Books by Deborah Hopkinson

"I believe I can just see you on the streets of that bright city.”Gran's gone now, but her words live on with Nicholas Dray, almost twelve, as he makes his way from the hot cotton fields to that Queen of Cities: San Francisco. Nick's on his own for the first time, with nowhere to turn. Then he meets jaunty, talkative Pat Patterson, owner of the most beautiful store-and the friendliest golden dog-in all the city. And for the first time in months, Nick feels safe. Safe in San Francisco.But the year is 1906, the month is April, and early one morning the walls begin to shake. The floor begins to buckle. And the earth opens up. A devastating earthquake and then raging firestorms ravage the city, and Nick is right in the middle of it all. But for a young boy who's got few ties and nothing to lose, what's the right choice: escape to safety or stay-at deadly risk-to help others? From acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson comes a suspenseful and carefully researched novel of the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire and of one boy's heroic fight to survive it.

Synopsis coming soon.......

A Letter to My Teacher, a heartfelt and inspiring book written by Deborah Hopkinson, is a beautiful tribute to the importance of educators in our lives. Published in 2017 by Random House USA Inc, this book falls into the genre of children's literature, but its message resonates with readers of all ages. The story is a touching thank you note from a student to a teacher, expressing gratitude for the patience, creativity, and encouragement provided. It's a testament to the lasting impact a dedicated teacher can have on their students. This English language book is a must-read, not only for teachers but for anyone who appreciates the transformative power of education.

Missouri, 1847When James first started school, his sister practically had to drag him there. The classroom was dark and dreary, and James knew everything outside was more exciting than anything he’d find inside.But his teacher taught him otherwise. “We make our own light here,” Reverend Meachum told James. And through hard work and learning, they did, until their school was shut down by a new law forbidding African American education in Missouri. Determined to continue teaching his students, Reverend John Berry Meachum decided to build a new school—a floating school in the Mississippi River, just outside the boundary of the unjust law.Based on true events, Ron Husband's uplifting illustrations bring to life Deborah Hopkinson's tale of a resourceful, determined teacher; his bright, inquisitive students; and their refusal to accept discrimination based on the color of their skin.

The author discusses each of her books, providing the back story, the impetus for the book, and the research activities that brought each of the stories to young readers. The particular emphasis of this book is the writing of books for young readers within a historical context and how to use primary source documents in that effort.