Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Runaways

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Book SynopsisCRAAACCKKK!Of all the polar bears, Karl is stuck with one who doesn’t like to talk.Of all the polar bears, Hazel is stuck with the one who talks too much.And now they’re drifting out to sea together.Trade Review"[With a] tongue-in-cheek text...[this is] an offbeat selection for Valentine's Day...sneak this one into a primary-grade science unit." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review) "The simple storyline and art complement each other as readers are gently guided to comprehend the folly of judging a book by its cover." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for THE BLOBFISH BOOK: "Delivers big laughs." -- Publishers Weekly Praise for SHARK DETECTIVE: "Delightful...the story is strangely inspirational...Many readers will demand further adventures-or imagine them for themselves." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for SHARK DETECTIVE: "Nothing slows the determination of chip-munching Shark in this lively romp through the mean streets. He's one cool sleuth." -- School Library Journal Praise for SHARK DETECTIVE: "Shark is an endearing goofball worth rooting for." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThis tender story of friendship, music, and ferocious love asks: what will you fight for, if not yourself? You Don’t Know Me But I Know You author Rebecca Barrow’s next book is perfect for fans of Katie Cotugno and Emery Lord.Who cares that the prize for the Sun City Originals contest is fifteen grand?Trade Review“A realistic, impassioned portrait of young women coming into their own in all their messy glory.” — Kirkus Reviews “This is a story with a diverse cast of young women taking charge of their own destinies... A fun girl-power novel for teens who like their rock hard and their main characters tough.” — School Library Journal “This Is What It Feels Like is real, raw, and explores a much-needed narrative: black girls who rock. Rebecca Barrow is a writer to watch.” — Brandy Colbert, author of Little & Lion “Bold and bighearted and so much fun, This is What it Feels Like is the smartest, most honest look at female friendship that I’ve read in a long, long time. This book made me want to call all my best girls and tell them how much I love them.” — Katie Cotugno, New York Times bestselling author of 99 Days and How to Love “This is What it Feels Like is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of friendship and love. Rebecca Barrow perfectly—and poetically—captures that spark inside that challenges us to be brave and dares us to be happy.” — Courtney Summers, author of All the Rage “A luminous story about friendship, first love, and learning how to stand on your own. Rebecca Barrow’s This is What it Feels Like left me not only inspired but empowered to dream boldly and love deeply.” — Ashley Herring Blake, author of Suffer Love and How to Make a Wish Praise for YOU DON’T KNOW ME BUT I KNOW YOU: “[Barrow] steadily resists cliché and tired tropes all the way to the novel’s deeply felt, unflinching conclusion. This compelling, closely observed debut charts its appealing characters’ difficult journey with clarity and honesty.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “It’s unfair to call this simply a book about teen pregnancy... Barrow has crafted soulful, complex characters who will resonate with readers who’ve had to contemplate the weight of their decisions upon their futures and themselves.” — Booklist “Audrey’s emotions swing wildly; she candidly portrays the all-consuming and delicate nature of her situation and the choice she faces. Debut author Barrow opts for realism over a scared-straight approach to teen pregnancy, which readers will appreciate.” — Publishers Weekly “In both its humor and in its aching, You Don’t Know Me but I Know You is the most honest book I’ve read in ages.” — Emery Lord, author of The Start of Me and You and When We Collided “Both relentlessly honest and relentlessly hopeful, You Don’t Know Me but I Know You stands out as a book that cares profoundly about the power of friendship and the thrill of getting to know yourself. Above all else, it’s a testament to the bravery, brightness, and beauty of teenaged girls.” — Corey Ann Haydu, author of OCD Love Story and Life by Committee “You Don’t Know Me but I Know You is a heartfelt, powerful examination of family: the one we’re born to, the one we choose, and the one that chooses us. Rebecca Barrow’s novel feels all at once heartbreaking, hopeful, and true.” — Janet McNally, author of Girls in the Moon “Honest, nuanced, and achingly authentic, You Don’t Know Me but I Know You is both sensitive and unflinching in its portrayal of life-shattering choices and their aftermaths. It’s populated with strong female friendships that feel more like a sisterhood.” — Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts

