Children’s / Teenage fiction: School stories

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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...?

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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Book SynopsisNew best friend? Check. Cool band? Check. Simple life? As if.Obi's thrilled to be invited to join Sucker Punch - and to top it off Donna, the band's singer, calls Obi her best friend.The only problem is, Obi can't tell her mum about being in the band. She can't tell her friends she's also joined the orchestra. And she definitely can't tell Donna about her friendship with Lenny - he's Donna's boyfriend.But when things get complicated at home, Obi starts seeing more and more of Lenny: it feels like he's is the only one who understands ... What's one more little secret?

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Book SynopsisMeet Joseph - Joseph is curious to understand more about forgiveness. He lost his sister's brand new football. Although she forgave him, he feels really bad. Can he forgive himself? He told his friend Billy a big secret, but Billy has betrayed his trust and told other kids at school. Should he forgive Billy, especially when he is yet to say sorry? Joseph's friend George is being bullied at school by Jasper. If George forgives Jasper, could Jasper go on to bully others in the future? This illustrated book is the ideal conversation starter for children aged 7+ to explore what forgiveness means, what it is and isn't and when it might and might not be appropriate.Trade ReviewForgiveness can be a difficult topic for adults and children alike, sometimes adding new layers of anxiety and guilt to the pain of being hurt. Through story, this book helps children, young people, and those who care for them to explore the forgiveness journey wisely and well. -- The Very Revd. Dr. Stephen Hance, Dean of Derby, editor of ‘Forgiveness in Practice'

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Book SynopsisBusy Backpack is a exciting shaped board book from Priddy Books and a fantastic introduction to preschool. This amazing novelty board book has an eye-catching backpack shape with a carry-handle. Children will love to carry the book around the house or when they go out and about. The story is set around a day in preschool and explores the different activities children do in a day there, from playing outside, having lunch to arts and crafts. There is lots for children to look for in every scene, with bright appealing illustrations throughout. Each spread also has a fun shaped tab of different objects which children have to look for in the different scenes. This encourages early counting skills as well as problem solving. It's time to begin a new school day. Get ready to learn, have fun, and play! This book is also a great way to start introducing the idea of starting school or preschool to young children.

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Book SynopsisAn entertaining and charming story about an eccentric, loveable family - 'Endearingly funny' 5-star review, Telegraph Chloe Deal is observant. Every day she notices small details - like how Front Door always refuses to open when it's raining; how whatever task he sets out to do, Daddy usually ends up snoozing to the radio in his shed; how her younger sister Daisy muddles her similes but never her fashion sense, and how Mummy's nostrils flare when Dad forgets to mow the lawn, again. So when Chloe starts a school project about her house, she ends up cataloguing the chaotic balancing act of her family along with it. In the run up to the school holidays (and Chloe's birthday), disaster follows disaster at home and school. Mummy's patience is beginning to unravel. Can Chloe get the house, her siblings and her father in shape before it's too late?Trade ReviewEaston, an experienced children's fiction author, has created an endearingly funny family, whose problems ring with poignancy. Chloe is a charming, vulnerable heroine that you root for throughout. The second of this planned series is due in September and I can't wait to read it. -- Julia Llewellyn Smith * The Telegraph *School, friends and the chaos of family life, told with great warmth and charm. From the author of the well-received Boys Don't Knit * The Bookseller *It's a warm story, rather poignant at times, about an endearing, funny family that really tries to pull together despite the disasters and it's really held together with warmth and love. * South Wales Evening Post *This is a funny and heart-warming tale proving that perfect family life comes in many forms -- Louise Heines * The Guardian *This book has made me belly laugh more than any other book I have read this year. T. S Easton had a wickedly delicious sense of humour and any child (or any adult!!!) will be giggling away to themselves throughout this book (...)Children aged 9-99 will adore this book! (...) can't recommend it highly enough! * My Chestnut Reading Tree *This is a funny and interesting book (...) my favourite character was Chole because she is very warm-hearted and friendly (...) I'd recommend this book to people who like Tom Gates or Diary of a Wimpy Kid * National Geographic Kids Magazine *I really like this book because it is obviously very funny, but it also seems very true in some aspects for children who are in the same position as Chloe with a troublesome sibling and a very problematic house * Powered by Reading *This is a great book, about friendship and annoyance. It is great! * Mango Bubbles Books *Our House is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds, who will love it, but it has that precious special ingredient: It appeals to any adults who may pick it up as it is funny and sees family life with a wry eye * Cat and Mouse Reading *The cover invites us to meet the Deal family: clumsy, chaotic and mad as a bunch of daffodils and the readers will not be disappointed (...) Chloe's humourous anecdotes (...) keep the story bubbling along, and teachers and librarians may well be reminded of the Hilary McKay novels with serious themes running through the humour (...) Definitely recommended -- Diana Barnes * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisGrace-Ella is nervous and excited to be going to Witch Camp, with her cat Mr Whiskins, of course. At first all goes well, but when her friends get into danger she suddenly finds herself in a real adventure.

