Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics

Book SynopsisCritically acclaimed author Nina Varela delivers a stunning sequel to the richly imagined queer epic fantasy Crier’s War, which SLJ called “perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass.” For too long, Automae have lorded over the kingdom of Rabu, oppressing its human citizens. But the human revolution has risen, and at its heart is Ayla. Once a handmaiden, now a fugitive, Ayla narrowly escaped the palace of Lady Crier, the girl she would’ve killed if she hadn’t fallen in love first.  Now Ayla has pledged her allegiance to Queen Junn, who can help accomplish the human rebellion’s ultimate goal: destroy the Iron Heart. Without its power, the Automae will be weakened to the point of extinction. Ayla wants to succeed, but can’t shake the strong feelings she’s developed for Crier. And unbeknownst to her, Crier has also fled the palace, taking up among traveling rebels, determined to find and protect Ayla. Even as their paths collide, nothing can prepare them for the dark secret underlying the Iron Heart.Trade Review"Thrilling. A richly developed conclusion to the duology." — School Library Journal

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Book Synopsis“A subtle, deceptively simple book about inclusion, hospitality, and welcoming the ‘other.’” —Kirkus Reviews “A boundlessly inclusive spirit...This open-ended picture book creates a natural springboard for discussion.” —Booklist “This sweet extended metaphor uses an umbrella to demonstrate how kindness and inclusion work...A lovely addition to any library collection, for classroom use or for sharing at home.” —School Library Journal In the tradition of Alison McGhee’s Someday, beloved illustrator Amy June Bates makes her authorial debut alongside her eleven-year-old daughter with this timely and timeless picture book about acceptance.By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn’t matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn’t matter how many legs you have. Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room. Lush illustrations and simple, lyrical text subtly address themes of inclusion and tolerance in this sweet story that accomplished illustrator Amy June Bates cowrote with her daughter, Juniper, while walking to school together in the rain.Trade ReviewIllustrator Bates applies her signature watercolor, gouache, and pencil style to a quiet story about a smiling umbrella, a tale sparked by a conversation with her seventh-grade daughter, co-author Juniper Bates.The eponymous rain protection is a big, red, friendly, helpful umbrella that sits near the front door and "likes to spread its arms wide" when it rains. As the pages turn, the umbrella grows in size, its smile ever widening, "to give shelter." It gathers all in—tall, hairy, plaid. "It doesn't matter how many legs you have," the omniscient narrator assures, as a basset hound droops forlornly outside its shelter before being welcomed in. While the book does not bill itself as political, it is hard to read it without thinking of current events—and of the umbrella as a metaphor for the United States. "Some people worry that there won't be enough room under the big umbrella," the narrator warns. "But the amazing thing is…there is." The final spread of this gentle picture book is an illustration of diverse people in a park: a black jogger; a white man in a wheelchair with a small dog on a leash; a brown woman wearing a hijab with a butterfly in her palms; two men and three children (in child seats), all of different skin colors, riding a tandem bike. A subtle, deceptively simple book about inclusion, hospitality, and welcoming the "other."(Picture book. 3-6) -- Kirkus * 11/1/17 *Wearing a yellow slicker and boots on a rainy day, a child carries an open red umbrella down a city street. On each page, a sentence lightly personifies the umbrella: “It likes to spread its arms wide. / It loves to give shelter. / It loves to gather people in.” More and more folks join the child under its rapidly expanding canopy, until, in the last illustration, the umbrella arches over a park filled with animals and culturally diverse, differently abled people, all enjoying themselves and their surroundings. The appealing watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations work beautifully with the text to tell the story. In contrast to the gray skies, the red umbrella stands out visually, creating a warm, cheerful space for those beneath it. The main attraction of this expansive picture book is neither the plot nor the concept, but the upwelling of a boundlessly inclusive spirit reminiscent of Leodhas and Hogrogian’s Caldecott-winning Always Room for One More (1965). Well designed for classroom read-aloud sessions, this open-ended picture book creates a natural springboard for discussion. -- Booklist * Nov 1, 2017 *This sweet extended metaphor uses an umbrella to demonstrate how kindness and inclusion work. The big umbrella waits by the door with a smile. “It is a big, friendly umbrella. It likes to help.” It’s a rainy day and help is welcome, so the umbrella, once opened, provides shelter to all comers. First to its owner, and then to a ballerina, a dog, a skater, a monster…there is no limit to how many can fit under its widespread arms. “Some people worry that there won’t be enough room under the big umbrella. But the amazing thing is…there is.” Bates’s signature sketchy watercolors begin the story on the endpapers with a downpour and heavy, wet clouds. The muted colors of the rainy cityscape give contrast to the smiling red umbrella and the folks it is protecting. Each page is lighter than the one before until the sun is out, and a final spread opens to show just how much room there is. Bates and her young daughter thought up the idea for this story during a rain storm. The message is direct but not didactic, useful in discussion about classroom and family behaviors, community-building and kindness in general, not to mention helpful for discussion about the current political climate. VERDICT A lovely addition to any library collection, for classroom use or for sharing at home. -- School Library Journal * December 1, 2017 *

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, Leaders introduces babies and toddlers to some of the greatest leaders from history and today in a sturdy board book format.

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Book SynopsisThe story of one girl’s quest for clarity and forgiveness after an awful, universe-gone-mad-mistake. From the internationally bestselling author of Girl in Pieces ‘Breathtaking and heartbreaking, and I loved it with all my heart.’ Jennifer Niven I thought I was done with death, at least a little bit, but death wasn't done with me. It’s always been Tiger and her mother against the world. Then, on a day like any other, Tiger’s mother dies. Now it’s Tiger, alone. And she must learn to make friends with the dark. ‘A rare and powerful novel...dives deep into the heart of grief and healing with honesty, empathy, and grace.’ Karen M. McManus ‘Magnificent. A beautiful, heartbreaking alleluia to survival.’ Brendan KielyTrade Review‘Lyrical, devastating, witty and raw – this is Kathleen Glasgow at her best. Her fans will not be disappointed to fall in love with Tiger Tolliver, no matter how much she breaks their hearts.’ Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, author of The Smell of Other People’s Houses‘Beautifully written and profoundly moving. From page one, Tiger Tolliver grabs your heart with her pain, her courage, her humor – and she doesn’t let go.’ Alyssa Sheinmel, New York Times bestselling author of A Danger to Herself and Others'Kathleen Glasgow is the rare type of skilled storyteller that knows you have to hurt your characters before putting them back together. I loved every word of this lyrical and devastating novel.' Kara Thomas, author of The Cheerleaders'This had me gripped from the very first page... The characters feel so real that you end up hurting for them.' Eve Ainsworth, author of Seven Days‘Lyrical and emotionally complex.’ Irish Times

