Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Disability, impairments and special needs

Book SynopsisSynopsis coming soon.......Trade ReviewKing (The Incredible Space Raiders from Space!) offers a candid and memorable account of life with OCD, inspired by his own experience with the anxiety disorder. Thirteen-year-old Daniel Leigh, a wryly funny narrator, has a popular best friend, a crush on a classmate, and a spot on the football team as backup kicker. But he also has a secret that is making him miserable: he is plagued by “Zaps,” his name for the triggers—such as an unlucky number or the wrong number of steps—that create a flood of horrible feelings that can only be quelled by certain actions such as flicking a light switch repeatedly. Writing is an outlet for Daniel, and excerpts from the novel he’s working on are interspersed throughout. When Sara, a selectively mute school outcast, suddenly begins to speak to him, she draws him into a potential murder mystery and becomes the first person to see and understand his struggle. Daniel’s pain and confusion at what he comes to realize is OCD is memorably portrayed in this moving story of self-acceptance * Publishers Weekly *In a departure fromhis previous book, The Incredible Space Raiders from Space (2015), King offersthe story of an "eccentric thirteen-year-old social oddity" whodesperately wants to be normal. Exhausted by the excruciating nightly Routinethat keeps him from sleep for hours and his daily efforts to conceal hisobsession with numbers, Daniel Leigh believes he is crazy. Otherwise, Daniel isa typical eighth-grade white boy. He's desperate to fit in, to make his fatherproud, and to win the affections of the most beautiful and popular girl inschool, in this case Raya Singh. When Daniel (backup kicker and water boy) isplucked from the sidelines of the football field, he's given a shot at makingthose dreams come true. Then something strange happens. Sara Melvern, whohasn't spoken once in the eight years he's known her, invites him to help hersolve the mystery of her father's disappearance, and Daniel realizes thatsometimes dreams aren't all they're cracked up to be. Daniel's narration ischarming, funny, and occasionally heartbreaking, and a secondary cast ofwell-developed characters keeps the plot moving. . . . Part coming-of-age, part mystery, and part middle-grade social-problem novel,Daniel's story will resonate with a broad spectrum of readers. (Fiction. 8-13) -- Kirkus Reviews * 2/15/16 *As the backup kicker on his football team, 13-year-old Daniel spends his time watching from the bench. Socially, he is an onlooker as well. But soon Sara, an ostracized girl at school, breaks through his shyness by demanding help with investigating her father’s possible murder. It seems heartless to refuse, though logically (and later, legally) he should. As tension mounts, his anxiety level rises, and “The Routine” he is compelled to follow at bedtime grows longer and more burdensome. Daniel knows that he is different, but he suffers alone and in silence. It’s a revelation when Sara offers him information on obsessive compulsive disorder and a path toward coping with it. A brief, appended author’s note dispels common misconceptions about OCD and calls Daniel “an almost autobiographical representation of myself at that age.” King creates convincing characters and writes engaging dialogue, and whether or not readers identify fully with Daniel, they will see parts of themselves in this vulnerable protagonist. Clues dropped in the first part of the book may lead readers to expect a conventional sort of happy ending, but the story’s conclusion is more complex and satisfying. Written from Daniel’s point of view, this perceptive firstperson narrative is sometimes painful, sometimes amusing, and always rewarding. -- Booklist, STARRED REVIEW * March 1, 2016 *

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Book SynopsisAfter years as a professional paper-pusher, NATALIE D. RICHARDS decided to trade in reality for a life writing YA fiction. She lives in Ohio (Go Bucks!) with her husband, three children, and a ridiculously furry dog named Yeti. This is her second novel. Visit her on Twitter @natdrichards or at nataliedrichards.com.Trade Review"Richards's text sustains the suspenseful mood from the very start to the final pages-just the kind of fun book one needs for a hot summer day or a cold winter's night." - School Library Journal"A twisty thrill ride that will leave you breathless. I stayed up after midnight just to see how it all ended." - April Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Stolen"Richards is a master of tension...Suspense fans will get all the ups-and-downs of a well-paced narrative, but they may never want to drive on a snowy road again." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Richards' (What You Hide, 2018) latest young adult thriller will keep readers intrigued." - Booklist

