Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics

Book Synopsis?A funny, perceptive, and much-needed book telling a much-needed story.? Celeste Ng, author of the New York Times bestseller Little Fires Everywhere First-generation American LatinX Liliana Cruz does what it takes to fit in at her new nearly all-white school. But when family secrets spill out and racism at school ramps up, she must decide what she believes in and take a stand.Liliana Cruz is a hitting a wall or rather, walls. There's the wall her mom has put up ever since Liliana's dad left again. There's the wall that delineates Liliana's diverse inner-city Boston neighborhood from Westburg, the wealthy and white suburban high school she's just been accepted into. And there's the wall Liliana creates within herself, because to survive at Westburg, she can't just lighten up, she has to whiten up. So what if she changes her name? So what if she changes the way she talks? So what if she's seeing her neighborhood in a different way? But then light is shed on some hard truths: It isn't that her father doesn't want to come home he can't...and her whole family is in jeopardy. And when racial tensions at school reach a fever pitch, the walls that divide feel insurmountable. But a wall isn't always a barrier. It can be a foundation for something better. And Liliana must choose: Use this foundation as a platform to speak her truth, or risk crumbling under its weight.

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Book SynopsisSixteen-year-old Kaki Jones is a straight-A student, runs on the cross country track team and exemplifies the all-around great teenager. Her younger brother Brandon is the opposite. He parties, fights at school, has photos of naked girls on his cell phone and is in trouble with the police. But Kaki is the one who harbors a dark secret. Her life has changed ever since she met the cool girl, Sydney Diaz. Now Kaki is a sophomore by day and a commodity sold at the hands of gang members by night. She is now controlled by threats of violence against those she loves. This is the story of what happens when parents look the other way, when a stranger offers more affection than a father and when God’s deliverance is the only answer.Trade Review"This book is a page-turner that defies a reader's ability to stop once the book is begun. Lee is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for a good read." Edie Melson, author and blogger" Suburban Dangers is a very well thought out novel . . . . It was an uncomfortable read at times but life is not always nice. The comprehensive storyline and realistic characters make Suburban Dangers a compulsive read with a strong message." Julia Wilson, christianbookaholic.com" Suburban Dangers is a fictional novel about a very real issue, Sex Trafficking and minors. I give Suburban Dangers five out of five stars." randomramblingsofawriter.wordpress.com"I would also strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the more extreme challenges facing teens today. I rate this book a five out of five stars." Lydia, lydderbugbookreviews.blogspot.com

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Book Synopsis2020 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers—YALSA/ALA"An empathetic tale that treats homelessness with respect and makes it visible."—Kirkus ReviewsSeventeen-year-old Abby Lunde and her family are living on the streets. They had a normal life back in Omaha but, thanks to her mother's awful mistake, they had to leave behind what little they had for a new start in Rochester. Abby tries to be an average teenager—fitting in at school, dreaming of a boyfriend, college and a career in music. But Minnesota winters are unforgiving, and so are many teenagers.Her stepdad promises to put a roof over their heads, but times are tough for everyone and Abby is doing everything she can to keep her shameful secret from her new friends. The divide between rich and poor in high school is painfully obvious, and the stress of never knowing where they're sleeping or where they'll find their next meal is taking its toll on the whole family.As secrets are exposed and the hope for a home fades, Abby knows she must trust those around her to help. But will her new friends let her down like the ones back home, or will they rise to the challenge to help them find a normal life?"We, her readers, are drawn in from the first page. This lovely book has tremendous heart."—Brandon Hobson, author of Where the Dead Sit TalkingTrade Review"In Roam , C.H. Armstrong sings with a brilliant, powerful youthful voice as she portrays a narrator named Abby who experiences what it's like to be homeless with her family, while dealing with the emotional and complex daily challenges of attending a new school. We, her readers, are drawn in from the first page. This lovely book has tremendous heart." Brandon Hobson, author of Where the Dead Sit Talking"In her warm and hopeful novel, C.H. Armstrong has created a spirited heroine who triumphs over her circumstances thanks to those who believe in her; friends, family, teachers and ultimately, herself." Lorna Landvik, author of Once in A Blue Moon Lodge"Armstrong's book pays compassionate and eloquent attention to teenage angst and love amidst the backdrop of homelessness." Cara Sue Achterberg, author of Girls' Weekend and I'm Not Her"Roam is a compelling, accurate look into the life of a homeless teen. A must-read for all young people to understand the hardship of homelessness and how they can reach out to help others." Cathy Lamb, author of No Place I'd Rather Be"C.H. Armstrong's compelling young adult novel Roam follows a homeless teenager as she and her family struggle to make a fresh start in a new town. Roam is a study in empathy, forgiveness, and second chancesan impactful and memorable story of teenage homelessness." Catherine Thureson, Foreword Reviews"A mother's misdeed leads to scandal, ending friendships and forcing a family move to a new state and into a life of homelessness. An empathetic tale that treats homelessness with respect and makes it visible." Kirkus Reviews"Armstrong seamlessly combines the challenges that teens normally face in daily life with the struggles of being homeless in a new environment. This emotional read with an inspiring and heart-wrenching message encourages readers to walk a mile in another's shoes before passing judgment. Savannah Patterson, Booklist"Heartbreaking . . . Roam couldn't be more timely in its exploration of how a teenager tries to keep up a facade while living in a van." Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities Pioneer Press

