The Bronze Pen
Zilpha Keatley Snyder Atheneum c2008 200 pages
Audrey Abbot enters a magical cave and is given a bronze pen by an old woman who tells her to "use it wisely and to good purpose". Audrey shares the secret of the bronze pen with Lizzie, her best friend, and together they teat its powers.
A fantasy for grades 3-5

Gib Rides Home
Gib is an orphan around the early 1900's. He realizes the older he gets the less likely he will be adopted. But he also finds out that most older boys are "farmed out" for cheap labor. This is his story of his "adoption" and the home he finally finds of his dreams.

The Headless Cupid Atheneum c1971 2023 pages Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Newbery Honor book. The story of Amanda who must learn to cope with a new life with her Mom, Stepdad, and step brothers and sisters. Amanda proves to be quiet a handful and keeps her new family on edge.