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Book SynopsisPuffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child. Not a speck, not a stain on her gray school skirt and blue blouse to show what terrible thing had happened . . . If only by putting on something fresh and new, they could begin the day again.When twelve-year-old Sade''s mother is killed, she and her little brother Femi are forced to flee from their home in Nigeria to Britain. They''re not allowed to tell anyone - not even their best friends - as their whole journey is secret, dangerous - and illegal. Their dad promises to follow when he can, but once the children arrive in London, things go from bad to worse when they''re abandoned by the people they had been told would protect them.Sade faces challenge after challenge - but her dad has always taught her to stand up for what is right, and to tell the truth no matter what. And with that strength of spirit in her heart, Sade will find the courage to fight for the newTrade ReviewBeverley Naidoo breaks the rules, producing books for young people which recognize that they want to know about the real world * Guardian *This novel wholly deserves its classic status . . . still relevant and poignant * Booktrust *A marvellous read ... that refuels the desire for justice and freedom * Jon Snow *A marvellous read ... that refuels the desire for justice and freedom -- Jon SnowSometimes you have to break the rules, particularly when those rules are based on prejudice. Naidoo breaks the rules, producing books for young people which recognize that they want to know about the real world * Guardian *Genuinely enlightening ... gently moves the reader through areas that are hard to think about. * TES *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A very welcome addition to The Questioneers series (which launched Rosie Revere, Ada Twist and Iggy Peck) stars a Mexican-American girl in an inspirational story about standing up for what you believe in." -- The Bookseller“Partly a response to the political climate in the US, the book shows Sofia, a child of immigrants, overcoming obstacles becoming a great leader. The series excels in presenting relatable children who often fail before succeeding, rather than fully formed heroes.” -- The Observer“With the help of friends and neighbours, Sofia proves that everyone has the power to change their world. It’s another uplifting and positive story in the thoroughly excellent The Questioneers series, and go-getter Sofia is a wonderful role-model for us all." -- Andrea Reece, Love Reading 4 Kids"A hugely inspirational book that shows even the tiniest voice can get behind a mighty cause and make a difference!" -- Read it, Daddy!“It’s stirring stuff and brings to light that politics isn’t separate from us but it’s how we live our lives which is an important message for everyone. We love it!” -- Toppsta reviewer"I like how she stands up for her rights. The book makes me think about how I can be a better citizen and about how I can make choices that will help my town and my school." -- Toppsta reviewer"A great book for 5 to 10 year olds, it has a great message that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and aim high." -- Toppsta reviewer"This newest release is a delight and captures the magic of what it is like to be little and to imagine and to create." -- BookBairn"Andrea Beaty’s brilliant rhyming text tells Sofia’s story flawlessly, and David Roberts' characters and imagery are completely stunning. The pages showing the detail of the landfill alone will keep readers glued to the page, but it’s the brilliance of Roberts’ diversity of characters that leap out at you. Every one of the townspeople are unique, and Sofia’s Abuelo (grandpa) is a delightful creation, with his tasselled suede jacket and CND cap. Just perfect." -- The BookTrust"We love the 'Ada Twist, Scientist' and 'Rosie Revere, Engineer' books so much, we were thrilled to see this latest empowering and inspirational offering." -- The Sunday Post

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Book SynopsisA resistance novel for our time. The New York TimesA hopeful story about recovery, empathy, and the bravery of young people. Booklist This well-crafted and suspenseful novel touches on the topics of refugees and immigrant integration, terrorism, Islam, Islamophobia, and the Syrian war with sensitivity and grace. Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewFourteen-year-old Ahmed is stuck in a city that wants nothing to do with him. Newly arrived in Brussels, Belgium, Ahmed fled a life of uncertainty and suffering in Aleppo, Syria, only to lose his father on the perilous journey to the shores of Europe. Now Ahmed's struggling to get by on his own, but with no one left to trust and nowhere to go, he's starting to lose hope.Then he meets Max, a thirteen-year-old American boy from Washington, D.C. Lonely and homesick, Max is struggling at his new school and just can't seem to do anything right. But with one startling discovery

