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Friendship drama and actual theater drama abound in this hilarious and heartfelt middle-school story.It’s the summer before eighth grade, and best friends Nansi, Ayesha and Angela are spending as much of the summer together as they can, and celebrating the news that Ayesha got the lead role in the festival play. But when Nansi and Angela accidently post an embarrassing video of Ayesha to a group chat, it sets off a series of events that threaten Nansi and Ayesha’s friendship. And it looks like Nansi’s track-and-field archnemesis, Tania, is at the center of it all …Packed with humor and hijinks, this second book in the Nansi graphic novel series by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Dávila hits all the right notes. The relatable characters, problems and situations - stage fright, sports rivalries, misunderstandings among friends (and adversaries) - make it a pitch-perfect middle-school read. Nansi’s character is loosely based on Anansi, the West African folktale trickster, adapted to inhabit a modern, urban North American setting. The series features a multicultural cast of characters and incorporates elements of Jamaican culture into Nansi’s family life. Colorful and expressive art by Claudia Dávila captures the energy and emotional range of the lovable characters. This book offers excellent character education lessons on caring, courage and resilience.

Delight in the ringing of ankle bells and the swish of colorful scarves as Bollywood dance is described in playful rhymes.Two sisters arrive for the Masala Magic Dance Recital. They join the other performers to get ready. “Rustle, hustle.” And watch the opening act. “Wiggle, giggle.” Then it’s older sister’s turn. “Flickity-flip. Thumka-hip.” The families in the audience join in. “Toes tap. Hands clap.” It’s a wonderful time. Until … uh-oh. Younger sister has second thoughts about performing! “Heart-stopping.” With a gift and a bit of encouragement from older sister, little sister steps on stage. “Thumka-hip. Flickity-flip.” The audience is invited to participate. “Hustle, rustle.” And soon everyone is dancing to the Bollywood beat! The joy is infectious in author Anita Yasuda’s lyrical romp of a picture book, and children won’t be able to resist dancing along! Bollywood culture is on full display in this delightful celebration of family, tradition and dance. Yasuda cleverly repeats the same rhymes from the first part of the story in reverse order to tell the second part of the story. The deep, rich colors in Devika Oza’s mesmerizing art bring the dance recital to life, exquisitely conveying the movement and emotions of the dancers and the audience, as well the street where the recital is set. The back matter includes a brief glossary of terms.

For fans of The Wrong Way Home and My Life with the Liars, this gripping coming-of-age story follows a girl who must wrestle with what to do when she realizes she’s lived almost her entire life inside a cult.Thirteen-year-old Ara lives in an isolated community called Jupiter Station with her family. They abide by the teachings of Father Jupiter, their self-appointed leader, and follow the strict rules laid out in his Book of Jupiter. Ara has always believed what she’s been taught, including Father Jupiter’s prophecy that the family will soon become stardust and “Ascend to the planet Jupiter,” where they’ll live together forever. But when her older brother Leo reveals his doubts about Father Jupiter, particularly his story about how they became part of the family, Ara must decide what to do, as she starts to realize he may be right.Award-winning author Robin Stevenson has written a chilling tale of awakening that readers won’t be able to put down. The gripping story with unexpected plot twists will keep readers guessing to the very end. The fictional world is based on the author’s research of real-world cults, providing fascinating insight into how cults function and how a person’s perceptions of reality can be skewed. Ara’s struggle will raise questions for readers about trusting one’s instincts and what truths are worth uncovering.

A grieving child builds a rocket ship as a way to process feelings. For fans of Oliver Jeffers’s The Heart and the Bottle.A young child addresses a loved one who is no longer there, while narrating the process of building a rocket ship in the backyard. Dad is nearby, as the child explains their progress and decisions about what to pack as they build. Musing that something is still missing, the child remembers past building projects, stargazing and a warm and loving relationship with the person they’ve lost. Now, this person feels as far away as the stars - which is where the rocket is aimed. Anna Lazowski’s powerful and profound story is an emotionally sensitive, child-centered exploration of death and grief. Beautifully told in an understated but immediate narrative voice, and with a soothing refrain of “I built a rocket ship out in the backyard,” it’s ultimately a comforting story for children about finding their own way to honor someone they’ve lost. It also serves as a reminder to adults that children grieve in unexpected ways. Who has died is left open to interpretation, making the book relatable to different readers and situations. Jennica Lounsbury’s soft-focus illustrations in muted pastels keep the mood gentle and tender. This picture book has excellent connections to social-emotional learning. It’s sure to touch the heart of anyone who’s ever lost a loved one, even as it celebrates the memories they hold dear.

