Patricia Reilly Giff
Bibliography

Welcome to the Internet School Library Media Center Patricia Reilly Giff bibliography. The ISLMC is a meta-site of educational materials for school librarians, teachers, parents and students. You can search this site, use an index or sitemap.

[Fiction] [Nonfiction] [Professional Resources]

Fiction

Adios, Anna. Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998.
With her best friend Anna Ortiz away at camp for the summer, Sarah plans a crash course to learn Spanish.

All About Stacey. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1988. New Kids at the Street Schoo; 3

All the Way Home. New York: Delacorte, 2001.

In 1941, circumstances bring together Brick, a boy from New York's apple country, and Mariel, a young girl made shy by her bout with polio, and the two make a journey from Brooklyn back to help Brick's elderly neighbors save their apple crop and to help Mariel learn about her past.

The Almost Awful Play. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. New York: Puffin, 1985.

Second-grader Ronald morgan inadvertently turns a failing class play into a success.

The Almost Awful Play. [Sound recording] Ancramdale, NY: Live Oak Media, 1989.

1 sound cassette.

Beast and the Halloween Horror. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1990.Kids of the Polk Street School; #1

Halloween should be fun, but Beast is in big trouble. He was working really hard on his spelling homework when Ms. Rooney read "The Halloween Horror" to the class. Then she tells the students to write to the author. Beast does and invites the author to the school's Halloween parade, never dreaming he might accept.

The Beast in Mrs. Rooney's Room. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1984; Dell, 1984. The Kids of the Polk Street School; 1

Held back for a year in second grade, Richard can't seem to help getting into trouble, until he gets really interested in reading and helps his class in a special way.

The Case of the Cool-Itch Kid. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1989. The Polka Dot Private Eye; #5

Dawn is happy to be at summer camp, until her shell mirror and favorite pin disappear. She's forgotten her detective kit, but she decides to investigate anyway. She receives a surprising offer of help, and discovers a new friend.

The Clue at the Zoo. New York: Dell, 1990. The Polka Dot Private Eye

Count Your Money with the Polk Street School. New York: Dell, 1994. A Polk Street Special

Dance with Rosie. Illustrated by Julie Durrell. New York: Viking, 1996. Ballet Slippers; 1

Rosie tries to make up with her former best friend and get into ballet class after the sign-up deadline.

December Secrets. New York: Dell, 1984. Kids of the Polk Street School; #4

Each student in Ms. Rooney's room celebrates the December holidays by being a secret pal to a classmate.

Fancy Feet. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1988. New Kids at the Polk Street School; 2

Fish Face. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1984. The Kids of the Polk Street School; 2

Making friends with the new girl in her class is hard for Emily after she replaces Emily as the fastest runner and steals her lucky unicorn.

Fourth-grade Celebrity. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill. New York: Delacorte, 1979.

Cassandra Eleanor Valentine searches for a way to become a celebrity in her school.

Garbage Juice for Breakfast. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1989. The Polka Dot Private Detective

The Gift of the Pirate Queen. Illustrated by Jenny Rutherford. New York: Delacorte, 1982.

Sixth-grader Grace, her mother dead and her only sister ill with diabetes, learns to be brave like the pirate queen Grace O'Malley, whom her Irish cousin says she resembles.

The Girl Who Knew It All. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill. New York: Delacorte, 1979.

Always-in-trouble Tracy discovers most of her problems stem from the fact that she doesn't read well.

A Glass Slipper for Rosie. Illustrated by Julie Durrell. New York: Viking, 1997.

Rosie plans to surprise her grandfather on his birthday by getting her dance class to perform "Cinderella", his favorite ballet.

Good Dog, Bonita. Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998. Friends andAmigos; 5

Sarah goes to New York City with Senora Sanchez and her little dog Bonita, and when the dog runs away she feels responsible.

Good Luck, Ronald Morgan. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. New York: Viking, 1996.

Ronald Morgan needs lots of luck not only to train the dog which he just received for his birthday but also to win the friendship of his new neighbor.

