Colleen Nelson

Junior Library Guild selection, How to Save a Library, is now available in a quality paperback and is “highly recommended” by School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Publishers Weekly. Every year Casey’s life seems to be boxed up and shipped to a new city. His dad thinks moving is an adventure, but at this point, Casey is so over adventure. In Armstrong’s Point, Casey’s life finally feels stable. His talent on the soccer field has made him a natural fit with the popular kids and he loves the apartment he shares with his dad. But when Casey discovers the local library, where his dad works, is in need of extensive restorative repairs, his future once again feels uncertain. In order to save the one place in the world that feels like home, Casey joins the Kids Community Action Network (C.A.N) where his team will compete for community funding. Unfortunately, this means working with Addison—a former friend turned not-so-friend—who isn’t going to make it easy on him. Award-winning author Colleen Nelson weaves together a story of heart and humor, highlighting the power of libraries to bring communities together.

York City is still full of mysteries! Elodie LaRue, a novice detective, plans to piece together the clues and solve the case of the missing jewels. Don’t miss your chance to get a copy of this fabulous novel praised by Kirkus Reviews as “[a]n entertaining blend of quirky characters and locked-room puzzle.” When her globe-trotting detective parents are pulled away during summer vacation, Elodie decides to prove she’s worthy of joining them on a case by setting up her own detective agency at her home in the famous apartment building, The Biltmore. When a pair of sapphire earrings mysteriously disappear from Mrs. Vanderzoot’s apartment, Elodie is asked to solve the case. Elodie begins her investigation the way any good detective would, looking for clues and potential suspects. With twists, turns, and suspects galore, will Elodie be able to prove she has what it takes to solve a crime? Or will the LaRue Detective Agency fail on its first case? As Elodie, her dog Carnegie, and new friend Oscar (a self-proclaimed parkour master) delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a quirky cast of characters, an array of clues, and a little bit of fun. Colored illustrations by award-winning artist, Peggy Collins, are scattered throughout the story, bringing additional humor to the cast of quirky characters. From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in Mystery at the Biltmore. Written with charm and wit, Mystery at The Biltmore is Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy.

A high-profile art theft grabs the attention of the famed Mr. and Mrs. LaRue, but this time they have a sidekick...Elodie herself Can Elodie measure up in the high-profile world of art crime, or will she struggle to see the big picture? Biltmore residents Mr. and Mrs. Farouk have spent millions renovating their apartment and now it's finally ready for their feature in the New York Times Style Magazine. But when they discover the centerpiece of the apartment-their new $7 million Jackson Pollock painting-is a fake, what are they to do? With the Farouk's desperate for the help of a LaRue, Elodie and Co. take on the case. Can the LaRue Detective Agency foil the forger in time for the magazine shoot? Or will Elodie's self-doubt overshadow them all? Full-color illustrations throughout by award-winning artist Peggy Collins bring additional humor to the cast of quirky characters and enhancing the reading experience for new independent readers. From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in Mystery at the Biltmore #4, The Farouk Forgery. Written with charm and wit, Mystery at The Biltmore series is Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy.

Casey is tired of always being the new kid at school. Now, for the first time in Casey's life, he finally feels settled--that is until his dad's job at the library is threatened. Every year Casey's life seems to be boxed up and shipped to a new city. His dad thinks moving is an adventure, but at this point Casey is so over adventure. In Armstrong's Point, Casey life finally feels stable. His talent on the soccer field has made him a natural fit with the popular kids and he loves the apartment he shares with his dad. But when Casey discovers the local library, where his dad works, is in need of extensive restorative repairs, his future once again feels uncertain. In order to save the one place in the world that feels like home, Casey joins the Kids Community Action Network (C.A.N) where his team will compete for community funding. Unfortunately, this means working with Addison--a former friend, turned not-so-friend--who isn't going to make it easy on him. Award-winning author Colleen Nelson weaves together a story of heart and humor, highlighting the power of libraries to bring communities together.

