Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Bullying, violence, abuse and peer pressure

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 SynopsisOllie is back with more adventures using his superpowers, and a chance to earn his second Captain's stripe!With the help of his superpowers, Ollie is gaining the confidence to stand up to bullies and be himself. When some mean kids start to get him down, Ollie draws upon the superpower of emotional resilience, which serves as a suit of shiny armour against hurtful words. With this superpower, Ollie tries to help his new friend Mollie who lives in foster care learn to love and take care of herself. Can Ollie help Mollie to build her own emotional superpowers? And will he earn his second Captain's stripe in the process?Trade ReviewWhen I first sat down to write an endorsement for this book I found some paper arrows stuck to me saying, "You have no idea how to do this, or what to write!" But then I remembered Ollie's and Mollie's superpowers and realised that I have some as well. Ollie and the Magic Workshop is a delightfully inspired and inspiring book, that every child (and adult) should read so that they too can learn how to find their own superpowers, as well as their own suit of armour or fairy cloak to wear, when they are confronted by new challenges in their lives. I especially enjoyed the idea of Ollie going through the black boxes to sort out all the negative thoughts in his head and heart. I'm off now to my Magic Workshop to find my own.... -- Dr Jacqueline Blyth, BSc. (Hons), MSc Health Psychology, ClinPsyD. AFBPS. Clinical Psychologist, Birmingham Children’s HospitalOllie and the Magic Workshop is a great book for helping children to understand meaning behind challenging emotions. Imagining emotions as individual superpowers will help children greet each emotion inquisitively; asking why the emotion is being felt and how best to cope with that emotion. -- Emma Hughes, author of Striker, Slow Down! and Go Yogi!With increasing awareness of mental health issues, the importance of identifying needs and providing support are increasingly crucial. The author has a vast range of experience of working with early years children, and shares her best practice and knowledge. -- Janet Dowling * School Library Association *Table of Contents1. Ollie and the silver stripe. 2. School holidays and visitors come to stay. 3. Ollie meets Mollie. 4. Ollie learns about forever homes. 5. Ollie goes back to the library. 6. The next black box. 7. Mollie meets her superpowers. 8. Mollie and Ollie go to the hospital. 9. Ollie and Mollie go to Mollie's library. 10. Ollie and Mollie go to Freya's birthday party. 11. Ollie and the broccoli soup. 12. Mollie lets bad words into her heart. 13. Ollie faces the broccoli soup again. 14. Ollie and the silver stripe.

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Book SynopsisAmongst the beauty of the Okavango delta in Botswana, Cleo the Crocodile loved having fun with all of his animal friends. That is, until one day Hogan the Hippo, who was supposed to look after Cleo, started to act mean and hurt him. Cleohas to leave the swamp to find a safe new home - he's scared and puts his prickles up for protection, so all the other animals are afraid of him. How can Cleo find a new safe home? How can he make new friends when he doesn't know who he can trust?This activity book developed by expert child psychologist Dr Karen Treisman combines a colourfully illustrated therapeutic story about Cleo the Crocodile to help start and enrich conversations, which is followed by a wealth of creative activities and photocopiable worksheets for children to explore issues relating to attachment, relationships, rejection, anger, trust and much more. The activities are accompanied by extensive advice and practical strategies for parents, carers, and professionals on how to help children aged 5-10 to start to name their tricky feelings. It will help children to understand their own prickles, to trust others and begin to invest in relationships so they can let others close again. This activity book is complemented by a standalone picture book of Cleo's story, also available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Cleo the Crocodile, ISBN 9781839970276).Trade ReviewWith over 150 pages, Cleo the Crocodile is a fantastic tool for parents, carers or professionals supporting children with emotional needs. The activities are well thought out and presented and each one has the aim of finding something out that your child finds it hard to communicate, such as what makes them anxious or how they feel if someone is mean to them. -- Parents In Touch

