Children’s / Teenage fiction: School stories

Book SynopsisONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME  •  NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA modern-day classic from Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli, this beloved celebration of individuality  is now an original movie on Disney+!And don't miss the author's highly anticipated new novel, Dead Wednesday! Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’ s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional t

Read more less

Book SynopsisA couple of friends can't keep from laughing during class on the first day of school, in this companion to The Yawns Are Coming from the illustrator of the Ordinary People Change the World series!Two best friends are so excited to go back to school. They're in the same class, their classroom is full of art supplies, and they've even made a new friend. But then it happens: Just as the teacher introduces herself, the GIGGLES show up! They're everywhere and impossible to escape. And as if that wasn't embarrassing enough, soon a GUFFAW shows up, and then the CHUCKLES! What will their teacher think if they can't avoid laughing in the middle of her first lesson? Trade Review"This will be much appreciated by any youngsters who’s tried and failed to not crack up in a serious situation . . . Youngsters who appreciated Eliopoulos’ previous foray into the personification of the feels in The Yawns Are Coming! will relish this livelier tale." —BCCB"This could be the book that gets all the giggles out for restless children . . . great pacing and a keen understanding of what tickles children make this a choice to consider closely." —School Library Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautiful, color illustrated edition of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Wonder, with a new afterword from the author. Experience the extraordinary story that inspired the Choose Kind movement, like never before.August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid--but his new classmates can''t get past Auggie''s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and a blockbuster hit, begins from Auggie''s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community''s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. This beautiful, color illustrated edition includes over twenty-five pieces of original art from Tad Carpenter, the artist behind the original cover.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the author of THE NOH FAMILY, a second standalone YA novel that follows a Korean American teen as she navigates the treacherous world of nepo babies and cultural appropriation that is the Los Angeles music scene. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi, Maurene Goo, and Emiko Jean.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNewell’s perfectly comfortable life is turned upside down when Mrs. Hendricks announces the upcoming school dance (Fart.) and he discovers his dad is dating his math teacher (Double Fart!), forcing Newell to embrace change and grow.At first, Newell is excited when Mrs. Hendricks announces a school dance! The seventh grade dance last year was awesome, and Newell used it to invent his signature move: The Shake and Slide. But when Newell realizes this dance is for the entire school, not just the eighth grade, he starts to stress about his friends coupling up and the dance ultimately breaking up the gang. Things go from bad to worse when Skyler jinxes Newell: he stubs his toe, breaks his arm, and even misses Mr. Todd slip across the cafeteria on a banana peel! And if that wasn’t enough, Newell’s dad has started dating again...and specifically starts dating Newell's math teacher, Miss Tanner!Newell is on a desperate mission to keep his life from changing too much, will he succeed or embrace the dance of life?Don't miss the rest of the Middle School Misadventures series:Middle School MisadventuresMiddle School Misadventures: Operation Hat Heist

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn energetic and comforting picture book about a little dragon who has first-day-at-school anxieties

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor every kid who''s ever come in second place, this is a middle grade story about chasing your dreams. Eleven-year-old Annie Brown is used to being on the losing end of comparisons to her almost-always best friend Savannah. Savannah is MVP of the track team, has straight As, and, predictably, wins the most coveted school spirit award on the last day of 5th grade. Fortunately, Annie does have one very specialized skill. Inspired by As Seen on TV commercials, Annie likes to invent products and write clever sales pitches to go along with them. So when an opportunity arises to audition for a local web show called The Cat''s Meow, Annie knows her future is set. She''s going to wow those producers with her fabulous writing and made-for-TV announcer voice. Of course, things don''t happen quite according to plan, and soon Annie is worried about losing both the opportunity she''s been training for her whole life, and her best friend.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo former best friends struggle to fit in and join the inner circles of middle school social life in this absorbing second entry of a duology about a resilient friendship, the pressure to conform, and the power of self-acceptance. Picking up where The Popularity Pact: Camp Clique left off, the second book in this exciting duology finds former best friends Bea and Maisy preparing for the new school year. Bea kept up her end of the bargain, getting Maisy in with the girls at camp. Now it''s Maisy''s turn to fulfill her promise to ingratiate Bea with the popular girls. When Bea is accepted into this new inner circle, she begins to lose sight of what true friendship is all about. As Bea seems prepared to sacrifice anything to be cool, Maisy realizes there''s more to life than hanging out with a bunch of mean girls. Can she convince Bea that the popularity pact was a mistake? Can these former friends find their way back to each other?

