The curse on Orban spreads bad luck to the rest of the Otmounders, the Giants, and the Dorig until three Otmounder children are born with Gifts.

What do Philip Pullman and J.K. Rowling have in common that has made both of their stories so successful? What does Pullman listen to while he writes—and who, or what, is Dust? Pullman's award-winning trilogy His Dark Materials has been appreciated by readers of all ages. It is now set to welcome new fans as it is adapted for television by the BBC, and his new trilogy at last sees publication. Nicholas Tucker, a leading authority on children's literature,...

After their parents are taken away by the Germans, the Balicki children are on their own in Warsaw. With the help of another orphan named Jan, they eventually make their way to Switzerland and are reunited with their parents.

Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is renowned for its mystery and magic. What's the truth behind it all? Is the golden compass actually based in science? How does the subtle knife cut through anything? Could there be a bomb like the one made with Lyra's hair? How do the Gallivespians' lodestone resonators really work? And, of course, what are the Dark Materials? Drawing on string theory and spacetime, quantum physics and chaos theory, award-winning...

This is the most comprehensive index to characters in historical fiction available. Searching for historical novels featuring any of over 1,300 famous people is made easier with the help of this handy reference guide. Over 4,000 novels for adults, young adults, and children are cited in the book's 5,000 entries. Listings include author's name, publication date, any awards the book may have won, and an extensive listing of reviews. Author, title, and...