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Book Synopsis“This book is for anyone who has ever felt ‘less than’ or on the outside. That is to say, this is a book for everyone.” —Elana K. Arnold, author of What Girls Are Made OfWith a clear, compelling voice, Walker creates a believable world where socioeconomic tensions challenge, but never defeat, her well-rounded characters.—Publishers Weekly (starred review)Claire Ladd knows that this summer is going to be special. She and her two best friends, Ronan and Brianna, are turning twelve. She is leaving camp behind and gets to do what she wants all day. She feels everything starting to change. But things don’t always change for the better.With Brianna’s cousin Eden visiting for the summer, Claire feels like a third wheel. Even though she is only a year older, Eden seems so much more sophisticated and glamorous . . . and when she''s around, she takes up everyone̵

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Book SynopsisFrom Sharon Creech, Newbery Medal winner and New York Times bestselling author, comes a powerful coming-of-age story of a girl who discovers the endless possibilities her future may hold, with help from a brilliant teacher and a boy with a generous smile.Perfect for fans of Love That Dog, this tale is about the transformative power of imagination and the journey to becoming who you are meant to be. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, at home or at school. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom. Gina Filomena has been told she has an overactive imagination. With her bright clothing and artistic spirit, she’s always felt different from the other kids in her class. That is, until she meets her new neighbor, a mysterious boy named Antonio with a wide, welcoming smile.Add in a creative new teacher, Miss Lightstone, and a world o

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Characters who will stay on your mind, and a story that packs an unexpected emotional punch. THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS is exactly what your beach bag needs this summer.” — Gina Ciocca, author of BUSTED “A smart and savvy take on coming of age and coming to terms, with a little help from your friends.” — Huntley Fitzpatrick, author of My Life Next Door “A charming and poignant ode to the seasons of friendship, family, and love, and what happens when we dare to reveal our most messy selves. Simply put, The Girl You Thought I Was stole my heart!” — Darcy Woods, award-winning author of Summer of Supernovas “The Girl You Thought I Was is an honest, compelling, nuanced look at fallibility, forgiveness, the unhealthy ways we cope, and the people who make us want to be better. If you’re a fan of character-driven contemporary, don’t miss this one.” — Dahlia Adler, author of Behind the Scenes and Just Visiting

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Book SynopsisEdgar Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Mystery * A Kirkus Best BookRaw and moving, this contemporary realistic debut novel will leave readers of E. Lockhart and Gayle Forman breathless as it unflinchingly unfolds the tragic secrets being kept in a small, deceptively idyllic town. “Gorgeously written and helmed by a protagonist with an indelibly fierce heart. (starred review from Kirkus)“Keen plotting, evocative writing, and dynamic characterization make French a writer to watch.” (starred review from Booklist)Seventeen-year-old Darcy Prentiss has long held the title of “town slut.” She knows how to have a good time, sure, but she isn’t doing anything all the guys haven’t done. But when you’re a girl with a reputation, every little thing that happens seems to keep people whispering—especially when your ex-be

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Book SynopsisFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author and rom-com queen Becky Albertalli comes a buoyant new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life, and, yes, theater. Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway. But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.   Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson̵

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Book SynopsisThe beloved author of Ms. Bixby’s Last Day and Posted returns with a humorous and heartwarming story of family, friendship, and miniature golf. For as long as he can remember, Malcolm has never felt like he was good enough. Not for his parents, who have always seemed at odds with each other, with Malcolm caught in between. And especially not for his dad, whose competitive drive and love for sports Malcolm has never shared. That is, until Malcolm discovers miniature golf, the one sport he actually enjoys. Maybe it’s the way in which every hole is a puzzle to be solved. Or the whimsy of the windmills and waterfalls that decorate the course. Or maybe it’s the slushies at the snack bar. But whatever the reason, something about mini golf just clicks for Malcolm. And best of all, it’s a sport his dad can’t possibly obsess over. Or so Malcolm thinks. Soon he is signed up for lessons and entere

