Recommended Reads

On the first day of kindergarten, a teacher asks the boys and girls to line up, and Yoon lines up with the other girls. But when some children mistake Yoon for a boy because of her short hair, Yoon bursts into tears. Does she really look like a boy? At home, Yoon finds a solution. Her sister's special headband is perfect! When she wears it to kindergarten, no one teases or mistakes her for anything but who she is! Yoon has a lovely time with her new friends. But Yoon's sister has been missing her special headband so when Yoon has to go back to school without it, she's worried all over again. Thankfully, her friends like Yoon exactly the way she is.

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

Award-winning author Tony Johnston and illustrator Melissa Sweet create a joyful story about the first day of kindergarten!

"I'm off to kindergarten now.
I'd better take my bear.
He likes to sit beside me so
I'll take a little chair. . . ."

So begins the long list of things Bill absolutely needs for his first day of school. Along with his pillow and some cookies, he also plans on bringing his sandbox, some digging moles, and a moving truck!

A touching story of first-day jitters and hopes, Tony Johnston's rhyming text is paired with Melissa Sweet's delightful illustrations!

Libby feels unprepared and frightened on her first day of kindergarten, but her teacher gives her a very special job that makes that day, and the rest of the year, much easier.

Max has a busy life. He has lots of places to go and people to see. Children will make friends with Max in this delightful series while improving early reading skills.

The animals in the barn are in a tizzy. Tommy didn't show up at his usual time! The dog tells them Tommy is gone-a big yellow bus took him to a place called kindergarten. "Where is kindergarten?" they exclaim. "What will happen to Tommy there? Will he ever come back?!"

Eventually Tommy bursts into the barn with tales of all he learned in kindergarten including- A is for apple, B is for biscuit, C is for corn, and D is for dandelions (the treats he brings for each animal), and everyone is happy Tommy is going to school.

A charming, tender story that's sure to reassure any child heading to kindergarten and everyone waiting at home to hear all about it.

Dexter is ready for kindergarten. Sort of. Well, actually, he's maybe kind of a little bit scared, perhaps even terrified, one might say. Because what if he gets lost? Or, what if the teacher is mean? Or, he misses his mom or dad? Or, worst of all, he loses his most important ally, Rufus?

With the same warmth, exuberance, and sly wit that have made her a favorite of booksellers and children, Katie Davis tackles a problem every kid--and parent--has to face sooner or later: first-day fears. And she shows that it's okay to be scared, but that, as Dexter's older sister Jessie says, "Kindergarten rocks!"

It's just ten days before kindergarten, and this little girl has heard all there is to know--from a first grader--about what it's going to be like. You can't bring your cat, you can't bring a stuffed animal, and the number one rule? You can't ask anyone for help. Ever. So what do you do when your shoes come untied--and you're the only one in the class who doesn't know how to tie them up again?

This delightful story with bright illustrations is perfect for the back-to-school season. The story follows five-year-old boy Daniel as he leaves behind preschool and enters kindergarten full of questions and fears. Children will relate to Daniel as he wonders: Where will I sit on the school bus? Will I have to read out loud? Will my teacher be nice? What if I get lost in the big school? Will I make friends? With the encouragement of his Mom and other people in his community, Daniel begins his first day of school, and all of his fears disappear as he discovers that kindergarten is fun.

Join Tim as he visits his future kindergarten classroom and learns what he will be doing during his first year of school. Explore the reading, math, and art centers. Sit at the desk where he will practice writing, counting, and telling time. The classroom may look a little too big at first, but after finding out about all the fun ahead, it doesn't seem too big at all. In fact, it's just the right size.

Here's a warm, humorous book for that special morning of mixed emotions--the first day of kindergarten or preschool. Miss Bindergarten's soon-to-be students are excitedly, anxiously getting ready at home. Young schoolgoers will recognize their own actions and emotions in the rhyming text which incorporates the alphabet for additional interest. Full color.

Otto and Sheed are the local sleuths in their zany Virginia town, masters of unraveling mischief using their unmatched powers of deduction. And as the summer winds down and the first day of school looms, the boys are craving just a little bit more time for fun, even as they bicker over what kind of fun they want to have. That is, until a mysterious man appears with a camera that literally freezes time. Now, with the help of some very strange people and even stranger creatures, Otto and Sheed will have to put aside their differences to save their town--and each other--before time stops for good.

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Eva is visiting the beach with her best friend Lucy! They can't wait to build sandcastles and make seashell necklaces. But Eva is secretly afraid to go swimming because of the big fish -- like sharks! -- that live in the sea. After Eva hears the Legend of the Mermowls and spots her classmate Sue in the water, the sea doesn't seem so scary. Will Eva face her fears and maybe find some magic at the beach, too?

Rebecca Elliott's sweet text and full-color artwork on every page bring this story to life for young readers!

In this addition to the Bestselling Bad Kitty series, Kitty's life is still hard. Really, really, really hard. She's always being bothered, Puppy is always in her space (and drooling on her), and her plans for world domination seem to be at a bit of a stand still. So, when she gets the opportunity to go with her very favorite, generous, kind-hearted Uncle Murray to LOVE LOVE ANGEL KITTY WORLD, how on earth could she refuse?

Kitty is so excited—this is going to be the adventure of a lifetime! But what she doesn't realize is that it will be an adventure just trying to get there...and when she and Uncle Murray end up in a precarious situation, they will have to rely on their wit and love for each other to get themselves out.
 

Sweet summer has taken a rotten turn . . .

After a tough year, Lucy, Freddy, and Herb Peach are ready for vacation. Lucy wants to read all of the books on the summer reading list. Freddy wants to work on his art projects (when he isn't stuck in summer school). Herb wants to swim every day.

Then their dad makes a big announcement: one of the inventions their mom came up with before she passed away has sold, and now they're millionaires!