The contortionist antics of some sly cats help teach babies and toddlers about shapes in this charming board book.Clever and mischievous cats take on different shapes in this adorable concept board book. A curious cat climbs into a box to investigate and forms the shape of a SQUARE. A thirsty cat crawls into a bathroom sink to get a drink and spreads into an OVAL. A sneaky cat slips into a drawer to take a nap and stretches into a RECTANGLE. And, at the end of the day, all the cats cuddling together take on the best shape of all: the shape of their owner’s HEART! Award-winning author and illustrator Aidan Cassie really gets how cats behave — and what amuses very young children! Using simple text, bright colors and spot-on visual humor, Cassie showcases six different cats morphing into the six basic shapes that babies and toddlers are learning to recognize and name. For each one, the cat is shown approaching or near its target on the right side of a spread, with intriguing text: “A curious cat can be a …” Turn the page, and the left side of the next spread reveals where the cat landed, and in what shape: in this case, “SQUARE.” The cat and its shape-shifting behavior are the whole focus of each of the illustrations. Small children will delight in this age-appropriate introduction to shapes, sure to become a new favorite read-aloud!

The fun is out of this world in this laugh-out-loud graphic novel about an alien, government agents and the unexpected power of pizza.Nate’s on a mission to Earth from the planet Vega. His goal: eat pizza! Luckily, soon after he crash-lands on Earth he meets Fazel, who helps him create a disguise, learn the ways of Earthlings and, most importantly, stuff himself with pizza! Nate quickly discovers there are lots of things to love about Earth and Earthlings besides pizza. He’s having a blast! There’s only one problem. Two Men in Beige (government agents) are desperate to capture him and bring him to their lab — and they’re starting to close in. Will Fazel and Nate manage to elude the Men in Beige while they find fuel for Nate’s spacecraft so he can head home? And will Nate have had his fill of pizza by then?Here’s a sidesplittingly funny graphic novel from multiple-award-winning writer, illustrator and cartoonist Dave Whamond. With its irreverent humor and high energy, it’s a perfect pick for emerging readers. Along with the fun, the lovable main character models an eagerness to learn new things and broaden his horizons and, together with Fazel, is able to look past surface differences to find friendship and a shared sense of adventure. There are terrific character education lessons here on adaptability, inclusiveness (even of “aliens”) and teamwork.

Change is in the air. Power outages are increasing, and gas prices are soaring. At first, 12-year-old Luz balks, hardly thrilled by the prospect of actually having to walk to the mall. But Luz doesn''t mope for long. After all, her name --- pronounced ''loose'' --- means ''light.'' Soon, this intelligent and spirited chica begins to understand that she must change with the times. As food prices rise, Luz decides to help create a more self-sustainable community by transforming a run-down city lot into a garden where she and her neighbours can grow their own fruits and vegetables. But when she solicits help from her friends --- boy-crazy Anika and computer-whiz Robby --- they think she''s a little loco. Luz pedals her idea on the street, but the community is equally dismissive. Can Luz pull off her plan and help change her world alone? This graphic novel is a kid-friendly take on sustainable living in a fossil fuel-dependent world. Preteens will love the fearless, fiery and resourceful heroine and will find inspiration in her efforts to steer her society toward self-sustainable living. Hip and energetic illustrations bring Luz and her world to life in a jazzy, appealing fashion, and a bonus chapter teaches kids how to make garden compost.

A one-of-a-kind tour through the body that looks at how, why and where humans experience emotions, from award-winning science writer Tanya Lloyd Kyi.Why does nervousness make us feel like we have butterflies in our belly and embarrassment cause a deep blush to spread across our face? While we know our brains are directly connected to our emotions, scientists are now discovering more about how other parts of our bodies are involved in feeling our feelings. How does all the information flow back and forth through our bodies? And how does it turn into the things we call emotions? Here’s a fascinating, toe-to-head tour through the human body that answers these questions and more.Award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi offers a unique mix of science, history and cultural studies to empower readers by helping them understand their emotions and how to practice self-regulation. Kyi’s signature funny, frank tone paired with amusing cartoon illustrations by Phil Nicholls make this an approachable book for adolescents who are becoming more aware of their bodies and their suddenly out-of-control feelings. Readers will learn the latest scientific theories about where our emotions ”happen,“ how our brains guide us as we experience and process these emotions and even some traditional cultural beliefs about soothing those big feelings. An excellent resource for life science lessons on the human body and human organ systems, the book includes a glossary, index, sources and resources.

