Susan Hood

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About Susan Hood

Super excited about my newest book THE LAST STRAW: Kids vs. Plastics, with art by Christiane Engel, coming in 2021. Kid-friendly art, read-aloud poems, and up-to-date STEM info (vetted by the Chief Scientist of Ocean Conservancy) sound the alarm about the perils of plastic pollution and celebrate kid activists around the world. Thrilled that Dr. Jane Goodall has endorsed the book saying, "I encourage everyone to read this book." (Includes a timeline, practical tips, websites, videos, and further resources.) Available for pre-order now!

Remember the story of the boys' soccer team trapped in the cave in Thailand in the summer of 2018? Proud to have co-authored TITAN AND THE WILD BOARS: The True Cave Rescue of the Thai Soccer team with Thai journalist Pathana Sornhiran, who was reporting on-site as the story unfolded. Focusing on the youngest team member Titan, this nonfiction picture book for grades 1-6 tells the true story that held the world breathless. Beautifully illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, the book includes a timeline, fascinating facts, quotes, and an interview with two of the divers who swam the boys to safety.

My first middle grade novel--LIFEBOAT 12--is based on a true World War II story I discovered in the childhood letters of my British mother-in-law. I was delighted to find that the hero of the story--Ken Sparks--was still alive and traveled to Britain to interview him. Nominated for several state awards, the book is now available as an audiobook too! For more information, check my website: susanhoodbooks.com.

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Author Updates

Books By Susan Hood

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Lifeboat 12 Sep 4, 2018

by Susan Hood

( 302 )

$8.99

“This page-turning true-life adventure is filled with rich and riveting details and a timeless understanding of the things that matter most.”—Dashka Slater, author of The 57 Bus
“Brilliantly told in verse, readers will love Ken Sparks.” —Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor winner
“Lyrical, terrifying, and even at times funny. A richly detailed account of a little-known event in World War II.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Middle grade Titanic fans, here’s your next read.” —BCCB
“An edge-of-your seat survival tale.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

A Junior Library Guild Selection
The 2019 Golden Kite Middle Grade Fiction Award Winner
A 2019 ALSC Notable Children’s Book
The 2019–2020 Lectio Book Award Winner
The 2020–2021 Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award List
The 2020 Oklahoma Library Association’s Children’s Sequoyah Book Award Winner
The Connecticut Book Award Winner

In the tradition of The War That Saved My Life and Stella By Starlight, this poignant novel in verse based on true events tells the story of a boy’s harrowing experience on a lifeboat after surviving a torpedo attack during World War II.

With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones—one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada.

Life aboard the luxury ship is grand—nine-course meals, new friends, and a life far from the bombs, rations, and his stepmum’s glare. And after five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger.

They’re wrong.

Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. They’ve been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Will they get away? Will they survive?

Award-winning author Susan Hood brings this little-known World War II story to life in a riveting novel of courage, hope, and compassion. Based on true events and real people, Lifeboat 12 is about believing in one another, knowing that only by banding together will we have any chance to survive.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay May 3, 2016

by Susan Hood , Sally Wern Comport

( 168 )

$10.99

From award-winning author Susan Hood and illustrator Sally Wern Comport comes the extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash.

Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada—and her town—forever changed. Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.

Other Formats: Hardcover

Mission: New Baby Feb 24, 2015

by Susan Hood , Mary Lundquist

( 2 )

$4.99

Greetings, Special Agent! You’ve accepted the mission: you’re going to be a big sibling! This is your super-secret guide to training your family’s newest recruit. There will be lots to do, like leading physical training (teaching your sibling to walk) and sharing intel (reading together), but we know you’re up for the challenge. Best of luck, Agent! This is HQ, signing off. Over and out!

Other Formats: Hardcover

El violín de Ada (Ada's Violin): La historia de la Orquesta de Reciclados del Paraguay (Spanish Edition) May 3, 2016

by Susan Hood , Sally Wern Comport , Shelley McConnell

( 2 )

$10.99

De la autora ganadora de premios Susan Hood y de la ilustradora Sally Wern Comport, llega la extraordinaria y verídica historia de la Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados de Paraguay, una orquesta compuesta por niños que tocan instrumentos hechos de basura reciclada.

From award-winning author Susan Hood and illustrator Sally Wern Comport comes the extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash.

