Unplugged: Ella Gets Her Family Back

*Mom's Choice GOLD Award*
*Moonbeam Bronze Medal*
*Skipping Stones Honor Book*

Ella is really frustrated. Lately it seems like the whole family has forgotten how to be together. Instead of playing Hangman and making waffles, everyone is talking on cell phones, playing video games, and using the computer. What’s a girl to do?

When Ella finally makes her move, it gets everyone’s attention. At first there is some confusion―could Ella just want a cell phone of her own?  But Ella makes clear that what she really wants is her family back. Will they all agree that it’s time to make some changes? And what word do you think Ella will use the next time she plays Hangman with her brother Carlos? This is a lively book about the issue of managing technology so that it can become more family friendly. Color throughout

Laura Pedersen was the youngest columnist for the New York Times. Prior to that she was the youngest person to have a seat on the floor of the American Stock Exchange and wrote her first book, Play Money, about that experience. President Clinton honored Laura as one of Ten Outstanding Young Americans, and she has gone on to write award-winning short stories, nonfiction, and novels. Laura was a shy only child, and as a seventh grader realized that telling funny stories and jokes was a good way to make friends. As an adult, she has performed stand-up comedy and writes material for several well-known comedians. Laura lives in New York City and teaches at the Booker T. Washington Learning Center in East Harlem.

Penny Weber is a mother, wife, cat and dog lover, and artist who loves good books, hockey, and action movies. Her books include On My Way to School, Amazingly Wonderful Things, One of Us, Unplugged, Always Mom-Forever Dad, and Ava's Adventure.