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo former best friends struggle to fit in and join the inner circles of middle school social life in this absorbing second entry of a duology about a resilient friendship, the pressure to conform, and the power of self-acceptance. Picking up where The Popularity Pact: Camp Clique left off, the second book in this exciting duology finds former best friends Bea and Maisy preparing for the new school year. Bea kept up her end of the bargain, getting Maisy in with the girls at camp. Now it''s Maisy''s turn to fulfill her promise to ingratiate Bea with the popular girls. When Bea is accepted into this new inner circle, she begins to lose sight of what true friendship is all about. As Bea seems prepared to sacrifice anything to be cool, Maisy realizes there''s more to life than hanging out with a bunch of mean girls. Can she convince Bea that the popularity pact was a mistake? Can these former friends find their way back to each other?

Read more less

Book SynopsisShortly after Nellie Murrow, named for one of the fiercest journalists who ever lived and daughter of two (former) newspaper reporters, move to sleepy Bear Creek, Maine, rumors of vandalism and attacks at the only park in town are keeping Nellie saddled to the house.Some townspeople say the attacks are gang recruitments. Others blame a vagrant spotted on the hiking trails around town. But when Nellie thinks like a reporter, none of those explanations make sense. Something is happening at the park, but what? All of the fake online news and rumors are clouding the real news.Nellie wants to break the story--and break free from the front yard-but she can''t do it alone. She needs a whole club if she''s going to start the town''s first independent newspaper--The Cub Report. Creating a newspaper from scratch is going to be tough; but for Nellie, making friends is even harder.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Cub Report is up and running and getting great response in the sleepy town of Bear Creek, Maine. But when Gordon snaps a photo of an escaped prisoner who is caught in a pigpen, things quickly take a turn for Nellie and her staff. While Nellie fights off jealousy at all the national media attention Gordon is receiving (even from Ellen!) for his amazing shot, the other Cubs are breaking away as parents start questioning the safety (and validity) of a kid-run independent newspaper. But when Gordon''s mom and a reporter from another town''s newspaper try to shut down The Cub Report for good, Nellie, Gordon, and the club must set aside their issues to save their right to report the news.Award-winning author Beth Vrabel tackles the topic of who should report the news while also focusing on themes of friendship, jealousy, and teamwork in the second book in The Newspaper Club series.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA laugh-out-loud anthology of all the things a teacher will never tell her students to do in the classroom!

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisReluctant reader Derek Fallon has expanded his taste in cartoons to the world of manga and anime.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPromise Boys is a blockbuster, dark academia mystery about three teens of color who must investigate their principal's murder to clear their own names. This page-turning thriller is perfect for fans of Karen McManus, Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Holly Jackson.Thrilling, captivating, and blade-sharp. Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is LyingThe prestigious Urban Promise Prep school might look pristine on the outside, but deadly secrets lurk within. When the principal ends up murdered on school premises and the cops come sniffing around, a trio of studentsJ.B., Ramón, and Treyemerge as the prime suspects. They had the means, they had the motive . . . and they may have had the murder weapon. But with all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested. Or is the true culprit hiding among them?Fin

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere have been many great and enduring works of literature by Caribbean authors over the last century. The Caribbean Contemporary Classics collection celebrates these deep and vibrant stories, overflowing with life and acute observations about society.Three girls are on the brink of expulsion from the respected Redeemer College: ''Failure to complete term assignments, ... using foul language ... stealing another student''s cell phone ... persistent lateness for English classes. Breaching the behaviour code ...'' Katreena, Ta Jeeka and Caledonia are about to be written off. This insightful book unsentimentally exposes the fault lines through society, and the deep effects they have on individuals. It describes the choices people make and the decisions they feel forced in to. Maturing into young adulthood, these girls each have to make, or lose, their way, in their own way. What difference can one teacher make?