"Nelson's lively writing and expert pacing sustain just-right tension while adding... sprinklings of wisdom to] flavor the text."--Kirkus ReviewsWith a 100% success rate, it is no wonder The LaRue Detective Agency has become the investigators to call at The Biltmore. But could the recipe robbery become Elodie's own recipe for disaster? Biltmore resident, Chef Sebastian, plans to open a new pastry shop where he will unveil his mouthwatering masterpiece--the cruffin (part muffin, part croissant, entirely delicious). That is until all of Chef's recipes are stolen from his apartment. With a 100% success rate, it is no wonder The LaRue Detective Agency is hired to solve the recipe robbery, but when the mystery appears as layered as a French croissant--one may wonder: is a mystery this complicated worth risking a perfect reputation? Full-color illustrations by award-winning artist Peggy Collins are scattered throughout the story, bringing additional humor to the cast of quirky characters and enhancing the reading experience for new independent readers. From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in Mystery at the Biltmore #3: A Recipe for Robbery. Written with charm and wit, Mystery at The Biltmore is Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy.

“The representation of a diversity of cultures and abilities is impressive as well as the uniqueness of some jobs….A visually appealing and inspiring representation of careers that would be a strong addition to middle school collections.”—School Library Journal Young readers are given a lens into the life of an architect, a paleontologist, a pilot, and so many more through detailed job profiles and full-colour photos. How does a comedian write the perfect joke? How does a private investigator crack a mysterious case? Questions about jobs you know, and don’t know, are answered in a fun and accessible way through pro tips, spin-off job sidebars, and spotlight features about young people already achieving their dreams. Following the success of If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It: How 25 inspiring individuals found their dream jobs, teacher and award-winning author Colleen Nelson, teams up once again with librarian and literacy advocate Kathie MacIsaac to introduce inspiring individuals of many backgrounds, genders, and abilities. Seeing a wide range of representation, in both people and jobs, is the first step to young people discovering their own career possibilities. This information-packed resource shows how education can come in many different forms, such as university, college, trade school, apprenticeship, or specialized training. A wide range of job profiles provides valuable insight into how each individual developed the skills and expertise they needed for their career.

The LaRue Detective Agency has gained a reputation at The Biltmore as the investigators to call, so it’s no surprise when they are asked to solve the catnapping case. What is a surprise: being asked to keep this investigation top secret! Will the LaRue detective agency have what it takes to solve this challenging case? A murder mystery movie is being filmed in the courtyard of the Biltmore, starring a celebrity building resident, Bijou, the fluffy white cat famous for inheriting the entire fortune of a popular designer—including his Biltmore apartment. But when filming is paused for the day, Tiya, the daughter of Bijou’s nanny, reports that the famous feline was catnapped! The LaRue detective agency is hired...but there is just one catch, the investigation must remain top secret. How can Elodie question suspects when she can’t admit Bijou is missing? This investigation will require new tactics, a keen eye, and help from her friends! Colored illustrations by award-winning artist, Peggy Collins, are scattered throughout the story, bringing additional humor to the cast of quirky characters. From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in Mystery at the Biltmore. Written with charm and wit, Mystery at The Biltmore is Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy.

★ "Visually dynamic layouts use detailed cartoon illustrations while also weaving in high quality photos and maps that will keep readers engaged. Thorough and timely...will make excellent additions to any library collection." -- Booklist, starred review From where we live to what we eat, water plays a vital role in our survival. Since ancient times, water's life-giving power has inspired people's spiritual beliefs. It has influenced how humans migrated around the world. Recently, human ingenuity has taken water from a drinking source to an energy source, though not without consequences. As our population grows, cities expand and climate changes, what is the future of water? Innovations are making water equitable and accessible for all. Water warriors, determined to repair, protect and conserve water, are also shifting the mindset from humans needing water to water needing us. Making a Splash: How Humans Consume, Conserve and Care for Water looks at what has been done in the past and what can be done in the future to ensure the health and prosperity of our blue planet. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

The Biltmore in New York City is full of mysteries, and Elodie LaRue, a novice detective, plans to piece together the clues and solve the case of the missing jewels. Left behind by her globe-trotting detective parents once again, Elodie decides to prove she’s worthy of joining them on a case by setting up her own detective agency at her renowned Upper West Side home, The Biltmore. When a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings mysteriously disappear from Mrs. Vanderhoff’s apartment, Elodie is asked to solve the case. Elodie begins her investigation the way any good detective would, looking for clues and potential suspects. With twists, turns, and suspects galore, will Elodie be able to prove she has what it takes to solve a crime? Or will the LaRue Detective Agency fail on its first case? As Elodie, her dog Carnegie, and new friend Oscar (a self-proclaimed parkour master) delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a quirky cast of characters, an array of clues, and a little bit of fun. Colored vignettes by award-winning artist, Peggy Collins, are scattered throughout the story, bringing additional humor to the cast of quirky characters. From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in Mystery at the Biltmore. Written with charm and wit, Mystery at The Biltmore is Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy.