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Book SynopsisFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp (This Is Where It Ends) comes Before I Let Go, an emotional thriller about a suspicious death, a friend desperate for answers, and their small town''s sinister secrets. Best friends Corey and Kyra were inseparable in their tiny snow-covered town of Lost Creek, Alaska. But as Kyra starts to struggle with her bipolar disorder, Corey''s family moves away. Worried about what might happen in her absence, Corey makes Kyra promise that she''ll stay strong during the long, dark winter. Then, just days before Corey is to visit, Kyra dies. Corey is devastatedand confused, because Kyra said she wouldn''t hurt herself. The entire Lost community speaks in hushed tones, saying Kyra''s death was meant to be. And they push Corey away like she''s a stranger. The further Corey investigatesand the more questions she asksthe greater her suspicion grows. Lost is keeping secretschilling secrets. Can she piece together the truth abTrade Review"With exceptional handling of everything from mental illness to guilt and a riveting, magic realist narrative, this well wrought, haunting novel will stick with readers long after the final page." - Booklist

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Book SynopsisStacie Ramey learned to read at a very early age to escape the endless tormenting from her older siblings. She attended the University of Florida where she majored in communication sciences and Penn State where she received a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology. When she's not writing, she engages in Netflix wars with her children or beats her husband in Scrabble. She lives in Wellington, Florida with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs.Trade Review"The book benefits from the crisp language and humor, and strong family relationships." - School Library Journal" A straightforward story set at a lively pace, with appeal for both romance and coming-of-age fans." - Booklist"A lovely and heartfelt story... raw and full of feeling." - The Nerd Daily"The read­er, while absorbed in an engag­ing sto­ry filled with light moments and humor as well as seri­ous issues and con­tro­ver­sy, learns much about legal eman­ci­pa­tion, auton­o­my, and cere­bral pal­sy; as well as about self-con­fi­dence and the abil­i­ty to rebound even after seri­ous errors of judg­ment." - Michal Hoschan­der Malen, Jewish Book Council

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Book SynopsisI love being me, because me is an awesome thing to be!Emma has limb differences, but different isn''t bad, sad, or strange. It''s just different! But when some accessibility problems get in the way at the local art museum, it ruins the fun of a class trip...and then Emma''s friend Charley makes things even worse! In the middle of a really bad day, Emma has to call upon her sense of inner awesome to stand up for herself and teach everyone a lesson about the transformative power of feeling awesome in your own skin.Amy Webb''s follow-up to When Charley Met Emma, Awesomely Emma will have all kids cheering as they learn to see the inner awesome in themselves and those around them.

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Book SynopsisTwelve-year-old Anna is looking forward to the birth of her baby brother. Ben arrives, but is disabled and will never be like other children. Anna loves him with her whole heart, but she finds herself unable to admit the truth of Ben's condition to her school friends. Eventually the truth gets out and leads not to the ridicule Anna expected, but to sympathy and understanding.An emotional and wonderfully written story by Elizabeth Laird, Red Sky in the Morning was Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal.Trade ReviewA wonderfully moving story -- Times Educational Supplement

