This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. A Long Walk To Water

   Based on a True Story

   

   The book intertwines the stories of two Sudanese children, Salva and Nya, living decades apart. Salva, a boy displaced by the Sudanese Civil War in 1985, embarks on a harrowing journey across Africa in search of safety and family, facing immense challenges and loss along the way. Meanwhile, Nya, a girl in 2008, spends her days walking long distances to fetch water for her family, highlighting the ongoing struggles for basic necessities in her village. Their narratives converge in a powerful tale of resilience, hope, and the transformative impact of clean water access on communities.

2. 2. Gracie Under The Waves

   

   Set against the backdrop of a serene coastal town, this heartwarming tale follows a young girl's journey of self-discovery and healing after a family tragedy. As she navigates the complexities of grief and resilience, she finds solace and strength in the ocean's embrace, learning to ride the waves both literally and metaphorically. Through her connection with the sea and the support of her close-knit community, she discovers the power of love, friendship, and the courage to face life's challenges head-on.

3. 3. When My Name Was Keoko

   

   Set against the backdrop of World War II, this poignant tale unfolds in Korea under Japanese occupation, where two siblings, Sun-hee and her brother Tae-yul, navigate the challenges of cultural erasure and identity loss. As their family is forced to adopt Japanese names and customs, the siblings secretly cling to their Korean heritage, finding solace in their shared bond and the stories of their ancestors. Through alternating perspectives, the narrative captures their resilience and courage as they confront the harsh realities of war, the struggle for freedom, and the enduring power of hope.

4. 4. Prairie Lotus

   

   Set in the late 19th century, this historical novel follows the journey of a young half-Asian girl named Hanna as she and her father settle in a small town on the American frontier. Hanna dreams of attending school and becoming a dressmaker, but she faces prejudice and discrimination due to her mixed heritage. Through resilience and determination, she navigates the complexities of identity, community, and belonging, while striving to achieve her dreams in a world that often sees her as an outsider. Her story is a poignant exploration of courage, acceptance, and the pursuit of one's aspirations amidst adversity.
5. 5. A Single Shard

   

   Set in 12th-century Korea, the story follows a young orphan named Tree-ear who dreams of becoming a master potter. Living under the care of the wise and kind-hearted Crane-man, Tree-ear is fascinated by the exquisite pottery crafted by Min, a skilled but gruff potter. Through determination and hard work, Tree-ear earns the opportunity to apprentice under Min, embarking on a journey filled with challenges, self-discovery, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. As he navigates the complexities of loyalty, perseverance, and ambition, Tree-ear learns valuable life lessons that shape his future and the world around him.

6. 6. Trust No One

   

   In a world where secrets are currency and trust is a rare commodity, a young protagonist finds themselves entangled in a web of deception and intrigue. As they navigate a landscape filled with hidden agendas and shadowy figures, they must rely on their wits and instincts to uncover the truth. Along the way, alliances are tested, and the line between friend and foe blurs, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew about loyalty and betrayal. With danger lurking at every turn, the protagonist learns that survival depends on trusting no one but themselves.

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7. 7. Storm Warning

   

   In this thrilling installment, the young Cahill siblings, Amy and Dan, find themselves racing against time and a brewing storm as they continue their global quest for the powerful 39 Clues. With danger lurking at every corner, they must navigate through treacherous landscapes and outsmart their cunning adversaries. As they delve deeper into their family's mysterious past, they uncover secrets that could change the course of their mission and their lives forever. The stakes are higher than ever, and the siblings must rely on their wits, courage, and each other to survive the challenges that lie ahead.

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8. 8. Yaks Yak

   Animal Word Pairs

   

   This delightful picture book introduces young readers to the playful world of homonyms through a series of whimsical and humorous illustrations. Each page presents a different animal engaged in an activity that cleverly plays on the double meanings of words, such as yaks yaking or slugs slugging. The vibrant artwork and witty text combine to create an engaging and educational experience, encouraging children to explore the richness of language while enjoying the charming antics of the animal characters.

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9. 9. The One Thing You'd Save

   

   In a classroom exercise that sparks deep reflection and heartfelt discussions, a teacher asks her students to consider what single item they would save if their house were on fire. Through a series of poignant and insightful poems, each student reveals their choice, offering a glimpse into their personal lives, values, and the things they hold dear. The narrative beautifully explores themes of family, friendship, and the essence of what truly matters, encouraging readers to ponder their own priorities and the intangible treasures that shape their identities.

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10. 10. Keeping Score

    

    In 1950s Brooklyn, a young Dodgers superfan befriends a firefighter who teaches her how to keep score, turning baseball into a language of hope and connection. When he is sent to the Korean War and his letters stop, she clings to her scorebook and rituals, convinced they might help bring him home and deliver a long-awaited victory. Through seasons of waiting, she learns about friendship, loss, resilience, and the solace found in small acts of devotion.

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11. 11. The Kite Fighters

    

    Set in 15th-century Korea, two brothers—one a meticulous kite maker, the other a gifted flyer—grapple with rivalry and family expectations when a young king invites them to compete in a prestigious New Year kite-fighting tournament; by learning to trust each other’s strengths and working together, they bring honor to their family and redefine their roles within it.

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