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Book SynopsisA 2018 Caldecott Honor Book that Kirkus Reviews calls a must-read for our times, A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple eventa long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and sonand between cultures, old and new. As a young boy, Bao and his father awoke early, hours before his father''s long work day began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in a Western city. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. A successful catch meant a fed family. Between hope-filled casts, Bao''s father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam. Thi Bui''s striking, evocative art paired with Phi''s expertly crafted prose has earned this powerful picture books six starred reviews and numerous awards.Trade ReviewAs deep and quietly moving as a fishing pond, Bao Phi’s tribute to family, parental sacrifice, and the profound understanding of children wrenches your heart with its beautiful and honest language and touching details. Phi uses the fishing trip—which at first seems to be simply a fun outing for father and son, but is in fact an act of survival—to relate one family’s relationship with their adopted country while also delving into the universal bond between children and parents or other adults. . . .A Different Pond is an exquisite story with wisdom and insight that will impact readers during quiet story times at home and in the classroom. The book would be a warm and welcome addition to home, school, and public library bookshelves. * Celebrate Picture Books *This 2018 Caldecott Honor Book brings together issues of diversity, culture, and immigration without using platitudes. The personal story offers many positive messages about family values that highlight the relationship between father and son and between cultures, old and new. Illustrator Thi Bui’s art offers a striking exhibit of Phi’s prose through illustrations with depth and a quiet, moving emotion. * Christian Library Journal *Telling turns of phrase appear with every page turn. The father’s broken English “sounds like a gentle rain,” and “his broken teeth shine white in the dark.” Also lyrical are paintings, deep blue under a starlit sky. Insets add lovely detail that conjure up memories, struggle and dreams. Focused on just one day, this poignant story makes a powerful statement about what it’s like to be a refugee, an immigrant, a new American. * San Francisco Gate *It’s a gift to witness Bao Phi’s storytelling spread from spoken word to children’s books in this beautifully told and illustrated story. . . .It touches a wealth of experiences—immigrant, refugee, Asian Pacific American, and the realities of the working poor. If the book doesn’t directly reference you or your family’s lived experience, it will strengthen your Solidarity Heart. * M is for Movement *...one of the best picture books of 2017, period. This collaboration between graphic novelist Thi Bui and poet Bao Phi is the moving, heart-tugging work you’d expect. Through the experience of an early morning father-son fishing trip, this book beautifully depicts the difficulties many immigrant families experience. * Cool Mom Picks *STARRED REVIEW! Phi’s bittersweet story of the resourcefulness of an immigrant family is lovingly illustrated in Bui’s evocative artwork. . . .This wistful, beautifully illustrated story will resonate not only with immigrant families but any family that has faced struggle. * Booklist *Simple yet profound, A Different Pond, by poet Bao Phi, shares the quiet strength of a Vietnamese family struggling to put food on the table, in a tale inspired by his own childhood experiences as a refugee in the mid-1970s. The night sky sparkles as the sun gradually rises in Thi Bui’s expressive illustrations as a father shares a quiet moment with his young son, fishing under a city bridge while the town sleeps. * Foreword Reviews *Caldecott Honor Prediction What do you think of when you think of a pre-dawn fishing trip? Darkness. Quiet. The world slowly coming alive with color. Thi Bui captures all of this in her illustrations for A Different Pond. Bold brushstrokes echo the weight of this family story, as color builds to toward the conclusion. * 100 Scope Notes *A Vietnamese American boy’s predawn fishing outing with his dad is the subject of a narrative shaped by an exquisite accounting of details. So much beyond the action is conveyed through beautifully weighted sentences. . . .The evocative art masterfully and movingly reveals details of character, setting, and action while superbly reflecting the warmth and intimacy of the story. * Read On Wisconsin, Cooperative Children's Book Center *Like much of Phi’s poetry, this book is simultaneous, multiple, about class and race and family, thick with love and loud in its subtleties, themselves a significant piece of the collaborative work of author and illustrator. . . .As Phi explained, while on the surface A Different Pond presents as a simple parent-child narrative, it is, at heart, a refugee tale. * Kartika Review *Told through the perspective of a child character, A Different Pond echoes aspects of Vietnamese immigrant experience portrayed in The Best We Could Do in a way that’s accessible for a young audience. And most important for a picturebook: Bui’s detailed illustrations are captivating, conveying a distinct sense of time and place and capturing the quiet poignancy of Phi’s prose. * Boston Athenæum? *...it gives quiet dignity to poverty experienced by new immigrants. . . .The illustrations impart a sense of tranquility with a minimalist color scheme. The expressions on the faces of the characters also tell the story of finding moments of happiness and joy in small moments despite hardship and poverty. In the final pages, the family quietly appreciates precious moments of time spent together, and this can summarize the Asian refugee experience: hard work, family, and gratitude. * Pragmatic Mom *Strong similes and poignant details reveal the warmth shared by a father and son on a cold early morning fishing adventure. The first-person narrative describes the family’s impoverishment, the father’s peaceful fishing in “another pond” and his refugee flight from Vietnam. * News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) *When I was a young kid in school, I would’ve loved to have read a story about other Vietnamese people. To be honest, I would’ve loved to have read anything remotely close to representing any Asian American experience. . . .Far too often, we neglect to tell the stories of the people who make up our schools and communities. When we do that, we are sending the message that you are not as important as others, that you live in the margins of the mainstream…that your story is not worth being told. After reading A Different Pond, it took me a while to process what this story meant to me as a reader, a Vietnamese American reader. I connected with the characters in ways that I’m not sure I can explain. * The Nerdy Book Club *STARRED REVIEW! A fishing trip is not just a fishing trip in this poignant, semiautobiographical tale. . . .Together, Phi's gentle, melodic prose and Bui's evocative art, presented in brushy and vividly colored panels and double-page spreads, rise above the melancholy to tell a powerful, multilayered story about family, memory, and the costs of becoming a refugee. Spare and simple, a must-read for our times. * Kirkus Reviews *Bao Phi’s memories of getting up in the dark to go fishing with his dad earned starred reviews from every major literary journal. A native of Vietnam, Bao Phi began this book as a poem and was urged by fellow members of the local children’s lit community to turn it into a book. . . .Lovely prose, lovely pictures. * Pioneer Press, "Books from Minnesota authors you’ll want on your holiday gift li *A Different Pond raises awareness of the financial struggles some refugees face. . . .We see throughout the pages how hard the family works to live in America. We also see how much they love each other. Readers will feel compassion for refugees after reading this remarkable book. * Knowledge Quest, AASL *What happens when a cartoonist/graphic novelist is tasked with illustrating a picture book? The result in this case is a phenomenal piece of work that intensely captures mood and tells an unforgettable story of endurance. . . .What a story of hope! But more importantly for the Caldecott committee, a perfect execution of combining picture-book techniques with those of graphic novels. I am impressed by how Bui seamlessly tells an authentic story of family and tradition, evoking a particular mood and theme, both of which last the length of the book and beyond. * Calling Caldecott, Horn Book *This is a dignified portrait of new immigrants and how hard they work to get established in a new country. Despite working around the clock, the family is grateful for what they have and for their time together. * Pragmatic Mom *A beautiful and powerful story about family, culture, sacrifice, memories of home, and life as a refugee. Phi's smooth prose and Bui's evocative illustrations combine to tell the story of a simple but profound fishing trip between father and son that carries with it so many of the hopes, dreams, and challenges of the immigrant experience. * Brightly, "The Best Children’s and YA Books of August 2017" *STARRED REVIEW! This gorgeous tale about a father/son fishing trip shows the interconnectedness of family and the inexorable way that generational history impacts the present. . . .Bui’s cinematic illustrations make use of panels and weighted lines, evoking the perfect background or facial expression for each piece of text. The text placement and composition of the illustrations allow each occurrence or observation to be its own distinct event, stringing together the small, discrete moments that make up a life, a memory, and a history into a cohesive whole. This gentle coming-of-age story is filled with loving, important aspects of the immigrant experience and is a first purchase for all libraries. * School Library Journal *Top 10 Picture Books about Finding Home. On a predawn fishing trip, a boy learns about his Vietnamese father’s past, gaining an appreciation for his resourcefulness and their lives together in America. * Booklist *What impresses me most about reading Bao Phi’s A Different Pond is the intertwining of important values of Vietnamese culture throughout the pages: family, faith, food, hope, and belief. The bonding between father-son is incredible and inspiring. The young boy feels trusted, important, smart, strong, capable, and loved. His father has shaped who he will become later in life and to always DREAM BIG. . . .A “Picture Perfect” and welcome addition to any refugee families and beyond. * Phuoc Thi Minh Tran, storyteller, and award-winning author *Top 10 Diverse Picture Book. This wistful, beautifully illustrated story describes how a Vietnamese American man and his young son head out before dawn to fish for their supper in a nearby lake. * Booklist *What an exquisite book about immigrant family life, aching through lovingly rendered details. From the peeling labels on the reused Miracle Whip jars, to the Spanish/English signs on the 24-hour bait shop, to the young boy who asks why his father must work two jobs – this is a picture book unlike most others I’ve ever seen. . . .From poet Bao Phi’s lovely descriptions of minnows that swim “like silver arrows” to Thi Bui’s gorgeous, emotive illustrations in muted blues and greens, this is a quietly powerful book that will resonate across and beyond immigrant and refugee families. * International Examiner *STARRED REVIEW! Hours before sunrise, a father and son go fishing for that night’s meal. So begins this powerfully understated picture book, which shifts the focus of the refugee narrative from the harrowing journey to the reality awaiting the family members once they reach their destination (in this case, the United States). With evocative detail and a keen ear for metaphor...Phi hints at the family’s joys and struggles. . . .The father and son return home that morning with a fish but, more importantly, a fond memory that will help make this new country feel like home. The ponds may be