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Book SynopsisBefore Stinkville, Alice didn’t think albinism—or the blindness that goes with it—was a big deal. Sure, she uses a magnifier to read books. And a cane keeps her from bruising her hips on tables. Putting on sunscreen and always wearing a hat are just part of life. But life has always been like this for Alice. Until Stinkville. For the first time in her life, Alice feels different—like she’s at a disadvantage. Back in her old neighborhood in Seattle, everyone knew Alice, and Alice knew her way around. In Stinkville, Alice finds herself floundering—she can’t even get to the library on her own. But when her parents start looking into schools for the blind, Alice takes a stand. She’s going to show them—and herself—that blindness is just a part of who she is, not all that she can be. To prove it, Alice enters the Stinkville Success Stories essay contest. No one, not even her new friend Kerica, believes she can scout out her new town’s stories and write the essay by herself. The funny thing is, as Alice confronts her own blindness, everyone else seems to see her for the first time. This is a stirring small-town story that explores many different issues—albinism, blindness, depression, dyslexia, growing old, and more—with a light touch and lots of heart. Beth Vrabel’s characters are complicated and messy, but they come together in a story about the strength of community and friendship. This paperback edition includes a Q&A with the author and a sneak peek at the upcoming The Blind Guide to Normal. Trade Review"A Blind Guide to Stinkville is a delightfully unexpected story with humor and heart. Vrabel tackles some tough issues, including albinism, depression, and loneliness, with a compassionate perspective and a charming voice." —Amanda Flower, author of the Agatha Award-nominated Andi Boggs Series“Brimming with wit and heart, A Blind Guide to Stinkville examines the myriad ways we define difference between ourselves and others and asks us to reexamine how we see belonging.” —Tara Sullivan, award-winning author of Golden Boy"Most commendable is Vrabel's focus on compromise and culture shock. Disorientation encompasses not only place and attitude, but also the rarely explored ambivalence of being disabled on a spectrum. Alice's insistence that she's 'not that blind' rings true with both stubbornness and confusion as she avails herself of some tools while not needing others, in contrast to typically unambiguous portrayals. Readers who worry about fitting in—wherever that may be—will relate to Alice's journey toward compromise and independence." —Kirkus Reviews"A Blind Guide to Stinkville is a delightfully unexpected story with humor and heart. Vrabel tackles some tough issues, including albinism, depression, and loneliness, with a compassionate perspective and a charming voice." —Amanda Flower, author of the Agatha Award-nominated Andi Boggs Series“Brimming with wit and heart, A Blind Guide to Stinkville examines the myriad ways we define difference between ourselves and others and asks us to reexamine how we see belonging.” —Tara Sullivan, award-winning author of Golden Boy"Most commendable is Vrabel's focus on compromise and culture shock. Disorientation encompasses not only place and attitude, but also the rarely explored ambivalence of being disabled on a spectrum. Alice's insistence that she's 'not that blind' rings true with both stubbornness and confusion as she avails herself of some tools while not needing others, in contrast to typically unambiguous portrayals. Readers who worry about fitting in—wherever that may be—will relate to Alice's journey toward compromise and independence." —Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisAs if seventh grade isn't hard enough, Truth Trendon learns she has to wear a back brace to help her worsening scoliosis. She decides gravity is to blame for curving her spine and ruining her life. Thanks for nothing, Isaac Newton!Truth's brace is hard plastic, tight, and uncomfortable. She has to wear a t-shirt under it and bulky clothes over it, making her feel both sweaty and unfashionable. She's terrified that her classmates are going to find out about it. But it's hard keeping it a secret (especially when gym class is involved), and secrets quickly turn into lies. When Truth's crush entrusts her with a big secret of his own, it leads to even more lying. Add to that a fight with her best friend, a looming school-wide presentation, and mean rumors, and it's a recipe for disaster. As Truth navigates the ups and downs of middle school, can she learn to accept her true self, curvy spine and all?Trade Review"I cannot tell a lie: I loved Truth Trendon! She’s a smart, funny heroine who readers will connect with and root for. Dear Isaac Newton, You’re Ruining Me Life made me laugh and gave me all the feels." —Erin Dionne, author of The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet"You're gonna laugh, you're gonna think, you're gonna root for Truth Trendon every step of the way—through sand, through tuna fish, and through each hilariously awkward middle-school moment in this fun and heartfelt debut!" —Brooks Benjamin, author of My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights"A compelling middle-school tale that captures the realities of living with scoliosis while maintaining the realistic drama of everyday life."—Girls' Life"Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder may enjoy this."—Kirkus Reviews"Truth Trendon, age 12, starts to wear a back brace to keep her scoliosis at bay, right before junior high starts. She blames Isaac Newton and gravity for her predicament, and she decides to try to keep the brace a secret, known only to her family; her best friend, Megan; and the necessary adults at school. It’s difficult, but she manages it and even catches the eye of her crush, Brendan Matthews. Brendan seems happy to give Truth his full attention, even when he discovers her secret by accident. Secrets, however, lead to lies, and Truth needs to find her way out of the tangle she has snarled herself in, even if it means revealing her secret to everyone. Hruza has a funny and bright character in Truth, and the supporting characters are well rounded. Though the characters come off as older than seventh-graders, and the pace drags in places, plenty of readers will identify with Truth and her relatable dilemma." —Booklist"I cannot tell a lie: I loved Truth Trendon! She’s a smart, funny heroine who readers will connect with and root for. Dear Isaac Newton, You’re Ruining Me Life made me laugh and gave me all the feels." —Erin Dionne, author of The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet"You're gonna laugh, you're gonna think, you're gonna root for Truth Trendon every step of the way—through sand, through tuna fish, and through each hilariously awkward middle-school moment in this fun and heartfelt debut!" —Brooks Benjamin, author of My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights"A compelling middle-school tale that captures the realities of living with scoliosis while maintaining the realistic drama of everyday life."—Girls' Life"Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder may enjoy this."—Kirkus Reviews"Truth Trendon, age 12, starts to wear a back brace to keep her scoliosis at bay, right before junior high starts. She blames Isaac Newton and gravity for her predicament, and she decides to try to keep the brace a secret, known only to her family; her best friend, Megan; and the necessary adults at school. It’s difficult, but she manages it and even catches the eye of her crush, Brendan Matthews. Brendan seems happy to give Truth his full attention, even when he discovers her secret by accident. Secrets, however, lead to lies, and Truth needs to find her way out of the tangle she has snarled herself in, even if it means revealing her secret to everyone. Hruza has a funny and bright character in Truth, and the supporting characters are well rounded. Though the characters come off as older than seventh-graders, and the pace drags in places, plenty of readers will identify with Truth and her relatable dilemma." —Booklist