The Great Shamrock Disaster. Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. New York: Dell, 1993. The Lincoln Lions Band; 6

When the uniforms borrowed for the St. Patrick's Day Parade turn out to be too old and too big, Michelle Swoop tries to find a way to save the day for the Lincoln Lions Band.

Happy Birthday, Anna, Sorpresa!. Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998. Friends and Amigos; 4

Sarah writes to her pen pal in South America about her attempts to plan a surprise birthday party and her dislike of a new girl at school.

Happy Birthday, Ronald Morgan!. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. New York: Puffin, 1988; Viking Kestrel, 1986.

Ronald, worried about losing his best friend, thinks his birthday is going to come too late for a class party, but he may be in for a surprise.

Have You Seen Hyacinth Macaw? Illustrated by Anthony Kramer. New York: Delacorte, 1981.

Abby and her friend Potsie work on several mysteries: a mysterious new neighbor, a missing person, a theft, and the unusual actions of Abby's brother.

Ho, Ho, Benjamin, Feliz Navidad. Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998.

Benjamin's Christmas is not turning out well--until he catches some of the season's spirit from Senora Sanchez, his new neighbor from Ecuador.

I Love Saturday. Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. New York: Viking Kestrel, 1989.

On Saturday morning Katie, who lives in Greenwich Village, plays checkers, helps paint the hallway, receives a sugar cookie from Mrs. Zelinsky, and keeps a secret.

In the Dinosaur's Paw. Illustrated by Blnche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1989. Kids of the Polk Street School

When the kids in Ms. Rooney's class return to school after Christmas, one of them suspects he has found a magic ruler that makes wishes come true.

It's a Fiesta, Benjamin. Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998. Friends and amigos

The neighborhood is planning a fiesta, but so many arguments erupt between relatives and friends that Benjamin decides that only he can save the fiesta.

Kidnap at the Catfish Cafe. Illustrated by Lynne Cravath. New York: Viking, 1998. Adventures of Minnie and Max; #1

Assisted by her cat Max, sixth grader Minnie starts up her new detective agency by investigating a kidnapping and a thief who will steal anything, even a hot stove.

Lazy Lions, Lucky Lambs. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1986. Kids of the Polk Street School

March is the worst month for Richard Best, it's report card time and if he doesn't get good grades he might be left back again.

Left-Handed Shortstop. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill. New York: Delacorte, 1980.

When his classmates brag that Walter is their star shortstop, Walter makes a cast for his left arm so the kids won't see what a terrible player he really is.

Let's Go, Philadelphia!. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1998. Polk Street Special

The kids in Ms. Rooney's class are off to tour Philadelphia. It's going to be a great trip, except that Mrs. Miller the Killer, the substitute teacher is coming along.

Lily's Crossing. Thorndike, ME: Thorndike, 2000; Delacorte, 1997.

During a summer spent at Rockaway Beach in 1944, Lily's friendship with a young Hungarian refugee causes her to see the war and her own world differently.

Look Out, Washington, D.C.!. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1995. A Polk Street Specil; #6

Ms. Rooney's entire class from the Polk Street School is going on a two-day class trip to Washington, D.C.

Loretta P. Sweeny, Where Are You?. Illustrated by Anthony Kramer. New York: Delacorte, 1983.

Determined crime-solver Abby finds a purple and orange wallet that she thinks may belong to a murderer.

Love from the Fifth Grade Celebrity. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill. New York: Delacorte, 1986.

Casey enjoyed Tracy's company during summer vacation but becomes increasingly jealous of her irrepressible new friend when she joins Casey's fifth-grade class.

Mary Moon Is Missing. Illustrated by Lynne Cravath. New York: Viking, 1998. Adventures of Minnie and Max; #2

Assisted by her cat Max and her friend Cash, Minnie tries to find Mary Moon, a valuable racing pigeon that has disappeared just before a big race.

Matthew Jackson Meets the Wall. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1990.

Matthew's family's move from New York to Ohio is difficult enough as they leave behind good friends and memories, but the disappearance of their cat and a neighbor boy so tough he's called the "Wall" add to Matthew's anxieties.

