HMH Books for Young Readers

SURVIVE THESE WOODS, A MAN HAS

Mari’s hands trembled. Mere hours ago, she had faced an imperial samurai in a game of death. The navy kimono she wore was still specked with dust from their combat. And now, she hesitated with what to say, how to comfort Hissa. Sometimes words are so much more difficult to form than fists.

Oh, God, I’ve done it again! “I mean Jared.” Face flaming, Molly flapped a hand at them and took off at a run across the lawn in front of the school. She could feel Jared’s eyes watching her. She didn’t slow down till she reached Mill Road, then walked with her long-legged lope down the big hill to Route 21.

Molly didn’t notice her mother’s red sports car until her mother tooted the horn and pulled up to the curb. Molly looked up, startled. Her pale cheeks flushed as she approached the car.

“I left the office early today,” Jen told her daughter in greeting. “So I thought I’d wait at the school till your swim lesson ended and give