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Chloe''s boyfriend Mark goes off on a French exchange, he leaves his cousin Oscar in the not-so-capable hands of the Boywatchers. Poor Oscar is extremely handsome, but terribly awkward. Can the girls succeed in transforming him into a suave, girlfriended gent - in time for Mark''s return? Broken hearts, promises and toes abound in this hilarious and heartwarming conclusion to the fabulous BOYWATCHING trilogy.Trade ReviewHilarious ... laugh out loud at the teenage angst that everyone can relate to * South Wales Evening Post *

Read more less

Book Synopsis After missing her class costume party, a girl decides she doesn’t need an excuse to dress up in this charming board book, a relatable school story from author-illustrator Blanca Gómez. When a little girl is home sick for dress-up day at school, she decides there’s no need to miss out entirely: She’ll just wear her rabbit costume the next day! But when the next day arrives and she’s the only one in costume, it doesn’t feel like such a great idea after all. Can a little bit of confidence and an unexpected new friend turn a self-conscious moment into a wonderful one? Funny, endearing, and relatable to any kid who’s ever felt insecure, Dress-Up Day is an ode to friendship, embracing individuality, and putting yourself out there no matter the occasion.“There’s an emotional change on almost every page of this picture book as Gómez presents the possibility that m

Read more less

Book SynopsisMiddle school can really bite like a dog. But could this be a good thing for thirteen-year-old outcast Olivia Alberts? After all, she trains dogs nearly every day.Olivia has just about had it with the popular kids at school. She and her friends have done nothing to deserve evil pranks and awful name-calling, but that doesn''t stop queen bee Brynne from humiliating them on a daily basis. If only Olivia''s classmates were more like the adorable dogs she helps her grandmother train--poorly behaved, but improvable.Wait...what if her tormentors behaviors actually could be modified with the same type of training that works on dogs? Olivia and her friends are desperate enoguh to give it a try. But is it really possible that the underdogs of Hubert C. Frost Middle School could make it to head of the pack?

Read more less

Book Synopsis From the popular Dinosaur vs. series comes another rambunctious read-aloud that will tickle toddlers, teachers and parents at back-to-school time and every day after! Dinosaur is starting preschool today. ROAAAR! There are new friends to meet, dress-up outfits to wear, glitter and googly eyes to paste, musical instruments to play, and snacks to eat. What's not to like? But then... oh, no! It's Dinosaur vs. Clean-up Time! Fortunately, when friends work together, everyone wins!   With all the bright colors, bold lines, and toddler-like exuberance that have made the previous Dinosaur vs. books irresistible, DINOSAUR VS. SCHOOL will both amuse and reassure anyone going off to school for the first time.'Shea's Dinosaur titles will never fail to be read-aloud hits!' —Kirkus ReviewsDon't miss the other Dinosaur vs. books:Dinosaur Vs. Bedtime Dinosaur