Meet the Lincoln Lions Band. Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. New York: Dell, 1992. Lincoln Lions Band; #1

Anxious to be in the marching band at Lincoln School, Chrissie Tripp decides to embroider on her abilities as a musician with nearly disastrous results.

Next Year I'll Be Special. Pictures by Marylin Hafner. New York: Doubleday, 1993.

Unhappy at school, Marilyn fantasizes about how much better life will be next year when she is in the second grade.

Next Year I'll Be Special. Pictures by Marylin Hafner. 1st ed. New York: Dutton, 1980.

Marilyn describes how much different life will be next year when she is in the second grade.
Nory Ryan's Song. New York: Delacorte, 2000.
When a terrible blight attacks Ireland's potato crop in 1845, twelve-year-old Nory Ryan's courage and ingenuity help her family and neighbors survive.

Not-So-Perfect Rosie. Illustrated by Julie Durrell. New York: Viking, 1997. Ballet Slippers; #4

A visit from her Irish cousin during Rosie's plans for a special ballet performance proves that not everyone is perfect.

Oh, Boy, Boston!. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1997.

The 100 Book Race: Hog Wild in the Reading Room. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Scholastic, 1997. Trumpet Club Special ed.

Pickle Puss. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1986.

Emily Arrow determines to get the most fish in the library's Fish for a Good Book contest, but she doesn't take into account the equal determination of Dawn Bosco.

Pictures of Hollis Woods. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2002.

A troublesome twelve-year-old orphan, staying with an elderly artist who needs her, remembers the only other time she was happy in a foster home, with a family that truly seemed to care about her.

Poopsie Pomerantz, Pick Up Your Feet. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill. New York: Dealcorte, 1989.

Poopsie's plans for self-improvement include losing enough weight to fit into a medium-sized bathing suit and becoming a prima ballerina.

The Powder Puff Puzzle. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1987. Polka Dot Private Eye; #4

Dawn Bosco freezes in horror as her cat Powder Puff jumps out of her arms and into a car. Before she can stop it, the car drives away. Now Dawn, the Polka Dot Private Eye, and her friend Jason Must solve the mystery of the missing meow.

Purple Climbing Days. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1985. The Kids of the Polk Street School; #9

With the help of the meanest substitute teacher in the whole school, Richard "Beast" Best learns a lesson about fear.

Rat Teeth. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill. New York: Delacorte, 1984.

Fifth-grader Cliffie feels that nothing has been right in his life since his parents got their divorce and his front teeth began growing out over his lower lip.

The Riddle of the Red Purse. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1987. Polka Dot Private Eye; #2

Dawn Bosco finds a shiny red purse in the school yard. Three people say the purse is theirs. Dawn must solve the mystery of who is the real owner.

Ronald Morgan Goes to Bat. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. New York: Puffin, 1990; Viking Kestrel, 1988.

Although he can't hit or catch, Ronald Morgan loves to play baseball.

Ronald Morgan Goes to Camp. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. New York: Viking, 1995.

Ronald Morgan is afraid he won't get a medal at camp because he's not especially good at swimming or running or singing, but on Medal Day he discovers what he is really good at.

Rosie's Big City Ballet. Illustrated by Julie Durrell. New York: Viking, 1998. Ballet Slippers; #6

When Rosie sets her heart on being selected for a part in Miss Deidre's summer ballet performance, she has no idea that she may be chosen for something even better.

Rosie's Nutcracker Dreams. Illustrated by Julie Durrell. New York: Viking, 1996. Ballet Slippers; #2

A clash with her rival may end Rosie's dream of playing the leading role in her ballet class's production of the Nutcracker.

Say Hola, Sarah. Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998. Friends and Amigos; #2

Sarah is too embarrassed to speak Spanish in front of her friends at the Columbus Day party until Anna's cousin from Colombia explains her own secret fear.

Shark in School. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1994.

When Matthew finds out from J.P., the weird girl next door, that their teacher loves to read, he worries that everyone at his new school will know he's a terrible reader.

Snaggle Doodles. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1986. Kids of the Polk Street School

Emily Arrow has two problems, trying to work in her invention group with bossy Linda Lorca in charge and thinking of a wedding present for Ms. Vincent, the student Teacher.