But Dad has bigger plans than blowing the cash on fun stuff or investing it. He's bought a used food truck. The Peaches are going to spend the summer traveling the country selling pies. It will be the Great Peach Experiment--a summer of bonding while living out one of Mom's dreams. Summer plans, sunk. And there's one more issue Dad's neglected: none of them knows how to bake. . . .

A perfect blend of humor, heart, and family antics, When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Peach Pie is a delectable treat to be gobbled down or savored slowly. (Slice of pie on the side, optional, but highly recommended.)

The cheapest family in the world decides to go on an off-brand cruise in this wacky mystery/adventure story.

Mr. Pennypacker is cheap. But Mrs. Pennypacker has wrestled money for a vacation from his tightfisted grip, and the family is on their way to a Disney cruise. Charlie Pennypacker is thrilled to be going somewhere—an eleven story luxury cruise liner, 212-foot water slide, and an all-night buffet awaits!

So Charlie thinks. The vacation is actually a Wisney cruise, which means a dilapidated fishing boat, fake Disney characters, no water slide, eggs for every meal, and his enemy Gunter Hwang, who has been brought along for thirty dollars a day. On top of that, the captain is on the run from sinister men in dark suits.

It's a Caribbean game of cat and mouse involving wits, interrogations, a hidden room, races against time, and clever deceptions. As Mr. Pennypacker would say, you can't get this kind of adventure on those other overpriced cruises.

Penguin's tired of the snow and cold--so he decides to go on vacation! But where should he go? And what new friends will he meet along the way?

Seasoned illustrator Salina Yoon's spare text and bright, energetic illustrations bring this favorite character to life, ensuring that readers will be clamoring for more Penguin stories--whether they find their home in the cold or the warm.

Despite all attempts to avoid reading and extra work, Charlie Joe Jackson finds himself in a terrible dream he can't wake up from: Camp Rituhbukkee (pronounced "read-a-bookie")—a place filled with grammar workshops, Read-a-Ramas, and kids who actually like reading. But Charlie Joe is determined to convince the entire camp to hate reading and writing—one genius at a time.
Tommy Greenwald's Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Summer Vacation is another fun installment in the life of a reluctant reader.

Even monster-battling princesses get tired sometimes! But a peaceful time away is hard to find as the humorous New York Times best-selling series continues.

After battling monsters all night, a sleepy Princess in Black decides that she needs a vacation. After all, the Goat Avenger, a new hero who looks oddly familiar, has offered to protect the goats while she takes a much needed break. The very next day Princess Magnolia rides her bicycle to the seaside, where the air is salty, the sun is shiny, and the sea is as blue as monster fur. But just as Princess Magnolia is about to take a nap on her hammock, she hears a "ROAR!" Seriously? A monster? On the perfect beach? Impossible! Could a sea monster really ruin this vacation for the Princess in Black?

Scrub isn’t happy about having to spend the summer with his hippie grandmother in “Middle of Nowehere,” Washington. When he arrives at her Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast, he’s not surprised by its 1960s-meets-Star Wars decor; but he is surprised by the weird looking guests. It turns out that each room in the inn is a portal and his grandma is the gatekeeper, allowing aliens to vacation on Earth. She desperately needs Scrub’s help with disguising the tourists as humans. As if that weren’t difficult enough, the town sheriff is already suspicious of Granny. One wrong move and Scrub could blow Grandma’s cover, forcing the B&B to shut down forever. And when it comes to aliens, every move seems wrong . . .

Full of cosmic chaos and mind-bending mayhem, Scrub’s summer adventure will leave readers wanting to make a return trip.

Carl and Madeleine are supposed to be napping while Mom and Dad get the summer cabin ready for company, but this lovable canine and his charge have better things to do. They escape from the hammock to do some canoeing, pick blackberries, and enjoy a picnic. Carl even plays a little baseball! That night, Mom and Dad wonder why the two are so tired – little do they know that Carl and Madeleine have been busy exploring all that a summer vacation on the lake has to offer.

Told mainly through Alexandra Day's gorgeous oil paintings, this summertime romp will make readers long to bring Carl along on their own vacations!

The Levines are jetting off on a family vacation to Peru in the fifth book in this heartwarming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown.
Lola is named after her tía Lola, who lives in Lima, Peru. Lola misses her aunt and dreams of visiting her. After Lola's dad has a successful art show, Lola's dream comes true. The Levines are going to Peru! Thousands of miles from home, Lola and Ben discover all the new adventures Lima has to offer. But will Lola and Ben manage to stay out of trouble?
With Lola's and Ben's wit and talent for mischief, we can expect some international trouble in this adorable chapter book.

Eloise goes on summer vacation in this hilarious Level 1 Ready-to-Read that’s perfect for emerging readers. How marvelous!

Eloise, Weenie, and Nanny are going on a road trip across the country for vacation! Join them in this fun early reader.

Zoey the chicken needs a vacation!

Zoey knows you don’t need to go to the shore to have the perfect beach day...but you do need a great imagination and a treasure map! Will Zoey lead her barnyard pals to buried treasure?

Chicken on Vacation is a Level One I Can Read, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

From the author-illustrator duo that brought you the hilarious Chicken in Space, Chicken in School, and Chicken in Mittens, a Level One I Can Read that School Library Journal calls “a fun book that is perfect for budding readers.”

I, Geronimo Stilton, was finishing up work one evening when I opened a letter from Uncle Stingysnout. He needed to see me immediately! I headed straight to Penny Pincher Castle for what I thought would be a nice visit . . . but my uncle put me straight to work. Moldy mozzarella, what a terrible vacation!

When James and Eamon go to a week of Nature Camp and stay at Eamon's grandparents' house, it turns out that their free time spent staying inside, eating waffles, and playing video games is way more interesting than nature. But sometimes things work out best when they don't go exactly as planned.

