Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: First / new experiences and life changes

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Book SynopsisA bouncing, read-aloud rhyme about all the things a child can be, from the nation''s favourite illustrator, Quentin Blake!Here is SIMPKINSimpkin FAST and Simpkin SLOWSimpkin HIGH and Simpkin LOWSimpkin is a mass of contradictions. He can be nasty and nice; weak and strong and sensible and silly - ALL at the same time! And when you really need him most - he''s nowhere to be found . . .Blake is beyond brilliant . . . I''ve never met a child who doesn''t love Quentin Blake - Daily TelegraphQuentin Blake is one of Britain''s best-loved and most successful author-illustrators, and was made the first Children''s Laureate in 1999. He has won the Whitbread Award, the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, and the Kate Greenaway Medal. among others.

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Book SynopsisIn this fun and honest romp about friendship, puberty, and growing up, a debut author gives modern-day readers their own version of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, for fans of Pixar's Turning Red. Twelve-year-old Tahlia Wilkins is ready to kick off the perfect summer, starting with an invitation to a pool party being thrown by the most popular kid in school. But when the Red Goddess of Panties, aka her first period, arrives twenty-four hours before the party, it messes up all her plans. To make matters worse, her mom is out of town, and there’s no way she’s going to ask her awkward dad for help! Tahlia always feared that growing up would be tough, but this is just not fair. In order to save herself from total embarrassment, it will take all of Tahlia and her best friend Lily’s scheming to keep her reputation—and her favorite jeans—from being ruined. Sneak off to the grocery store only to have the clerk price-check your tampons over the loudspeaker? Check. Trick your mature teenage neighbor into letting you use some of her tampons? Check. Take a dip into a fountain to get quarters for a bathroom period product dispenser? Check, check, check! With the hilarious and heartwarming tone of Dork Diaries, Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins! is a coming-of-age middle-grade novel about growing up, in all of its awkward glory.

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Book SynopsisIn this fun and honest romp about friendship, puberty, and growing up, a debut author gives modern-day readers their own version of Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, for fans of Pixar's Turning Red. Twelve-year-old Tahlia Wilkins is ready to kick off the perfect summer, starting with an invitation to a pool party being thrown by the most popular kid in school. But when the Red Goddess of Panties, aka her first period, arrives twenty-four hours before the party, it messes up all her plans. To make matters worse, her mom is out of town, and there’s no way she’s going to ask her awkward dad for help! Tahlia always feared that growing up would be tough, but this is just not fair. In order to save herself from total embarrassment, it will take all of Tahlia and her best friend Lily’s scheming to keep her reputation—and her favorite jeans—from being ruined. Sneak off to the grocery store only to have t

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Book SynopsisAn Indie Next Pick  An Amazon Top 20 Children's Book of the YearAn Amazon Best Book of the Month A Barnes and Noble Most Anticipated BookA Common Sense Selection for Families   'An engaging pick for mystery fans and wannabe sleuths.' — Kirkus Reviews  In this riveting mystery, an old photo found in a box of Nancy Drew books could be the key to unraveling a family secret—perfect for fans of Wendy Mass and Trenton Lee Stewart. Maizy always assumed she knew everything about her grandmother, Jacuzzi. So when a box full of vintage Nancy Drew books gets left at her mom’s thrift store, Maizy is surprised to find an old photo of her grandmother and two other women tucked beneath the collection. Stranger still, when Maizy shows the photo to Jacuzzi she feigns ignorance, insisting the woman is someone else. Determined to learn the truth — and inspired by the legacy of Nancy Drew — Maizy launches her own investigation with the help of new friends, Nell and Cam. What they discover not only points to the origins of the iconic series, but uncovers a truth from the past that will lead to self-discovery in the present, connecting three generations of women.   This intergenerational mystery filled with literary history, friendship, and family secrets delivers a captivating tribute to the world’s most famous girl detective. 

