Sharon Creech

Brother and sister Dallas and Florida are the "trouble twins." In their short thirteen years, they've passed through countless foster homes, only to return to their dreary orphanage, Boxton Creek Home.

Run by the Trepids, a greedy and strict couple, Boxton Creek seems impossible to escape. When Mr. Trepid informs the twins that they'll be helping old Tiller and Sairy Morey go on separate adventures, Dallas and Florida are suspicious.

As the twins adjust to the natural beauty of the outdoors, help the Tillers prepare for their adventures, and foil a robbery, their ultimate search for freedom leads them home to Ruby Holler.… (mere)

This is a story in poems of a boy who hates poetry working through his poetry assignments and coming to love some poetry. This sounds way less interesting than the story is for through his poems he also asks a favorite poet to come visit his school and he does! He also tells through several stories about the dog he had and loved and who died. I would put the reading as good for probably 3rd to 5th or even 6th grade. It would be a good option for a reluctant poet since the main character is also a reluctant poet.… (mere)