This Caldecott Honor-winning book is a moving and hilarious celebration of young boys, childhood friendships, and the power of the imagination, where Marla Frazee captures the very essence of summer vacation and what it means to be a kid.

From the creators of Ice Age and Epic, Rio 2 flies into theaters in April 2014. Join Blu, Jewel, and all your favorite Rio characters for a wild adventure in this retelling of the movie perfect for young fans!

Blu and Jewel are taking the kids on a trip to the Amazon jungle. Jewel wants the kids to know what it was like for her growing up in the wild, but Blu is missing the comforts of home. Will this vacation be one to remember?

Based on the movie, Rio 2: Vacation in the Wild is a Level 2 I Can Read book, perfect for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Girls who are fans of Judy Moody, Matilda and Clementine will love Alice-Miranda, the precocious and endearing heroine whose adventures continue in book #2 of the Alice-Miranda series.
Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones has survived her first semester at boarding school. Now she's headed home for break--and she's invited Jacinta Headlington-Bear, the school's second-best tantrum thrower, to join her. The two girls are looking forward to a fun mini-vacation. Nothing too eventful! But a cranky boy is causing mischief, a movie star has come to visit, and a stranger is snooping around. Add a naughty pony, a hint of romance, and a dastardly scheme, and Jacinta and Alice-Miranda might have a more exciting time than they ever expected. . . .
 

Miles can't wait for his trip to the beach. But where is all the water?

The BIG BAD WOLF is back--and funnier (but not scarier) than ever!
Doesn't a wolf deserve a vacation, too? Bernard, the clever, cookie-munching hero of Delphine Perret's award-winning book, certainly thinks so. So when he learns that his pal Louis is vacationing by the sea with his grandpa, Bernard wants to go too. Soon they're off on a wacky road trip that ends with the perfect day on the beach. This much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning The Big Bad Wolf and Me is every bit as delightful as the first...and well worth the wait.

Nicholas on Vacation is the third book in the acclaimed series of classic and much-loved stories about the endearing exploits of the cheeky French schoolboy, Nicholas. All the stories in this volume take place at the beach, during the summer vacation. There are eventful fishing trips, treasure hunts in the middle of the night and a whole new gang of friends with whom Nicholas can get into trouble.

Firmly established as a literary cult figure, the sublimely innocent Nicholas has already charmed millions of readers world-wide since these books were first published over forty years ago. Considered classics and available in twenty-six languages, the Nicholas stories delight both children and adults. Nicholas on Vacation contains eighteen new stories, all of which take place during the long summer break from school. An only child, Nicholas’s touchingly naive reaction to situations is often at odds with that of the adults around him. Whether he’s staying at a seaside hotel with his parents or making new friends at summer camp, Nicholas’s efforts to keep himself and his gang amused, even when it’s raining outside, always result in unexpected and delightful chaos.

Snap!

With their new cameras

Snap!

a brother and sister

Snap!

take pictures of their vacation.

But when they look at their photographs they see:

1. The back of Dad's head
2. Feet
3. A container of noodles

That's it?

Does 1 + 2 + 3 = summer vacation?

What about how it felt to swim in the lake? What about the stories their cousins told and the taste of a just-invented strawberry and whipped cream dessert?

For those memories—the memories of summer and the memories of family that mean the most—they need to look someplace else. Someplace deep inside. Someplace permanent.

A collection of activities encourages children to use their imaginations wherever they are to keep busy before, during, and even after vacation. By the author of The Rainy Day Activity Book.

Move over, Spot. . . . Spoofing classic primers, Max the Dog talks back to the book in a twist that will have fans of funny early readers howling.

See Max. Max is not a cat--Max is a dog. But much to Max's dismay, the book keeps instructing readers to "see the cat." How can Max get through to the book that he is a DOG? In a trio of stories for beginning readers, author David LaRochelle introduces the excitable Max, who lets the book know in irresistibly emphatic dialogue that the text is not to his liking. Illustrator Mike Wohnoutka hilariously depicts the pup's reactions to the narrator and to the wacky cast of characters who upend Max's--and readers'--expectations as the three stories build to an immensely satisfying conclusion. Hooray, Max, hooray!

Welcome to the Puppy Place! Where every puppy finds a home.

Charles and Lizzie Peterson love puppies. Their family fosters these young dogs, giving them love and proper care, until they can find the perfect forever home.

After getting home from school, Lizzie is surprised to hear that her parents are fostering another yorkie puppy. After all, their last yorkie foster, Princess, was a little spoiled. But Biggie is Princess's total opposite: He's energetic and tenacious! Can Lizzie find this teeny puppy with a big heart a perfect home?

It’s summer vacation, the weather’s great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where’s Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn.

Greg, a self-confessed “indoor person,” is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg’s mom has a different vision for an ideal summer . . . one packed with outdoor activities and “family togetherness.”

Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything?
 

Chinese Cresteds have sweat glands, unlike most dogs. The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds. Learn all about the characteristics of toy dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these tiny canines.

PBS's successful animated show Wild Kratts joins the adventures of zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt as they travel to animal habitats around the globe. Along the way, they encounter incredible creatures while combining science education with fun. Children ages four to six can learn all about the wild cousins of man's best friend--from robust canines like wolves to sneaky foxes and more. Stickers add to the fun and learning in this Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader.

Be bold, be curious, be DETECTIVES! The story of Rory Branagan continues and this time there is a canine caper to be solved.

Rory Banagan is a detective and he eats bad guys for breakfast--well, not actually. But someone is stealing dogs, and Rory's own dog and best friend in the world, Wilkins Welkin, is in danger. It's up to Rory and his sidekick, Cassidy Corrigan, to get to the bottom of this mystery in a dog-eat-dog world, before it's too late. Both hilarious and heroic, this heart-warming, easy-to-read heavily illustrated adventure will leave you panting for more.

Buster's a therapy dog who needs to take matters into his own paws to help a boy understand his own anxiety even if it means breaking a few rules.