In this unique, interactive graphic novel, early readers learn how to make good choices – and even choose what the characters do next!Dragon and Unicorn are best friends who agree on everything. Well, almost everything. Dragon likes to follow the rules, while Unicorn is more of a free spirit, so sometimes they fight. Luckily, in these three stories, whenever the friends disagree, the reader gets to choose what happens next. Each choice leads to a different outcome, and at the end of the story, the reader can start again and choose a whole new storyline! Bestselling author P. J. Hoover lets readers drive the action in these short stories. The two characters are funny and relatable as they argue about clubhouse rules and what to do at a sleepover. As young readers consider the best way to deal with the interpersonal conflicts, they’ll gain important social and relationship skills. Playful art by Lisa Wiley perfectly showcases the emotional drama in the stories. Strong curriculum ties to social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, and story writing combine with excellent character-education lessons in cooperation, empathy, honesty and teamwork in a totally immersive interactive package.

A new early chapter book series starring a lovable vampire who’s just trying to fit in.Frankie D and his family have just moved from Transylvania, looking for a fresh start. Where Frankie is from, the school day began at midnight and ended at dawn. Now in America, Frankie and his family must adjust their sleep schedule, train to be out in the sun, and strictly adhere to a vegan, zero-blood diet. Not only that, Frankie has to navigate school as the ”new kid“ and keep his vampire identity secret from other humans. A tall order for a deathly pale, fanged fourth-grader with a three-legged wolf as a pet!Brian and Sally Dutra’s entertaining series offers a whole new take on what it means to be an outsider. With so many playful twists on vampire tropes, a compelling plot (with a cliffhanger ending!) and loads of deadpan humor, this book is sure to have enormous appeal for early readers. Tiffani Brown’s black-and-white illustrations on every spread bring just the right amount of vampire creepiness to the story, tempered by just the right amount of humor. Frankie’s open nature and kindness toward others is endearing, and his difficulties trying to navigate a new life while still being true to himself will be relatable to all children. The story highlights important themes of friendship, family, dealing with bullies and adjusting to a new place. It also offers terrific character education lessons on adaptability, initiative and empathy.

Come one, come all to a very special event … the grand opening of the Museum of Willa and Wade!Willa and Wade (an ostrich and a penguin) discover something curious on their walk. The small round object is sparkly but looks very old. They’ve discovered a treasure! And it belongs in a museum. In fact, it belongs in their very own museum, which will be called the Museum of Willa and Wade (MOWW). So, how do you make a museum? Well, first they have to choose a location. A box labeled MOWW is just the thing. Next, they need to add a few more treasures. Wade’s rock, handed down for generations, and Willa’s dinosaur are perfect for rounding out the collection. Add a café and a grand opening and voila! They’ve created the perfect museum – almost as perfect as their friendship!Judith Henderson’s graphic-novel series for early readers is a testament to trying new things, being undeterred by setbacks and learning as you go. The two adorable flightless birds are ever curious and always optimistic as they use creative problem-solving to work their way to solutions. Through it all, their friendship is the star, as the two are always open to each other’s suggestions. Illustrations by Sara Sarhangpour add to the whimsical tone of the story and, with just a few per spread, never overwhelm young readers. This book offers excellent character-education lessons on teamwork, initiative and perseverance. It could also serve as a great discussion starter on the value of museums or on what the things we cherish represent to us.

A disagreement between two animal friends turns into a laugh-out-loud word game with heart.Vera (the cat) is happily playing alone with her catnip mouse when Gipp (the dog) desperately tries to join the fun. When she doesn’t respond, Gipp decides he’ll impress her with his magic wand but instead accidentally destroys Vera’s toy! Attempting to cheer her up, Gipp offers to use his wand to replace the catnip mouse, suggesting a series of fantastical rhyming alternatives. Would Vera like a ketchup joust? No. A cattle blouse? No! How about a cactus house? NO! Vera’s had enough. And soon neither of them has their favorite toy. Is there some way the friends can patch things up?Writer and illustrator A. J. Smith has created a delightfully silly picture book filled with inventive language and fanciful images. This entertaining rhyming word game is tucked inside a warm and satisfying emotional story about friendship and compromise. The story will appeal to children who like to play alone, those who long to be included – and those who go back and forth depending on the day. A perfect read-aloud, this fun book could inspire children to make up their own rhymes or even create their own rhyming game. It also could lead to discussions on topics such as cooperation, communication and different ways to play, and would support character education lessons on kindness and empathy.