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Book SynopsisThis special edition of Henry and Ribsy features the original illustrations by Louis Darling—the first artist to ever render Henry, Ribsy, Ramona, and Beezus—as well as a foreword written by the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the Origami Yoda series, Tom Angelberger.   In this humorous and heartfelt novel from Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary, the bond between a boy and his dog proves unbreakable, as Henry vows to stick up for Ribsy…even if he is a troublemaker! From the first moment Henry found Ribsy, the curious mutt was poking his nose into things he shouldn’t be. Whether terrorizing the garbage man, chasing cats, or gobbling Ramona Quimby’s ice cream cone, Henry’s four-legged pal has walked himself into one problem too many. So when Henry asks his dad if his pup can join them on the big fishing trip, Mr. Huggins agrees, but on one condition: R

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Book SynopsisThis special edition of Henry and the Clubhouse features the original illustrations by Louis Darling—the first artist to ever render Henry, Ribsy, Ramona, and Beezus—as well as a foreword written by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Fiery Ramona Quimby and the well-meaning Henry Huggins may clash, but in this delightful and hilariously told novel by Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary, an unlikely compromise wins the day.Henry and his friends are building a no-girls-allowed clubhouse. With a private space of their own away from everyone else—and even a top-secret entry password—they’re all thrilled with their boy fort.But Henry’s about to find out that nothing—not even a sign—will keep gutsy Ramona out of their clubhouse…and her retaliation may just ruin Henry’s newspaper career.

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Book SynopsisA Kirkus Best Book of 2019! From the critically acclaimed author of Just Like Jackie comes a strikingly tender novel about one family’s heartbreak and the compassion that carries them through, perfect for fans of Sara Pennypacker, Lisa Graff, and Ann M. Martin. It’s been almost a year since Rain’s brother Guthrie died, and her parents still don’t know it was all Rain’s fault. In fact, no one does—Rain buried her secret deep, no matter how heavy it weighs on her heart.So when her mom suggests moving the family from Vermont to New York City, Rain agrees. But life in the big city is different. She’s never seen so many people in one place—or felt more like an outsider.With her parents fighting more than ever and the anniversary of Guthrie’s death approaching, Rain is determined to keep her big secret close to her heart. But even she kn

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Though the author intricately portrays Sloane’s grief and guilt, her poignant take on the butterfly effect—including thought-provoking references to the Holocaust and its legacy—explores not only suicide and its aftermath, but survivors’ capacity to heal. …This is a sympathetic, thoughtful exploration of depression, suicide, grief, and healing.” — Kirkus Reviews “An equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming story about family secrets, the legacies of loss, and the ways we put ourselves back together after we’ve been shattered. The Survival List shows us how far we’ll go to understand the people we love, even after they’re gone. I couldn’t put it down.” — Julie Buxbaum, New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me Three Things “Nobody writes about family secrets with the grace, compassion, and intrigue of Courtney Sheinmel. The Survival List is a work of deep empathy, reminding us that we can never fully understand what’s going on in someone else’s life, but that there is enormous value in trying to find out.” — Leila Sales, author of This Song Will Save Your Life “With delicate balance, Sheinmel illuminates the suffering going on behind the scenes in daily lives that can lead to desperate acts and the hollowed-out aftermath of those left behind.” — Booklist "Sheinmel treats the topics of suicide and depression with nuance and compassion, beautifully conveying Sloane’s feelings of guilt for not being able to save Talley while gently, realistically refuting them." — Horn Book Magazine PRAISE FOR COURTNEY SHEINMEL: “With powerful messages of family and self-reliance, Sheinmel’s coming-of-age tale captivates with its masterful storytelling style and intricate detail.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Riveting and heartbreaking.” — Kirkus Reviews “Textured, rich, and evocative.” — Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Delirium and Before I Fall “A terrific read - smart, sexy, and shockingly scandalous. Sheinmel is at her absolute best.” — Sarah Mlynowski, author of Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn’t Have) “A deliciously decadent story of glamour, family secrets, and the twisted legacy of a tortured past. In other words, everything I’ve ever wanted, all in one book.” — Robin Wasserman, author of The Waking Dark “…a great read so full of surprises and twists that I kept saying out loud, ‘I didn’t see that coming.’” — Liane Freed, Watchung Booksellers, Montclair, NJ “ A richly told coming of age story of good intentions and family secrets, I read straight through, enjoying every last detail. This surely is a winner.” — Angela Mann, Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park, CA