In this intimate and inspiring novel about the power of art and the value of community, award-winning author and former New Yorker Colleen Nelson brings life and liveliness to an eccentric cast of New York City neighbors. Middle-schooler and New Yorker Roxy Markowski wants to tell the truth fearlessly and powerfully, just like her idols at Veracity News. She and her best friend Scout already make YouTube videos together about East Village life, so when Veracity News announces a Young Voices video competition, Roxy knows it’s the perfect opportunity to make a name for herself, if only she can find a story worth telling. When a real-estate mogul threatens to buy her historic East Village apartment building, Umbrella House, Roxy sets out to create a video about the people who live in her building, depicting their love for art, community, and family. With time—and her options for saving Umbrella House—running out, Roxy finds herself caught up in the mystery of the Midnight Muralist, a famous East Village artist whose murals once made buildings famous and valuable. Could finding this enigmatic artist be the key to saving her historic East Village apartment building? “Blending fact, fiction, social issues, and friendship, this novel ably highlights young people’s strengths….An uplifting account of creative kids working to preserve a city landmark.”—Kirkus Reviews “Nelson, who has lived in New York, creates a cast of interesting characters with Umbrella House (a real place with a colorful history) and its neighborhood as the setting. A well-paced story with a satisfying conclusion.”—Booklist “Nelson’s novel both commends activists’ can-do spirit and emphasizes the heights to which one can go when backed by unwavering communal support.”—Publishers Weekly

The creators of If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It are back with inspiring profiles on twenty-five diverse careers and individuals. Young readers are given a lens into the life of an architect, a paleontologist, a pilot, and so many more through detailed job profiles and full-colour photos. How does a comedian write the perfect joke? How does a private investigator crack a mysterious case? Questions about jobs you know, and don’t know, are answered in a fun and accessible way through pro tips, spin-off job sidebars, and spotlight features about young people already achieving their dreams. Following the success of If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It: How 25 inspiring individuals found their dream jobs, teacher and award-winning author Colleen Nelson, teams up once again with librarian and literacy advocate Kathie MacIsaac to introduce inspiring individuals of many backgrounds, genders, and abilities. Seeing a wide range of representation, in both people and jobs, is the first step to young people discovering their own career possibilities. This information-packed resource shows how education can come in many different forms, such as university, college, trade school, apprenticeship, or specialized training. A wide range of job profiles provides valuable insight into how each individual developed the skills and expertise they needed for their career.

In this intimate and inspiring novel about the power of art and the value of community, award-winning author and former New Yorker Colleen Nelson brings life and liveliness to an eccentric cast of New York City neighbors. Middle-schooler and New Yorker Roxy Markowski wants to tell the truth fearlessly and powerfully, just like her idols at Veracity News. She and her best friend Scout already make YouTube videos together about East Village life, so when Veracity News announces a Young Voices video competition, Roxy knows it’s the perfect opportunity to make a name for herself, if only she can find a story worth telling. When a real-estate mogul threatens to buy her historic East Village apartment building, Umbrella House, Roxy sets out to create a video about the people who live in her building, depicting their love for art, community, and family. With time—and her options for saving Umbrella House—running out, Roxy finds herself caught up in the mystery of the Midnight Muralist, a famous East Village artist whose murals once made buildings famous and valuable. Could finding this enigmatic artist be the key to saving her historic East Village apartment building?