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Book SynopsisWhen Ollie doesn't help his bullied classmate Adam, the Captain decides that it's time to introduce him to one of his most important superpowers, Empathy. Using Empathy, Ollie has the chance to earn his first Captain's stripe and help Adam. Will he succeed?Trade ReviewThe Ollie and His Superpowers series is a great vehicle to use to educate, empower and challenge both young and old to think about difficult issues, including bullying, anxiety and other associated concerns. As a Police Officer working in schools, this book has been an invaluable resource to use to develop emotional intelligence, improve self esteem and to assist young people to develop confidence in themselves. Alison Knowles offers a simple approach to dealing with what, at times, can be complex issues, in a well written story. -- S. Herbert, Police OfficerAnother awesome Ollie story has emerged. Ollie can now help children get to grips with empathy and learn how to step into another's shoes to see the world from their perspective. Empathy is so essential to helping create a better society with understanding and compassion. The more children who can understand this, the more hope for our future. I for one will be using and recommending Ollie as a teaching aide for many years to come. -- Nicki Proietti, Inclusion Manager, St Luke's Primary SchoolUsed with a therapist or teacher, this could be very useful in helping to understand other people's feelings. -- Healthy Books

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Book Synopsis"Your superpowers are real, not make believe."When seven-year-old Ollie's brand new trainers get stolen by bullies, he feels too scared and embarrassed to tell his mum. Luckily, Ollie's friend Mr Wilcox knows how to keep a secret. Once Ollie confides in Mr Wilcox about the shoes, Mr Wilcox decides to let him in on a secret of his own... He has superpowers, and Ollie can have them too! Meet Courage, Bravery, Strength and Calm - just a few of Ollie's very own superpowers. Under the guidance of Mr Wilcox, Ollie learns that he can control his superpowers in order to overcome his fears, starting with those bullies.Trade ReviewWith many cultures currently appearing to be neglecting the emotional awareness and development of our children, Alison has written an excellent book which enables children to better understand, label and talk about their emotions. Ollie and His Superpowers provides a great framework for encouraging discussions with children about their emotional regulation in a fun and understandable way. -- Dr Catherine Hart, Clinical Psychologist, BSc (Hons), MSc, PGDip, DClinPsyThe Ollie and His Superpowers series is a great vehicle to use to educate, empower and challenge both young and old to think about difficult issues, including bullying, anxiety and other associated concerns. As a Police Officer working in schools, this book has been an invaluable resource to use to develop emotional intelligence, improve self esteem and to assist young people to develop confidence in themselves. Alison Knowles offers a simple approach to dealing with what, at times, can be complex issues, in a well written story. -- S. Herbert, Police OfficerThis British import, written by a cognitive therapist, is centered on seven-year-old Ollie, who faces daily bullying from kids at school. After two larger boys take his sneakers (called 'trainers'-just one of the many Briticisms throughout), the distraught Ollie confides in an elderly friend, who encourages him to use his superpowers (his emotions) to deal with the problem. Soon enough, Ollie is able to call upon Bravery, Strength, and Calm to help him get his sneakers back-much to the surprise of the bullies. Throughout the book, the emotions are personified as little versions of ourselves that live within us. Nervousness, Shock, Silliness, and Confidence are just a few of the ones readers meet. Helping us control our emotions is the Captain. Meanwhile, our Librarian (bow-tied and bespectacled) works at night to keep our ideas sorted properly. While this book attempts to help children understand and deal with their emotions, it lacks the plot and charm of Pixar's similarly structured Inside Out. VERDICT A purposeful work that children are unlikely to self-select. Consider only where social-skill building and antibullying topics are needed. -- School Library JournalWhat a good example of the importance of using positive language to encourage, and/or reinforce, positive behaviours. -- Red Reading Hub, Jillrbennet's Reviews of Children's BooksThis is a unique approach to learning how to cope with strong and difficult emotions, but Ms Knowles has used it successfully with parents, children, schools, and even the police. -- Healthy Books

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Book SynopsisDesigned for use in schools, this comic teaches children about restorative justice through the story of Jake and Ryan. After a misunderstanding between Jake and Ryan leads to a fight in the playground, both boys are left feeling angry and fearful about what might happen when they see each other again. Rather than keeping Jake and Ryan apart, their teacher arranges a restorative meeting to allow the boys to understand the situation from the other's perspective and transform their negative emotions into positive ones.This comic is a key resource in helping children aged 8-13 to understand restorative justice and prepare for a restorative meeting. The comic also features a resource section for teachers, explaining more about restorative practices and how they can be used in schools to foster respect and emotional literacy among students.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive, skill-building bullying prevention activity book for school-aged readers.