Buster's in big trouble. He's been dragged to Dog Court for breaking one of the most sacred of all dog rules: Never, ever talk to a human, or let a human know how smart you really are.

But he swears he had a good reason! The boy he's been taking care of, Tonio, needed his help in a big way. You see, Tonio is afraid all the time -- afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, afraid of making a fool of himself or (even worse) hurting someone else's feelings. His doctor thinks having a therapy dog will help his anxiety -- and Buster wants to help. He really wants to help. Even if it means breaking the rules

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!
Junior is so excited to get to tell you all the fun stuff he's been up to: like protecting his home from evil raccoons and those people who bring mail every day. But then he gets in trouble and must go to . . .
OBEDIENCE SCHOOL.
Then comes the holidays, and Junior discovers the deliciousness of a roast turkey, which he can't help but taste. A "taste" that gets him labeled a Bad Boy.
Now he's in the dog house . . . AGAIN.
Will Junior ever redeem himself and earn the title of GOOD BOY?

Lovable dog King and his human Kayla help their friend search for a ring in this new mystery, part of the Geisel Honor Award-winning beginning reader series.

"This gentle whodunit...includes such classic genre elements as missing jewelry, suspicious characters, red herrings and a gratifying 'aha' moment before the restoration of order." - The Wall Street Journal

King, Kayla, Mason, and Asia are playing in the snow. Later, Asia discovers her new gold ring is missing. What happened to it? Detective team King and Kayla are on the case!

With simple, straightforward language and great verbal and visual humor, the King & Kayla series from Geisel Honor Award-winning team Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers is perfect for newly independent readers transitioning from easy readers to beginning chapter books. Great for introducing mysteries and the important concepts of fact gathering, list making, clues, and analytical thinking. Also ideal for diverse book collections.

Bulldogs can't swim. Dalmatians are born without spots. Learn all about the characteristics of non-sporting dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these diverse canines.

Woof Meet Roy, an adorable white dog who is wild about digging, digging, digging in the dirt

David Shannon's picture books are loved for their endearing characters and laugh-aloud humor, and Roy's charming naughtiness will remind readers of what they love about Shannon's No, David , a bestselling Caldecott Honor Book about a boy with a nose for trouble.

Although it's a smelly task for those who have to constantly bathe him, Roy's happiness centers on his very favorite thing-dirt-and from sunrise to sunset, he burrows in it, rolls in it, and digs up buried treasures. There's terror in every terrier, and when Roy runs into the house after being sprayed by a skunk, he faces the dreaded bathtub. Readers will see themselves in Roy's childlike delight each time he makes the biggest mess ever.

Madeline's dog, Genevieve, is very curious! She always has her nose to the ground, looking for tasty treats.In this delightful story, she finds some yummy things to eat--in the trash and along the river! Pee-yew! Time to give Genevieve a bath! This easy-to-read book is written in rhyme, and there are full-color illustrations throughout in the same charming style as the classic Madeline books.

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.

Everyone's favorite dog is back in the much-anticipated follow-up to Bark, George from celebrated author-illustrator Jules Feiffer.

When George's mother asks her pup to add one plus one, two plus two, and three plus three, George would rather eat, go for a walk, and take a nap. But soon George finds himself in a colorful dream about...numbers! Can George count his way out?

Featuring laugh-out-loud humor and expressive and bold illustrations from acclaimed author-illustrator and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jules Feiffer, this imaginative follow-up to Bark, George is the perfect read-aloud for children ready to learn their numbers.

Collies are known for their extreme devotion to their owners. Icelandic Sheepdogs are born with extra toes. Learn all about the characteristics of herding dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these energetic canines.

Introducing DOG SQUAD, the crime-fighting, tail-wagging, hilarious new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library and coauthor of Max Einstein!

When trouble calls . . . it's DOG SQUAD to the rescue!

Duke is not your average dog. Along with his crew, he fights crime and goes on claw-biting adventures helping dogs in peril in the hit streaming sensation--DOG SQUAD! Fred is a pretty average dog. He's scrappy. He's loveable. But he's not brave like his heroes on Dog Squad.

Fred looks an awful lot like Duke from Dog Squad though. In fact, when Duke needs a stand-in, Fred's the perfect choice. But the Dog Squad action doesn't always stop on screen! When there's danger in real life, can Fred find the courage to step up and save the day?!

It's all paws on deck in this action-packed, middle grade adventure series just right for anyone who loves dogs--and anyone who loves to laugh!

Simon has taken care of his owner, Andy, for many years. He's a good cat. Clean, responsible, and loyal. What more could a boy want? Even when Andy's dad moves out, Simon is certain that Andy doesn't need another pet. So why would Andy's dad adopt a DOG?! To make matters worse, the animal is a rude, rowdy troublemaker.

Simon's job is clear: the beast has got to go. He decides to write him a letter. Strongly worded, of course. But when the dog's response sets off an unexpected correspondence, Simon realizes the beast may be here to stay. Can he make room for another pet in Andy's life?

This funny and heartwarming collaboration between Geisel Honor and Edgar Award-winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and bestselling illustrator Kevan Atteberry is a tribute to the love of a good pet - and the joy found in new friendship. With nine chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is a fun read for parents to share with kids.

For anyone who loves cats, dogs (or both!), James Patterson's most pawsome story ever is set in a society defined by the oldest rivalry in the world: katts versus doggs!
Oscar is a happy dogg---a rambunctious kid who loves being a Dogg Scout. Thanks to his family, he knows that snobby katts are good for nothing but chasing up trees.

Molly is a clever katt who just knows she's destined for fame and fortune as an actress. She comes from a family of well-bred katts who despise drooly, disgusting doggs!

For their whole lives, Oscar and Molly have been told that katts and dogs hate each other. One day, they each get hopelessly lost in the woods, but those lifelong prejudices flare up when they cross paths. Slowly, they realize that the only way to survive and find their way home is to...work together?!
Yeah, that's not going to happen!