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Book Synopsis★ 'Fans of E. L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler will particularly enjoy. '―Booklist, starred reviewJ.R. struggles to navigate the torments of middle school and her secret power to write wishes into existence in this magical story about finding your voice. Sixth grade is off to a difficult start for Josephine Rose Silver. Her best friend, Violet, returns from camp with a new best friend; her parents refuse to grant her more independence; and her homeroom teacher, Ms. Kline, is full of secrets. When Ms. Kline unveils a collection of old Gothamite magazines and tells her students to build their writing skills by crafting short stories inspired by the iconic covers, J.R. discovers a peculiar power: The stories she writes come true. Soon J.R. is getting a cell phone, scoring game-winning goals, and triggering school cancellations. But it's not long before she realizes that each new story creates as many conflicts as it does solutions. And when J.R. tries to write about her fallout with Violet, all of her problems converge. With a pinch of magic, mystery, art history, and language arts woven into a journey of growth and self-confidence, this promising debut is a heartfelt and satisfying tribute to the power of words.Perfect for fans of: Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead The Mona Lisa Vanishes ​Museum and Mystery Lovers From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Night At the Museum

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Book Synopsis★ 'Fans of E. L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler will particularly enjoy. '―Booklist, starred reviewJ.R. struggles to navigate the torments of middle school and her secret power to write wishes into existence in this magical story about finding your voice. Sixth grade is off to a difficult start for Josephine Rose Silver. Her best friend, Violet, returns from camp with a new best friend; her parents refuse to grant her more independence; and her homeroom teacher, Ms. Kline, is full of secrets. When Ms. Kline unveils a collection of old Gothamite magazines and tells her students to build their writing skills by crafting short stories inspired by the iconic covers, J.R. discovers a peculiar power: The stories she writes come true. Soon J.R. is getting a cell phone, scoring game-winning goals, and triggering school cancellations. But it's not long before

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Book SynopsisA BCCB Blue Ribbon Best Book of the Year • A Children's Book Council 6th to 8th Grade Favorites Award List PickAn award-winning children’s book creator grapples with the challenges of his childhood in this poignant and honest illustrated memoir, for fans of Good Different and Mexikid.   Benny Brooks has a lot on his mind: his older brother won’t stop picking on him, his crush has no idea he exists, and he’s struggling in every class except art. If that weren’t enough, his parents got divorced over the summer. Benny just wants to survive the fifth grade—and maybe learn how to ride his best friend Theo’s hot rod bike.  ​Featuring Benny’s comic illustrations on every page, this bighearted story sheds light on the transformative nature of growing up—especially when there’s family, friendship, and art to guide you.  *Tw

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming novel about a girl who must learn to let go of the past and embrace the future, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Barbara O’Connor.Eleven-year-old Mabel Cunningham is a quiet loner who only feels free to be herself when she's 'extreme treasure hunting' with her grampa—much to her perfectionist mother's disapproval. Nothing excites Mabel more than discovering a heart find, an item that calls to her heart, and the maybes that come along with it.But when her friendships start to crumble and her grampa suffers a stroke, Mabel quickly learns that real-life maybes are harder to handle than imagined ones. Desperate to change things back to the way they were, Mabel devises a plan that she believes will fix everything. Except bringing her plan to fruition means lying to her grampa and disappointing her mother.Will Mabel learn that letting go of the past doesn’t mean letting go of her grampa and that embracing the future might be one of her most important heart finds yet?

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Book SynopsisA hilarious and clever bath-time picture book by humorist, novelist, and TV writer Simon Rich, with illustrations by Tom Toro (How to Potty Train Your Porcupine). And so begins a hilarious dip into the choppy waters of a nightly ritual that parents and children alike often dread. Filled with soapsuds, rubber duckies, and existential angst, Simon Rich’s debut picture book is a splashy tale of cleanliness—and survival. This irreverent read-aloud treat about facing fear and embracing adventure might just change the way you see bath time (and your bathroom) forever.

