The Coal Thief [Hardcover]

Brrr! Georgie wakes up to a freezing morning in 1920s Pennsylvania and gets the bad news that there is no coal to heat the farmhouse—and he knows there is no money to buy more, either. Just after he finds this out, along comes his friend Harley, who drags him off on an adventure to find some mysterious “black gold.” Before Georgie can catch his breath, he’s in a pile of trouble—all the way up to his ears! Take a trip back in time and join Georgie in this heartwarming tale of mischief made and lessons learned in America’s storied past.

USA Best Book Awards: Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction, FinalistAlane Adams is an author, professor, and literacy advocate. She is the author of the Legends of Orkney fantasy mythology series for tweens andThe Coal ThiefandThe Egg Thief, picture books for early-grade readers. She lives in Southern California.2016 International Book Awards: Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction Finalist
2015 USA Book Awards: Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction Finalist
2015 IndieFab Awards: Picture Book (Children's) Finalist
A beautiful book in so many ways,The Coal Thiefwill leave an impression on many hearts for a long time to come.” —Foreword Reviews

The dialogue between the characters feels natural to the time and place, and the text size and amount, as well as its approachable vocabulary, makes this a good choice for confident early-elementary readers . . . Gallegos’ art is compelling . . . Overall, Georgie is an appealing protagonist, and his adventure may encourage early elementary school readers to read more about why communities like Georgie’s struggled during the 1930s. A beautifully illustrated, realistic slice of history with a likable, repentant thief as its hero. —Kirkus Reviews