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Book SynopsisA Practical Guide with Activities to Help You Break Out of Depression and Anxiety Are you feeling stressed out, anxious, and alone? Do you stay up at night wondering if it will all work out? And how will you handle it when it doesn’t? Do you double down on your efforts to be smart enough, cool enough, able enough, only to make everything worse? Is anxiety sucking the life out of you? If you are familiar with these feelings—and want a way out—this book is for you. Teenagers, especially, are supposed to be carefree and energetic, but today’s Gen Z is anything but free. We are exposed to political conflict, environmental disaster, and community violence daily. Life seems so out of control! In addition, competition encouraged by social pressures and social media has damaged our self-confidence, making our culture a petri dish where low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression grow. This workbook shows you the way out. Learn to build trust in your skills and abilities so you can create your own life instead of being a passive recipient of it. Learn how to get rid of anxiety, let go of perfectionism, and experience lasting happiness. Learn the Biology behind Anxiety—What It Is and What It Isn’t Identify the Lies that Anxiety Tells You Activate Your Own Agency—Your Confidence, Motivation, and Unique Skills Embrace an Attitude of Self-Acceptance Practice Happy Habits Daily

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Book SynopsisGet to know your glasses and become a proud glasses-wearer! Kitty and Joe wear glasses, and thanks to that, they can see the world in full detail, beautiful and clear as it is. Maybe you’re getting used to your own new pair of glasses right now, and maybe you’re not sure what to think about this funny thing on your nose. Will it really be as useful as adults tell you? Will it ever stop feeling funny? Will you ever be able to see past the frames? And what if other children mock you? But there’s nothing to fear—really! With glasses, your life will be awesome. In this book, you’ll learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about your new aid—how eyesight works, how the doctor figured out you see poorly, who invented the very first glasses and what they looked like, what glasses of the future will be able to do, and much more.

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Book SynopsisInspired by the authors’ real lives, this picture book shares what sound means for one young deaf boy as he experiences the world with cochlear implants.Most people either can or cannot hear sound . . . but some people can do both! Meet a deaf boy with cochlear implants as he moves about his day. Sometimes he prefers not to hear, but when he wants to connect with the hearing world, he puts on his cochlear implants. How could he explain to his hearing parents what the absence of sound is like? Suddenly he has an idea—the best way he knows how to share this part of him with those he loves.With whimsical, bright illustrations and lyrical words, Sound Switch Wonder is a sweet and gentle story about sharing and embracing differences.