different here, but the water reflects life just the same. * Horn Book *STARRED REVIEW! A Different Pond isn't a story in the traditional sense--there's no wedge-like event to disrupt the narrative's flow. But conflicts that happened offscreen shape the narrative into one family's story. . . .Bao Phi, a poet, gives the narrator's words an occasional lyricism. . . .Playing off the writing's grace is Thi Bui's art, in which characters tend to be rendered more simply than their painterly backgrounds. * Shelf Awareness *STARRED REVIEW! Graphic novel panels and strong figures give the pages the air of a documentary as Phi celebrates an unexpected superhero: a father who endures a strange new culture, works to support his family, cherishes time with his son, and draws no attention to the sacrifices he’s made. * Publishers Weekly *Nationally recognized spoken word poet and community activist Bao Phi, together with graphic novelist Thi Bui, recalls a story about waking up early to go fishing with his father at a small pond in Minneapolis before his father went to work. Unlike other fishermen, however, they were fishing to feed their family, not for fun. While fishing, Phi's father told him about another pond that he knew — one in Vietnam. * NBC News, Books Featuring Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders for Kids and Teens *This book not only looks good and reads beautifully but it shows the practical day-to-day solutions of surviving in America for some families. * A Fuse 8 Production, School Library Journal *When a boy and his father rise before dawn to fish for dinner, the father spends the time reminiscing about fishing as a child in Vietnam. This is another gorgeous narrative for comprehension strategy instruction that is also a great writing mentor text. * We Are Teachers *Minneapolis writer Bao Phi is a poet, and this lovely book — told through the eyes of the little boy — employs the same economy of language and vivid imagery as any fine poem. Themes of immigration, hard work, racism and the uniting power of nature are touched on lightly and naturally. Thi Bui’s nighttime illustrations glow. * Star Tribune *...One of my favorite picture books of the last couple years because of its wonderful layers. Not only does it serve as a window into a Vietnamese American experiencefor me, it also serves as a window for the young protagonist in the story, as he wonders about his father’s life back in Vietnam. * Los Angeles Times *“A Different Pond” is written to be read by school-aged children, but can and should be enjoyed by adults as well. The discussion that will most likely follow is an important one that could lead to some big questions. That is, in large part, the beauty of what makes “A Different Pond” more than just another kid’s book. Both Phi and Bui should be applauded for their successful efforts in tackling an important and sensitive subject in a way that breeds a deeper understanding of an often overlooked struggle. * Forest Lake Times *A Vietnamese American boy’s predawn fishing outing with his dad is the subject of a narrative shaped by an exquisite accounting of details. So much beyond the action is conveyed through beautifully weighted sentences. . . .The evocative art masterfully and movingly conveys details of character, setting, and action while superbly reflecting the warmth and intimacy of the story. * CCBlogC, Cooperative Children's Book Center *Despite the tinge of sadness, this tale (based on the author’s family experiences) is quietly uplifting. The family struggles, but it manages, and the shadowy predawn peace infuses the father/son relationship with contentment. The young audience will appreciate Bui’s visual transformation of a gritty urban waterside into a scene of moonlit adventure, but older children of a more thoughtful bent will also discern that many people are awake in the dark on a mission to get by. . . .In his author’s note, Phi offers background on his father and their fishing trips “for food, not for sport,” which he admits to appreciating more as an adult than he did as a child. That’s something worth talking about. * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *The beauty's in the subtle, evocative detail. This is a moving father-son story as well as an immigrant/refugee story, and a shining example of picture books at their best. . . .This tale is so artfully rendered in text and art, readers will be very glad they came along on this intimate family fishing trip. * Common Sense Media *Socially relevant, artistic, and lyrical, this book belongs on everyone’s bookshelf. A Different Pond is a story that needs to be told and both writer and illustrator render it with specificity and depth. This is an immigrant story like none I have read before and I am so glad books like this are available for young people. * Raise Them Righteous *A strong, quiet story about love, family connection, and the way community is built on small shared moments. Bao Phi’s clear prose tells a story where perhaps not much seems to happen, but in which the whole world is illuminated for a child by his father. Thi Bui’s illustrations bring the reader into the life of a boy, a family, and the community where they live. * Autumn 2017 Kids' Indie Next List *I’m not usually all about the cover, but when I saw this cover, I stopped looking at all the other books near it and swooped in to check it out. It’s not your average picture book cover, right? Has more a feel of a graphic novel cover, maybe? It’s certainly unusual, and the cover is no bait-and-switch: that quality of freshness and originality continues after you open the book and begin to read. * Calling Caldecott, Horn Book *The illustrations and prose help us feel the stillness of the early morning hours and the strong bond between father and son. . . .This moving autobiographical picture book of an immigrant family gives us much to appreciate and ponder. * Imagination Soup *A seemingly simple tale about a boy getting up before dawn to go fishing with his father is gradually enriched by a wealth of small textual and visual details that vividly evoke the lived experience of growing up poor as the child of Vietnamese refugees. . . .What’s most impressive is how delicate a balance the story strikes. The painful necessity of a workday that begins before dawn, of what it takes to put food on the table, coexists with moments of adventure, peace, and intimacy between father and son. * Public Books *...Bao Phi delivers the story of an immigrant family that honors its past while navigating a new home. * Edutopia *Phi’s autobiographical picture book in verse explores the struggles of a Vietnamese immigrant family. * Publishers Weekly, "Children’s Books Exploring the Refugee Crisis" *The illustrations tenderly convey the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the young boy as he spends this special time with his father. * Barnes & Noble Kids blog *As told by poet Phi’s spare language, an unnamed Vietnamese boy joins his father for a predawn fishing outing on a Minnesota pond. The father’s fractured English sounds like “gentle rain,” even as he alludes to a different pond in troubled Vietnam, before he fled Saigon. Bui’s deep blues and slightly rough-edged illustrations perfectly complement this touching and hopeful story. * School Library Journal, "25 Titles and Resources To Explore the Vietnam War" *Solemn and truthful, A Different Pond gives us one day through which to view the life of a refugee family working to thrive in a new country. On an artistic level, A Different Pond is a collaborative success. Based on his own childhood experience, author Bao Phi narrates as a child would, with straightforward language, enhanced with moments of poetic description. . . .Graphic artist Thi Bui...tells a compelling story in the faces of her characters. Bui’s renderings are colorful but low-key, giving a sense of calm, of well-worn habits, of family sharing. . . .Bui and Phi’s book would fit perfectly into school units on multiculturalism and the refugee experience. We all have stories of difficulty and obstacles; A Different Pond is a profound reminder of what we do every day to lift our families up and how we tell—and cherish—those stories. * BookPage *The book shows the interconnection of family and the inexorable way that generational history impacts the present. * TODAY, "7 books kids should read this summer, according to a school librarian" *Phi tells the story of an early morning fishing trip with his father in Minnesota, interwoven with subtle tells of the difficulty of their working-class refugee life, the trauma of war, and the warmth of family bonds. . . .Thi Bui’s illustrations bring the warmth and tenderness of Phi’s childhood memories to life. Together, the words and pictures combine to create a window to this young boy’s world, creating the possibility for empathy, understanding and care... * Psychology Today, "Vietnamese American Refugee Stories Win Acclaim" *The early scenes of father and son together under inky-blue skies studded with stars inspire awe. The lovingly drawn details of simple, crowded rooms call forth the warmth of home and family. You don’t quite realize that author and illustrator are building to a real conclusion, one of the many delights of this powerful immigration story. * Chicago Tribune *A moving read. . . .It’s easy to tell Phi is a poet from his beautiful and powerful prose. He intricately weaves together the past and present while telling important and poignant stories. * Brightly, "17 New Authors of Color Writing Much-Needed Stories for Kids" *The story is quiet and gentle. . . .In the author’s note, Phi, whose family came to Minnesota as refugees from Vietnam, says he has written the story to honor the struggles of his parents, and to acknowledge the history which was a part of their lives. . . .These books encourage us to reflect on a difficult and divisive part of our recent national history. They also encourage us to think about recent immigrants in a time when their presence in the United States is part of a national debate. * Park Rapids Enterprise, "Two new books urge reflection about immigration" *In the book a boy goes fishing with his father. That would normally be the kind of thing you’d find in a lot of father-son bonding books, but the difference here is that to get to the water they have to climb over road barriers. The two are in Minneapolis at a spot not specifically designated for fishing. They do it to supplement the parents’ income and refrigerator in a practical manner before the dad goes off to the first of his two jobs. Phi explains that his parents fled Vietnam after the war and faced prejudice and potential poverty when they settled in the States. Reading the book, I wondered how clear it would be to child readers what was going on. For an adult, the moment when they climb over the road barriers and go down the hill to the water is a big clue. For kids, they may or may not pay attention to the economics behind the father’s decision. They might just think it’s cool that a dad would go early morning fishing with his son before his job. Whatever the case, it’s a great book. * A Fuse 8 Production, School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller! Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people?Tahereh Mafi?s first in an epic, romantic trilogy inspired by Persian mythology.To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can?t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom?and the world.Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Tomi Adeyemi, and Sabaa Tahir, this is the explosive first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-nominated author Tahereh Mafi.?In a tale as exquisitely crafted as one of Alizeh?s own garments, Mafi weaves a spell of destiny and danger, forbidden love and courtly intrigue, magic and revolution.??Cassandra Clare, #1 New York Times bestselling author ofThe Last Hours?This Woven Kingdomis an exquisite fantasy. Rich with clever prose, delicious twists, and breathtaking world building. Prepare to be destroyed?this one will wrench at your heart and make it pound, and in the end it will leave you entirely speechless.??Stephanie Garber, #1New York Timesbestselling author of the Caraval series