A child shares feelings about their identity with their dad in this powerful story about change, acceptance and, above all, love.One winter, while creating their annual ice rink together, a child starts a conversation with their dad about something important. ”Do you ever feel mixed up about who you are?“ the child asks. But the father misunderstands the question. So, the child tries again later. ”Do you ever feel different than the way you look?“ Again, the father doesn’t get it. But this time he asks to hear more. And the child explains. ”I look like a boy, but sometimes I feel more like a girl.“ At last, it’s been said. The child shares that their name feels like an itchy sweater and they want to change it to ”Gray.“ It’s a big change, but one they can grow into together. And when Gray’s dad finally uses their chosen name, it feels warm and right, just like hot chocolate after the first skate of the season. This personal story, co-written by acclaimed author Andrew Larsen and his son Bells, is inspired by Bells’s own experience as a transgender person. It’s about the joy and comfort a child feels when a parent affirms their identity, and how the transition can be complex for the rest of the family. An excellent conversation starter for families with a child who might be questioning their gender identity, it centers the child’s experience of navigating and sharing what they feel, and shows that, though the child’s sense of themself is changing, their place in the family is not. It also demonstrates a supportive and respectful family environment, where home is a safe space. Tallulah Fontaine’s softly focused illustrations punctuated by the red of Gray’s cap create an inviting, wintery setting.

A collection of five hilarious stories starring Scaredy Squirrel – everyone’s favorite worrywart!Scaredy Squirrel would rather stay safe and secure in his nut tree than risk venturing out into the great unknown. There are so many hazards out there! But every now and then, when he does take a brave step outside his comfort zone, Scaredy Squirrel discovers something new and exciting. And somehow, the thing he didn’t want to do turns out to be the best thing he’s ever done! Now Scaredy Squirrel fans can get these five bestselling titles in one hardcover edition:Scaredy SquirrelScaredy Squirrel Makes a FriendScaredy Squirrel at the BeachScaredy Squirrel at NightScaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday PartyReaders of all ages love Melanie Watt’s sweetly vulnerable, lovable Scaredy Squirrel. Children relate to his numerous fears of the unfamiliar – both the real, possible threats and the outlandish ones – while being in on the joke of how his checklists, schedules and detailed plans never quite prepare Scaredy the way he thinks they will and usually weren’t needed in the first place! By working through his apprehensions, Scaredy Squirrel shows readers it’s okay to take risks and do the thing you think you can’t do. These stories are excellent for teaching character-education lessons on courage, adaptability and perseverance. This hardcover edition makes a perfect collectible or gift for Scaredy Squirrel fans of any age.

A growth-mindset book that empowers kids to take on any math challenge.A unique math book, Adventures in Math builds students’ social-emotional skills in math by debunking common myths that inhibit learning and confidence. Rather than teaching readers how to master math concepts, it urges them to change their mindset about math altogether. Using stories and practical tips, it encourages readers to be curious when faced with math problems, to accept that there will be setbacks in solving them and to recognize the creativity at the root of doing math. And, just as important, it helps readers understand math’s relevance in their own lives through fascinating stories about real people who have used math to do amazing things. Author Carleigh Wu is a math coach who wants to help middle schoolers rethink their attitudes about math and their ability to do it well. Guided by research-based, high-impact teaching practices, she speaks directly to readers, providing them with information to build their resilience and confidence. By instilling a growth mindset, Wu shows readers that with practice and effort, they can get better at math. She even includes a writing challenge at the end of every chapter to help readers reflect on and digest what they’ve learned. Many curricula now require social-emotional learning in math, and this is the perfect resource to build those lessons from. The inviting text and Sean Simpson’s friendly illustrations keep the pages easy to navigate and explore. A list of sources and an index are included.

How does a girl get trick-or-treaters to come to her house? Leave it to Wednesday Wilson to find a way in this fun and innovative early-reader Halloween story!Wednesday Wilson is devastated to learn her house is on the Do-Not-Knock List for Halloween trick-or-treaters because her moms don’t give out candy. Thankfully, Wednesday has come up with an awesome idea for a treat that’s sure to draw crowds to her house despite the list: slime! Even better, she’s got a plan to turn slime into her next business venture. There are just a few things she’ll have to overcome first to pull off Halloween, such as a haunted house, a giant robot spider and the scariest thing of all – the Emmas!Bree Galbraith’s critically acclaimed series stars a young girl who sees obstacles as challenges to overcome and is always quick on her feet. With short chapters, a page-turning plot and illustrations by Morgan Goble on nearly every page, this series is a perfect choice for emerging readers. The series encourages ingenuity, creative thinking and problem-solving, and includes definitions for business terms throughout the text. It also features a diverse cast of standout characters. A slime recipe is included within this story.