A daring dog takes a whirlwind tour of Rome in search of freedom in new picture book from beloved storyteller Mac Barnett and masterful illustrator Claire Keane

Paolo the dachshund is trapped. Though he lives in Rome, a city filled with history and adventure, he is confined to a hair salon. Paolo dreams of the sweet life--la dolce vita--in the Eternal City. And then, one day, he escapes! Paolo throws himself into the city, finding adventure at every turn. Join our hero as he discovers the wonders of Rome: the ruins, the food, the art, the opera, and--of course--the cats. Readers will cheer the daring of this bighearted dog, whose story shows that even the smallest among us can achieve great things.

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Bub's human, Bella, is putting on a pet talent show! Bub can't wait to wow the audience with his skateboarding stunts, not to mention his snazzy costume. But when dress rehearsal doesn't go as planned, Bub finds that it's up to him -- and his archenemy Duchess the cat -- to make things right. Can he and Duchess work together to make sure the show goes on?

With full-color artwork throughout, this funny and charming diary-format early chapter book is perfect for anyone who believes a furry pal is the best kind of friend.

The Rottweiler has the strongest bite of all dog breeds. Some Siberian Huskies have one blue eye and one brown eye. Learn all about the characteristics of working dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these lovable canines.

Sun Yat-Sen--aka Sunny--enjoys the finer things in life. Noble canine companion to globe-trotters Henry and Myra Harper, Sunny doesn't even like to walk, preferring instead to be carried! Sunny and the Harpers are traveling on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic--the biggest, finest ship in the world. So imagine Sunny's horror when he learns he must stay in the Titanic's kennel with eleven other dogs, not in the Harpers' luxurious stateroom! It's . . . unthinkable! But only four days into the voyage, Sunny learns the true meaning of tragedy when, hidden inside Myra's fur coat, he escapes the sinking ship in a lifeboat.

Based on a true story, with realistic black-and-white illustrations throughout and a fact-filled appendix that includes information about the RMS Titanic, Pekingese dogs, and more, this is historical fiction for middle graders who don't realize they like historical fiction!

We want a dog! What kind of dog...?

This hilarious rhyming texts takes us through twenty-seven unexpected and amusing varieties of dogs that one could have, like "one that begs, one that sheds, one that rips things into shreds." And while the book is sure to delight any dog lover, the narrator's choice at the end will make readers laugh out loud! See how many of these lovable and amusing pups you can recognize from your own life.

This Step 2 Step into Reading Level Reader is based on Barbie's Dreamhouse Adventures on Netflix!

Barbie loves to help. But when she and her pup Honey get stuck in a tree, will Barbie be able to put her pride aside and ask for help? Children ages 4 to 6 will love this Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader based on the Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures animated series on Netflix! Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Since 1959, Barbie has shown girls that they can live their dreams. From an astronaut to a chef to a president, she knows that girls can do anything!

A German Shorthaired Pointer's nose is always the same color as its coat. A Spinone Italiano drools a lot more than other dogs. Learn all about the characteristics of sporting dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these hunting canines.

In the twenty-first book of the Critter Club series, Amy discovers she has a real knack for training puppies. But when she takes on too many puppy clients, things get out of hand—or paw!

When Amy meets the owner of a brand-new puppy at her mom’s vet clinic, she agrees to help the woman train her new pet. Amy does such a great job, she starts getting calls from more puppy owners! Things go great for a while, but soon, Amy is in way over her head. She can’t say no to a puppy in need and has taken on way too many clients! Amy barely has time for school or her friends in between all the puppies. Can she dig herself out of this hole before she goes barking mad?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Critter Club chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

From beloved author Patricia Polacco comes the heartwarming and true story of Vera, an amazing dog who was found as a stray by the US Coast Guard, moved into the San Francisco Bay base, and became a hero and friend.

In 1962 a stray dog was found under a pile of boxes in a Coast Guard warehouse in what used to be called Government Island, the Coast Guard Base in San Francisco Bay, when a seaman named Dave Bunch was mopping the floor. It was love at first sight. At first the men decided to hide the pup from the Commander, thinking she wouldn’t be allowed. But soon enough all of the men in the barracks fell hard for the little dog. Then one day when high waves challenged another vessel at sea, it was Vera’s fierce determination and natural swimming ability that brought the life preserver and safety line to the sinking boat. Vera became a hero and the beloved pet and mascot of the San Francisco Coast Guard.

The charming duo returns with a love letter to the library, good friends, the joy of learning, and self-reinvention.

It's Saturday, and Houndsley, Catina, and their friend Bert are looking forward to their weekly visit to the library. But when the trio arrives, they find that Trixie, the librarian, seems different. She doesn't tell a joke or recommend a book like she always does. That's when the friends find out the news -- the library is closing! With Trixie retiring and enrolled in circus school, there's no one to take her place as head librarian . . . or is there? James Howe and Marie-Louise Gay have created another engaging tale about what it means to be a supportive friend and how it's never too late to learn something new.

Laura knows she's lucky to live by the ocean at the vacation cottages where her mom works. But she would love to have a dog to play with, too. Then some guests arrive with an adorable King Charles spaniel named Henry. Sadly, the puppy is always left behind when his owners go to the beach. Laura offers to keep an eye on Henry, and soon, the pair are inseparable. But what will happen when it's time for Henry to go home?

Beagles have a special sound they make when hunting. Dachshunds love to dig and be outdoors. Learn all about the characteristics of hound dog breeds and much more! Packed with amazing photographs and fun facts, dog owners and fans will get an in-depth look at these curious canines.

How can dogs that sniff for excrement, urine, vomit, and mucus help protect animals from extinction?