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe third title in the glamorous SCHOOL FOR STARS series, all about dance, drama and friendship by popular TV presenter and personality Holly Willoughby and her sister Kelly.Trade ReviewThis is number three in a tremendous little series which young girls in particular will love. Full of fun, friendship and adventure as the girls determine to fulfil their dreams of stardom. The Willoughby sisters have worked together to create real excitement in this page turning read. * LOVEREADING4KIDS *A brilliant school series from Holly Willoughby and her sister Kelly. * SCHOLASTICBOOKCLUBS *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat if you had the power to make any boy fall in love with you? Addictive romance with a fantasy twist for fans of Holly Smale, Ally Carter, and Zoe Sugg.The gods are gone. The people have forgotten them. But sixteen-year-old Rachel Patel can''t forget - the gods control her life, or more specifically, her love life.Being a Hedoness, one of a strong group of women descended from Greek God Eros, makes true love impossible for Rachel. She wields the power of that magical golden arrow, and with it, the promise to take the will of any boy she kisses. But the last thing Rachel wants is to force someone to love her . . .When seventeen-year-old Benjamin Blake''s disappearance links back to the Hedonesses, Rachel''s world collides with his, and her biggest fear becomes a terrifying reality. She''s falling for him - a messy, magnetic, arrow-over-feet type of fall.Rachel distances herself, struggling to resist the growing attracTrade ReviewArrowheart has a really perfect blend of Greek mythology with a modern day backdrop... I'll definitely be looking out for sequel books in this series. * Sammy's Shelf blog *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIf the Future has any remedy for this situation, do not hesitate to provide it. That is to say, Ike and Claire Wanzandae, HELP! HELP HELP HELP.I am (perhaps not for long),Benjamin FranklinIke Saturday has seen better days. For one thing, his pen pal, Benjamin Franklin (yes, that Benjamin Franklin), is the target of an angry mob after Ike''s plan to help the Founding Fathers with some intel from the future seriously backfired. For another, he''s decided to mail himself back in time with the help of his girlfriend, Claire Wanzandae, and it''s not a particularly comfortable way to travel.Once Ike tracks B-Freezy down in 1776, it becomes clear that his pal is less than impressed with the irritating, modern-day rescuer, partially because Ike has a habit of making things worse for Ben, and partially because Ben is incredibly cranky when not in the presence of numerous meat pies. Which speaks to another issue for the pair: they have no money, no food, and basica

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis hilarious tale by debut picturebook author Anica Morse Rissi, brilliantly illustrated by Zachariah O''Hora, will keep kids giggling page after page as the class comes together to solve one BIG problem. When their class tadpoles are big enough, Mr. Stricter tells his students they can keep just one. The class chooses Bruno, the smallest of the bunch. But Bruno doesn''t stay that way for long. Soon, he''s grown into a giant, classroom-wrecking creature: he eats desks, he farts for show-and-tell, and he sneezes slime all over everything! With Mr. Stricter blinded by love for the pet, the students must step up and take matters into their own heroic hands.

Read more less

Book Synopsiselissa is a nobody. Wilf is a slacker. Bondi is a show-off. At least that''s what their middle school teachers think. To everyone''s surprise, they are the three students chosen to compete for a ten thousand-dollar scholarship, solving clues that lead them to various locations around Chicago. At first the three contestants work independently, but it doesn''t take long before each begins to wonder whether the competition is a sham. It''s only by secretly joining forces and using their unique talents that the trio is able to uncover the truth behind the Ambrose Deception--a truth that involves a lot more than just a scholarship.With a narrative style as varied and intriguing as the mystery itself, this adventure involving clever clues, plenty of perks, and abhorrent adults is pure wish fulfillment.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Vera Jewel's bike breaks one morning, she takes matters into her own hands and comes up with some ingenious - and very funny! - ways to get to school. From jumping on her space hopper to making her own catapult, Vera's ideas get more and more adventurous, but nothing seems to get her there on time. It's a good thing that she's one determined little girl who never gives up . . . Vera Jewel is Late for School is a warm, funny and very original story about determination and creativity, perfect for learning about standing on your own two feet - and being rewarded for hard work and inventiveness! Nicola Kent’s catchy rhyming text, bright, jewel-like colours and eye-catching illustrations make this a truly stunning picture book.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRabbit Races Ahead! is a wonderfully warm story about empathy and kindness, perfect for preschool readers.It’s Sports Day at Twit Twoo School and all of the children are very excited. But no one is more excited than Rabbit. She’s decided that she is going to win every race, and has been practising very hard. But as Rabbit wins medal after medal, she seems to be losing friend after friend. Perhaps they are getting tired of her boasting. And now there is just one big race to go. Will Rabbit keep her eyes on the prize, or might there still be time for her to learn that being kind can feel every bit as good as winning?Join Rabbit, Frog, Mouse, Mole, Owl and their teacher, Miss Hoot, at their fun-filled treetop school. With a cast of adorable animal characters and bright, bold, distinctive illustrations from the award-winning Lydia Monks, illustrator of the bestselling What the Ladybird Heard series, the Twit Twoo School series is sure to delight young children.Twit Twoo School: warm and witty stories, perfect for every preschooler. Share more exciting school adventures in Mouse's Big Day and Frog Hops Off!