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Book SynopsisBullying is a common issue in schools today, which calls for practical school and community based bullying prevention and intervention techniques. Nevertheless, only a small number of empirical studies have considered the societal and cultural contexts of this behavior, which has limited our understanding of the phenomenon. Examples of individual characteristics that influence bullying include age and gender. This volume reviews socio-demographic and ecological factors, emphasizing on the definition and prevalence of bullying in schools. The volume suggests that elements at the socio-demographic level, for example, social/psychological health issues and age, gender, including different factors like parental involvement in the child's education, emphasis on academic accomplishment, mass media, parents/guardians, peers, and educators can promote or relieve bullying among students in schools. School peers are also important during adolescence, when there is an increased desire for social acceptance and positive evaluation. Students with supportive friends often feel a higher level of belongingness to their peers, and are less inclined to participate in aggressive conduct like bullying. The authors then draw implications for school bullying and peer victimization assessment, practice, and policy.

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Book SynopsisInternationally, violence occurs in schools on a regular basis; and in some contexts is particularly serious and widespread. One such context is South Africa, where, on an almost daily basis, newspapers carry reports of one or other aspect of school violence.While a number of academic studies have delineated the extent and nature of such violence, and made recommendations on possible solutions to the problem, there has ? until now ? been no single book bringing together theory and research on the causes of violence, and on its reduction and prevention. Finding suitable solutions requires a clear understanding of how and where violence is generated. Uniquely, Violence in schools: South Africa in an international context covers both the social bases of school violence and the role many schools themselves play in generating violent behaviour. It goes on to argue that school-generated violence is potentially much more amenable to positive intervention: solutions can be developed at the local level, by schools themselves, and in response to the specific circumstances generated in individual schools.This study also asks why males specifically play such a large part in violence in South African society. Examining the theories and empirical evidence regarding the nature and causes of violence in schools globally, it explores them as they relate to South African schools specifically.Overtly based on the value of democratic values in seeking solutions, the book provides very useful resources for a whole range of educational endeavours. It will be of considerable interest to government educational departments, NGOs, teacher-education institutions, and staff and governing bodies in schools.

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Book SynopsisMekong Kids is the heartwarming story of a tubby, fifth-grade boy named Boom, who lives in northeastern Thailand in a village along the Mekong River. As Boom struggles to make friends with the other boys in his community, he learns to take responsibility for his actions, overcome his fears, bridge barriers, and help rivals become friends. Genuine friendship based on caring for others overrides social and national barriers. The distinctive culture of northeastern Thailand and the friendship that evolves with Lao boys across the river add rich multicultural themes. Mekong Kids is a translation of Luk Mae Nam Khong (2001), the award-winning Thai-language children's novel.