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Book SynopsisA potty party’s coming through! Celebrate the milestone of potty training with this energetic board book that features a diverse group of children as they ditch their diapers and flush like big kids do.   Going potty can be a party for everyone! Perfect for all children, this book touches on the aspects of potty training, including feeling the need to go, sitting and waiting, and picking out underwear. Get down and celebrate at toilet time with this fun and imaginative board book.

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Book SynopsisA perfectly planned birthday party goes awry in this gentle story about adapting to the unexpected, written for kids on the autism spectrum and called “brilliant” and “engaging” by autism specialist Tony AttwoodLaila feels like her sparkly sunshine birthday celebration is on the brink of ruin when it starts to storm. Then, just as she starts feeling okay with moving her party indoors, an accident with her cake makes her want to call the whole thing off. But with the help of her mom and a little alone time with her service dog, she knows she can handle this. Changes in routine can be hard for any kid, but especially for kids on the autism spectrum. Samantha Cotterill's fourth book in the Little Senses series provides gentle guidance along with adorable illustrations to help every kid navigate schedule changes and overwhelming social situations.Trade Review“It Was Supposed to Be Sunny is a brilliant, engaging story that describes the intense emotions experienced by an autistic child, and the ways her mother’s understanding, reassurance, and guidance give her just what she needs to cope with change. This book is a ray of sunshine.” —Tony Attwood, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome "Cotterill’s Little Senses series, addressing anxiety and challenges faced by children with sensory processing disorder and/or on the autistic spectrum, is so upbeat and helpful that parents everywhere can employ these coping mechanisms with any child . . . The deceptively simple illustrations are dynamic and engaging . . . . On-point closing suggestions provided by a children’s mental health expert round out the positive experience." —Kirkus

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Book SynopsisYou are my most precious gift, My holly, jolly sugar plum, My very merry snowflake! A delightful Christmas board book for babies, with glitter and embossing on the cover and a cast of cute festive characters to enjoy. With adorable illustrations by Joyce Wan, this is a perfect gift for any baby's first Christmas.

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Book SynopsisBest friends Cookie and Broccoli take on popularity and overcoming obstacles together through kindness and laughter in this cheerful early graphic novel that''s perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly.Chatty Cookie and bashful Broccoli are best buddies, even if they''re as different as peanut butter and cheese! Elementary school can be tough, but as long as they have each other, there''s nothing they can''t handle. Uh-oh, but what happens when Cool Cucumber and his loyal followers put Cookie''s and Broccoli''s coolness to the test, and Cookie''s hokey pokey dance does NOT impress? And worse, when Broccoli''s cool math trick propels him to be the new leader of the Cool Crowd? Can their friendship withstand this popularity contest? Will Cookie and Broccoli be able to come together and define for themselves what''s truly cool? Join this adorable duo on their latest adventure and find out.Trade ReviewPraise for Cookie & Broccoli: Play It Cool *Texas' Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List selection* “With nonstop silliness from start to finish, McMahon’s second series entry offers yet another affirming lesson for school-age readers. . . . ‘Fantabulously’ cool.”—Kirkus Reviews *“This morality tale about popularity and influence takes a refreshing turn as Cucumber revels in his newfound freedom and Broccoli stresses out as the new leader of coolness. . . . Readers get a powerful, relatable lesson in the kind of coolness that matters: dismantling unfair systems for everyone’s benefit.”—School Library Journal, starred review Praise for Cookie & Broccoli: Ready for School! *Florida's Sunshine State Young Reader Award nominee* *Texas' Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List selection* “Delightful, owing in no small part to Cookie and Broccoli’s odd-couple chemistry. . . . A great start to a conversation between early elementary students and their grown-ups about kind, confident social interaction.”—School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisStuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, talks to seven inspirationalfigures about their childhood experiences, as well as sharinginsight into his own.