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Book SynopsisMarcus Rashford MBE is Manchester United's iconic number 10 and an England International footballer. In October 2020 he was appointed MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.Marcus has committed himself to combating child poverty in the UK and his books You Are a Champion, You Can Do It and Heroes are inspiring guides for children about reaching their full potential.Alongside his non-fiction, Marcus is also the author of the bestselling The Breakfast Club Adventures series, fiction books that aim to inspire a love of reading in children and show them that adventure can be found anywhere.Carl Anka is a London-born journalist and broadcaster who likes his tea with milk and one sugar. He has written for BBC, Guardian, VICE, NME, GQ and BuzzFeed among other publications online and in print and specialises in writing about pop culture, video games, films and football. Currently a reporterTrade ReviewMarcus has spoken for, and inspired, millions of children who are from similar backgrounds to him, helping them to see that your current situation does not have to determine where you are going. That is so so powerful. -- Siya Kolisi, South African rugby captain and world cup winner on You Are a Championa thoroughly enjoyable read for both children and adults alike. * Irish Examiner on You Are a Champion *An invaluable read for older readers as well as young football fans, this is a wry, moving, and memorable book for finding your way in the world. * BookTrust on You Are a Champion *There’s serious stuff here, but delivered in such an accessible manner that all children will relate to it. * Daily Mail on You Are a Champion *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“With a perfect balance of snark, keen observation, and wry humor, Ben Philippe has given us the brilliant Norris Kaplan—by far, the funniest, wittiest, smartest character I’ve ever read! Norris Kaplan would be the perfect teen host for The Daily Show!” — Ibi Zoboi, author of American Street, National Book Award finalist “A witty debut with whip-smart dialogue that will find much love among fans of authors like John Green and Jason Reynolds.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “In Philippe’s funny debut, 16-year-old black French-Canadian Norris Kaplan must navigate life and love in Austin, Tex., after he and his mother move there... Philippe has a gift for dialogue and touches on a few instances of racism with sensitivity and humor in this crowd-pleaser.” — Publishers Weekly “A refreshing, captivating read, one which will definitely appeal to its teen target audience but will also satisfy older readers, who will appreciate its clarity and emotional acuity.” — Toronto Star “Ben Philippe’s sparkling dialogue along with prose that occasionally borders on lyrical (although in a completely cool, hip, manly way) is sure to delight readers. Norris’ evolution from cynical outsider to caring insider is a journey well-worth following—especially as it’s accompanied with laugh out loud moments [and]insightful revelations.” — New York Journal of Books “It’s no longer tenable to imagine that the anxieties of a white heterosexual young man expelled from an expensive prep school capture the spirit of our era. Today’s snarky young anti-hero instead looks like Norris, the black French Canadian boy in The Field Guide to the North American Teenager.” — Ron Charles, The Washington Post