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Book SynopsisWalking around the streets and parks of most towns, you might notice that many dogs look a lot like their owners. Or perhaps it’s the other way around: do the owners all look like their dogs? But there are some exceptions . . . Scented with chocolate and musical notes, this delightful story dares you to fearlessly forgo the opinions of others and invites you to experience the freedom of accepting yourself as you are.Si uno va andando por las calles y los parques de la ciudad, verá que todos los perros se parecen a sus dueños. ¿O tal vez sea al revés, y son los dueños los que se parecen a sus perros? Pero hay excepciones... Una divertida historia aderezada con chocolate y notas musicales, que invita a experimentar la libertad de aceptarse y atreverse a ser uno mismo, sin miedo a la opinión de los demás. No se pierdan el booktrailer! Las primeras páginas:Trade Review"...below the book’s lighthearted surface is a resonant message about looking beyond appearances and appreciating differences." -Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisCoauthors Acosta (Little Captain Jack) and Amavisca (Bang Bang I Hurt the Moon) keep their focus tight, concentrating on Ben’s feelings and the way the boys’ taunting torments him (“He felt even sadder than the day his fish went to fish heaven”). Loose-lined drawings with gently tinted wash by Gusti (Mallko and Dad) underscore the intimacy and loyalty of Ben’s family. ~Publishers Weekly This is a story inspired by true events. Ben is a little boy, and he likes painting his nails. There’s no big reason to it, he just loves all the amazing colors on the tips of his fingers. Until one day, some of his schoolmates start laughing at him because of it. He suddenly feels sad, helpless, and doesn’t want to paint his nails anymore. Even when his father starts painting his nails to support Ben, the helplessness doesn’t go away. Why can’t boys paint their nails? A tale to understand that a kid’s joy has no boundaries. A simple story about a small revolution.Trade ReviewIt's perfectly okay--in fact, it seems preferable--to be yourself. This would be a great title to share with youngster to spark some conversations about their own assumptions about gender and gender roles or what they might have done to make Ben feel okay about his colorful nails. ~Goodreads -- Barbara * Goodreads *Coauthors Acosta (Little Captain Jack) and Amavisca (Bang Bang I Hurt the Moon) keep their focus tight, concentrating on Ben’s feelings and the way the boys’ taunting torments him (“He felt even sadder than the day his fish went to fishy heaven”). Loose-lined drawings with gently tinted wash by Gusti (Mallko and Dad) underscore the intimacy and loyalty of Ben’s family. ~Publishers WeeklyLarge, happy cartoon-like art in warm colors with simple text make this appealing for young audiences. ~Youth Services Book ReviewAn original and thoroughly 'kid friendly' picture book for children ages 4-8 that touches on emotions, being yourself, and peaceful solutions to negative confrontation. ~Midwest Book ReviewA gentle message about bullying with a hopeful note of encouragement and support. ~Kiss the Book Jr.This one’s for all the boys who like to paint their nails. A book about acceptance and being true to yourself. ~100 ScopenotesThe translation is smooth and the writing clear and straightforward. Children will understand the narrative easily and empathize with Ben. Gusti's watercolors are loose and flowing, similar to those of Chris Raschka. The bright nails stand out from the earth tones of the characters' skin, hair, and clothing. The love between the family is depicted through physical contact, and Ben's smile and rosy cheeks light up the final page, as he flaunts his blue polish while wearing a birthday hat. ~School Library JournalI Love my Colorful Nails validates children to express themselves as they desire and models being an upstander. - First Thursday Book ReviewsThis picture book offers a very approachable way to talk about gender expectations and how even small expressions of difference are important. A great book about gender nonconforming behavior in children and how a school can be a place of safety. - Walking Brain CellsIn exuberant illustrations, Gusti uses a strong, playful brown line and warm swathes of color to depict Ben's loving, contemporary family (along with adorable cat), his multiracial classroom and the streets of his city. While the text doesn't tell us how the ending comes about, it still highlights how loving family members, friends and educators can effect change. ~Shelf AwarenessA young boy who loves to paint his nails in cheerful colors is made fun of at school. His father and those around him paint their nails to stand against Ben's bullies, encouraging him to be himself, despite what others think. This picture book touches on emotions, being yourself, and peaceful solutions to negative confrontation. ~IndieBound