He's known as the class troublemaker. She's known as the bookworm. But when every note they send is anonymous, identity is suddenly what they make it. Between her father's posting overseas and her best friend Sienna's move to the other side of the country, seventh grade is looking lonely for Jane MacDonald. But Sienna has left her with one last trick: a hidden message in a library book—the perfect plot to start a secret club and find Jane a new book-loving friend. Tyson Flamand has problems of his own. Since the fourth grade he's had a reputation as a bad kid, and there's no point fighting it when teachers always think the worst. So when he finds an anonymous note in the library looking for a nerdy new friend, he knows he's the last person in the world it could be meant for. But something makes him answer it anyway, and Tyson finds himself pulled into a secret book club where being hidden may be the first step to being truly seen. With the insight of a veteran middle-school teacher, Colleen Nelson, author of the award-winning Harvey Comes Home and Sadia, weaves together two stories of identity, expectation, and the courage to challenge both. As their paths move ever closer, Jane and Tyson both discover their own self-reliance and their ability to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable.

There is no single path to the job of your dreams. What does it take to become a stuntperson? How does a mathematician spend her days? When does a barber become the center of a community? In this refreshing take on a careers book, meet twenty-five individuals of different backgrounds, genders, and abilities who have found their careers through a wide range of experience, education, intention, and inspiration. From Joshua Jones, who built a business where he could thrive as a Deaf interior designer, to Teresa Tam, whose hunger for knowledge led her to the position of Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, each of these dreamers found ways to dig deep into their passion, to gain experience and knowledge, and to turn that into a job. In If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It, Colleen Nelson, middle-school teacher and award-winning author of The Harvey Stories and The Undercover Book List, teams up with children’s librarian and literacy advocate Kathie MacIsaac to show young readers that there are many paths to a dream job. Education may come from university, college, trade school, apprenticeship, specialized training, or simply asking questions and getting involved. Your career may be something you’re already dreaming about or something you’ve never even heard of. No matter what, success means feeling happy with the work you do. If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It includes full-color photographs and illustrations, informative sidebars, tips for trying out a field of interest, a glossary, an index, and an interactive quiz. Spotlight features on children and youth who are already gaining experience for their own dream jobs round out this inspirational resource.

Governor General’s Award finalist Harvey Holds His Own delivers another satisfying story of heart, perseverance, and one incredible little dog, now in a new paperback format. Harvey, the West Highland Terrier hero of Harvey Comes Home, is back with his beloved Maggie. He is also back at Brayside retirement home, where he and Maggie now volunteer along with their friend Austin. There Maggie is drawn to a new resident, Mrs. Fradette, who tells stories of learning to fix cars as a twelve-year-old during the flood of 1950. Mrs. Fradette, with her bold fashion and love of poker, doesn’t fit in among the beige cardigan- wearing, bridge-playing ladies of Brayside, but she doesn’t seem to care. Maybe that’s why Maggie likes her so much. Since seventh grade began, Maggie hasn’t been fitting in well with her friends, either. Always alert for anything new—and with a nose that never misses a new scent—Harvey follows his instincts on a walk with Austin and discovers an abandoned newborn puppy in a pile of trash. Austin’s heart almost breaks over the little puppy’s plight, so he takes her to safety. Maggie and the Brayside residents and staff praise Harvey’s heroic efforts, wishing that Austin could have his own dog. But the little puppy will need time to recover from her trauma before she can be adopted, and then there’s another, even bigger obstacle: Austin’s mom, who says no to pets. As fall edges toward winter, Harvey picks up an unfriendly scent in his backyard, and he will stop at nothing to keep Maggie and the others safe. But sometimes the little Westie is just too brave for his own good.

The award-winning Harvey Stories are back with a new story of acceptance, understanding, and the loving comfort of everyone’s favourite Westie. There’s nothing quite like the loving companionship of a loyal dog. When Harvey’s status as Brayside’s comfort dog comes into question, the elderly residents are quick to stand up for him. Mr. Kowalski, a longstanding Brayside resident, is struggling with his wife’s recent hospitalization. As Harvey watches over him, Mr. Kowalski shares stories of his youth during World War II—tales which fascinates Harvey’s friend Austin. At the same time, the newly appointed Assistant Director Hilary Appleby, the person who wants to get rid of Harvey, also creates unreasonable rules which make the residents of Brayside miserable. The new school season for Austin and Harvey’s owner Maggie proves to be harder than expected. Maggie’s audition for the school play of Annie doesn’t go as planned, with the role she wanted going to Ndidi, who rarely comes out to rehearsals. Austin, for his part, is battling shame around not being able to afford a school trip. Award-winning author Colleen Nelson and illustrator Tara Anderson team up once again to deliver another engaging story where Harvey’s exceptional nose leads Maggie and Austin to find resolution to the many challenges they face. Themes of acceptance, understanding, and intergenerational friendships are the strengths of this middle-grade novel.

