie, and Snowface-while vacationing in upstate New York. We follow Mathias and Daniel as the hike, sled, and even take a plane ride with their new-found four-legged friends. Friendship, adventure, and comradery abound in this wonderful tale that takes readers from upstate New York to the heart of Central Park.

Praise for UPSTATE NEW YORK

"Mathias Dyssegaard Kallick writes with the assured style of a veteran... This is the story I've always dreamed of writing."
--Nicholas Evans, author of The Horse Whisperer

"So vividly told, I found myself wishing I had been on that trip to upstate New York!"
--Paul Theroux, author of Dark Star Safari


MY REALITY, WORLD'S REALITY, by Michael Montilla

Highly-acclaimed poet Micheal Montilla thoughtfully deconstructs and analyzes some of the most profound issues of today's world in this new collection. From social discrimination to smoking, from depression to hope, his poems are always beautifully written and searingly true-to-heart.

"Montilla possesses that rare combination of mastery of language and intense psychological vision, making him one of the greatest writers of our time."
--Maya Angelou


POKÉMON, by Jesse Kling

This invaluable resource for Pokémon fans provides everything you need to know about Pikachu, Tyrogue, Meowth, and Qwilfish--including previously unrevealed secrets about their strength and damage power. Gotta catch 'em all!


THE TWO FOXES FIGHT, by Madelyn Mejia

A FASCINATING TALE OF CONFLICT AND RESOLUTION...BETWEEN FOXES!

Tim the fox is quickly finding out that having a broken leg is no fun at all! His closest friend, Timmy, has already abandoned him to play with Mat and Jodi. What's a fox to do? In this amazing story of friendship, loss, and redemption, Tim learns that perhaps things aren't as bad as they seem!

"Madelyn Mejia is a true storyteller--I couldn't put this book down!"
--Acclaimed author and essayist Norman Mailer

"This is my favorite book ever!"
--Madonna


THE DOG RACE, by Elizabeth Mydlowski

THE THRILL OF VICTORY, THE AGONY OF DE PAWS

The rules are set. The chalk of the starting line is freshly drawn. The dogs are in place, panting even before the opening shot. There's Ginger, faster than lightning . . . Tango, slower than syrup . . . Snowflake, a girl dog with her eyes on the prize . . . Fifi, vain and possibly vulnerable . . . Casper, his last chance for the big time . . . and Mario, the dark pooch, a wild card who may just finally bark up the right tree and triumph.

Elizabeth Mydlowski brings this exciting race and its players to life as never before. There's a lot at stake . . . because the winner gets steak!

"WOW! And I thought Seabiscuit ran an exciting race! These dogs rule!"
--Laura Hillenbrand, Author of Seabiscuit

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