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Book SynopsisWith tabs to pull and slide, this eco board book is the perfect introduction to green living for little readers!Discover the amazing ways in which we make the energy we need while helping keep our planet clean and safe.What are the different ways to make green energy? Spin the turbine to make wind energy, or open the dam to get energy from water . . . and more!There is so much we can all do to help create sustainable energy, and help protect the planet from harmful waste and depleting resources. Learn all about them in this interactive board book!Perfect for a new generation of mini eco-crusaders!The First Eco Book series helps support early literacy and children's development in various skills: Interactive tabs make for a fun and exciting reading experience Questions encourage children''s comprehension of the story Helps nurture a love of and confidence in reading independentlyAlso available:Green Home

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Book SynopsisEmpower young children to let go of control and to embrace a little chaos in this delightful and humorous picture book. Ari arranges absolutely everything. For as long as anyone can remember, Ari has loved arranging things. From blocks to flowers to produce to unicorn toys, each arrangement feels perfect—though maybe not for everyone. But when Ari sets out to create the ultimate arrangement at the zoo, things don’t go quite as planned. Will Ari finally figure out the secret to arranging (or perhaps not arranging) everything in this humorous and delightful story?

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Book SynopsisA picture book about girl who accompanies her mother to get a meaningful tattoo. Includes a bonus coloring page featuring the tattoo art at the heart of the story. Mommy''s New Tattoo is the story of a young girl who visits a tattoo shop for the first time with her mother, who is getting a meaningful tattoo. The story examines the mother''s reason for the tattoo, and the lasting consequences of wearing and displaying body art. This wisdom helps the young girl later in life when she goes to a tattoo shop for her own tattoo. Written in rhyming verse and crisply illustrated with vibrant colors, Mommy''s New Tattoo is an excellent conversation starting piece for tattooed parents and their children. Complete with a bonus coloring page that features the tattoo art at the heart of the story, and can also be used as a tattoo-ready stencil.

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Book SynopsisBestselling author and frequent speaker helps today's youth understand the significance of the growing gap between generations and how they can best prepare to accept four life-shaping challenges that will empower them to become confident and capable adults.

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Book SynopsisThis bestselling illustrated how-to guide helps boys develop life skills and gain confidence during the transformation from boyhood to manhood. Now in a deluxe gift edition.

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Book SynopsisEight years ago, tragedy struck. Eight years ago, Lucy Michaels’s life changed forever. But under the surface of her small town lies a secret that could pull her under.

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Book SynopsisSher Lee writes rom-coms and fantasy novels for teens. Fake Dates and Mooncakes is her debut. Like the main character, she has made mooncakes with her favorite aunt and has an abiding love for local street food (including an incredible weakness for xiao long bao). She lives in Singapore with her husband and two adorable corgis, Spade and Clover.Trade ReviewThe perfect recipe of romance, riches, and really great food! Through family drama, will-they/won't-they vibes, and one adorable corgi, Lee shows that true happiness comes from following your heart (and delicious mooncakes help, too!). -- Jason June, New York Times bestselling author of Out of the Blue and Jay's Gay AgendaWith a fresh take on fun tropes and a focus on family as well as romance, Fake Dates and Mooncakes is wonderfully heartfelt and romantic. An utterly delightful read. -- F.T. Lukens, New York Times bestselling author of So This Is Ever AfterA sweet and entertaining romance. Fake Dates and Mooncakes has all the desired ingredients to warm your heart (and leave you hungry for Chinese takeout). -- Brian Zepka, author of The Temperature of Me and YouAn adorable tribute to young love, family, and food. Word to the wise: don't read this lovely treat of a novel while hungry. -- Alison Cochrun, author of The Charm OffensiveA vibrant story bursting with Singaporean Chinese culture readers will instantly recognize was made with the deepest love. Take a bite! -- Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons and The 99 Boyfriends of Micah SummersCharming and heartfelt, this is a perfectly balanced confection that's guaranteed to satisfy any romantic's sweet tooth. -- Caleb Roehrig, author of Last Seen Leaving and Death Prefers Blondes