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Book SynopsisThe poignant story of Blind Willie Johnson--the legendary Texas musician whose song "Dark Was the Night" was included on the Voyager I space probe's Golden RecordWillie Johnson was born in 1897, and from the beginning he loved to sing--and play his cigar box guitar. But his childhood was interrupted when he lost his mother and his sight. How does a blind boy make his way in the world? Fortunately for Willie, the music saved him and brought him back into the light. His powerful voice, combined with the wailing of his slide guitar, moved people. Willie made a name for himself performing on street corners all over Texas. And one day he hit it big when he got a record deal and his songs were played on the radio. Then in 1977, his song--"Dark Was the Night"--was chosen to light up the darkness when it was launched into space on the Voyager I space probe's famous Golden Record. His immortal song was selected for the way it expresses the loneliness humans all feel, while reminding us we're not alone.Trade Review* “When NASA scientists compiled a recording of sounds to send into space representing Earth and humanity, those sounds included thunder, crickets, classical pieces, and a short wordless song by musician ‘Blind Willie’ Johnson. . . . The second-person narrative is brief but evocative. . . . Lewis’ illustrations have a soft, blurred effect to them, conveying both the bygone time and Johnson’s vision loss. . . . An ode to a too-little-discussed musician and an excellent introduction to his amazing musical talent.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review* “Lewis’s expressive watercolors depict the subject’s humble country beginnings as well as the joy he felt when he sang and played. The book’s recurrent theme of light is captured in the bright yellow wash throughout. The story of Johnson’s life is framed with vivid spreads of a night sky illuminated by stars, referencing both the Voyager’s mission and the song title. A beautiful, timely tribute to a little-known musician and space ­venture.”—School Library Journal, starred review* “The inclusion of Johnson’s song ‘Dark Was the Night’ on a recording aboard NASA’s Voyager frames this biography, handled with artistry by Golio and illustrated by Lewis in dazzling watercolors. . . . The volume movingly commemorates Johnson and his music, which ‘shined a light in the darkness and finally touched the stars.’”—Publishers Weekly, starred review "The subject of this beautiful biography is blues musician Blind Willie Johnson, whose soulful singing and slide guitar playing so moved people that his song ‘Dark Was the Night’ was included on the Golden Record that NASA sent into space in 1977. . . . A simple, inspiring story of one man’s commitment to lifting up himself and those around him with his music. ‘It was the sound of one human being reaching out to all the others, telling them not to be afraid of the dark.’ Imagery of light and darkness runs throughout the text, both spiritually and literally in Johnson’s blindness, and it is also skillfully evoked in Lewis’ illustrations, which set stars sparkling in the deep blue of outer space and sends gold radiating from Johnson’s guitar as he plays, smiling all the time. An American treasure who shouldn’t go unsung.”—Booklist“Lewis’s watercolors provide the perfect complement to Golio’s spare second-person prose. . . . The contrast between the bright yellows of Johnson’s Texas birthplace and the star-filled vistas of deep space parallel Johnson’s loss of vision as a young boy. . . . Golio and Lewis trace the path of Johnson’s musical career: his first cigar box guitar, singing in church, learning to play slide with the edge of his pocket knife—all leading to the day Johnson lays down his first recordings. Back matter reveals the challenges of writing a biography of someone about whose early life little is known, and also gives more detailed information about NASA’s Golden Record and the Voyager 1 space probe.”—Horn Book

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Book SynopsisA wonderful child-led book that celebrates Deaf culture and introduces readers to British Sign LanguageMarvellously positive and encouraging throughout, this would be a useful addition to any primary school or public library, as well as being useful to help any child understand a little more about their deaf peers. - The CarouselAva is like any other 7-year-old. She likes to talk and laugh with her friends, is obsessed with dogs and loves being active. Ava is also deaf - and she's proud of it. She loves her deaf community, that she's bilingual, and that she experiences the world differently from hearing people. In this book, Ava welcomes her hearing peers to her daily life, the way technology helps her navigate the world and explains common misconceptions about deaf people - and introduces some of her deaf heroes who have achieved amazing things. She talks about her experiences at school making friends with hearing children, and teaches readers the BSL alphabet and some BSL phrases. Featuring photos of Ava, her friends and family throughout, plus illustrations of hand signs, this book celebrates deafness rather than discussing 'overcoming challenges' or 'stigma'. Perfect for readers aged 5 and upwards.Trade ReviewIn this book, Ava welcomes her hearing peers to her daily life, the way technology helps her navigate the world and explains common misconceptions about deaf people - and introduces some of her deaf heroes who have achieved amazing things ... an excellent way to understand and empathise. * Parents In Touch *Marvellously positive and encouraging throughout this would be a useful addition to any primary school or public library, as well as being useful to help any child understand a little more about their deaf peers. * The Carousel *This book is subtitled 'Discover my community and my language' and it certainly achieves that aim. * The School Librarian *Table of Contents 1: Title page 2: Contents 4: Meet Ava 6: British Sign Language 8: All sign language is unique 10: My mum and dad 12: Life at home 14: My school 16: My deaf friends 18: Hobbies 20: Out and about 22: My hearing aids 24: Cochlear implants 26: Vocalising 28: My future 30: Becoming a good hearing friend 32: BSL alphabet 34: BSL numbers 36: BSL questions 38: BSL important words 40: BSL topics 42: BSL at school 44: BSL out and about 46: Words to remember 47: Further information 48: Index