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn the internet, there are no take-backs... LOLA OFFLINE is a teen romantic comedy set in Paris, perfect for fans of Holly Bourne, Sophie Kinsella and Stephanie Perkins.Delilah Hoover has gone dark. She's quit social media, moved to Paris and changed her name to Lola Maxwell. Because she made a mistake - one she can't take back. It was all over Twitter, and it's still the first thing that comes up when you Google her.Paris is a fresh start, in a new school with new friends including smooth student politician Tariq. With awkward dates, tipsy afternoons and a perfect kiss, Lola's life as a normal teenager could be back on track ... But can she ever tell people who she really is? And what happens if they find out first?Trade ReviewIf I had a teenage daughter this is exactly the sort of book I would want her to curl up with. Sweet, warm, funny (VERY funny) and real, it's a brilliant portrait of the agonies of being a teenager, a stepdaughter and an outsider. As Juno hurtles headlong into romance on her first skiing holiday and takes her first tentative steps onto the slippery slope of adulthood, you can't help but love her and wish she was your friend. Utterly delightful. * Veronica Henry on LOVE AND OTHER MAN-MADE DISASTERS *"This one is a definite 4/5, with realistic characters, a unique voice and a enthralling plot- you can't go wrong picking it up for a summer read." * TeenBookHoots on LOVE AND OTHER MAN-MADE DISASTERS *"A fantastic book by Nicola, that was a complete page-turner and young adults and grown-ups alike will surely enjoy every minute of it." * Whispering Stories on LOVE AND OTHER MAN-MADE DISASTERS *

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt’s time for school, Spencer! Spencer the cat is back in a board book shaped just like him. Here Spencer goes to his first day of school, where he meets new friends and a nice teacher, sings the ABC’s, and paints a picture in art class: so much fun! Join your new friend Spencer and learn what it’s like to go to school. Bright, appealing illustrations by Michelle Romo and simple vocabulary words highlighted on every page make this a warm and welcome introduction to the idea of school for the youngest readers, ages 0-4. It’s perfect for children entering preschool or kindergarten.Trade Review"Final verdict: Overall, SPENCER GOES TO SCHOOL isadelightful board book that is perfect for children who might be starting preschool for the first time.” —YABC