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Book SynopsisSUMMARY IN SPANISH: Un cuento para la paz - Las botas del general es un libro infantil en españ ol recomendado de 4 a 7 añ os, maravillosamente ilustrado. Un general necesita unas botas para ir a la guerra, así que decide hacé rselas a medida. Para el general la guerra era la guerra: tení a que aniquilar todo lo que se encontraba en su camino. Pero lo que no sospechaba es que ni sus soldados ni sus botas opinaban igual. A ellos, la guerra no les gustaba; de hecho, el general no les gustaba; ni el olor a pó lvora, ni el silbido de las balas, ni… Entonces, ¿ qué hací an ahí ? Cuando el general grita: ¡ Al ataque!, y se dispone a dar el primer paso, las botas se niegan a obedecerle, los soldados se marchan corriendo y el general se queda solo ante el enemigo y sin entender qué está pasando. Las botas empiezan a correr para huir de la guerra, llevá ndose al general lejos de la destrucció n. Y es que nunca es tarde para celebrar la vida, ¿ no te parece? Un á lbum ilustrado en españ ol, escrito por Elisa Ramó n y magní ficamente dibujado por Francesc Rovira, dos de los profesionales con má s trayectoria del panorama infantil. Recrea de forma maravillosa que, ante cualquier disyuntiva, siempre se tiene la opció n de elegir lo que uno cree que es mejor, en lugar de dejarse llevar por la corriente. LIBRO ESCRITO ORIGINALMENTE EN ESPAñ OL._________________________________________SUMMARY IN ENGLISH: Un cuento para la paz - Las botas del general is a wonderfully illustrated children's book in Spanish, recommended for ages 4 to 7. A general needs boots to go to war, so he decides to have them made to measure. For the general, war was war: he had to annihilate everything that stood in his way. But what he did not suspect is that neither his soldiers nor his boots thought the same. They did not like war; in fact, they did not like the general; neither the smell of gunpowder, nor the whistle of bullets, nor… So, what were they doing there? When the general shouts: Attack!, and is about to take the first step, the boots refuse to obey him, the soldiers run away and the general is left alone before the enemy and without understanding what is happening. The boots start running to flee the war, carrying the general away from destruction. It's never too late to celebrate life, don't you think? A picture book in Spanish, written by Elisa Ramó n and with magnificent art by Francesc Rovira, two of the most experienced professionals in the children's scene. It recreates in a wonderful way that, faced with any dilemma, we always have the option of choosing what we think is best, instead of going with the flow.ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN SPANISH.

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Book SynopsisWhat is The Bully Book? Part mystery, part tragedy, part comedy. Originally self-published as an ebook by a member of Team Starkid, The Bully Book is now available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook editions. The paperback includes a Q&A with the author.Eric Haskins, the new sixth-grade bully target, is searching for answers. And unlike many of us who experienced something awful growing up, he finds them. Though they may not be what he expected.When the author was eleven, he was bullied. This book is loosely based on incidents that happened to him in sixth grade.The Bully Book is a Top Ten Indie Next List pick of 2013, and Publishers Weekly called The Bully Book a "gripping debut novel."

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Book SynopsisThe companion novel to Assassin’s Heart—an action-packed fantasy that Printz Award winner Laura Ruby said “will keep you turning the pages all night long”—Thief’s Cunning picks up eighteen years later and follows Allegra Saldana as she uncovers the secrets about the line of killers she descends from. Allegra has always had to look over her shoulder. As the niece of the infamous assassin Lea Saldana, Allegra is used to hiding from people who want her dead. Once the strongest clipper family in the Kingdom of Lovero, the Saldanas—or what’s left of them—are now the most hunted. Their number one enemy is the Da Vias, whose thirst for retaliation is almost two decades in the making.But lately Allegra’s getting fed up with everything being kept from her—including her parents’ identity. When she finally learns the truth about her family, though—that she’s a Da Via—her wo

