Hannah lives in an old mansion that's morphed into a museum… in the servants' quarters. She loves wandering among the elaborate paintings and pondering the artistry from just a nose width away… and no time pressure. Hannah and her dad have the entire edifice to themselves during off hours. The girl has many fond memories of growing up there, including celebrating Christmas under the enormous holiday display tree.

Maggie, on the other hand, lives in this same house at the turn of the 20th century. She feels very stymied by all of the "ladylike" rules she is forced to adhere to. The expectations are multifarious and numerous: no perspiring, no doing any work for yourself, wearing corsets is mandatory, as is being still at all times. Basically, no fun is scheduled for Maggie. However, she wants to run and jump and play and do things for herself. 

These two young women's lives are separated across time… until they meet.

Bumps on their heads and falls cause their worlds to collide, then switch.

Hannah is thrilled beyond belief to explore the history, world, and ways of early-20th century wealth and splendor. Only, Aunt Herminie is a bit shocked at her lack of manners and does not understand her slang words and expressions. The servants are also confused by the unexpected change in the Maggie they know. Hannah, meanwhile, is having the time of her life.

Maggie is somewhat befuddled by 21st century ways. Hawaiian pizza out of a box? The girl has never heard of such a thing, but the taste is decidedly scrumptious. Hannah's father is impressed by her manners but somewhat confused about what has gotten into his daughter. Eating in an informal setting with her father and packing for an airplane trip boggle her mind.

The Art of the Swap by Kristine Asselin and Jen Malone, 2018

I am intrigued by the ides of living in a museum, and I love historical fiction.

Kristine Asselin's website

Books about museums

Maxine is Timminy's beloved Great Pyrenees dog. His family acquired the white puffball during her puppyhood. Maxi is overly enthusiastic about everything, and accompanies the boy on many adventures. Maxi is deaf, as are many white animals.

Timminy learns to utilize sign language to teach his companion basic obedience, and the dog requires only a few accommodations. For example, the boy must walk to fetch her if she is not paying attention, and works overtime to protect his dog from potential hazards.

Abby is Timminy's 12-year-old neighbor. She cannot see and has a special fondness for the white dog. Abby challenges Timminy to use descriptive vocabulary that is not visual, which is surprisingly difficult to accomplish. Abby longs for a seeing-eye dog, but obtaining one for a child is unusual—she is pleased as punch when she discovers the MIRA foundation, an organization that provides dogs who help children with visual impairment.

Timminy is tormented by Jeff, Rory, and countless other kids in his new middle school. Whether it is for being short or some other unknown reason, students verbally harass him, slam him into a locker, and perform many other cruel deeds on him. Luckily, though, when the boy returns home, he can always have fun with his canine companion.

Maxi's Secrets by Lynn Plourde, 2016

I once knew a very sweet Great Pyrenees dog, so I appreciate this story.

Books about disabilities

Information on MIRA guide dogs

Books about bullying

Pine River is a special town with a special tree. Every year at Christmas time in the special, small town of Pine River, a holiday tree known as the Angel Tree appears, and residents are free to place their wishes upon it. So many of these extraordinary wishes miraculously come true. A family needs a new house. Lucy's guide dog, Valentine, is suffering from cancer and urgently needs medical attention. Any other wishes for the residents?

Lucy loves Valentine with all her heart and hopes the sick canine will recover soon.

Cami appreciates Lucy's input, despite her friend's insistence that she is simply a burden. 

Max is the class clown who simply wants to be himself.

Joe has a mother in the Marines, and worrying about her safety triggers his temper.

This foursome collaborates on a mission together. The kids are curious about the identity the amazing person who grants the wishes on the tree, the Great Benefactor, or GB, as they affectionately refer to him or her. The youngsters stake out their prospects and arrange interviews to ascertain the identity of this philanthropist. 

The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab, 2014

I love the holiday mystical feeling that this work evokes. 

Books about Christmas

Daphne Benedis-Grab's website