Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Friends and friendships

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Book SynopsisGrammy nominated musician Valerie June’s Somebody to Love: The Story of Valerie June's Sweet Little Baby Banjolele is a children’s book based on the story of how June wrote the song "Somebody to Love" from her album Pushin' Against a Stone. In the book, Valerie is a child given a toy banjolele. A banjolele is a very unique four-stringed musical instrument. It has a body like a small banjo, and the neck is like a ukulele. At the beginning, the baby banjolele dreams that its voice will soar and be heard all throughout the world, but very soon its musical journey meets with challenges and doubts. The little banjolele just could not play through a whole song! Valerie and banjolele want to play with the other instruments at school, but the others make fun of the banjolele saying " You're just a toy". Embarrassed the banjolele, once more, can not finish the song. But “I have a dream, and I want to sing,” the toy banjolele stubbornly refuses to give up. Finally, the toy finds the courage, and belief, and love it needs, coughs out a last bit of dust, and belts out a gorgeous a song. Valerie names the banjolele Baby and both go on to perform all over the world together forever. Valerie June the adult says of her banjolele: “As I traveled the world telling the story of my banjolele, I always knew it would make an uplifting children’s book. It wasn’t until I got a call from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities that I was encouraged to sit down and write it out. One of the nation’s most historical dreamers is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a black female artist, his message taught me the power of dreams at an early age. He was a light for me. Each time I’ve shared this story with students, I watch as their eyes light up with wonder. It’s been thrilling to witness that same light awakening within them. Believing you can achieve your dream is a way to be an inspiration for your community, like a great Nigerian proverb teaches us, 'Thoughts and dreams are the foundation of our being.Trade ReviewValerie June is a beacon of creativity + positivity in music, and this book shimmers with that same fierce light. These beautiful words + pictures will inspire kids (and parents) to follow their muse + not give up! — Anaïs Mitchell, Tony Award Winning PlaywrightThis is a lovely story, as it teaches everyone young and old the meaning of courage.— Woven From WordsEven the smallest voice deserves to be heard. “Somebody to Love” encourages us to believe in ourselves and the remarkable power of our dreams. — Amanda Lucidon, NYT Bestselling Author and Former Obama White House Photographer Colorful, musical, and dreamy. — Book Bunnies BlogAn inspiring tale – with brightly colored, vivid images covering each page – about finding your voice and having the confidence to dream big. — Rebellious MagazineWhen Valerie June arrived, she ignited conversations for the daring — PitchforkValerie June has built a devoted following by ignoring expectations. She is simultaneously rural and cosmopolitan, historically minded and contemporary, idiosyncratic and fashionable, mystical and down-to-earth. — New York TimesA precious reminder of the importance of music. — Dom Flemons, Grammy Award-winning musicianIn a world that asks us all to fire up our imaginations, Somebody to Love gives us all a sense of life’s best possibilities. — Dan and Claudia Zanes, Grammy Award-winning children's book authors and musiciansThis is a wonderful inspirational story.— Sonia Outlaw-Clark, Center Director of West Tennessee Delta Heritage CenterWe love that this picture book has a mission statement and an inspiring story. The illustrations are amazing to view while reading. — Source BooksellersThis book will draw your child into the pages with an engaging story that will have them singing along. The illustrations are vibrant and helps the story to come to life. — @diveintoagoodbook I have an amazing author with a wonderful children’s book for you to discover…Thank you, Valerie, for sharing about your awesome book! I wish you all the best as it continues to gain momentum. May it bless all who read it! And what a wonderful artist that you have paired with as well! You two make a great team. — Wanda Luthman, book blogger and children’s book author

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Book SynopsisNimrod, a coming-of-age story about a sheltered teenager wanting nothing more than to escape the confines of his home and to see for himself what the world has to offer.Rod is a daydreamer with a singular wish: to meet Sting, the rockstar-the only person capable of fixing Rod''s broken family and liberating him from his sheltered existence. It''s the summer before senior year, and Rod has nothing to look forward to but sitting at home day after day, serving as emotional caretaker to his mother. She''s still reeling from the passing of her firstborn son twenty years ago, a death she blames on the band Green Day. Music has been forbidden in Rod''s home ever since.Enter Cat, the new girl in town who''s everything Rod''s not: confident, adventurous... and Green Day''s biggest fan. When Cat presents him with the opportunity to meet his hero, will Rod risk sneaking out from under his mother''s watchful eye to New York with the girl of his dreams? Rod must decide if it''s worth jeopardising his future to save his mom''s."A coming-of-age story about the power of music, the excitement of young love and the need to leave the hive. Rod is a daydreamer, Cat is the new girl, together they will discover the beauty of spontaneous adventures with the windows rolled down and the music turned up and blazing one''s trail.."

