Patricia Reilly Giff

When a terrible blight attacks Ireland's potato crop in 1845, twelve-year-old Nory Ryan's courage and ingenuity helps her family and neighbors survive.

Second-grader Dawn Bosco must put her detective skills to the test in these four mysteries at the Polk Street School
The Mystery of the Blue Ring Dawn Bosco and Emily Arrow used to be best friends, until Dawn took Emily's unicorn. Even though Dawn eventually gave it back, Emily still won't talk to her. When Emily's blue birthday ring goes missing after art class, the rest of the second grade accuses Dawn of stealing it. Dawn sets...

When twelve-year-old Lidie leaves Brazil to join her father and brother on a horse ranch in New York, she has a hard time adjusting to her changed circumstances, as does a new horse that has come to the ranch.

Forced to spend months at an aunt's house, Elizabeth feels a connection to her ancestor Zee, whose picture hangs on the wall, and who reveals her story of hardships during the Revolutionary War as Elizabeth comes to terms with her own troubles.

Jim and Jilli plant their vegetable garden with some assistance from their dog Fiercely--but one unidentified seed is growing into a monster plant.

Held back for a year in second grade, Richard can't seem to help getting into trouble, until he gets really interested in reading and helps his class in a special way.

When the kids in Mr. Rooney's class return to school after Christmas, one of them suspects he has found a magic ruler that makes wishes come true.

Making friends with the new girl in her class is hard for Emily after she replaces Emily as the fastest runner and steals her lucky unicorn.