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Book SynopsisWhen pixie Buddy smuggles himself into her back pack after Witchcamp, Grace-Ella lets him stay, even though her cat, Mr Whiskins tells her pixies are trouble. She can't leave him at home so she takes him to school, where he causes all kinds of trouble!

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Book SynopsisJoin your favorite fun-loving, international group of girls one last time! Aya, Youko,and Karen are taking their university entrance exams, and everyone's getting readyfor their big graduation trip! Don't miss the final volume of Kiniro Mosaic!

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Book SynopsisWhy does Amadi's mother insist he learn to read words? Why should an Igbo boy of Nigeria, who will become a great trader, waste precious time on books?Trade Review"Amadi’s experiences are genuine and come across naturally in the narrative. The vibrant illustrations depict the setting and bring richness and depth to the story." -- School Library Journal"Children will enjoy reading about Amadi’s life in the village, depicted in the earth-toned, intimate scenes. It’s a nice reversal that young children will be able to grasp—what looks exotic and faraway to one person is a place where someone else lives." -- Booklist"This tale shines a welcome light on cultural differences." -- Kirkus"A beautiful tribute to the power of reading." -- Andrea Davis Pinkney, Coretta Scott King Book Award winner

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Book SynopsisAlonso Núnez’s playful story, Dave Morrison’s rollicking Spanish-to-English translation, and Bruna Assis Brasil’s imaginative illustrations offer a doomsday vision of a child’s first day of school that any young reader will recognize.Trade Review"A child’s imagination inflates school fears in Mexico-based author Núñez’s first English-language book...In sophisticated pen-and-ink and photographic collages, Brazilian illustrator Brasil renders the teacher as a hydra and the school bus as a horned monster, and sharp-featured students wear expressions of wide-mouthed terror...Núñez is effective at conveying the sense of doom that ruminating on the unknown can bring, while Brasil’s art blends creaturely details and photographic accents to stylized effect." -- PW"A boy walks readers through his concerns about his first day of school: "Now I'm in the belly / of this monstrous bus. / The driver's a zombie / who won't talk to us." The story follows the expected school-isn't-so-bad path, and the rhymes (translated from the Spanish) drop the odd beat, but elevating the affair is the surrealism-tinged art reflecting the kid's imagination." -- Nell Beram - The Horn Book Guide