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Book Synopsis—Booklist (starred review) * "A marathon masterpiece."—Kirkus (starred review) * "Necessary."—SLJ (starred review) * "Shocking and dramatic."—Shelf Awareness (starred review) * "Mesmerizing, confounding and vividly rendered."—Book Page (starred review) * "Williams-Garcia’s storytelling is magnificent;Trade Review"Equal parts history and tantalizing, chaotic drama, Williams-Garcia's stunning novel delivers a fresh and nuanced approach to the tale of American slavery... Best-selling, award-winning Williams-Garcia's return to YA, particularly with a book as monumental as this, is definite cause for celebration." — Booklist (starred review) "With a cast of characters whose assorted genealogies feel like an ode to the mixing of peoples and cultures in Louisiana, this story broadens and emboldens interrogations of U.S. chattel slavery... A marathon masterpiece that shares a holistic portrait of U.S. history that must not be dismissed or forgotten." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "In this sweeping, richly researched, and powerfully delivered tale of privilege and exploitation—often a difficult read—Williams-Garcia’s storytelling is magnificent; her voice honest and authentic." — Horn Book (starred review) "This is a wonderful character-driven novel as stories of the enslaved and the slaveowners are simultaneously told... This novel is a necessary purchase for conversations about ­slavery’s legacy in the Black Lives Matter era." — School Library Journal (starred review) "The masterful Rita Williams-Garcia depicts the brutality and inhumanity of slavery in the antebellum South by intertwining the lives of the white Guilbert family and the Black people they enslaved in this shocking and dramatic novel." — Shelf Awareness (starred review) “A Sitting in St. James is a mesmerizing, confounding and vividly rendered portrait of the thoroughly putrid institution of slavery in antebellum Louisiana.” — BookPage (starred review) "Offers an unvarnished look at a slowly toppling power structure obsessed with artifice and tradition, hinting through a notably long-view lens that new generations may, slowly and not without suffering, move away from antiquated ideology." — Publishers Weekly "Williams-Garcia is chessmaster of a deviously intricate game; Madame Sylvie may make the boldest moves, but it’s her hobbled pawn, the near-silent servant Thisbe, who listens, observes, learns, and amasses the knowledge to strike the queen with a coup de grâce." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisPoignant and chilling by turns, The Opposite of Innocent is award-winning author Sonya Sones’s most gripping novel in verse yet. It’s the story of a girl named Lily, who’s been crushing on a man named Luke, a friend of her parents, ever since she can remember. Luke has been away for two endless years, but he’s finally returning today. Lily was only twelve when he left. But now, at fourteen, she feels transformed. She can’t wait to see how Luke will react when he sees the new her. And when her mother tells her that Luke will be staying with them for a while, in the bedroom right next to hers, her heart nearly stops.Having Luke back is better than Lily could have ever dreamed. His lingering looks set Lily on fire. Is she just imagining them? But then, when they’re alone, he kisses her. Then he kisses her again. Lily’s friends think anyone his age who wants to be with a fourteen-year-old must be

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Book SynopsisA quirky and heartfelt coming-of-age story about a teen girl with bipolar II who signs her failed magician father up to perform his legendary but failed illusion on live TV in order to make enough money to pay for the medications they needfrom the author of Symptoms of Being Human. Perfect for fans of Adi Alsaid, David Arnold, and Arvin Ahmadi.  Sixteen-year-old Ellie Dante is desperate for something in her life to finally go right. Her father was a famous stage magician until he attempted an epic illusion on live TVand failed. Now Ellie lives with her dad in a beat-up RV, attending high school online and performing with him at birthday parties and bars across the Midwest to make ends meet.But when the gigs dry up, their insurance lapses, leaving Dad's heart condition unchecked and forcing Ellie to battle her bipolar II disorder without medication.Then Ellie receives a call from a famous magic duo, who offer fifteen thous

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A whip-smart and deeply felt story about reclaiming life from the rubble of guilt and trauma, Four Three Two One glows brilliantly with heart, humanity, and hope.” — Brendan Kiely, New York Times bestselling author of All American Boys and Tradition “This is not a book about a tragedy. This is a book about survivors, and hope, and belief. I wish this book wasn’t necessary, but it is. Read it. And then pass it on.” — Kathleen Glasgow New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces The terrifyingly realistic plot and compelling characters will immediately hook readers’ attention. An original and captivating coming-of-age tale of trauma and resilience. — Kirkus Reviews “The unhurried development of characters and events make for a satisfying crescendo. [Stevens] writes with depth and emotion. A great choice for most YA shelves.” — School Library Journal “Stevens has written a compelling examination of survivor’s guilt and the stories people construct around senseless tragedy to try to make sense of it, including how damaging those created narratives can be. A gripping story that’s both entertaing and deeply moving.” — ALA Booklist “The longer-term effects of tragedy are compellingly limned here. The emotional trajectory is thoughtfully and sympathetically depicted, reminding readers that survival is a long-term process.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisJunior Library Guild Selection * New York Public Library''s Best Books for Teens * Goodreads Choice Awards Nonfiction Finalist * Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books for Teens: Nonfiction * 2018 Texas Topaz Nonfiction List * YALSA''s 2018 Quick Picks List  * Bank Street''s 2018 Best Books of the Year“This gut-wrenching, poetic memoir reminds us that no life story can be reduced to the word ‘refugee.’ —New York Times Book Review“A critical piece of literature, contributing to the larger refugee narrative in a way that is complex and nuanced.” —School Library Journal (starred review)This profoundly moving memoir is the remarkable and inspiring true story of Sandra Uwiringiyimana, a girl from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who tells the tale of how she survived a massacre, immig