Read more less

Book SynopsisSing Like No One's Listening by Vanessa Jones is a novel about dreaming a dream, finding your voice, and not throwing away your shot!Nettie Delaney hasn't been able to sing a note since her mum died. This wouldn't be a problem if she hadn't just started at Dukes Academy, the most prestigious performing arts college in the country, with her superstar mother's shadow hanging over her. Nettie has her work cut out for her and everyone is watching.But one night, in an empty studio after college, Nettie finds herself suddenly singing, as someone behind the curtain accompanies her on the piano. Maybe all is not lost for Nettie. Maybe she can find her voice again and survive her first year at Dukes. But can she do it before she gets thrown out?Trade ReviewI loved this book, for its freshness, fun and unique voice. * Armadillo *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe sheep won't let Bo sleep in this hilarious tale of what can go wrong when the sheep you count run amok the night before the first day of school.Anxious for the first day of school, Bo just wants to fall asleep so he'll be ready for the day. But when he tries counting sheep, the sheep get bored and scatter, and chaos ensues: "Sheep 5 snags a lunch bag and makes a strange creature. 6 swallows the apple Bo picked for his teacher. Sheep 7 grips scissors, and piece after piece, she snips and she clips, and she trims the flock's fleece." Children can count along with Bo as he finds the 10 mischievous sheep misbehaving throughout the house. With a house full of sheep and a mess to clean, will Bo get enough sleep before his big day?With 10 out-of-control sheep and the beleaguered Bo, this action-packed story will provide comic relief for anyone who might be a little nervous about the first day of school.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn all about sharing as flannel-clad ocean friends share their way through this super-silly adventure starring Shark and the letter S.This zany group of animal friends models positive behaviors in stories that will have little ones giggling and joining in to "read" along. Each book focuses on a single letter of the alphabet and uses repetition and humor to explore concepts such as love, sharing, and gratitude.In S Is for Sharing (and Shark!), a toothy shark attempts to learn the art of sharing with his fellow sea creatures, to humorous effect. The simple text tells a cumulative story that builds upon itself with each new S word: "S is for Sharing and Skis and School." The concept of sharing--an important one as children enter classroom and playground environments--is woven throughout, making this title perfect for the back-to-school season. Children will enjoy predicting the repeating elements and recognising the letter S as they learn about sharing with these adorably hip animal friends. Flocking on the cover will enhance the shelf appeal.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Nishat comes out to her parents, they say she can be anyone she wants-as long as she isn't herself. Because Muslim girls aren't lesbians. Nishat doesn't want to hide who she is, but she also doesn't want to lose her relationship with her family. And her life only gets harder once a childhood friend walks back into her life. Flávia is beautiful and charismatic and Nishat falls for her instantly. But when a school competition invites students to create their own businesses, both Flávia and Nishat choose to do henna, even though Flávia is appropriating Nishat's culture. Amidst sabotage and school stress, their lives get more tangled-but Nishat can't quite get rid of her crush on Flávia, and realizes there might be more to her than she realized.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the creator who brought you notable works such as The Flowers of Evil, Happiness, and Inside Mari, comes his latest suspense drama centering on the theme of a toxic parent.Dive into this latest thriller by master storyteller, Shuzo Oshimi...if you enjoyed Oshimi's previous work with Flowers of Evil, and you enjoy dark storylines with twisted characters, you'll no doubt enjoy Blood on the Tracks! Recommended! - Neo Tokyo 2099Seiichi is back home for the first time in ages to inter his father's remains in the family grave. After that, he'll be finished, nothing left to hold him in this world...until he happens to bump into Fukiishi, resurrecting all the feelings he had buried along with his past—Will Seiichi finally find peace in death? Or will the specters of the past keep him here against his will...?