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Book SynopsisIn this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Malala Yousafzai, the incredible activist for girls' education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate​.

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Book SynopsisJamal loves playing football, which isn''t easy if your goalie only has one leg and you keep having to dodge landmines to get your ball back. Jamal''s stubborn little sister Bibi is even better at football than Jamal. But girls playing football is against the law in Afganistan. When it is discovered that Jamal''s mother has been secretly running a school, the family must leave their home immediately and begin a long and dangerous journey to Australia. The children survive separation from their parents, hunger, and violent smugglers only to find that Australia isn''t as welcoming as they had thought but, even though they face an uncertain future, Jamal, Bibi and their parents know that as long as they are together, that is all that matters.

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Book SynopsisAn American classic with a refrain that millions of kids love to chant: Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.Once upon a time there was an old man and an old woman who were very lonely. They decided to get a cat, but when the old man went out searching, he found not one cat, but millions and billions and trillions of cats! Unable to decide which one would be the best pet, he brought them all home. How the old couple came to have just one cat to call their own is a classic tale that has been loved for generations. Winner of a Newbery Honor, this collector''s edition—featuring a heavy interior stock, spot gloss and embossing on the cover, and a thread-sewn binding—will bring this beloved tale to a whole new generation of readers.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times bestseller! This sparkling edition includes a special case stamping, bonus content, and a teaser to book two in this heart-pounding series! Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, this young adult fantasy follows the forbidden romance between a powerful prince and an ordinary girl as they try to survive their kingdom’s grueling laws pitting them against each other.She is the very thing he’s spent his whole life hunting. He is the very thing she’s spent her whole life pretending to be. Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya—the exceptional, the empowered, the Elites. The powers these Elites have possessed for decades were graciously gifted to them by the Plague, though not all were fortunate enough to both survive the sickness and reap the reward. Those born Ordinary are just that—ordinary. And when the king decreed that all Ordinaries be banished to preserve his Elite society, lacking an ability suddenly became a crime—making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity. Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn knows this better than most. Having been trained by her father to be keenly observant since she was a child, Paedyn poses as a Psychic in the crowded city, blending in with the Elites as best she can to stay alive and out of trouble…easier said than done. When Paeydn unsuspectingly saves one of Ilya’s princes, she finds herself thrown into the Purging Trials. The brutal competition exists to showcase the Elites’ powers—the very thing Paedyn lacks. If the Trials and the opponents within them don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for certainly will if he discovers what she is…completely Ordinary.

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Book SynopsisAn accessible, engaging and essential introduction to the British empire for readers aged 9+, by bestselling author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.You''ve probably heard the word ''empire'' before. Perhaps because of the Roman empire. Or maybe even the Star Wars films.But what about the British Empire? Why don''t we learn much about this? And what even is an empire, anyway?This book will answer all the important questions about Britain''s imperial history. It will explore how Britain''s empire once made it the most powerful nation on earth, and how it still affects our lives in many ways today - from the words we use, to the food we eat, the sports we play and even to every grown-up''s fixation with a good cup of tea.Because how can we ever make the world a kinder, better place for the future, if we don''t know the truth about the past?I''ve resisted suggestions that I write a kids'' book on empire on the grounds that I didn''t Trade ReviewSomething that really comes across in the book is Sanghera's faith in young people...to form their own judgements about the British Empire. * The Bookseller *Conversational...with humour that feels ideally pitched to the older children it is aimed at. * The Financial Times *Stolen History is the perfect book for every school. All our young people need to know the truth about the British Empire. This book is accessible, expertly written and hugely important. * Jasbinder Bilan - Award Winning Children’s Author *Illuminating * Nigella Lawson *Accessible whilst imparting broad knowledge, appealingly pitched but deeply serious, this historically rigorous book is a must-read for any child who wants to know the basic facts of empire but also to gain an accurate sense of the wide variety of colonial activities which happened during four centuries of British colonial rule. Stolen History will inform a whole generation. Parents should read it too! * Corinne Fowler, Professor of Colonialism and Heritage, University of Leicester *Stolen History is a truly remarkable achievement: an historically accurate, diligently researched and nuanced account of the British Empire that is also gripping for younger readers. I know of no other writer who could have accomplished such a feat. * Professor Alan Lester FRHistS, Professor of Historical Geography and Professor of History, La Trobe University *Sanghera brilliantly demonstrates that history doesn't have to be dumbed down to be made accessible, nor does it need to be sensationalized to seem relevant. Written with integrity and a deep commitment to reveal how the past has shaped our present, the book will make young readers engage with history as more than just entertainment and it will encourage them to ask new questions. * Kim A. Wagner, Professor of Global and Imperial History, School of History Queen Mary, University of London *

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Book SynopsisCreated as a companion book to the Children's non-fiction picture book, Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes, this book gives neurodivergent children the opportunity to identify activities and emotions that they can relate to and enjoy.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Bestseller!Axie Oh''s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is an enthralling feminist retelling of the classic Korean folktale The Tale of Shim Cheong, perfect for fans of Wintersong, Uprooted, and Miyazaki's Spirited Away.Deadly storms have ravaged Mina's homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God's bride, in the hopes that one day the true bride will be chosen and end the suffering.Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the villageand the beloved of Mina's older brother Joonmay be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea,

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Book SynopsisOVER 2 MILLION COPIES SOLD OF THE #1 BESTSELLING SERIES! Don't miss this New York Times bestselling "impossible to put down" (Buzzfeed) novel with deadly stakes, thrilling twists, and juicy secrets -- perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out. Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why -- or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch -- and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic,

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Book SynopsisOVER 6 MILLION COPIES SOLD OF THE #1 BESTSELLING SERIES!Avery’s fortune, life, and loves are on the line in the game that everyone will be talking about. To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life. And the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers. Her life is intertwined with theirs. She knows their secrets and they know her.   But as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help—and whose presence in Hawthorne House could change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player.  Secrets upon secrets. Riddles upon riddles. In this game, there are hearts and lives at stake—and there is nothing more Hawthorne than winning.**Don’t miss a moment of The Inheritance Games Saga, including the Grandest Game, the thrilling new series set in the world of the Inheritance Games.   Reading them all? The ideal reading order is: The Inheritance Games, The Hawthorne Legacy, The Final Gambit, The Brothers Hawthorne, The Grandest Game, Games Untold, Glorious Rivals, and The Same Backward as Forward.   Looking for more unputdownable reads from Jennifer Lynn Barnes? Check out The Naturals series (The Naturals, Killer Instinct, All In, Bad Blood, and the enovella, Twelve), The Debutantes duet (Little White Lies, Deadly Little Scandals), and The Lovely and the Lost