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Book SynopsisA simple act of neighborly kindness and a bird that needs their aid helps former refugee Sami settle into his new community with new-found friend Moe Moe’s neighbors on Wishbone Street come from all over the world, and she’s excited to meet the new boy who just arrived from Syria. Sami isn’t quite ready to talk about his past, but he loves birds just as much as Moe does. And who wouldn’t have fun in a parkette full of packing snow? When the children discover a female cardinal stunned by the cold, Sami uses his experience taking care of pigeons in Syria to help rescue the bird—an incident that helps Sami to feel more at home. In Birds on Wishbone Street, author/illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo demonstrates the power of an act of kindness, telling a story about finding home and making friends in new places. Illustrated with her signature polymer clay art, the story revisits characters from Del Rizzo’s New York Times Notable My Beautiful Birds and reminds us that we’re all more similar than we are different.Trade ReviewPraise for Birds on Wishbone Street 2022 IODE Jean Throop Book Award Winner 2022 Bank Street “Best Children's Books of the Year” selection 2022 49th Shelf Top Grade Winter List Selection 2022 CCBC Spring Best Books for Kids & Teens Selection ★ STARRED REVIEW “Del Rizzo illustrates with elaborate clay modeling combined with other media; the three-dimensional look ignites interest and gives the pictures a special warmth. The story centers care for others and nature as well as focusing on people’s shared humanity.”—Kirkus Reviews “Textural scenes created with polymer clay and acrylic makes details pop almost tangibly, presenting a street populated with an inclusive cast of varying ability, age, background, and skin tone. A gentle, bird-centered tale of community care.”—Publishers Weekly “Rizzo’s illustrations are made with polymer clay and paint, achieving a realistic variety of skin tones and a vibrant, three-dimensional quality….The story is loving and gently paced, with the two children coming together to rescue a cardinal we have already seen in several pictures, each sacrificing a treasure to do it.”—The Horn Book Magazine “[A] heartwarming story that brings forth the importance of simple things in life, such as treating one another with kindness and embracing the treasures that nature has to offer….The story, itself, is beautiful, but the immaculately detailed illustrations are worthy of their own praise.”—CM Magazine “Del Rizzo’s unique art adds dimension to the book’s warm, welcoming neighborhood scenes….[A] bighearted book that will leave readers eager to discover the many treasures that new friendships hold.”—BookPage “[A] beautifully illustrated book that shows how different people can live together and get along….The illustrations in this book are very interesting. They have a sense of realism in them that other illustrations in other books do not have, from their bright colors, to the way the angles don’t necessarily always look directly at people…”—YA Books Central “This uplifting story will resonate with young readers, especially those who are new to Canada…. Not only are the fall and winter scenes within this book filled with a myriad of delightful details, but one can almost feel the rich textures of what is being portrayed on its pages.”—Canadian Children’s Book News “[C]hock-a-block with vivid and complex illustrations that delight the eye through her use of textured polymer clay (resembles plasticine), acrylic glaze and other mixed media. And when readers reach the end of the story of Moe and Sami there is more to come with the added treat of illustrated instructions on how to make bird suet treats and winter roosting pockets; a sure way to encourage young readers to also get their hands dirty!”—Oakville News “A heart-warming story about kindness, inclusion and belonging, by the creator of My Beautiful Birds.”—Sherylbooks “In Birds on Wishbone Street, Suzanne Del Rizzo honours her own family and those of all immigrants to Canada, and upholds the idea that communities are based on an appreciation for our differences and acknowledgement of our commonalities.”—CanLit for Little Canadians “[A] beautiful story of people coming from different cultures…. Illustrated in clay and mixed media, the glorious art is a joy to explore. The book works on many different levels and even offers instructions on how to make your own winter bird treats.”—The International Educator “We love the community feel of this story. It wraps you in a warm blanket of kindness…. [A] story that obviously come from the heart and extends a hand to readers.”—Storytime with Stephanie “I love the plasticine illustrations in this book, particularly the snowflakes.”—Book Time “The illustrations, made using polymer clay and acrylics, will have readers in awe of the details, the ever-changing perspectives, and the wonders of the season…This is a truly wonderful story about friendship, community and being kind.”—Sal’s Fiction Addiction