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Book Synopsis“A fun and fast-paced romp.” —School Library JournalAli has always acted like a copycat to make friends, but when she unexpectedly inherits the ability to change her appearance at will, fitting in seems impossible! Luckily, with the help of her family, new friends, and a touch of magic, Ali might just survive middle school after all.Ali and her parents have moved at least once a year for as long as Ali can remember. She’s attended six different schools, lived in dozens of apartments, and never really felt at home anywhere.But Ali’s parents say living in Saint John, New Brunswick, will be different. They’ve moved in with Ali’s great-grandmother?a lively ninety-nine-year-old with a quirky old house and room for all of them. Ali wants to believe it will be their last move, but everything seems too perfect to be true.To Ali’s surprise, things a

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Book SynopsisThe nail-bitingly intense story of a summer at camp that ends in a disturbing death—and depicts a powerful friendship that won’t ever be forgotten. And despite Lainie’s painful obsession with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, and the ways he has tried to come between them, friends don’t spill each other’s secrets.Trade Review"Rissi (Always Forever Maybe) intersperses news reports, eyewitness testimony, personal letters and texts, and court transcripts to recount the eight summer weeks that led to a brutal murder at Camp Cavanick...Exceptional pacing creates a breathless, adrenaline-filled chase through Kayla’s memories." — Publishers Weekly "Musings on memory and perception add thematic complexity, and Kayla’s biting commentary on the role of gender and race in the trial offer more food for thought. Readers...will be satisfied by the psychological tension and twists here." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for TBH, THIS IS SO AWKWARD: “Srlsy, idk how Lisa does it. These characters are so real! XOXOXO!! <3” — Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author “Greenwald successfully blends emojis and text to bring the high drama and emotional changes of middle school to life. This first in a new series for preteens and young teens who value friendship and doing the right thing is pretty endearing.” — Kirkus Reviews “This gem of a book is sprinkled with just enough muscle. To all my tween book BFFs: you will adore TBH, This Is So Awkward.” — Terra Elan McVoy, bookseller at Little Shop of Stories and author of Drive Me Crazy “Lisa Greenwald goes beyond emojis to the power, both hurtful and helpful, inherent in this concentrated form of communication. Young readers (and their parents) will find characters who are cringe-worthily familiar!” — Starr LaTronica, Director, Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro, VT

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Book SynopsisThe third book in the funny and joyful series Katherine Applegate has called “tender and important,” by National Book Award finalist Elana K.

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Book SynopsisFrom the critically acclaimed author of Mascot comes this heartfelt novel, perfect for fans of John David Anderson and Cammie McGovern, about a girl searching for the meaning of family.Lola and Momma have always been a team of two. It hasn’t always been easy for Lola, being one of the only kids she knows with just one parent around. And lately she’s been feeling incomplete, like there’s a part of herself that she can’t know until she knows her dad.But what will happen—to Lola, to Momma, to their team of two—if she finds him?