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Book SynopsisThe most magical things can happen even on the rainiest of days... How many people can you fit under one umbrella? It wasn’t even meant to rain the day the blue umbrella turned up, but for the people who used it that day, they found something more than just shelter: something truly amazing had happened. A community had come together, bound by kindness and friendship.Trade Review"A warm message lightly told and beautifully illustrated" * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisThe story of a Palestinian family’s ties to the land, and how one young girl finds a way to care for her home, even as she says goodbye.It’s 1967 in Nablus, Palestine.Oraib loves the olive trees that grow outside the refugee camp where she lives. Each harvest, she and her mama pick the small fruits and she eagerly stomp stomp stomps on them to release their golden oil. Olives have always tied her family to the land, as Oraib learns from the stories Mama tells of a home before war. But war has come to their door once more, forcing them to flee. Even as her family is uprooted, Oraib makes a solemn promise to her beloved olive trees. She will see to it that their legacy lives on for generations to come.Debut author-illustrator Aya Ghanameh boldly paints a tale of bitterness, hope, and the power of believing in a free and thriving future.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Academic rivals portrayed to perfection… An all-time top favorite." —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends "Utterly unique, thought-provoking, and wonderfully written, If You Could See the Sun was a thrilling ride that hooked me from start to finish. Ann Liang is a fantastic new voice in YA!" —Gloria Chao, author of American Panda and Rent a Boyfriend"Absolutely breathtaking. If You Could See the Sun is a clever, compassionate examination of class, privilege, and the American Dream, with characters you can't help but root for. Liang is a rising star in YA fiction." —Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief"Liang’s debut is dark academia at its finest with a supernatural twist. You can’t help but root for Alice when secrets and blackmail rise to the surface at Airington." —Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and FortuneAN INDIE NEXT PICKA YALSA BEST FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS SELECTIONA BUZZFEED BEST YA BOOK OF THE YEARA POPSUGAR BEST YA BOOK OF THE YEAR"An intriguing genre-crossing debut." —Kirkus Reviews"Liang paints a clear picture of what it’s like to struggle for certain advantages that are seemingly handed to others, skillfully exploring themes of classism and privilege via a sympathetic protagonist who feels—sometimes literally—invisible." —Publishers Weekly"Smart, funny, and poignant, this book is a tremendously fun read... This debut will satisfy any reader looking for a fun caper with a dash of magic." —Booklist"A very entertaining and fun commentary on deep social issues, this book is set to be a classic." —NPR

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Book SynopsisWhat have you done that is kind, little one?This colourful picture book teaches children what kindness is, how it feels, and how to show it to other people. Cheerful and beautifully illustrated, the story follows a bright, kind flower who learns how to spread kindness. First Emotions: I Feel Kind is a fun and interactive board book for 3-5-year-olds that guides young children on how to understand big emotions through storytelling. Inside you''ll find: - Clear questions directed at young readers that create an interactive learning experience- Illustrations and bright colours that engage young children- A simple and easy-to-understand approach to explaining emotionsA wonderful introduction to the emotion, kindness! The book teaches youngsters how little acts of kindness in everyday life can positively impact friends, parents, and teachers. Adorable illustrated characters and minimal text make this feelings book the perfect first book for young children to enjoy. Through the story and illustrations, children learn emotional intelligence - they are encouraged to show kindness every day and realise that big or small acts make a difference. A healthy dose of warm fuzzy feelings will help young ones flourish and become happy, well-rounded individuals!DK has published a range of emotions books for toddlers and young children that help parents, carers, and preschool teachers support social and emotional skills. Other books in the series include I Feel Sad, I Feel Proud, I Feel Angry, How Am I Feeling?

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Book SynopsisI want to show you how you can be a champion in almost anything you put your mind to. Marcus Rashford MBE is famous worldwide for his skills both on and off the pitch – but before he was a Manchester United and England footballer, and long before he started his inspiring campaign to end child food poverty, he was just an ordinary kid from Wythenshawe, South Manchester. Now the nation's favourite footballer wants to show YOU how to achieve your dreams, in this positive and inspiring guide for life.Written with journalist Carl Anka, You Are a Champion is packed full of stories from Marcus’s own life, plus brilliant advice and top-tips from performance psychologist Katie Warriner. It will show you how to be the very BEST that you can be.It shows kids how to:- Be comfortable with who you are – you can't be a champion until you're happy being you!- Dream big- Practise like a champion- Get out of your comfort zone and learn from your mistakes- Navigate adversity in a positive way- Find your team- Use your voice and stand up for others- Never stop learningWith an afterword by Tim S. Grover, trainer and mentor to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.A book that unlocks the joy of reading:From parents on social media:'My 8 year old decided to finally read a book that wasn't school related.''Thank you for inspiring young readers.''Hates reading but bought his first book today.'Trade ReviewMarcus has spoken for, and inspired, millions of children who are from similar backgrounds to him, helping them to see that your current situation does not have to determine where you are going. That is so so powerful. -- Siya Kolisi, South African rugby captain and world cup winnerIt makes perfect sense that he [Marcus] should have written a motivational self-help book for kids (with Carl Anka). Conversational enough for the reluctant reader, but actually packed full of top-flight sports psychology and no little depth. * Guardian *It’s down to earth, practical, and written with his trademark warmth and empathy. As he says: “When you believe in yourself, incredible things can happen.” Every young person should read this book. * Daily Express *[Marcus] shares life lessons and practical advice he wishes he had read as a boy, encouraging reading, hard work, team-building, confidence and humility. Enlivened with anecdotes, diagrams and silhouettes, this is clear, sensible and inspiring for any age. * The Times, Best Children's Books for Summer 2021 *Written with journalist Carl Anka, this is an empowering read touching on the themes of building confidence, setting goals and finding your passion. Rashford starts the book by saying it’s one he wished he had growing up, and many adults reading alongside their children will agree with this sentiment. * Independent *a thoroughly enjoyable read for both children and adults alike. * Irish Examiner *An invaluable read for older readers as well as young football fans, this is a wry, moving, and memorable book for finding your way in the world. * BookTrust *There’s serious stuff here, but delivered in such an accessible manner that all children will relate to it. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado, these 100 devotions will help kids worry less, bravely try new things, and draw closer to God as they learn to trust His faithfulness.Adapted from the encouraging devotional for adults, You Can Count on God teaches children that they can depend on God because He will never leave them and will love them unconditionally. Each of the 100 entries includes a comforting Bible verse and a short devotion that show an example of God''s faithfulness; presents the message that God is trustworthy in a way that children, ages 6 to 10, can understand; reassures kids that God can help them with their challenges, sorrows, loneliness, and questions; offers a takeaway section with a key point, reflection question, or prayer to guide kids in understanding and applying the biblical truth; and is perfect for families to read together or for older rea

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Book SynopsisInternational Peace Day is September 21st. On this day and every day throughout the year, children all over the world wish for peace. Karen Katz takes readers on a bright and colourful journey around the globe to meet some of these children and learn about the many ways to say peace!