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Book SynopsisSidney and Carrie return in this uplifting Little Gem by award-winning author Lisa Thompson as Carrie embarks on a mission to discover her special talent. Carrie’s best friend Sidney is planning to show off his tap-dancing skills during Friday Fun Time at school and Carrie wants to join in. She plans an amazing routine where Sidney will dance and she will roller skate. But there’s one big problem … Carrie has never roller skated before. Will the performance end in disaster or will their friendship help them to dazzle the audience?Trade Review"This delightful chapter book demonstrates that it takes time, hard work and perseverance to develop new skills, and also highlights the importance of supportive friendships. It sensitively explores Carrie’s feelings of frustration and apprehension, as well as Sidney’s concern for his friend." – BookTrust

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Book Synopsis"Frozen meets Narnia in an enchanting children's novel." The Telegraph"The Snow Girl is spectacular. A truly special book of snow and winter magic with the warmest and most cheering beating heart. I can't stop thinking about it." Sibéal Pounder"Destined to be a seasonal classic." M.G. Leonard"Mesmerizing." Hilary McKayFrom award-winning and critically acclaimed Sophie Anderson, comes a fairy-tale story of friendship, belonging and bravery, in an adventure through a winter wonderland. The perfect read for the whole family this Christmas.I wish the snow girl would come to life. Then I would have a friend, a real friend I could trust, and I wouldn't feel so alone.When Tasha builds a snow girl with her grandpa, all she wants is for her to be real. If only wishes on snow could come true... Then Tasha meets Alyana, a friend made of wishes, starlight, snowfall and magic. But when your best friend is made of winter, what do you do when spring comes?Trade ReviewFrozen meets Narnia in an enchanting children's novel. * The Telegraph *Vivid storytelling from a bestselling author. * The Sunday Times *The Snow Girl, featuring a brave girl and her magical friend, successfully marries an old tale and a modern sensibility * The Telegraph *An exquisite and wintry adventure wrapped up in Sophie's generous and wise storytelling. * Fiona Noble *Mesmerizing. * Hilary McKay *[A] beautifully imagined story of a child's adventures with a girl made of snow. * The Telegraph *The Snow Girl is spectacular. A truly special book of snow and winter magic with the warmest and most cheering beating heart. I can't stop thinking about it. * Sibéal Pounder *A touching story about how even with loss, hope remains and ultimately triumphs. * The Big Issue *Sophie Anderson draws on familiar fantasy tropes to tell the beautifully imagined story of a child's adventures with a girl made of snow. * The Telegraph Best Children's Books of the Year *[An] elegant wintry tale. Tasha's story reminds us about the importance of choosing happiness. * The Bookseller, One to Watch *A heart-warming folk tale of loneliness, bravery & the importance of family & friends set amidst the winter snow. A perfectly crafted story, beautifully illustrated by Melissa Castrillon, destined to be a seasonal classic. * M.G. Leonard *A gorgeous winter fairytale which taps into that wonder-fuelled window - before the snow melts - where it feels as if magic might just be possible after all. * Abi Elphinstone *Beautifully written, this is an enchanting story about facing fears, reaching out to make new friends and knowing when to let go. The novel is interwoven with folk tales of snow spirts and enhanced by magical illustrations in wintry blue tones. * BookTrust *[A] feast of magic, mysticism and wintry wonders... the perfect book to warm everyone's heart this Christmas. * Lancashire Evening Post *A wonderful, wistful, wintry read. * The Irish Times *This is the perfect tale to read aloud to your class around Christmas. [...] Moving at a fast pace, with beautiful, blue-toned imagery throughout, Snow Girl is an exhilarating read. * Teach Primary *Full of warmth and wisdom, The Snow Girl is a wonderful tale of friendship and bravery. * Culturefly *Cosy up with this lyrical tale of friendship, where a girl creates a friend from snow and meets a special, wintry companion... * First News *Fans of Disney's Frozen will like this delicately told tale. * The New Statesman Best Children's Books for Christmas *This novel is full of adventure and courage, and there is a lovely message about living and loving fully in the time we do have together. The illustrations add to the sense of winter magic in the story, which is inspired by the traditional Russian tale of Snegurochka, The Snow Maiden. * Five Books Best Books of 2023 *Based on the folktale of the Snow Maiden, Anderson breathes new life into this tale of friendship and bravery wonderfully realised in this lavishly illustrated hardback edition. * Irish Examiner *A touching story about how even with loss, hope remains and ultimately triumphs. * The Big Issue Best Children's Books of 2023 *

