A teen-ager comes to know himself through contacts with social ills and political unrest while searching for his father in Japan's capital, centuries ago.

Presents botanical illustrations of familiar and exotic flowers, trees, and plants mentioned in the accompanying Bible verses and selections.

Gilly Hopkins has seen more than her share of foster homes and has outwitted every family she has lived with. In an effort to escape her new foster mother Maime Trotter's endless loving care, Gilly concocts a plan that she believes will bring her mother running to her rescue. But when the ploy blows up in Gilly's face it threatens to ruin the only chance she's ever had to be part of a real family.

Strega Nona: "Never go near my cooking pot," warns old witch Strega Nona. But does Big Anthony listen? No! Joseph had a little overcoat: Joseph loves his little overcoat, but it's getting old and worn. What can he do with it now? Stone soup: When three soldiers come to town, all the townsfolk hide their food. If the soldiers can't find any food, what will they eat? Stone soup, of course!