In the race to save endangered animals, finding solutions now is critical. Scat-detection dogs like Wicket, Tucker, and Orbee are conservation heroes and pioneers in a cutting-edge field of science. Canine detectives use their super sense of smell to locate the scat of target animals. From loose bear dung to gooey whale poop, scat can tell scientists valuable information about an animal's sex, age, diet, and health--all without harming the animal or endangering the researcher.

Packed with fun and inspirational prompts, doodling exercises, and canine-related factoids, this title sparks the imagination and inspires dog lovers to explore, experiment, and brainstorm ways to draw and doodle their favorite furry friends. Doodling for Dog People demonstrates how to draw whimsical doggie doodles, including different types of dogs, dogs in action, and even doggie accessories, while encouraging artists and doodle enthusiasts to develop their own style and techniques. This quirky doodle book is perfect for young, creative artists who can't get enough of their furry friends.

It was February 1925 in the Alaskan wilderness. One wrong step could mean sudden death for musher Gunnar Kaasen and his lead sled dog, Balto. The temperature had dropped to -50°F. Fierce winds roared as snow pounded the sled. The blinding blizzard made it impossible to see. Waiting for the weather to change, however, wasn't an option. Fifty miles away in Nome, Alaska, dozens of the town's children were sick with diphtheria and near death. Gunnar and Balto carried the only medicine that could cure them! In this captivating book, young readers will meet an amazing Siberian husky named Balto, who bravely guided a team of sled dogs on a grueling trip through blinding snow, over a half-frozen river, and through a steep mountain pass to safely deliver medicine to children in need. Packed with adventure, true stories, and dramatic, full-color photos, this book is sure to inspire dog lovers everywhere.

Back in 775 BC, athletes from all over Ancient Greece came together to compete in various games. The contests were held every four years and winning athletes brought honor and respect to their homelands.

The tradition of the Olympic Games faded over time until 1896, when they were brought back to life. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, with over two hundred athletes from fourteen countries. Today, nearly three thousand years after the first Games, the Summer Olympics attract one hundred thousand top athletes from over two hundred countries. Billions of fans around the world cheer on their national teams to bring back the gold.

This title introduces readers to Simone Biles, providing exciting details about her life and going deep inside the key moments of her gymnastics career. The title also features informative "fast facts," a timeline, and a glossary. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

This title introduces readers to Usain Bolt, providing exciting details about his life and going deep inside the key moments of his sprinting career. The title also features informative "fast facts," a timeline, and a glossary. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

When a world-famous Olympic swimmer is sabotaged during the Summer Games, Nancy Drew, her friends, and the Hardy brothers have their work cut out for them after they decide to investigate the scandal. Can they find out who wants the swimming superstar to sink, or are they in water over their heads?

Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!

The Thea Sisters help their friend Beatrice prepare for the Summer Olympics!

Learn all about Olympic swimming and diving in this fascinating nonfiction Level 2 Ready-to-Read, part of the Game Day series, which gives fans an insider look at their favorite sports!

This book is perfect for young, sports-obsessed fans who, in addition to watching and playing sports, crave the kind of expert knowledge that only an insider would know.

It’s game day, and readers of Dive In are given a pool-side view of the flips and kicks that make up swimming and diving in the summer Olympics. Along the way, they’ll get to know all about the incredible physical capabilities of the athletes!

A special section in the back of the book is chock-full of even more facts about the sport and its storied history and participants. It is perfect for the child who loves all things swimming!

Meet Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez! Hernandez's life story is examined from her childhood in New Jersey where she began gymnastics at age five, to the 2015 US Junior Title on the way to being chosen for the women's gymnastics team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro where she won one gold and one silver medal. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

They say records are made to be broken, but some marks of excellence are simply out of reach. Record Breakers tells the stories behind some of the most extraordinary feats in the sports world. Learn about the amazing athletes involved, how the record was made, and the record's historical context. From big games to glorious seasons, these books will have readers clamoring for more! Book jacket.

Just in time for the Olympics, a spirited, sporty romp about losing gracefully

Boomer the Pig has been training hard for the Animal Olympics, so when he loses his first race, he shrugs it off and cheerfully moves on. One event after another, Boomer keeps losing, and the frustration begins to get to him. But even after coming in last in every sport, there's no getting this Olympig down. It's just great practice for the Winter Games!

Cool comic book styling combines with classic picture book heart in this encouraging and hilarious story for every kid who's ever been told "you can't win 'em all."

Gabrielle Douglas was a little girl with a big dream. When she was just four years old, her big sister taught her how to do a cartwheel. soon Gabby was the star student at her local gymnastics school. It didn't take long before she was the best gymnast in the state of Virginia! But Gabby wanted to be in the Olympics. So Gabby left home to live near her coach in the faraway state of Iowa. She spent hours every day training and going to school. In 2012, Gabby's dream came true! She and her four best friends won gold medals at the Olympic Games. Find out what Gabby's life is like and celebrate her hard work and triumphs day by cay.

Throughout history, women have been told that they couldn't achieve their dreams, no matter how hard they tried. Women athletes have faced their own unique set of challenges, across countless sports and levels of play. In this third She Persisted book, Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to women who have excelled in their sports because of their persistence.

She Persisted in Sports is a book for everyone who has ever aimed for a goal and been told it wasn't theirs to hit, for everyone who has ever raced for a finish line that seemed all too far away, and for everyone who has ever felt small or unimportant while out on the field.

Alexandra Boiger's vibrant artwork accompanies this inspiring text that shows readers of all ages that, no matter what obstacles come their way, they have the power to persist and succeed.

 

Athens, Greece: the first Olympic Games are about to take place, and the Pirate Cats have traveled back in time to enter the competition. The fiendish felines plan to win as many events as they can, and become legendary athletes. But these cats aren’t exactly in playing shape! In order to gain an edge, they bring all sorts of modern-age sports gear to improve their odds of winning. It’s up to Geronimo and the gang to foil their scheme and save history.