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Book SynopsisWeakly Wormit had an appalling name and quite unkind parents. He was also very small for his age. He was bullied at school particularly after he accidentally dyed his hair green. Rescue came in the shape of Isabelinda, a friend in his class at school and the two of them embarked on an unexpected adventure. This involved letting long locked up monsters escape from a forbidden shed. The monsters then terrorised the village and tore out peoples hair whatever colour it was. Only Wormit with his green hair appeared to be unattractive to the monsters. Isabelinda and all the villagers are left bald and frightened to go out in the street. Only Wormit could roam the streets without being attacked. He had to find a plan to capture and put them back in their shed. Eventually he had an idea and he enticed them to attack a blonde wig which he had obtained. With this aid he managed to imprison them again and he buried the key of the shed so that it will not be found. He was now the hero of the village. The villagers hair grew back. Wormit’s green hair faded. He was Isabelinda’s best friend.

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'Grandpa stopped speaking the day he killed my brother, John. His name was John until Grandpa said he looked more like a Bird with the way he kept jumping off things, and the name stuck. Bird’s thick, black hair poked out in every direction, just like the head feathers of the blackbirds, Grandpa said, and he bet that one day Bird would fly like one too. Grandpa kept talking like that, and no one paid him much notice until Bird jumped off a cliff, the cliff at the edge of the tallgrass prairie, the cliff that dropped a good couple hundred feet to a dried-up riverbed below. From that day on, Grandpa never spoke another word. Not one. The day that Bird tried to fly, the grown-ups were out looking for him – all of them except Mom and Granny. That’s because that very day, I was born.'Twelve-year-old Jewel never knew her brother, but all her life she has lived in his shadow. Then one night, on her birthday, she finds a mysterious boy sitting in her oak tree. His name is John. And he changes everything.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Derby Children's Picture Book Award 2020 "Let's all be friends!" says Brian... But Stanley only likes sheep with black wool, Hamish, Cassidy and Lou think black wool and white wool are rubbish - while Tracey and Frank only want sheep with horns in their gang. Then Brian bumps into a WOLF - and he knows he has to get the sheep to ACT TOGETHER!Trade Review"A super picture book and a must read for young readers from 3- 7 years old." * English 4-11 *"This is a great book to read aloud, and the pictures and subject will quickly hold the attention of an audience.Paul Stewart is a renowned writer of great repute, and this picture book will be warmly welcomed in town and country alike. Try reading it aloud, discussing bullying and issues of race, and use it for a wonderful book for drama in the classroom. Partnered with a talented, winning illustrator, Stewart’s book should become a warm woolly favourite! Especially when the sheep going, “baaa-carumbaaa!” joins in the fun!" * Books for Keeps 5 star review *"This is one of those picture books that stands out from the many on the market because of its important message and the gorgeous way in which it's conveyed. All the sheep want to be friends... but Stanley only likes sheep with black wool, Hamish, Cassidy and Lou think black wool and white wool are rubbish - while Tracey and Frank only want sheep with horns in their gang. What can bring all these silly sheep together? A wolf, that's what! It's time for the sheep to forget their their differences and work together. It's superbly told with lots of touches of humour and exceptionally illustrated by Jane Porter who depicts these characters wonderfully." * Parents in Touch *"There are SO many ways you can interpret this book in our increasingly troubled, B-X-T times but however you do it's a biffing, butting, cracking celebration of courage, self-belief, acceptance, co-operation, difference and friendship." * Red Reading Hub *"This is an important book about being inclusive, welcoming and kind, not excluding anyone for their differences. …A brilliant book for those beginning of the school year conversations." * My Shelves Are Full *

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Book SynopsisBoone is back and boy is he bothered! Why is his brother Finn the first to fly? And why can Otter do somersaults but Boone can''t? And what''s with Beaver''s big tail? It just doesn''t seem fair! But Boone soon learns, with the help of those around him, that instead of begrudging what others have or earned, he should be grateful for what he has and work hard to earn anything more he wants.

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Book SynopsisBut why all the drama? Is it because Izzy is too judgy? Too sassy? Too cocky for her own good? Or is she simply misunderstood, a blameless victim whose friends are really at fault? This is the puzzle Izzy has to solve if she ever hopes to save her relationships and her sanity. As the bonds in her friendships continue to fray, Izzy seeks support and guidance from her loyal sister, Maya. With empathy and understanding, Maya offers encouragement as she helps her sister confront some hard truths: Izzy is an interrupter, a one-upper, and a bragger. Caught unaware of how she speaks toward her friends, Izzy is determined to make amends and do better. Now, she just needs to figure out how. WHY IS DRAMA ALWAYS FOLLOWING ME? is a fast-paced chapter book that examines the social minefield of school friendships, particularly among girls. As Izzy works to repair her relationships, young readers will be inspired to think about and improve how they speak to and communicate with their friends and family.