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the creator who brought you notable works such as The Flowers of Evil, Happiness, and Inside Mari, comes his latest suspense drama centering on the theme of a toxic parent.Dive into this latest thriller by master storyteller, Shuzo Oshimi...if you enjoyed Oshimi's previous work with Flowers of Evil, and you enjoy dark storylines with twisted characters, you'll no doubt enjoy Blood on the Tracks! Recommended! - Neo Tokyo 2099 Having finally found himself free to end it all, Seiichi is pulled back from the brink by a telephone call from the police: We have your mother in protective custody. Facing Seiko for the first time in twenty years, Seiichi finds an old woman who neither recognizes him nor seems to fully recognize herself. And yet, during their strange reunion, her memories return. Seiichi's rage erupts, but he cannot bring himself to strike the woman who plagued his thoughts all these years. And later, the feelings in his heart draw him inexorably back to her side...Thus begins their long, long night together—and Seiichi gets his first glimpse into the true source of the darkness within his mother.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSay your name with pride!Trudie Hamburger is the only Jewish kid living in the small southern town of Colburn in 1962. Nobody else at her school has a father who speaks with a German accent or a last name that means chopped meat. Trudie doesn''t want to be the girl who cries when Daniel Reynolds teases her. Or the girl who hides in the library to avoid singing Christian songs in music class. She doesn''t want to be different. But over the course of a few pivotal months, as Trudie confronts her fears and embraces what she loves?including things that make her different from her classmates?she finally finds a way to say her name with pride.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHattie is a street-smart country girl in her first year of school. She lives just outside of nowhere, right next to no one at all. Luckily she’s starting school and that brings new adventures. Hattie gets her first swimming badge, falls madly in love with a hermit crab and meets a best friend. Sometimes things go wrong—like when the hairdresser cuts her hair into stumps just in time for school photos. And while Hattie tries her best, it’s not always easy to be well behaved... Hattie is perfect for newly independent readers from Frida Nilsson, whose award-winning The Ice Sea Pirates was an international bestseller.Trade Review"Hattie reminded me of audacious Pippi Longstocking – but Hattie is her own extraordinary self, and she’s excellent company." -- NZ Poetry Box – Paula Green"The simple, very expressive illustrations done in pen and ink and outlined in black add much to enjoying the adventures of this little girl. This story would make a good read-aloud for 1st or 2nd graders." -- Youth Services Book Review"Hattie proves to be a memorable heroine with an impulsive streak and a nose for trouble and is somewhat reminiscent of that other Scandinavian mischief maker Pippi Longstocking. The school story is a familiar one in children’s literature, but Hattie’s tale is told in a fresh, funny and oh-so-relatable way. Her worries and fears will be familiar to all readers, big and small, and her empathetic reactions to the situations in which she finds herself make this a realistic and engrossing read. Nilsson is a master at making you see the world through her characters’ eyes, and Hattie is a character to be celebrated in this charming, funny and relatable book. With quirky and amusing illustrations by Stina Wirsén, Hattie is a pure delight from start to finish and will be eagerly gobbled up by young readers everywhere." Reviewed by Brenda Frawley -- INIS Magazine"There is much to love about this loud-talking, large-hearted, scamp of a girl. Her spirit blinds you with its brilliance. Humour bubbles through every candid utterance and through every artless thought until your tummy wobbles with mirth. Frida Nilsson's masterful portrayal of a primary-schooler in their prime is both funny and poignantly on point." -- Dimity Powell - Dim’s Write Stuff"The combination of storytelling style and gentle setting, led by a girl with a big heart who just seems to get it wrong now and then, really reminded me of my childhood favourite Pippi Longstocking. The narrative is simple but gloriously nostalgic and charming. It’s a super choice for children near the beginning of their independent reading journey as each chapter gives them the fulfilment of a whole story. I also adore the quirky style of Stina Wirsen’s illustrations which adorn the pages throughout. This is a brilliant example of why we should be bringing more books in translation to our shores and our bookshelves." -- Kate Poels writes"Hattie’s cover T-shirt “Watch Out” sets the tone for Hattie’s adventures. Many of Hattie’s escapades are rebellious but she is often the one who tones down her behaviour or recognises her own failings and does something to correct them. Short chapters make this book inviting to younger readers. Sentence structure is simple but not simplistic. There are occasional black line drawings which enliven the text." -- The Children’s Book Council of Australia Reading Time"While Hattie is a mischievous child prone to dramatizing and over thinking situations, she is an endearing character. She has a very contrite and caring side when she realizes she has gone too far. It is an easy to read story with short chapters and would be a great read aloud story for Junior Primary students. The simple illustrations by Stina Wirsen are spaced throughout the text and make a welcome addition to the story." -- Readplus"It’s a completely wild ride – from hysterical laughing to nail-biting nerves, Hattie puts you through your paces. For a large part this is because she is a huge troublemaker. Yet what makes her antics so amusing is that her impulsiveness leads them to (nearly) go very wrong – Hattie gets a little more than she bargained for! Frida Nilsson is a worthy successor to the great Astrid Lindgren, and indeed Hattie could very easily be this generation’s Pippi Longstocking." Readings -- Jeremy George works as a bookseller at Readings Malvern"Readers are sure to be endeared to Hattie’s independent spirit. The simple line pen and ink drawings by Stina Wirsén are comical and expressive and help to capture the loveable Hattie and her antics. Hattie is the perfect series for newly independent readers." -- Outside in World"Youngsters around Hattie’s age will surely love reading about, or hearing of, her escapades; this is a girl with a thirst for fun, a total charmer who just doesn’t stop and think about the consequences of her actions before plunging straight in. She does though pause for thought, reflect and take on board the lessons learned. The occasional line drawings by Stina Wirsén are a sheer delight too." -- Red Reading Hub"Hattie is from the Pippi Longstocking school of clever, anti-establishment little girls who have the capacity for misrule until their conscience kicks in, their hearts turn to fondant and they return to the path of righteousness (while avoiding piety)… the translator, Julia Marshall, has done the story proud; it’s told with elegant precision and Nilsson has a peculiar power to make you remember exactly what it was like to be small, fierce, disempowered and six . . . even when you’re 46." -- The Times"A young mischief-maker manages to get herself out of mishaps. Six-year-old Hattie lives with her loving parents in a red house in Sweden. Their town is "far out in the middle of nowhere." Hattie loves that she's started school. She rides on the bus, does well, and makes friends. Each brief chapter in this gently comical novel describes various escapades Hattie gets up to, often alone, sometimes with her best pal. Readers will be intrigued by Hattie's adventures and will note that each one offers a glimpse into her conscience and lively, persevering personality. Not coincidentally, the incidents advance Hattie's character development, though she remains a child her age. Like most kids, Hattie can be peevish, has a playful, creative imagination, enjoys testing her limits, and doesn't usually foresee or understand the consequences of impulsivity. Still, when events don't conclude the way she'd hoped or planned, Hattie gets sad, angry, or annoyed with herself, learning lessons probably no grown-ups could teach better. Readers will note Hattie's rarely scolded; however, adults are often oblivious to her activities, and she does chide herself. This fast-paced, amusing charmer, with clipped sentences that promote quick reading, is a Swedish import via New Zealand and offers interesting insight into some Nordic customs. Loose black-line illustrations add humor and suggest that all characters are white. An interview with the author appears in the backmatter. Readers will appreciate getting to know Hattie." (Fiction. 7-10) -- Kirkus Reviews