A survey of the highlights and legendary athletes--such as American Michael Phelps--of the Olympic sport of swimming, which has been part of the modern Summer Games since 1896.

What do people do at the Olympics? Readers pick from eight different scenarios and experience "next best thing to being there yourself" opportunities for interactive career exploration. Sidebars promote additional learning activities and independent research.

This title introduces readers to Michael Phelps, providing exciting details about his life and going deep inside the key moments of his swimming career. The title also features informative "fast facts," a timeline, and a glossary. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

In ancient Greece different city-states often fought one another in deadly battles. But every four years the Greeks set aside their differences to honor the gods and compete peacefully in the Olympic Games. Learn all about the athletes, competitions, and religious ceremonies of the ancient Olympics.

Presents information about volleyball in the Olympics including rules for playing, an overview of indoor and beach volleyball, and well-known players such as Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings.

In the Olympics, gymnastics is a sport that tests an athlete's flexibility, balance, strength and even artistic ability. This introductory guide gives a brief outline of each of the Olympic events listed below along with fun facts, Olympic stats, and outstanding competitors.

From the first games held in ancient Greece to the cultural extravaganzas of recent years, there have been some incredible and amazing events and milestones in the world of Olympic sports. Now in G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet, writer Brad Herzog showcases those athletes and events that not only set sports records but also impacted history and world views. Learn the meaning behind the five interlocking rings featured on the Olympic flag. Cheer on American Jim Thorpe as he won the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, only to lose his medals later. Read how the man dubbed as the "world's laziest high jumper" won the gold in 1968 and later had a jump named after him. All these moments and more are brought to life in G is for Gold Medal. Brad Herzog has written travel and sports books for readers young and old. His books with Sleeping Bear include the best-selling H is for Home Run: A Baseball Alphabet. Brad lives on California's Monterey Peninsula. Doug Bowles has been a freelance illustrator for more than twenty years. His books for Sleeping Bear include One Kansas Farmer: A Kansas Number Book and S is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet. Doug lives in Leawood, Kansas.

From the barefoot races of 8th century BC to the underwater obstacle courses in the early 20th century to the high-tension Berlin Games preceding World War II, the Olympics have always been exciting dramas of athletic prowess and human interest.  In A Passion for Victory, award-winning author Benson Bobrick tells the details of the captivating story of the Olympic Games, starting with their inception in Ancient Greece. This wonderfully readable narrative is rich with anecdotes and profiles of athletes and weaves in important historical events to create a complete picture of each installment of the Games. This thorough account of an international fixation is gripping, poignant, and occasionally hilarious.

Olympians compete in the colors of their country. Millions of fans around the world tune in to watch. and When Everything Goes just right, the performances are unforgettable. Great Moments in Olympic Sports tells the stories that define the Games-those of surprise and dominance, of inspiration and determination, of persistence and overcoming adversity, with colorful descriptions of memorable moments old and new, plus a glossary, additional resources, and more, these books will have readers on the edge of their seats awaiting the next opening ceremony. Book jacket.

For readers of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington's eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler.

 

Get ready for Mr. Lemoncello's first-ever Library Olympics and discover what James Patterson calls "the coolest library in the world" in this action-packed sequel to the award-winning, bestselling Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by the much-loved coauthor of Max Einstein

The world-famous game maker Luigi Lemoncello is at it again This time Mr. Lemoncello has invited teams from all across America to compete in the first-ever LIBRARY OLYMPICS. The competition is fierce But something suspicious is going on . . . books are missing from Mr. Lemoncello's library. Is someone trying to censor what the kids are reading? Now it's not just a game--can Mr. Lemoncello find the real champions of libraries? In between figuring out mind-boggling challenges, Kyle and the others will have to band together to get to the bottom of this mystery. Let the games begin

In the truest sense of the Olympic motto 'faster, higher, stronger', field events are contests that test the running, jumping, and throwing abilities of athletes. This introductory guide gives a brief outline of each of the Olympic events listed below along with fun facts, Olympic stats, and outstanding players.

Of all the Olympic games, the competitors in ball games such as baseball and basketball are probably among the most famous. This introductory guide gives a brief outline of each of the Olympic events listed below along with fun facts, Olympic stats, and outstanding players.

Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt's Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood "It Girl" who's cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town... where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn't belong.

Piper Bellinger is fashionable, influential, and her reputation as a wild child means the paparazzi are constantly on her heels. When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father's dive bar... in Washington.

Piper hasn't even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won't last a week outside of Beverly Hills. So what if Piper can't do math, and the idea of sleeping in a shabby apartment with bunk beds gives her hives. How bad could it really be? She's determined to show her stepfather--and the hot, grumpy local--that she's more than a pretty face.

Except it's a small town and everywhere she turns, she bumps into Brendan. The fun-loving socialite and the gruff fisherman are polar opposites, but there's an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Piper doesn't want any distractions, especially feelings for a man who sails off into the sunset for weeks at a time. Yet as she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants. LA is calling her name, but Brendan--and this town full of memories--may have already caught her heart.

The multimillion-copy New York Times bestselling author B.A. Paris returns to her heartland of gripping psychological suspense in The Therapist—a powerful tale of a house that holds a shocking secret.

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive...

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem...

The new domestic suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door and Someone We Know who has sold more than 7 million copies of her books worldwide

In this family, everyone is keeping secrets--even the dead.

Brecken Hill in upstate New York is an expensive place to live. You have to be rich to have a house there, and Fred and Sheila Merton certainly are rich. But even all their money can't protect them when a killer comes to call. The Mertons are brutally murdered after a fraught Easter dinner with their three adult kids. Who, of course, are devastated.

Or are they? They each stand to inherit millions. They were never a happy family, thanks to their vindictive father and neglectful mother, but perhaps one of the siblings is more disturbed than anyone knew. Did someone snap after that dreadful evening? Or did another person appear later that night with the worst of intentions? That must be what happened. After all, if one of the family were capable of something as gruesome as this, you'd know.