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Book SynopsisFor fans of The Day the Crayons Quit, Little Pea, or How Are You Peeling?What’s a little piece of bread to do when he’s feeling lonely? Find a friend, of course!And that’s exactly what Peanut Butter tries to do. But sometimes friends are hard to come by, especially when Hamburger has to walk his (hot) dogs, Cupcake is too busy building castles in her sprinkle box, and Egg laughs so hard he starts to crack up! Does Peanut Butter have a soulmate? Young readers will know the answer long before Peanut Butter does and laugh along with each mismatched pairing.In a story that pairs silliness with poignancy, and friendship with anthropomorphic food, Terry Border, the photography mastermind behind the Bent Objects project, makes a triumphant entrance into the children''s book world. Complete with a rhyming refrain, this is sure to be a favorite family read-aloud--and laugh-aloud.Praise for PEANUT BUT

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Book SynopsisDon''t miss Barbara O''Connor''s other middle-grade worklike Wish; Wonderland; How to Steal a Dog; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; and more!New friends, a frog, and a summer they''ll never forget!An amazing secret has tumbled off a freight train into Carter, Georgia, and Owen Jester is the only person who knows about it. If he can simply manage to evade his grandfather''s snappish housekeeper, organize his two best friends, and keep his nosy neighbor, Viola, at bay, he just might be in for the summer of a lifetime. With her trademark wit and easy charm, Barbara O''Connor spins a fantastic fable of friends, enemies, and superbly slimy bullfrogs.This title has Common Core connections.

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Book SynopsisThis Little Golden Book is based on Disney Wish—in theaters fall 2023!Walt Disney Animation Studios Wish is set to release Fall 2023, during the Studio’s 100th year. A film that could only come from Disney Animation, the epic animated musical is inspired by the legacy of films from the studio and asks the question: “How did the wishing star, upon which so many characters wished, come to be?” The story, set in Rosas, the kingdom of wishes where wishes can literally come true, follows Asha—an optimist with a sharp wit who cares endlessly about her community. In a moment of desperation, Asha makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. This Little Golden Book retellin

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Book SynopsisA special 60th anniversary edition of this much-loved Caldecott Honor book, with a foreword from Eric Carle, creator of family favourite The Hungry Caterpillar. Deep in the sea there lives a school of little fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding… until brave Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends that, with ingenuity and team work, they can beat any bully!Trade Review"Lionni's elegantly textured, simple yet sophisticated illustrations vividly create the under-the-sea world in this shimmering picture book. Mesmerising and unforgettable." * Guardian, Julia Eccleshare *"One of my all time favourite picture book creators. Must buy for anyone who wants children to be lovers of books and art." * Red Reading Hub Blog *"Magnetic language reflecting the duplicity of the text and illustrations, which are both simple and yet highly complex at the same time." * EYE *"Powerful story about working together. Raw yet sophisticated illustrations." * Picture Books Blogger, Sarah Yewman *"One of my all time favourite creators of picture books. Glorious... enchanting book." * Books for Keeps *

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Book SynopsisWhen one of five students in detention is found dead, his high-profile classmates?including a brainy intellectual, a popular beauty, a drug dealer on probation and an all-star athlete?are investigated and revealed to be the subjects of the victim''s latest gossip postings. Simultaneous and eBook.

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Book SynopsisA little mouse innocently plucks a flower from an old wall when a brick comes loose, and he can see through it for the first time. He and the other animals gradually and resolutely remove more and more bricks, until at last they can see another group of animals. Together they use the bricks that once divided them to construct a bridge to join their islands. This clever and touching wordless board book shows that walls can become bridges when everyone works together. It's a hopeful message that all children should see now.

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Book SynopsisThe Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibbotson is an enchanting tale of friendship and determination during the Second World War, from the author of The Star of Kazan.Tally Hamilton is furious to hear she is being sent from London to a horrid, stuffy boarding school in the countryside. And all because of the stupid war. But Delderton Hall is a far more interesting place than Tally ever imagined, and an exciting school trip to the beautiful and luscious kingdom of Bergania whisks Tally into an unexpected adventure . . . will she be able to save her new friend, Prince Karil, before it's too late?

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