Dandi Books

Ten-year-old Dandi (affectionately called "Dan" by family and friends) lives and breathes baseball. She may not be a fence buster but she can "hit 'em where they ain't" in the neighborhood pick-up games. The boys know she's a contender. And there's no bigger fan of the 1961 Kansas City A's. So when Charlie Finley, the A's new owner, announces an essay contest to get batboys, there's no doubt Dandi will enter the contest.

Dandi not only enters the contest--her essay wins! However, her joy is short-lived when the contest officials enforce the For Boys Only rule. Long before the boundary-breaking ruling of Title IX, young women across the country used grit and determination to prove that barriers of gender have no place on a level playing field. Dandi Daley Mackall's true-life story gives voice and testament to the spirit of these young sports pioneers.

"Mackall seamlessly weaves a good deal of baseball trivia and slang into her tale...Dandi is an engaging and sympathetic heroine, and her story will resonate with many readers." - School Library Journal, June 2008

See more about this book on YouTube

Study guide available Here

Rudy Rides the Rails:

A Depression Era Story (Tales of Young America)

Dandi met the real "Ramblin' Rudy" in 2000 and was inspired to capture his stories & sense of community and adventure, when Rudy "rode the rails" as a teen hobo during the Great Depression.

With an international flavor, each stanza celebrates God's love in a different part of the world. The words "For God So Loved The World" appear in different languages on each spread with a final fold-out.

Silent Dreams

Karen Jerome, illustrator
Eerdmans

Camilla and her auntie are homeless in the early 1900's, forming friendships with characters like Fingers Freddy, Jake the Badger, and Boxcar Betty. But every Saturday the world changes...at the Silent Movie matinee.

FIRST DAY

It's the first day of school!
Pencils sharp, crayons stacked.
Ruler, scissors, paper packed.
Brand new shoes-
Heard the news?
This is my first day!

 

from WaterBrook/Random House

A GAGGLE OF GEESE AND A CLUTTER OF CATS

Ill. by David Hohn

In fun, rollicking rhyme, discover the names of animal groups, from tidings of magpies, ducks in a brace, elks in a gang, in a galloping race!

TIME FOR THE BLANKET SHOW,
Ill. by David Hohn

Make bedtime fun!
"Shed those shoes./ Bye-bye, laces!/Everybody take your places.
Prime-time, bedtime, bathroom races....
Time for the Blanket Show!"

SEEING STARS

Ill. Claudine Gervy
Simon and Schuster

Discover Orion the Hunter,
Draco the Dragon,
Cassiopeia the Queen,
and other familiar constellations,
and learn how to recognize
them in the night sky.

Constellations are outlined in sparkly foil!

The Legend of Ohio

Ill. by Greg LaFever
Sleeping Bear Press

This picture book combines imagination with an original Iroquois oral tradition to tell a story of sacrifice and triumph.

ARE WE THERE YET?

Slumping, bumping seat-belt squeeze/ Let me out NOW, pretty please!/ Did you know our dog has fleas?/ Are we there yet, Mom?

MADE FOR A PURPOSE

(Purpose-Driven Life)
illustrated by Michael Koelsch

The story of a tough young girl who finds meaning and purpose in an unusual way.

Introduction and discussion questions by Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life.

Joseph King of Dreams

The classic story of Joseph's betrayal by his brothers and his journey to Egypt and forgiveness--also a DreamWorks movie.

Tommy Nelson Publishing
illustrated by Gene Barretta

Mayflower ship, dangerous trip!
Waves that rock and winds that whip.
Crashing, splashing, lightning flashing!
Off to Plymouth Rock!

This is the Lunch that Jesus Served

Illustrated by Benrei Huang

How can a little fish and a morsel of bread feed so many people? Children ages 4-8 and adults of all ages will delight in the retelling of this miracle of Jesus. With clever rhyming verse and color-rich artwork the story of the feeding of the five thousand comes to life.

The Best Thing Is Love
by Dandi Daley Mackall and Claudine Gevry

"But if I don't have love, it's a waste of time..."

I Can Talk To God By Praying Jesus' Way

The Fruit of the Spirit is Jesus in Me
Illustrated by Jenny B. Harris

The Armor of God

Jesus Said, "Go Tell The World," So I've Got A Job To Do
by Dandi Daley Mackall and Jenny Harris