Wouldn't you?

A story of summer, secrets, love, and lies: in the course of a singular day on Cape Cod, one woman must make a life-changing decision that has been brewing for decades.

"This house, this place, knows all my secrets."

It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at "The Paper Palace"--the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn't forever changed the course of their lives. As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity. Tender yet devastating, The Paper Palace considers the tensions between desire and dignity, the legacies of abuse, and the crimes and misdemeanors of families.

A backpacking trip has deadly consequences in this "eerie psychological thriller . . . with alluring locales, Hitchcockian tension, and possibly the best pair of female leads since Thelma and Louise" (BookPage), from the bestselling author of The Lost Night and The Herd.

Emily is having the time of her life--she's in the mountains of Chile with her best friend, Kristen, on their annual reunion trip, and the women are feeling closer than ever. But on the last night of the trip, Emily enters their hotel suite to find blood and broken glass on the floor. Kristen says the cute backpacker she brought back to their room attacked her, and she had no choice but to kill him in self-defense. Even more shocking: The scene is horrifyingly similar to last year's trip, when another backpacker wound up dead. Emily can't believe it's happened again--can lightning really strike twice?

Back home in Wisconsin, Emily struggles to bury her trauma, diving headfirst into a new relationship and throwing herself into work. But when Kristen shows up for a surprise visit, Emily is forced to confront their violent past. The more Kristen tries to keep Emily close, the more Emily questions her motives. As Emily feels the walls closing in on their cover-ups, she must reckon with the truth about her closest friend. Can Emily outrun the secrets she shares with Kristen, or will they destroy her relationship, her freedom--even her life?

Two friends. One fake dating scheme. What could possibly go wrong?

Frank Li has two names. There's Frank Li, his American name. Then there's Sung-Min Li, his Korean name. No one uses his Korean name, not even his parents. Frank barely speaks any Korean. He was born and raised in Southern California.

Even so, his parents still expect him to end up with a nice Korean girl--which is a problem, since Frank is finally dating the girl of his dreams: Brit Means. Brit, who is funny and nerdy just like him. Brit, who makes him laugh like no one else. Brit . . . who is white.

As Frank falls in love for the very first time, he's forced to confront the fact that while his parents sacrificed everything to raise him in the land of opportunity, their traditional expectations don't leave a lot of room for him to be a regular American teen. Desperate to be with Brit without his parents finding out, Frank turns to family friend Joy Song, who is in a similar bind. Together, they come up with a plan to help each other and keep their parents off their backs. Frank thinks he's found the solution to all his problems, but when life throws him a curveball, he's left wondering whether he ever really knew anything about love--or himself--at all.

In this moving debut novel--featuring striking blue stained edges and beautiful original endpaper art by the author--David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Speak enters the world of Gossip Girl in this modern immigrant story from New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang about two girls navigating wealth, power, friendship, and trauma.

They're called parachutes: teenagers dropped off to live in private homes and study in the United States while their wealthy parents remain in Asia. Claire Wang never thought she'd be one of them, until her parents pluck her from her privileged life in Shanghai and enroll her at a high school in California.

Suddenly she finds herself living in a stranger's house, with no one to tell her what to do for the first time in her life. She soon embraces her newfound freedom, especially when the hottest and most eligible parachute, Jay, asks her out.

Dani De La Cruz, Claire's new host sister, couldn't be less thrilled that her mom rented out a room to Claire. An academic and debate team star, Dani is determined to earn her way into Yale, even if it means competing with privileged kids who are buying their way to the top. But Dani's game plan veers unexpectedly off course when her debate coach starts working with her privately.

As they steer their own distinct paths, Dani and Claire keep crashing into one another, setting a course that will change their lives forever.

For fans of Nina LaCour's We Are Okay and Adam Silvera's History Is All You Left Me, this heartfelt and ultimately uplifting novel follows one sixteen-year-old girl's friend breakup through two concurrent timelines--ultimately proving that even endings can lead to new beginnings.

You can't rewrite the past, but you can always choose to start again.

It's been twenty-seven days since Cleo and Layla's friendship imploded.

Nearly a month since Cleo realized they'll never be besties again.

Now Cleo wants to erase every memory, good or bad, that tethers her to her ex-best friend. But pretending Layla doesn't exist isn't as easy as Cleo hoped, especially after she's assigned to be Layla's tutor. Despite budding friendships with other classmates--and a raging crush on a gorgeous boy named Dom--Cleo's turbulent past with Layla comes back to haunt them both.

Alternating between time lines of Then and Now, When You Were Everything blends past and present into an emotional story about the beauty of self-forgiveness, the promise of new beginnings, and the courage it takes to remain open to love.

Acclaimed author Renee Watson offers a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it's trying to break her.

Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And Jade has: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But some opportunities she doesn't really welcome, like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls. Just because her mentor is black and graduated from the same high school doesn't mean she understands where Jade is coming from. She's tired of being singled out as someone who needs help, someone people want to fix. Jade wants to speak, to create, to express her joys and sorrows, her pain and her hope. Maybe there are some things she could show other women about understanding the world and finding ways to be real, to make a difference.

A poignant novel of desperation, escape, and survival across the U.S.-Mexico border, inspired by current events.

Pulga has his dreams.
Chico has his grief.
Pequeña has her pride.

And these three teens have one another. But none of them have illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Even with the love of family, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the trio knows they have no choice but to run: from their country, from their families, from their beloved home.

Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico, they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life--if they are lucky enough to survive the journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and desperation drumming through their hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña know there is no turning back, despite the unknown that awaits them. And the darkness that seems to follow wherever they go.

In this striking portrait of lives torn apart, the plight of migrants at the U.S. southern border is brought to light through poignant, vivid storytelling. An epic journey of danger, resilience, heartache, and hope.