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Book Synopsis“This book is a treasure—a touching story of friendship, loss, and finding beauty in the everyday, with characters who stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I absolutely loved it.”—R. J. Palacio, New York Times bestselling author of WonderLaurel Snyder, author of Orphan Island, returns with another unforgettable story of the moments in which we find out who we are, and the life-altering friendships that show us what we can be.The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah’s been adrift and alone.Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There’s something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find.But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.

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Book SynopsisThe third book in the hilarious middle-grade series about Mya, the cowgirl-loving fourth grader—perfect for fans of Ramona the Pest and Clementine. Things have changed in the Tibbs house, and Mya isn’t happy about it. She’s stuck in the middle between an exceptionally cute baby sister and an exceptionally smart older brother. And her tired parents seem to only notice the “exceptional” kids in the house.So when a class project lassoes Mya into starting her own school newspaper, she’s sure this will earn her the star status she wants from her parents. But the same project also gives Mya’s archenemy, Naomi Jackson, a chance to prove she is a better friend to the twins, Skye and Starr, than Mya is . . . and soon Mya feels caught in the middle again, just like at home. Good gravy in the navy!When Mya makes a monumental mistake in an effort to celebrate the twins, she stands to lose ever

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“What could be more treacherous than the realm of Briandalor, with its barbarians, wizards, warriors, assassins, and thieves? How about a modern middle school? You can’t help falling in love with this hilarious upside-down take on Dungeons and Dragons. I read; I cheered; I laughed out loud.” — Gordon Korman “Played out with impeccable, hilarious logic, the plot leads up an adventuresome learning curve to a brisk battle in a local mall with animated mannequins, a really high-stakes duel involving the evocatively named phone game Oink Pop, and a final realization that Bríandalör’s dangers, lore, glittering treasures, and opportunities for daring exploits seem a bit pale next to those of . . . exotic suburbia.” — Booklist (starred review) Praise for Hamstersaurus Rex: “A funny, lighthearted option for fans of Tom Angleberger.” — School Library Journal (starred review) Praise for Hamstersaurus Rex: “In the annals of class-petdom, few indeed could ever match aptly named Hamstersaurus Rex for loyalty and ferocity.” — ALA Booklist Praise for Hamstersaurus Rex: “O’Donnell kicks off a new series with an illustrated origin story sure to please fans of Betty G. Birney’s Humphrey and Lincoln Peirce’s Big Nate.” — Kirkus Reviews Praise for Hamstersaurux Rex vs. Squirrel Kong: “O’Donnell writes joyful silliness for readers with a budding adolescent sense of humor, and Squirrel Kong’s absurdism may resonate even with grumpy, neurotic adults. A pure blast of fun for readers who want something amusing and fast-paced.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisAmateur witch Willow Moss returns in her second quest to save the world of Starfell, adding a new adventure to this magical middle grade series perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett. Willow Moss once considered herself rather unimpressive. But after saving the world of Starfell from certain ruin, she’s feeling a tiny bit proud. The only problem? Since she restored the lost day, no one actually remembers that the disaster ever happened. So when her dear friend Nolin Sometimes sends her a desperate plea for help, Willow seizes the chance to prove herself once more. With the help of her old crew, Willow sets out on an adventure that takes her face to face with the mysterious Queen of the Undead—and if she fails, Willow, the finder of lost things, may lose her friends and her magic forever.

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Book SynopsisIntrepid young witch Willow Moss is back in a third installment of this magical middle grade series, perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett.For the first time ever, Willow Moss is going to school.Magical children have long been barred from attending school. And the sudden reversal of the rule by the mysterious (and nefarious) Brothers of Wol seems too good to be true. Why would they decide to change it now?Willow, though hesitant, embarks on this new path with her usual courage and determination. On her first day, she meets new friends Twist and Peg, who will soon become her next partners-in-adventure.Because Willow is about to be tasked with her most urgent mission yet: to protect the children of Starfell, uncover the mystery of a long-lost kingdom—and prevent the very source of all magic from falling into the wrong hands.  