Read more less

Book SynopsisCricket Karlsson is going to become an artist just like her aunt, who loves cheese and art and always speaks her mind. Not like Cricket's mother, who is dieting and sighs at everything. But now Aunt Frannie has lost her joy and Cricket's best friend has dumped her for the horse girls. Eleven-year-old Cricket Karlsson is a warm and complex character with an artistic soul. This is a liberating and unexpected story about growing up, fitting in, and sorting out the adults in our lives that will reach the hearts of young readers (and older ones).Trade Review"The humorously blunt first-person narrative, which includes Cricket’s numerous revealing lists…offers a sympathetic portrait of an idiosyncratic, thoughtful preteen in a period of turmoil." -- Publishers Weekly"Sigunsdotter's honest voice and Eriksson's sophisticated and generously distributed art come together to honour the passion of (young female) friendships, and the pain that accompanies their dissolution." -- The New York Times"It’s properly funny (like, do a little snort level of funny). Without talking down to youngsters, it treats them with the respect and smarts that middle-readers deserve and in doing so perfectly captures the liminal space between childhood and adolescence." -- Dominion Post"We’re obsessed with this side-splitting, heartfelt book...filled with hilarious & wicked illustrations, delightfully oddball humour (recalling Harriet the Spy) and the perfect read for ages 10 through 100." -- Little Unity Books

Read more less

Book SynopsisHillcrest High Boys' School has admitted girls for the first time, but with only ten girls in the school, it hasn't been an easy start for Abby, Tara and their new friends. With her sister still very ill, Abby's had it tougher than most. When she has the chance to go on holiday for half term, she's excited to get away from everything. And even more thrilled to meet a new friend, Gerry. Abby has never felt cool or popular, but Gerry makes her feel special. Together they have a blast... But it's not long before Gerry starts behaving strangely and soon Abby is forced to wonder: what if befriending Gerry was the biggest mistake she's ever made?Trade ReviewA warm and funny story about friends, family and growing up - GuardianVery funny . . . realistic and scarily relatable - Wondrous ReadsA compelling story . . . full of neat twists - Chicklish.co.uk

Read more less