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Book SynopsisA uplifting YA romance from the author of Tweet Cute.Trade ReviewIf you haven’t read a novel by Emma Lord before, you’ve been missing out on something spectacular. * Paste *A precursor to the way teen love stories will be told for years to come. * Booklist on Tweet Cute *A just-right combination of sweet and cheesy. * Kirkus on Tweet Cute *

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Book SynopsisThis whip-smart coming-of-age novel sees a group of boys embark on a madcap, high-stakes adventure of survival and friendship.

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Book SynopsisDoes lightning make you jump? Does thunder cause you to hide under the covers? You're not alone. In this book, explore the reasons many people are afraid of storms and discover simple tips for facing this fear safely. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to face their fear of storms.

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Book SynopsisDoes night-time give you the creeps? Do shadows make you jump with fright? You're not alone. In this book, explore the reasons many people are afraid of the dark and discover simple tips for facing this fear safely. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to face their fear of the dark.

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Book SynopsisDo needles give you goosebumps? Does the idea of a flu jab send chills down your spine? You're not alone. In this book, explore the reasons many people are afraid of vaccinations, including flu jabs and Covid vaccines, and discover simple tips for facing this fear safely. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to face their fear about vaccinations.

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Book SynopsisDo you feel scared when you are alone in your bedroom? Do you only want to play if someone else is nearby? Many people feel this way at times. In this book, explore the reasons why people are afraid of being alone and discover simple tips for facing this fear. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to face their fear of being alone.

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Book SynopsisYou need help with a maths problem. You are upset with a friend. Are you afraid to ask for help? You're not alone. Everyone worries about speaking up at times. In this book, explore the reasons why it can be scary to speak up and discover simple tips for facing this fear. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to face their fears of speaking up.

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Book SynopsisDoes the thought of slithering, scaly reptiles make your skin crawl? Do you live in fear of coming face-to-face with a snake? You're not alone. In this book, explore the reasons many people are afraid of snakes and discover simple tips for facing this fear safely. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to handle their fear of snakes.

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Book SynopsisDo mice give you the creeps? Do rats make you shriek? You're not alone. In this book, explore the reasons many people are afraid of mice and rats and discover simple tips for facing this fear safely. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to deal with their fear of mice and rats.

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Book SynopsisOne day Mr Christmas receives a call from his uncle asking for help. Can Mr Christmas help Father Christmas deliver presents to all of the Mr Men?Mr Men and Little Miss Celebrations introduce children to all the exciting occasions that people celebrate including birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, sporting events and even a trip to the moon.These colourful adventures will delight children of two years and upwards. Bold illustrations and funny stories make Mr Men and Little Miss the perfect story time experience.Have you collected all the Mr Men and Little Miss Christmas Celebrations?Little Miss ChristmasMr Men A Christmas CarolMr Men The Night Before ChristmasMr Men 12 Days of ChristmasMr Men A Christmas PantomineMr Men A White ChristmasMr Men Meet Father ChristmasMr Men The Christmas TreeMr Men The Christmas PartyMr Men Winter SportsMr Men Winter WonderlandTrade ReviewThe colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.The Independent The timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.The Telegraph The Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.The Telegraph Top 100 Children’s Book – Junior Magazine, 2019

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Book SynopsisThe Squirrels try to remember their first day at Squirrel Club. Time for their First Day Badge!Duggee is telling the Squirrels all about their first days at the Squirrel Club. Roly was very quiet, Happy was scared of water and Tag wasn''t good at listening. But Duggee had an idea!Join Duggee and the Squirrels in this adorable tale and collect your First Day Badge!One last thing... DUGGEE HUG!Want more Duggee? Also available:Hey Duggee: Get Well Soon NorrieHey Duggee: The Space BadgeHey Duggee: Duggee and the Stick Badge