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Book SynopsisTrade Review★ “Heart-wrenching, funny, hopeful, and not-to-be-missed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A memorable, hard-hitting portrait of a teenager trying to shape his own destiny after being dealt a difficult hand.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Aceves has written a remarkable debut novel. Every reader will enjoy Aceves’s deft handling of this coming-of-age journey. The Closest I’ve Come will be a welcome addition to the growing cannon of quality urban young adult literature.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “An unflinching portrayal of boyhood and the seemingly impossible circumstances so many young people face.” — Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Poet X “A brilliant, subtle debut.” — Sonia Patel, author of Morris Award finalist Rani Patel in Full Effect and Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story “A story that will have readers cheering by the end. An inspirational read.” — Booklist “Recommended for fans of Jason Reynolds and for readers who appreciate gritty and introspective realistic fiction with a sense of humor.” — School Library Journal “It takes about half a page of this debut to become convinced Aceves is an author to watch, but there’s no point at which you’ll want to put down his strongly voiced coming-of-age, perfect for fans of When I Was the Greatest.” — B&N Teen Blog “A debut that’s as stunning as it is powerful, Aceves’ novel is a story is a complex story about family and friendships. Don’t sleep on this one.” — Paste Magazine “Effective, and there’s a refreshing subversion of literary expectation...The accessible writing brings this story to a wide range of readers.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “[E]xplores the nuances of class and ethnicity through the eyes of a hero that readers will love rooting for.” — Bookish.com

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Book SynopsisTrade Review★ “Heart-wrenching, funny, hopeful, and not-to-be-missed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A memorable, hard-hitting portrait of a teenager trying to shape his own destiny after being dealt a difficult hand.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Aceves has written a remarkable debut novel. Every reader will enjoy Aceves’s deft handling of this coming-of-age journey. The Closest I’ve Come will be a welcome addition to the growing cannon of quality urban young adult literature.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “An unflinching portrayal of boyhood and the seemingly impossible circumstances so many young people face.” — Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Poet X “A brilliant, subtle debut.” — Sonia Patel, author of Morris Award finalist Rani Patel in Full Effect and Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story “A story that will have readers cheering by the end. An inspirational read.” — Booklist “Recommended for fans of Jason Reynolds and for readers who appreciate gritty and introspective realistic fiction with a sense of humor.” — School Library Journal “It takes about half a page of this debut to become convinced Aceves is an author to watch, but there’s no point at which you’ll want to put down his strongly voiced coming-of-age, perfect for fans of When I Was the Greatest.” — B&N Teen Blog “A debut that’s as stunning as it is powerful, Aceves’ novel is a story is a complex story about family and friendships. Don’t sleep on this one.” — Paste Magazine “Effective, and there’s a refreshing subversion of literary expectation...The accessible writing brings this story to a wide range of readers.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “[E]xplores the nuances of class and ethnicity through the eyes of a hero that readers will love rooting for.” — Bookish.com