He's known as the class troublemaker. She's known as the bookworm. But when every note they send is anonymous, identity is suddenly what they make it. Between her father's posting overseas and her best friend Sienna's move to the other side of the country, seventh grade is looking lonely for Jane MacDonald. But Sienna has left her with one last trick: a hidden message in a library book—the perfect plot to start a secret club and find Jane a new book-loving friend. Tyson Flamand has problems of his own. Since the fourth grade he's had a reputation as a bad kid, and there's no point fighting it when teachers always think the worst. So when he finds an anonymous note in the library looking for a nerdy new friend, he knows he's the last person in the world it could be meant for. But something makes him answer it anyway, and Tyson finds himself pulled into a secret book club where being hidden may be the first step to being truly seen. With the insight of a veteran middle-school teacher, Colleen Nelson, author of the award-winning Harvey Comes Home and Sadia, weaves together two stories of identity, expectation, and the courage to challenge both. As their paths move ever closer, Jane and Tyson both discover their own self-reliance and their ability to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable.

A fantastical novel from award-winning author Colleen Nelson, about a hundred-year-old side show and a girl with no past.Frankie doesn’t trust easily. Not others and not even herself. Found in an alley when she was a child, she has no memory of who she is or why she was left there. Recurring dreams about a hundred-year-old carnival side show, a performer known as Alligator Girl, and a man named Monsieur Duval have an eerie familiarity to them.Frankie gets drawn deeper into Alligator Girl’s world and the secrets that keep the performers bound together. But a startling encounter with Monsieur Duval when she’s awake makes Frankie wonder what’s real and what’s in her head.As Frankie’s and Alligator Girl’s stories unfold, Frankie’s life takes a sharp turn. Are the dreams her way of working through her trauma or is there a more sinister plan at work? And if there is, does she have the strength to fight it?

Now in paperback, the award-winning story of a lost West Highland Terrier warming hearts and bringing generations together A dog’s world is a world of scents, of adventure. When a Harvey the West Highland Terrier wanders out of his old life guided only by his nose and his heart, lives begin to converge. Austin, a young volunteer at the Brayside retirement home, quickly finds that the audacious Harvey inspires Mr. Pickering, a bitter resident coping with memory loss, to tell stories of his childhood. Moved by the elderly man’s Dust Bowl recollections of grinding poverty and the perseverance of his friends and family, Austin begins to trade his preconceived notions for empathy. But is it enough to give him the resolve to track down Harvey’s original owner? Supported by warm graphite illustrations from acclaimed artist Tara Anderson, author Colleen Nelson immerses readers in a rich and unflinchingly human tale of struggle and hope—all inspired by one curious dog.

Fall in love at first blunder with a wisely foolish kindergarten teacher who makes the first day of school an experience to remember. Kayla isn’t too sure about the first day of kindergarten. What if she misses her mom? What if she can’t find the bathroom? But when Kayla meets Mrs. Muddle, it quickly becomes clear that Kayla’s problems are nothing compared to her teacher’s. Mrs. Muddle mixes up the kids’ name tags, takes them to the library instead of the gym, and can’t find the bathroom. She doesn’t even know how to use a slide properly! Clearly somebody needs to take charge. Soon Kayla is much too busy teaching her teacher to think about her own worries. Hearkening back to classics like The Amelia Bedelia collection and Douglas Wood’s What Teachers Can’t Do, Colleen Nelson will make parents, children, and especially teachers laugh out loud over Mrs. Muddle’s antics and the exasperated Kayla’s leadership. As the students find their way around the school, Alice Carter’s giggle-inducing art welcomes readers into a kindergarten class that makes the first day of school seem very appealing indeed.