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Book SynopsisA guide to tackling the climate crisis from a prominent activist working on the front lines! Mikaela Loach''s approach is one of HOPE and big-hearted optimism, inspiring kids and making them feel truly empowered to change the world.Kids hear about the climate crisis pretty much every day. From their parents, from their teachers, on social media, and in the news, there is no escaping it. Against a broader backdrop of social inequity and unfairness, it''s easy for young people to feel a sense of doom and gloom about everything and to feel powerless.In CLIMATE IS JUST THE START, UK-based climate activist Mikaela Loach offers her urgent and inspiring message for kids who want to STOP the climate crisis and START building a better world for everyone. Mikaela explains the climate crisis and its broader social implications through personal stories about her activism journey. She writes about friends from around the world who are experiencing the worst of it today and about what they are doing to fight back. She delivers a message or not only hope, but of excitement for the opportunity to create not only a sustainable future for Earth, but better lives for people in the process.Mikaela is truly on the front lines of the climate movement: leading street protests, confronting fossil fuel executives, taking the UK government to court, and speaking up to those in power. Not only will kids love engage with her style, they will be inspired by her example.

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Book SynopsisWhen Isabel and her family move to the United States, Isabel misses all the things she left behind in Mexico, especially her aunt Lupita and hearing people speak Spanish. But she also experiences some wonderful new things--her first snow storm and a teacher who does not speak Spanish but has a big smile. Even better, Papa and her brother Chavo help her turn a big box into her own quiet place, where she keeps her books and toys and writes letters to Aunt Lupita. As she decorates and adds more and more on to her quiet place, it is here that Isabel feels the most at home in her new country while she learns to adjust to the changes in her life. Set in the 1950s and told through Isabel''s letters to her aunt, Sarah Stewart and Caldecott Medalist David Small have created a charming and unforgettable young heroine who will win the hearts of readers in this story of immigration and assimilation. The Quiet Place is a Kirkus Reviews Best Children''s Book of 2012

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Book SynopsisDreamer. Rebel. Hero.Wadjda has one simple wish - to race her friend Abdullah on her very own bicycle. But in Saudi Arabia, it is considered improper for girls to ride bikes and her parents forbid her from having one. Sick of playing by the rules, Wadjda schemes different ways to make money and buy the bike herself. But freedom comes at a high price . . .Set against the shifting social attitudes of the Middle East, The Green Bicycle explores gender roles, conformity, and the importance of family, all with wit and irresistible heart.Trade ReviewGuaranteed to charm * Variety *

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Book SynopsisLlama, Llama red pajamawaiting, waiting for his mama.Mama isn''t coming yet.Baby Llama starts to fret.In this infectious rhyming read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn''t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. Children will relate to Baby Llama''s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama''s reassuring message.Watch a Video

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Book SynopsisHow can you be a good global citizen? By understanding the world we live in and how we can effect change. This book explores the issues around diversity in modern life from the positives around multiculturalism to prejudice, racism and discrimination. It features a case study on Apartheid and ideas for how we can activate against racism. The I''m a Global Citizen series explores the concept of ''Global Citizenship'': recognising that the world we live in is unfair and unequal, but promoting individual and collective action to challenge and change this. Each book has information, fun activities, challenges, case studies and ideas for group and individual action presented with fun illustrations. The books promote the idea that we have power as individuals: each of us can change things, and each of us has choices about how we behave. They encourage children aged 8+ to counter ignorance and intolerance?.Table of Contents 1: What is culture? 1: What is diversity? 1: What’s YOUR culture? 1: Multicultural life 1: Prejudice and discrimination 1: Discrimination in society 1: Where on Earth? 1: Seeing things differently 1: Wheel of life chances 1: Making Change Happen: Apartheid in South Africa 1: Case study: Wangari Maathai 1: Activate! Act against racism 1: Organise! Put on a culture day 1: Glossary and index

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Book SynopsisFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling series comes the latest title in the Who HQ Now format for trending topics. It tells the history of a political and social movement that advocates for non-violent civil disobedience and protests against incidents of police brutality--and all racially motivated violence--against Black people.When a Black teenager named Trayvon Martin was senselessly killed in 2012, the African American community called for his murderer to be held accountable. But like many other racially sparked incidents in the past, his killer walked free. People looked for justice and healing in the moment. They turned to social media and a simple yet powerful hashtag emerged, #BlackLivesMatter. The message grew into an international movement and has now become the rallying cry during protests against police brutality and racial acts of violence. The movement gained even more attention and support in 2020 when it called for police refo

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewReaders who love the Vanderbeekers will not be disappointed. Glaser effortlessly interweaves the story lines of two preteens living in a South Bronx homeless shelter. . . .The ending is poignant, focusing on possibility rather than certainty. Friendship, hopes and dreams come together in the final note that Glaser strikes. —Padma Venkatraman — New York Times Book Review "Karina Yan Glaser doesn’t flinch from the truth that too many kids are carrying such heavy weights through this world. With hope and humor, she shows us how friends and found family have the power to lighten the load. This book will make your heart sing." — Christina Soontornvat, Newbery Honor author “A beautiful and compelling story about the discovery of power, with a world of characters I miss already.” — Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach Me Glaser infuses this standalone novel with sweetness and optimism while acknowledging the complexities of her characters’ lives. . . .A Duet for Home portrays how an appreciation for music and a desire to make the world more beautiful can give all young people—and perhaps especially the most vulnerable—a way to believe in themselves. — BookPage (starred review) "This is a hopeful and inspiring story about the lives of children who are rarely represented in middle-grade fiction. The young people engage in activism that is both thought-provoking and profound. A powerful, heartwarming, and thoughtful tale of kids cultivating chosen families during challenging circumstances." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Yan Glaser's bighearted standalone moves quickly through its complex plot without forsaking strong characterizations of Huey House's many staff and residents, concluding with a potent message about the power of direct action." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Drawing on her experiences working in a New York City homeless shelter, Glaser excels in her vivid, individual portrayals of the characters and their relationships. A heartening story as well as a memorable vision of homeless shelters as complex, supportive communities working toward positive change." — Booklist

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