In the Middle of the Night

Look inside
Eight years before Denny Colbert was born, his father was involved in a tragic accident that killed 22 children. Now Denny is 16, and all he wants is to be like other kids his age. But he isn't allowed to answer the telephone or have a driver's license, and his family is constantly moving from town to town--all because people can't forget what happened long ago.



When Denny defies his parents one afternoon and answers the telephone, he finds himself drawn into a plot for revenge which may prove deadly.
© James Patrick Langlands
Robert Cormier (1925–2000) changed the face of young adult literature over the course of his illustrious career. His many books include The Chocolate WarI Am the CheeseFadeTendernessAfter the First DeathHeroesFrenchtown Summer, and The Rag and Bone Shop. In 1991 he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contribution to writing for teens. View titles by Robert Cormier
  • WINNER | 1997
    Texas TAYSHAS High School Reading List
  • WINNER | 1996
    ALA Best Books for Young Adults
  • WINNER | 1996
    ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
We All Fall Down

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

"Again, the inimitable Cormier luridly explores the fouler corners of our spiritual attics." -- Kirkus Reviews, Pointer

"[We All Fall Down] is sure...to find a devoted following among the kids themselves, who will recognize and embrace the authenticity of the achingly awful adolescent world that Cormier has created."

-- School Library Journal, Starred

Tunes for Bears to Dance To

"Compelling...sharp, short, and to the point...it will not be easily forgotten." -- School Library Journal

"In the classic Cormier fashion, the conclusion is unexpected...a thought-provoking story." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Suspenseful storytelling."

-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Cormier's a compelling storyteller, and the pace is inexorable." -- Booklist

About

Eight years before Denny Colbert was born, his father was involved in a tragic accident that killed 22 children. Now Denny is 16, and all he wants is to be like other kids his age. But he isn't allowed to answer the telephone or have a driver's license, and his family is constantly moving from town to town--all because people can't forget what happened long ago.



When Denny defies his parents one afternoon and answers the telephone, he finds himself drawn into a plot for revenge which may prove deadly.

Author

© James Patrick Langlands
Robert Cormier (1925–2000) changed the face of young adult literature over the course of his illustrious career. His many books include The Chocolate WarI Am the CheeseFadeTendernessAfter the First DeathHeroesFrenchtown Summer, and The Rag and Bone Shop. In 1991 he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contribution to writing for teens. View titles by Robert Cormier

Awards

  • WINNER | 1997
    Texas TAYSHAS High School Reading List
  • WINNER | 1996
    ALA Best Books for Young Adults
  • WINNER | 1996
    ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers

Praise

We All Fall Down

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

"Again, the inimitable Cormier luridly explores the fouler corners of our spiritual attics." -- Kirkus Reviews, Pointer

"[We All Fall Down] is sure...to find a devoted following among the kids themselves, who will recognize and embrace the authenticity of the achingly awful adolescent world that Cormier has created."

-- School Library Journal, Starred

Tunes for Bears to Dance To

"Compelling...sharp, short, and to the point...it will not be easily forgotten." -- School Library Journal

"In the classic Cormier fashion, the conclusion is unexpected...a thought-provoking story." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Suspenseful storytelling."

-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Cormier's a compelling storyteller, and the pace is inexorable." -- Booklist

Books for Native American Heritage Month

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month this November, Penguin Random House Education is highlighting books that detail the history of Native Americans, and stories that explore Native American culture and experiences. Browse our collections here: Native American Creators Native American History & Culture

Read more

2024 Middle and High School Collections

The Penguin Random House Education Middle School and High School Digital Collections feature outstanding fiction and nonfiction from the children’s, adult, DK, and Grupo Editorial divisions, as well as publishers distributed by Penguin Random House. Peruse online or download these valuable resources to discover great books in specific topic areas such as: English Language Arts,

Read more

PRH Education High School Collections

All reading communities should contain protected time for the sake of reading. Independent reading practices emphasize the process of making meaning through reading, not an end product. The school culture (teachers, administration, etc.) should affirm this daily practice time as inherently important instructional time for all readers. (NCTE, 2019)   The Penguin Random House High

Read more

PRH Education Translanguaging Collections

Translanguaging is a communicative practice of bilinguals and multilinguals, that is, it is a practice whereby bilinguals and multilinguals use their entire linguistic repertoire to communicate and make meaning (García, 2009; García, Ibarra Johnson, & Seltzer, 2017)   It is through that lens that we have partnered with teacher educators and bilingual education experts, Drs.

Read more