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Book Synopsis*DOUBLE-WINNER KPMG CHILDREN''S BOOKS IRELAND AWARDS 2025**SHORTLISTED YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025**LONGLISTED UKLA BOOK AWARD 2025**A 2025 READ FOR EMPATHY BOOK**SUNDAY TIMES IRELAND BEST CHILDREN''S BOOKS 2024*A fantastically clever novel - Sarah CrossanEveryone who loved Derry Girls, this is the book for you! - Sarah WebbFull of authentic humour, youthful hyperbole and hope - Big Issue, Books of the Year 2024A smart, deeply moving book - The Irish TimesA beautifully written romance that pulls you in different directions - Scotland on SundayAuthentic humour and heartbreak - The Sunday Times IrelandA bittersweet romance that takes a new look at teen pregnancy, the magic and mess of first relationships, and a young woman''s right to choose her own future.Beneath the New Year''s Eve fireworks, shy science-nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-olds would expect trouble but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel''s religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid''s feminist mum pushes for a termination.Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is totally different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her.Deeply true. A book to press into the hands of others - Deirdre SullivanTrade ReviewMcCaughrain uses the backdrop of the Repeal the Eight campaign south of the Border to good effect… This is a nuanced and thoughtful engagement with the issues, rather than a polemic; the teenage and adult characters are fully developed and complex. A smart, deeply moving book. * Irish TImes *Full of authentic humour, youthful hyperbole and hope… McCaughrain is careful not to be didactic or reductive. In the end this is a story about young relationships and concerns with believable, sympathetic characters. -- Books of the Year * The Big Issue *This is a story that needs to be told and the authenticity and sensitivity with which it is told, bears witness to the award-winning author’s direct experience in schools and the stories she has heard from young people… Moving, compassionate and beautifully told this is an essential and important taboo- breaking book for young people to read. * LoveReading4Kids *McCaughrain is an undeniable talent and a force to be reckoned with, skillfully exploring all the facets of debates around reproductive rights, while leaving enough space for the reader to truly fall in love with Mel and Sid. * Irish Examiner *McCaughrain shines a harsh light on the lack of sex education for teenagers and young people in the school system, communities and homes in Northern Ireland… This book had me rooting for Mel and Sid as two young people navigating choices that they have little knowledge of. Both Mel’s and Sid’s lives are utterly changed, and it is intriguing to read how they not only react, but also come to settle with their decision. McCaughrain motivated me to question, and that is the beauty of a powerful book. * Inis Magazine, Children's Books Ireland *

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Book SynopsisPrepares girls for what to expect from puberty and offers advice on what they can do to cope with the emotional, psychological and physical changes and stay happy and confident as they go through their early teens. This title covers all the topics that girls want to find out about, including moods and feelings, periods and how to survive them.