Ada Ríos creció en Cateura, un pueblo pequeño en Paraguay construido alrededor de un vertedero. Soñaba con tocar el violín, pero con escasos recursos para poco más que lo esencial, nunca fue una opción…hasta que un maestro de música llamado Favio Chávez apareció. Él quiso darles a los niños de Cateura algo especial, así que les construyó instrumentos musicales hechos de materiales encontrados en la basura. Era una idea loca, pero una que dejaría a Ada—y al pueblo entero—cambiados para siempre. Hoy en día, la Orquesta de Reciclados toca alrededor del mundo, difundiendo su mensaje de esperanza e innovación.

Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada—and her town—forever changed. Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.

Other Formats: Hardcover

Spike, the Mixed-up Monster Sep 25, 2012

by Susan Hood , Melissa Sweet

( 31 )

$10.99

Meet Spike, a lovable monster—and a real-life salamander—who’s looking for friends in this lively eBook with audio that includes Spanish vocabulary.

Spike is a scary-looking salamander who keeps trying to frighten other animals—until he finds that using fear is not the best way to make friends. And since Spike lives in Mexico (he is an endangered species called the axolotl), this story is peppered with easy-to-understand Spanish words. In addition to a charming tale of friendship, this picture book contains nonfiction information about the axolotl and a Spanish/English glossary.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Digital

The Tooth Mouse Aug 1, 2012

by Susan Hood , Janice Nadeau

( 23 )

$5.99

This finely rendered fable introduces readers to the Tooth Mouse, France’s version of the tooth fairy, and to Sophie, a sweet young mouse who must prove she is brave, honest and wise enough to take over this important job.

Other Formats: Hardcover

Oops! I Made A Mistake (Reader's Digest) (All-Star Readers) Sep 13, 2011

by Susan Hood , Dana Regan

( 3 )

$4.99

Learn to read with this ebook for kids!

Oops! A young girl tracks dirt inside, spills paint on the floor, and then her dog runs out the door! She made a mistake, but dad does not yell. No one is perfect, he tells her, and mistakes can be fixed. This ebook includes a note to parents with tips on how to encourage reading and on how to help children learn to read. Also included is a list of words to "point and read" to help young readers learn new words. As each one is read by a narrator, words are highlighted on the screen. Sounds effects are also included.

Other Formats: School & Library Binding , Paperback

Look! I Can Read! (Penguin Young Readers, Level 2) May 22, 2000

by Susan Hood , Amy Wummer

( 18 )

$4.99

A little girl proudly shows off her reading skills as she spends a day out on the town with her mom. Children are sure to be delighted as they read along with the narrator in ths fun, rhyming, easy-to-read story.

Other Formats: Library Binding , Paperback

Mission: Back to School: Top-Secret Information Jul 5, 2016

by Susan Hood , Mary Lundquist

( 1 )

$9.99

What will distract first-time students from first-day jitters? Entering secret-agent mode, of course! The team from Mission: New Baby is back with a new assignment: turn school into a thrilling action adventure! After rendezvousing at the vehicle checkpoint (meeting at the bus stop), young agents will learn to build diplomatic relations (make new friends), conduct fieldwork (explore outside during science class), and develop new lines of communication (learn to read and play music). Chock-full of tips and fun visuals, it’s bound to get kids excited for their next mission!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Bad Hair Day (Penguin Young Readers, Level 2) Sep 13, 1999

by Susan Hood , Joy Allen

( 7 )

$4.99

After her mom gives her a disastrous home haircut, a little girl is convinced she'll have to wear a hat forever. But a trip to the beauty parlor reassures her that she's not the first person to feel this way, and with a few snips from a professional, she's hat-free and proudly showing off her brand-new do!

Other Formats: Paperback

Leaps and Bounce: A Growing Up Story (Hyperion Picture Book (eBook)) Jan 4, 2017

by Susan Hood , Matthew Cordell

( 6 )

$9.99

Change comes to all who grow. Even tiny tadpoles. Follow them as they start out as small, rounded eggs, and then sprout wiggly tails, before leaping their way into the big wide world!

Other Formats: Hardcover

Our New Baby (All-Star Readers) Sep 13, 2011

by Sue Kueffner , Dorothy Stott

( 3 )

$4.99

Learn to read with this ebook for kids!

A new baby brother gets all the attention. Not only that, but he can be noisy, and sometimes he smells bad. But eventually this big sister realizes how special her younger brother is, and how special she is to him too! Perfect for soon-to-be older siblings, this ebook includes a note to parents with tips on how to encourage reading and on how to help children learn to read. Also included is a list of words to "point and read" to help young readers learn new words.

Other Formats: School & Library Binding , Paperback

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