Beginners Welcome
Author: | Baldwin, Cindy |
Publisher: | Quill Tree Books |
ISBN: | 9780062665911, Related ISBNs: 006266591X, 9780062665898, 9780062665904, 9780062665911 |
Classification: | Non-Fiction |
Synopsis
The acclaimed author of Where the Watermelons Grow is back with a story perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Ali Benjamin, about finding friendship after a tragic loss.
It’s been eighty-three days since Annie Lee’s daddy died, but she still sees reminders of him everywhere. His record player mysteriously plays his favorite songs, there’s shaving cream in the sink every morning, and the TV keeps flipping to the Duke basketball games he loved.
She knows Mama notices it too, but Mama’s been working around the clock to make ends meet. To make matters worse, Annie Lee’s friends ditched her over the summer. She feels completely alone—until she meets Mitch.
Though Mitch is tough and confident on the outside, she may need a friend just as badly as Annie Lee. But after losing so much, Annie Lee is afraid to let anyone get too close.
And Mitch isn’t the only friend trying to break through Annie Lee’s defenses. Ray, an elderly pianist who plays at a local mall, has been giving her piano lessons. His music is pure magic, and Annie Lee hopes it might be the key to healing her broken heart. But when Ray goes missing, searching for him means breaking a promise to Mitch.
Faced with once again losing those who mean the most to her, Annie Lee must make a choice: retreat back into her shell, or risk admitting how much she needs Mitch and Ray—even if it means getting hurt all over again.
Just like in her debut, Where the Watermelons Grow, Cindy Baldwin brings her signature twist of magic to this authentically heartfelt story.
A Whitney Award finalist
An AML Award finalist
Expand to learn more
Collapse
- IMPROVE YOUR CHILD'S READING LEVEL IN 3 MONTHS OR LESS - GUARANTEED!
- THOUSANDS OF BOOKS & EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS MATCHED TO YOUR CHILD’S LEVEL & INTERESTS!
Why read a book on LightSail?
Clozes
Embedded quick vocabulary assessments
Contextual Action Clips
Children visually experience what they are reading
Multiple choice questions
Assesses comprehension, graded automatically
Short Response Questions
Provide children with actionable feedback
Dictionary & Synonyms
Word definitions and synonyms in multiple languages
Related Videos
Educational videos embedded in a book
LightSail is Lexile® Driven
Included in your subscription
10,000 +
Books from top publishers
1,500 +
Audiobooks with real voice narration
20,000 +
Educational videos
40,000 +
Comprehension questions for all levels
50,000 +
World Book Encyclopedia articles*
1000’s
Multimedia resources
•Maps & Timelines
•360° photos and more
All from
$9.95*
per Month
*Included in the premium subscription
WHY PARENTS LOVE
WHY KIDS LOVE
5 STAR RATING FROM EXPERTS AND TEACHERS ALIKE ...FOR TWO YEARS RUNNING!
Common Sense Media’s Graphite site for educators praises LightSail as “a powerful platform for developing engaged readers.” Real-time assessments and feedback were especially noted in awarding LightSail Graphite’s highest honor.
In addition, LightSail is one of the most highly-reviewed literacy products on Graphite by teachers.
Learning rating
Teacher rating
Our blog
Hook Your Kids on Poetry for World Poetry Day
Posted on 17.Mar.22 in Book Recommendations
Does the thought of reading antiquated love poetry fill your kids with dread? Let’s break down the poetry barrier with verses that are accessible and engaging. With LightSail’s incredible selection of poetry for kids, there’s a poem for every reader. 1. Modern Poems If your students are worried that poetry is going to be dry […]
10 Ways to Use Author a Book with your Young Writers at Home
Posted on 17.Mar.22 in Reading at Home Tips
Are you ready to introduce your kids to Author a Book? You’ll find countless ways to foster children’s literacy development with this feature. Here are 10 suggestions to get you started. Celebrate Write Your Own Story Day (March 14) by encouraging each of your kids to brainstorm a story and write it out. Explore the […]
16 Must-Know Women from History
Posted on 15.Mar.22 in Reading at Home Tips
Women’s History Month is a time to honor notable women from all walks of life. Your students can observe the month by digging into the biographies of must-know women. Where to begin? The 16 women below are sure to make an impression on the readers in your home. 1. Maya Angelou Poet Maya Angelou experienced […]