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Book SynopsisThe superb A First Look At series consists of a number of reassuring picturebooks that give advice and promote interaction between children, parents, and teachers on a wide variety of personal, social and emotional issues.This book provides a simple introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Its aim is to promote understanding and ongoing discussion with children who have ADHD or those who have siblings or classmates with it. It explains, in child-friendly terms, what ADHD is and what it feels like from the child's perspective. It also acknowledges the difficulties that those who do not have ADHD sometimes have in understanding those who do. Notes for parents and teachers at the back of the book provide valuable advice for how to share this book with your child or class. Written by a trained psychotherapist, journalist and parent, and illustrated by an experienced children's book artist, this title is part of an acclaimed and successful series of picture-book non-fiction for Early Years. Books in the series give advice and promote interaction between children, parents, and teachers on a wide variety of personal, social and emotional issues. They are excellent tools for teachers to use during classroom discussions.Trade ReviewBeautifully illustrated ... a great picture book to read with really young children * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisThe superb A First Look At series consists of a number of reassuring picturebooks that give advice and promote interaction between children, parents, and teachers on a wide variety of personal, social and emotional issues.This book provides a simple introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Its aim is to promote understanding and ongoing discussion with children who have ADHD or those who have siblings or classmates with it. It explains, in child-friendly terms, what ADHD is and what it feels like from the child's perspective. It also acknowledges the difficulties that those who do not have ADHD sometimes have in understanding those who do. Notes for parents and teachers at the back of the book provide valuable advice for how to share this book with your child or class. Written by a trained psychotherapist, journalist and parent, and illustrated by an experienced children's book artist, this title is part of an acclaimed and successful series of picture-book non-fiction for Early Years. Books in the series give advice and promote interaction between children, parents, and teachers on a wide variety of personal, social and emotional issues. They are excellent tools for teachers to use during classroom discussions.Trade ReviewBeautifully illustrated ... a great picture book to read with really young children * The Sun *

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Book Synopsis*SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 AN POST IRISH BOOK AWARDS - CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR*'A lovely lesson in humanity for eager young humans' - Chris O'Dowd. 'This book made me feel proud to be different' - Rosie Jones. Break the Mould with Sinéad Burke - teacher, activist, author and little person. Sometimes we can feel like we are not good enough. That we don't belong. Or that we want to be more like our friends. In this empowering guide, Sinéad Burke draws on her own experiences and encourages young readers to believe in themselves, have pride in who they are and use their voice to make the world a fairer, more inclusive place.From the power of being different, to celebrating the things you love about yourself and helping others do the same, this is a brilliantly inspirational handbook for breaking the mould and finding your place in the world. 'A very important book encouraging us all to celebrate the uniqueness and gift of our own and others' differences, while recognising all of that which we share in common.' - Michael D. Higgins, President of IrelandTrade ReviewA lesson in kindness * ELLE *Filled with important life lessons of empathy and understanding, gently nudging the reader towards the idea that we are all different but if the world missed out on one of us, it would be a lesser place to exist in * Irish Examiner *In this life-affirming book...Burke's playful and engaging handbook will appeal to kids of all shapes and sizes. The lovely illustrations, incidentally, are courtesy of Natalie Byrne. * Independent.ie *Heartfelt and inspirational * Armadillo Magazine *A lesson in kindness * ELLE magazine *

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Book SynopsisNavigate the perils of growing up in this hilarious and confidence-building guide to friendship, beating the bullies and overcoming cringe-worthy moments - by comedian and bestselling children''s writer, Rosie Jones.No one knows quite as much about friendship fails, dealing with bullies and being TOTALLY embarrassed, then Rosie Jones. You name a completely awkward situation, and she''s been there, got the t-shirt and probably done it all again. Rosie knows just how hard growing up can be, but she also knows that you can overcome the difficult and embarrassing moments with the help of good friends and a good sense of humour. So, sit back, grab a packet of crisps and crunch your way through this super handy guide to navigating all the tricky growing up stuff (and styling out of all the totally cringe moments life throws your way).Perfect for fans of the Edie Eckhart series!