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Book SynopsisWhen a video of him getting knocked down by a bully’s slap goes viral at the end of junior year, David vows to use the summer to bulk up— do what it takes to become a man—and wow everyone when school starts again the fall.Soon David is spending all his time and money at Iron Life, a nearby gym that’s full of bodybuilders.Trade Review“Powerful, raw, and honest. A gripping and realistic tale of body image and toxic masculinity.” — Adi Alsaid, author of Let’s Get Lost “A much-needed novel about steroid addiction from the point of view of a high school boy who’s the victim of bullying.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Stands out through its examination of toxic masculinity, body image, and the dangers of pursuing perfection.” — Booklist "Searing and thoughtful." — Kirkus Reviews “An authentically told story that is both gripping and gut-wrenching.” — Publishers Weekly “Aceves’ novel addresses harsher details of steroid and muscle-sculpting drugs.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisWhen a video of him getting knocked down by a bully’s slap goes viral at the end of junior year, David vows to use the summer to bulk up— do what it takes to become a man—and wow everyone when school starts again the fall.Soon David is spending all his time and money at Iron Life, a nearby gym that’s full of bodybuilders.Trade Review“Powerful, raw, and honest. A gripping and realistic tale of body image and toxic masculinity.” — Adi Alsaid, author of Let’s Get Lost “A much-needed novel about steroid addiction from the point of view of a high school boy who’s the victim of bullying.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Stands out through its examination of toxic masculinity, body image, and the dangers of pursuing perfection.” — Booklist "Searing and thoughtful." — Kirkus Reviews “An authentically told story that is both gripping and gut-wrenching.” — Publishers Weekly “Aceves’ novel addresses harsher details of steroid and muscle-sculpting drugs.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“In this sensitively written novel, Connor introduces a learning-disabled 12-year-old who will warm readers’ hearts and earn their respect with his honesty and compassion. Poignant and suspenseful, Mason’s story crystalizes an adolescent boy’s joys and fears as he comes into his own.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Connor expertly captures the camaraderie of Calvin and Mason. A poignant underdog tale that will resonate with many young readers.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “In a moving first-person narrative, Connor reveals a remarkably distinct and memorable character. [T]he author weaves the back story into a narrative of redemption chronicling his growing friendships. Connor’s gift for creating complex characters extends to the supporting characters and makes this a compelling read.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Connor’s portrayal of Mason is spot-on, and the seventh-grader’s honesty shines through as his greatest attribute. Laced throughout the story, and evident at the end, is hope for a brighter future, both for the entire family and the community. A thoughtful look at human nature, resilience, and love.” — Booklist “Mason’s voice is honest and true, and the multifaceted characters both enrich and propel the narrative.” — Horn Book Magazine “Could I love a character more than I love Mason Buttle? Nope. Could this book have captured my heart any more? Impossible.” — Barbara O’Connor, author of How to Steal a Dog and Wish “A book that breaks your heart and heals it—all in one. Mason’s story is brilliantly told. This is an astonishing book!” — Kirby Larson, author of Newbery Honor title, Hattie Big Sky and the Audacity Jones series “Mason’s astonishing voice will grab you from the first page, as he demonstrates how children with learning disabilities who ‘think outside the box’ can find brilliant ways to survive bullying, be a good friend, and save their families.” — Cammie McGovern, author of Just My Luck and Chester and Gus "Rich, moving, and redemptive, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle will immerse readers from the first page to the last and is certain to linger with them for a long time to come." — Books to Borrow . . . Books to Buy

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisHis mother burned too fast and inflicted a debilitating rebirth sickness on herself.Julian realizes that he’s going to have to burn at some point—especially when he becomes a target for Nicholas, the manipulative leader of the Burners, the school’s suicide club.Trade Review“[Nine] has strong pacing and…a gratifying ending. A good addition to any YA thriller collection.” — School Library Journal “[Nine’s] energetic writing style and fast pace will keep readers engaged.” — Kirkus Reviews “A timely, undeniably fascinating concept… readers intrigued by alternate realities will be hooked.” — ALA Booklist “A provocative fantasy read.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisCodzilla is a heartfelt and hilarious picture book based on the classic school story of bully vs. But when danger strikes from the deep in the form of a shark, Bertie must use his vast shark knowledge and his sizeable heart to save his friends.

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