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Book SynopsisA classroom-tested resource for social and emotional learning Henry's discovery of the many ways he can be kind will inspire young readers to use the simple mindfulness practices taught in this book to develop their own capacities for kindness.Trade Review"What did you like about the book? Mindfulness in the classroom is a growing trend, and Henry is Kind is a wonderful way to introduce the concept to lower-grade elementary students. Henry is listening to his teacher and classmates talk about all of the kind acts they have done, and he starts getting frustrated that he can’t think of a single nice thing he did. Luckily, his classmates are there to remind him that no small act goes unnoticed, and sometimes even the littlest moments make a big impact. At the end of the book, Ryden included a few pages on Mindfulness and Heartfulness. These pages have a plethora of information and resources for readers to incorporate the practices in their own lives. To whom would you recommend this book? Parents, Public and School libraries" -- Meghann Price, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Lynn, MA - Youth Services Book Review,"These delightful, captivating books are full of powerful practical methods for kids - and their parents." -- Rick Hanson, Ph.D., author of Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, and Buddha’s Brain"Henry Is Kind is bright, fun, and engaging, which is wonderful because it means kids will love it. And it provides an easy way for teachers and parents to help children understand and enjoy being kind, which means adults will love it too." -- Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness and Real Love"Linda Ryden is an amazing author, teacher and overall person. Her approach to mindfulness makes it achievable for all, and I consider her an expert in the field of social emotional learning and mindfulness. Her books serve as a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and students." -- Wanda H. Legrand, Ed.D Deputy Chancellor District of Columbia Public Schools

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Book SynopsisThe Henry and Friends series is now available in paperback! A classroom-tested resource for social and emotional learning Henry's discovery of the many ways he can be kind will inspire young readers to use the simple mindfulness practices taught in this book to develop their own capacities for kindness.

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Book SynopsisSergio is amazed to discover that even on a day that felt awful, the good outweighed the bad

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Book SynopsisWinner at The 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s BooksAyobami es una niña Africana que sueña con ir a la escuela. Cuando termina la guerra, la niña finalmente pueden hacerlo, pero para lograrlo, tiene tomar el camino peligroso por la selva. Llevando sólo un papel y un lápiz gastado, Ayobami comienza su viaje para alcanzar su latiente deseo por aprender a leer y escribir. Esta es una historia sobre la importancia de la educación, las dificultades que muchos niños tienen que sobrellevar para ir a la escuela y la perseverancia y entusiasmo de aquellos que quieren aprender.Lexile Level: 600LNo se pierdan el booktrailer! Las primeras páginas:Trade Review"Sandwiched between endpapers of yellow-lined paper showing the upper- and lowercase cursive alphabet, this quiet story shouts the pricelessness of literacy.(...) A marvelous tale of one girl’s passion for reading, writing, and learning." ~ Kirkus Starred ReviewBest Educational Children's Picture Book- Spanish Language Category at the International Latino Book Awards“ (…) Younger children will likely relate to and enjoy Ayobami’s perseverance to attend class. The framework of “naming” animals will also likely appeal to early elementary school–aged children, particularly as they themselves are learning about—and how to write the names of—various animals (…) A solid purchase for elementary school libraries.” ~ School Library Journal“With the feel of an Aesop’s fable, this story is both empowering and reflective of the joy school can bring to children whose lives have been disrupted by war. Beautiful illustrations in graphite, watercolor, and colored pencil lend an ethereal, magical quality to this unnamed place, where dangerous creatures have endearing faces, and letters of the alphabet flutter around Ayobami like protective stardust. ” ~ Booklist

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Book SynopsisReading the prairieIt''s the 1880s, Noah works hard on the family farm and roams free on the Colorado prairie. One day his Aunt Dora arrives to give him some schooling. Noah doesn''t think he needs it. What use is reading on the prairie? But what Noah discovers will change his life forever.

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Book SynopsisThis heartfelt story shows the difference a good teacher can make in a student’s life!Luna has the best teacher in second grade. Mr. Hopper loves the midnight sky almost as much as Luna does, but the rest of the class isn’t on the same page. They won’t listen to her ideas for the Family Night program—until something goes unexpectedly wrong! With a nudge from Mr. Hopper, Luna shares her plan, which just might save the show.From the team that wrote and illustrated The Best Seat in Second Grade and The Best Chef in Second Grade, this appealing story will appeal to all second graders, as well as their parents, caregivers, and, especially, teachers!This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their n

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