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Book Synopsis'I definitely feel better about myself, about being me, after reading this book.' - 11-year-old reader, ToppstaUnderstand neurodiversity and discover how scientific concepts can help you navigate everyday human interactions, and grow up to be your HAPPIEST YOU!As a child, Camilla loved patterns and putting things in order. She was obsessed with Stephen Hawking, and the only language she really understood was science. Diagnosed with autism aged 8, Camilla saw the world very differently.But with science as her sidekick, she was able to translate ideas she could understand, such as photosynthesis and algorithms, onto things she couldn't, such as dealing with emotions and finding your voice. In this unique and brilliant book, Camilla shares her scientific survival guide to growing up, helping neurodiverse young readers navigate the world around them, giving them the courage to grow up perfectly happy in who they are.

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Book SynopsisCat is the glue holding her family together. When her little brother Chicken has a meltdown, she knows just how to calm him, whether it’s scratching his back or reading his favourite book. They've always had a special bond. But with their mum working extra hard after their dad's death, Cat is struggling to keep everything afloat. When Cat and Chicken unexpectedly end up spending the summer with the grandparents they’ve never met, Cat suddenly has the space to be a kid again. Gradually, she discovers that days on Gingerbread Island are full of fishing, fireflies and new friendships – as well as a lifetime of family secrets. Could this summer be Cat's chance to bring her fractured family together again?Trade ReviewThis absorbing, heartfelt novel seamlessly blends the challenges of life with a neurodivergent child into a story of one tween’s burgeoning self-awareness as she figures out how to reclaim her childhood * New York Times *An engaging, honest book - I love Cat, and you will, too! -- Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Newbery Honor-winning author of THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFEI could almost smell the ocean air as I read Gillian McDunn's Caterpillar Summer. What a beautiful story of family, forgiveness, life on an island, and growing up -- Kate Messner, acclaimed author of THE SEVENTH WISH and BREAKOUT[A] well-written book about the struggles of a fractured family -- School Library ConnectionThis absorbing, unsentimental account of recognition and reconciliation looks at family, friendship and independence from a whole series of angles, an engaging lightness of touch belying its deep themes and thoughtfulness. * CBI Reading Guide 2019-20 *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, the Federation of Children's Book Groups Prize and longlisted for the 2015 Carnegie Medal, Kim Slater's outstanding debut, Smart, is moving and compelling novel with a loveable character at its heart.'I found Jean's friend dead in the river. His name was Colin Kirk. He was a homeless man, but he still wanted to live.' There's been a murder, but the police don't care. It was only a homeless old man after all. Kieran cares. He's made a promise, and when you say something out loud, that means you're going to do it, for real. He's going to find out what really happened. To Colin. And to his grandma, who just stopped coming round one day. It's a good job Kieran's a master of observation, and knows all the detective tricks of the trade. But being a detective is difficult when you're Kieran Woods. When you're amazing at drawing but terrible at fitting in. And when there are dangerous secrets everywhere, not just outside, but under your own roof.Trade ReviewA remarkable debut * Guardian *An absolute page turner * Bookseller *Beautifully observed - an evocative, compelling story * Lancashire Evening Post *A fantastic addition to children's literature * Wondrous Reads *A truly astonishing debut * LoveReading4Kids *Amazing, enthralling, enticing * Armadillo Magazine *He is a real modern day hero and well worth investing in. I couldn’t recommend this book enough. -- Anne Hammond * ThirteenFourteen *It's painful to see how Kieran is treated, but heart-warming when people realise what he is capable of and how he doesn't hold the prejudices against other people as most of us might do. Smart leaves you with the hope that this realisation will extend beyond Kieran and will soon become a part of everyday life * transatlanticbibliophilia.blogspot.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisWhat's the good in keeping secrets?Secret Friends is a heartbreaking story about friendship and bullying from the multi-award-winning Elizabeth Laird. Rafaella doesn't find it easy to make friends. She looks and feels different from the others at school. And Lucy is the first to tease, the first to call her 'Earwig', until they get to know one another and Lucy sees that Rafaella is full of hopes and ideas, just like she is. Lucy loves keeping her own secret friend, until tragedy strikes and secrets can't be kept any longer.Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Children's Book Award and reissued with gorgeous illustrations, more than twenty years after first publication, Elizabeth Laird's moving and unflinching novella brings home the crucial importance of cultivating empathy in young people.'[A] humane and honest story. It conveys so much, so simply and so well' Scotsman'[A] fine weepy with a moral, about the dangers of playground cliquishness and cruelty' The Sunday TimesTrade Review'[A] humane and honest story. It conveys so much, so simply and so well' * Scotsman *'[A] fine weepy with a moral, about the dangers of playground cliquishness and cruelty' * The Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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