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Book SynopsisHow does an amphibian cross the road? With the help of the Amphibian Migration Team! Learn all about a citizen scientist who acts as a crossing guard for migrating amphibians and helps build them a tunnel to safety in this delightful nonfiction picture book!From Kari Percival, Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author of How to Say Hello to a Worm, comes an entertaining and informative children?s book perfect for curious, nature-loving young readers. Every spring, frogs and salamanders must travel from wooded uplands where they were born to vernal pools where they will mate. Unfortunately, roads constructed through their habitats have made the journey dangerous for these slow-moving animals. Many never reach their destinations. But with the help of the Amphibian Migration Team, there is hope for a safe crossing! Readers will learn so much about amphibians and their habitats and get a great introduction to civic participation, too. The citizen scientist at the heart of this story presents her proposal for a wildlife tunnel to her local City Council and coordinates with stakeholders in the process like a wildlife biologist, a herpetologist, a roadway engineer, a surveyor, the Conservation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Transportation, contractors, and reporters. It?s a fascinating way to find out how local government works and how kids can actively create social change. Playful and educational, Safe Crossing offers an empowering example of how even the youngest citizens can raise awareness about a meaningful cause, drive change, and unite people locally and globally.BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST: Citizen scientists are rallying around the world.You, too, can train to be an amphibian crossing guard! Protecting amphibians as they migrate to and from laying eggs means protecting many endangered species. CONNECTION AND CONSERVATION: Doing citizen science gives kids and caregivers a meaningful way to connect with neighbors, friends, and their local ecosystem.This book offers a powerful example of how children can make a difference by raising awareness and uniting a community around causes they care about. FASCINATINGBACKMATTER: There?s so much to learn! Additional resources at the back of the book include information on amphibian life cycles, crossings, and safety, wildlife tunnels, road safety, becoming a community scientist, and a glossary. As an added bonus, the front and back endpapers feature scavenger hunts for spring peeper tadpoles, spotted salamander eggs, tiny fairy shrimp, and much more!Perfect for: Kids who love science, nature, and animals Teachers, educators, and librarians seeking classroom books with STEM content Scout troop leaders and parents looking for engaging nature books for kids Environmental activists and club leaders Fans of Over and Under the Pond, We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Earth, and National Geographic Kids books

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Book SynopsisOffering middle school and high school students strategies to succeed on every type of test—from multiple-choice to standardized to essay tests—this book shows students how to maximize their time and skills. With successful, real-life strategies shared by students, this guide will also help students of all levels, including those with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities, learn study skills, strategies to handle their anxiety concerning tests, and how to have a mental edge. Teachers and parents can additionally use this book to help students perform better in school.Trade Review"In the book, she offers strategies and skills for staying focused at work, finding the right job and maximizing strengths." --Anita Bruzzese, Gannett News Service on Making ADD Work: On-the-Job Strategies for Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder"Grossberg interviewed hundreds of adults with ADD, from office workers and ADD coaches to CEOs and entrepreneurs, and she fills her book with their inspiring stories. If you benefit from reading about others, Making ADD Work can help you develop the confidence to see success as a possibility." --Michele Novotni, Ph.D, ADDitude magazine on Making ADD Work

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