Spectacular Stone Soup. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1989. New Kids of the Polk Street School

Starring Rosie. Illustrated by Julie Durrell. New York: Viking, 1997. Ballet Slippers; #3

Rosie volunteers to provide the prince and the props for he ballet class production of Sleeping Beauty.

Sunny-Side Up. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1986. Kids of the Polk Street School, #11

Summer for Richard Best, nicknamed Beast, means facing the two ordeals of summer school and losing his best friend, who is moving to a distant state. Subjects: Friendship, moving

Suspect. With drawings by Stephen Marchesi. 1st ed. New York: Dutton, 1982. A Skinny Book

After having his wallet stolen in a diner, Paul is instrumental in solving a murder.

Today Was a Terrible Day. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. New York: Penguin, 1984; Viking, 1980.

Follows the humorous mishaps of a second grader who is learning to read.

Tootsie Tanner, Why Don't You Talk? Illustrated by Anthony Kramer. New York: Dealcorte, 1987.

Young detective Abby Jones catches several of her neighbors acting suspiciously as she pursues two interlocking cases of a runaway and a possibly dangerous spy.

The Valentine Star. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1985. Kids of the Polk Street School; #6

Watch Out! Man-eating Snake. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Dell, 1988. New Kids at the Polk Street School; #1

Watch Out, Ronald Morgan!. Illustrated by Susanna Natti. New York: Puffin, 1986; Viking Kestrel, 1985.

Ronald has many humorous mishaps until he gets a pair of eyeglasses. Includes a note for adults about children's eye problems. Subject: eyeglasses

Weekly Reader Books Presents Pickle Puss. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. Columbus, OH: Weekly Reader Books, 1986.

Weekly Reader Books Presents The Candy Corn Contest. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. Columbus, OH: Weekly Reader Books, 1984.

The Winter Worm Business. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill. New York: Delacorte, 1981.

When his look-alike cousin moves to town, acts like an idiot in school, and takes away his friend, fifth grader Leroy is sure his life is ruined. Subject: cousins

Yankee Doodle Drumsticks. Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. New York: Dell, 1992. The Lincoln Lions Band; #2

Drummer Willie Roberts dreams of a perfect Thanksgiving which would have the Lincoln Lions Band in new uniforms playing on the football field and his long-absent father in the stands. Subjects: fathers, Thanksgiving Day, marching bands

[Back to Top]

Nonfiction

Diana: Twentieth-Century Princess. Illustrated by Michele Laporte. New York: Puffin, 1992; Viking, 1991.
A biography of the Princess of Wales with emphasis on her duties and responsibilities as a modern princess.

Edith Stein: A Radiant Presence. New York: Holiday House, 2001.

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Growing Up in the Little House. Illustrated by Eileen McKeating. New York: Viking Kestrel, 1987; Puffin, 1988.

A biography of the author of the "Little House" books, including the years of her marriage to Almanzo Wilder.

Mother Teresa, Sister to the Poor. Illustrated by Ted Lewin. New York: Puffin Books, 1987; Viking Kestrel, 1986.

A biography emphasizing the early years of the nun who is world renowned for her work with the poor, sick, and uneducated in India and in other parts of the world.

Show Time at the Polk Street School: Plays You Do Yourself or in the Classroom. Illustrated by Blanche Sims. New York: Delacorte, 1992.

Three plays featuring the students in Ms. Rooney's class: "The Candy Corn Contest," "The Secret at Polk Street School," and "Fancy Feet."

[Back to Top]

Professional Sources

Fourth-Grade Celebrity: Teacher Guide. By Anne Troy, Phyllis Green and Patricia Reilly Giff.Palatine, IL: Novel Units, Inc., 1993.

Reading Skills Through Literature. Candy Corn Contest. Logan, Iowa: Perfection Learning, 1998.

Reading Skills Through Literature. Beast in Ms. Rooney's Room. Logan, Iowa: Perfection Learning, 1995.

Write Up a Storm with The Polk Street School. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1993. Polk Street Special. [Juvenile Title]

[Back to Top]


Developed by: Inez Ramsey