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Book SynopsisFrom debut author Cameron Kelly Rosenblum comes a stunning teen novel that tackles love, grief, and mental health as one girl must process her friend’s death and ultimately learn how to stand in her own light. Perfect for fans of All the Bright Places and We Were Liars. It’s the summer before senior year. Reid is in the thick of Scofield High’s in-crowd thanks to her best friend, Hattie, who has been her social oxygen since middle school.But summer is when Hattie goes to her family’s Maine island home. Instead of sitting inside for eight weeks, waiting for her to return, Reid and their friend, Sam, enter into a pact—to live it up, one party at a time. But days before Hattie is due home, Reid finds out the shocking news that Hattie has died by suicide. Driven by a desperate need to understand what went wrong, Reid searches for answers.In doing so, she uncovers painful secrets about the person she thought she knew better than herself. And the truth will force Reid to reexamine everything.

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Book SynopsisTradition meets People Like Us in this timely and haunting YA contemporary standalone that tackles the contagious nature of toxic masculinity at an elite New England boarding school clinging to its past, and the sexual assault that changes everything.WHO WILL YOU BE AT LYCROFT PHELPS?This is the question all Lycroft applicants want to be asked. It means they’ve been accepted to one of the most prestigious private high schools in the nation.Over 150 years is plenty of time for traditions to bake into the campus’s bricks and ivy. Ceremonies. Athletic rivalries. Secret societies. Pranks taken too far. But navigating it all will make Charlotte (perfect, straight-A student), Max (scholarship kid and STEM whiz), and Quinn (artist, dreamer, Lycroft legacy) question all they thought they knew about themselves…and the school.Especially when Quinn’s sexual assault becomes p

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Book SynopsisThis adorable picture book, based on real-life stories, showcases popular duos like Mzee the tortoise and Owen the hippo and Koko the gorilla and her kittens, as well as lesser-known ones like Kumbali the cheetah and Kago the dog.Trade Review“‘Can you be friends with somebody who is…not at all like you?’ This cheerful account of surprising animal friendships assures readers and listeners that they can… The text is…appropriate for fledgling readers to read with an adult or on their own. Some of these stories may be familiar; others, not so widely publicized.” — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A Thousand Questions is infused with the author's abiding love for Pakistan and the cultural milieu of the country of her birth; the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Karachi are brought alive with affection, authenticity, and attention to detail. And at the core of this story is an unlikely friendship that crosses boundaries and breaks barriers, the kind of friendship that will lift readers' hearts and leave them smiling.” — Padma Venkatraman, author of The Bridge Home, winner of the Walter Award for Young Readers “With a big heart and a gentle touch, A Thousand Questions shows us how good friends can lend courage to each other, and how the right friendship at the right time can change your life. This is a beautiful book.” — Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs "Atmospheric and tender, this delightful story about the life-changing power of friendship is sure to capture the heart of many readers." — Jasmine Warga, author of Other Words For Home "Faruqi’s descriptions of modern Karachi are rich with sensory detail...A thoughtful portrait of friendship across class lines in modern Pakistan." — Kirkus Reviews "The likeable heroines develop a touching connection that enhances the fast-paced plot and counterpoints tense situations with their families. The novel’s observations about other societal issues—including religion, politics, wealth, and marriage—add thought-provoking touches." — Publishers Weekly "Faruqi writes in first person, with chapters alternating between Mimi’s and Sakina’s points of view, with each revealing misconceptions about the other’s culture. As they learn from their differences and similarities, the narrative is enriched by the dual perspective. The inviting book-jacket image suggests the story’s distinctive setting, the girls’ backgrounds, and their relationship, three fundamental elements of this engaging chapter book." — Booklist "Told through the girls' alternative points of view, the novel examines contemporary urban Pakistan in all its complexity. Faruqi threads issues of privilege, poverty, democracy, and the meaning of family throughout the book." — Horn Book Magazine

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