“The stories in Acts of God are great postcards from the world of Ellen Gilchrist. It’s a world of war and strife and surprises, and it is, yes, marvelous to behold.” —The New York Times Book Review

Celebrated short story writer Ellen Gilchrist, winner of the National Book Award for Victory Over Japan, returns with her first collection in more than eight years. In Acts of God, she

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When Judy Moody sets off in pursuit of fame and happiness, watch out! She's so determined, she just might find them--or she might become more infamous than ever!

"The people of Oran, a coastal town in North Africa, are in the grip of a deadly plague that condemns its victims to a swift and horrifying death. The plague begins with a series of unheeded warnings: panic, isolation, and claustrophobia soon follow, as the townspeople are force into quarantine. Each person responds in their own way: some resign themselves to fate, some seek blame, and a few, like Dr. Rieux, resist the terror."--Provided by publisher. "The...

The building site will not be ready until one last rock is removed, and although the big machines all have a go at it, only Little Digger has what it takes to get the job done--with some encouragement from Tom, the dump truck.

Offers stories, scriptural principles, and advice encouraging readers to never give up on themselves or God, regardless of the setbacks or obstacles that they encounter.

From the moment he is hatched, Gilbert the penguin dreams of flying one day and, despite being discouraged by family members, finally finds a way to do just that.

A tiny tugboat overcomes her fears of a turbulent storm to save a stranded barge in this timeless tale of persistence. When faced with a tough challenge, Little Scoot only tries harder. Sent into a gathering storm to rescue a barge that's run aground, Little Scoot is tempted to turn around. But though she's scared of the squall, she perseveres through thunder, lightning, blustery winds, and swamping waves, reminding herself "Little Scoot never quits!"...

"In Grit to Great, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval tackle a topic that is close to their hearts, one that they feel is the real secret to their own success in their careers--and in the careers of so many people they know and have met. And that is the incredible power of grit, perseverance, perspiration, determination, and sheer stick-to-it-tiveness. We are all dazzled by the notion that there are some people who get ahead, who reach the corner...

Despite being pushed by the duck, the cat, the dog, and the turkey, the little duckling is not ready to get wet, even when a wolf arrives.

When loud-voiced Penelope becomes student-librarian, she is determined to prove she is perfect for the job while staying true to herself.