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Book SynopsisLaurie Morrison’s Saint Ivy is a thoughtful middle-grade novel about caring for others and for yourself––and what it truly means to be kind and vulnerable.   Thirteen-year-old Ivy Campbell has always been a good kid: She supports her soccer-star brother, bakes with her nana, and puts her friends’ needs before her own. So of course, Ivy is 100 percent supportive when her mom decides to be a gestational surrogate, carrying and giving birth to her friends’ baby.   But when Ivy finds out the surrogacy treatment worked and her mom is pregnant—and has been for weeks—she’s shocked that she’s jealous and worried about what others will think. And most of all, she’s ashamed that she isn’t reacting to this news in the right way. The Ivy way. Ivy is determined to prove to herself that she’s just as unselfish as she’s always believed, and she gets the chance to do that when Trade ReviewFeelings, life, and people are allowed to be complicated in beautiful ways in this page-turner. * Kirkus Reviews *A keenly observed portrait of a girl who goes way overboard on a good thing. * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *“A truly memorable novel that makes the sometimes quiet and unasked questions of growing up and figuring yourself out feel big and bold and heart-shifting and profound. Part page-turning mystery, part emotional character study, I loved every poignant, intimate, and wise page. And I loved Ivy and her deeply relatable journey most of all.” * Corey Ann Haydu, author of Eventown and One Jar of Magic *“I loved this wise, warm and utterly relatable story about kindness— topic that feels especially timely. Once again, Laurie Morrison has created a complex, authentic character readers will eagerly embrace.” * Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You and My Life in the Fish Tank *Morrison has crafted a beautifully triumphant story. It is layered, warm, and sweet, just like the perfectly imperfect Ivy herself. * Carrie Firestone, author of Dress Coded *?Relatable realistic fiction for upper elementary and middle school readers navigating friendships, boundaries, and identity, with appeal for fans of similarly themed stories such as Varian Johnson’s Twins, Shannon Hale’s Real Friends, and Celia C. Pérez’s Strange Birds. * School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisA lion family navigates their fears of going to the doctor in this adorable and hilariously relatable picture book, Lion Needs a Shot, from award-winning author/illustrator Hyewon Yum. Little lion Luka is NOT worried about a visit to the doctor. He’s NOT scared of getting a shot. And he’s definitely NOT a little lion anymore. R-O-A-R! His younger sister, Lulu, might be nervous for her first checkup—but no need to worry, big brother is here to set a brave example. Step by step, he walks her through what will happen, offering encouragement and holding her hand. But when it’s his turn, on second thought, maybe he doesn’t need to see Dr. Brown today; he’s feeling perfectly fine, after all. This witty, tender story follows two siblings sharing a universal experience together, giving each other courage and realizing that a trip to the doctor’s office isn’t so bad.“Yum’s sweeTrade ReviewYum’s sweet illustrations are softly rendered in colored pencils, and their childlike quality is a perfect match for the story. It strikes a reassuring tone for little ones anxious about doctor visits or getting shots (“They keep you from getting sick! . . . [And] you get a really nice sticker.”), while also demonstrating a loving sibling relationship. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Three engaging odysseys in one, lit by humor of a particularly dark and spiky sort.” * Kirkus *Thirty to Sixty Days is a lighthearted, plot-driven coming-of-age romp with appealing characters. Great, page-turning fun—and that’s no lie! * Booklist *

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Book Synopsis The Parent Trap meets The Vanishing Half in Rioghnach Robinson and Siofra Robinson’s Look No Further, a gripping YA novel about estranged siblings who meet for the first time at art camp and confront their differing experiences of race and identity.   When 17-year-old Niko and 15-year-old Ali meet at Ogilvy Summer Art Institute, a selective camp for art students in New York City, they seem like complete opposites. Ali comes across as standoffish to laid-back Niko, who feels like a fish out of water surrounded by so many type-A peers. So when a teacher assigns them as pairs for a genealogy project, Ali and Niko are shocked to find they have a lot more in common than they bargained for.   As the pair embark on a quest to uncover their shared history, Ali finds herself falling for her roommate—who may have already fallen for another girl at Ogilvy—and surfer-bro Niko struggles to find his footing iTrade Review*****STARRED REVIEW****** "Via Niko and Ali’s alternating conversational narration, the Robinson authors, siblings, approach the experience of identifying with multiple cultures within homogenous environments in a simultaneously messy and multifaceted manner, organically building toward hard-earned and affecting self-revelations and making for an emotionally resonant collaboration." * Publishers Weekly ****STARRED REVIEW*** "The authors organically weave in issues of cultural and artistic identity as well as the expected humor and romantic drama of residential programs, and the character development is refreshingly deep. This engaging story sensitively explores biracial experiences, family, and self-expression." * Kirkus *Told in alternating perspectives, this contemporary story of literal found family will resonate with contemporary readers looking for a blend of conversations around identity, themes of family and boundaries, art, and a bit of mystery. * Booklist *

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Book Synopsis

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