Sam and Jules -- they've been best friends forever. Now, in the summer before their senior year, they're ready for whatevers coming. College? Professional dance careers? They'll share the triumphs and face the tears together. But neither of them are prepared for what does happen next. Jules is diagnosed with cancer. And there is no cure. "An unforgettable debut by a writer to watch. The novel is beautifully composed, with dialogue that never falters, characters who are fully realized, and plotting to make readers turn the pages through their tears." -- Kirkus Reviews, pointer review

    So when she finds a long-forgotten trail in the wild woods near her home, she resolves to follow it. It's a journey that leads her to unravel the dark secrets of her aunt's life - and her own. And while Zinny chases ghosts in the woods, gorgeous Jake Boone is determined to chase her . . .

    Stanley West weaves rollicking humor, riveting suspense, and a bittersweet love story into the fabric of those optimistic times. Through a seemingly harmless prank and a chance conversation, Cal Gant, previously secure in the friendly neighborhoods of his idyllic life, stumbles onto the naked face of cruelty, incest, and murder. When he attempts to rescue a strange and haunting girl, he finds himself in a heart-stopping struggle with her ruthless father, leading Cal to the brink of self-doubt, terror, and death itself. Can he find within himself the backbone to stand against the horror and the daring to concoct some scheme to set Gretchen free?

    "Butterfly Kisses" celebrates the love between fathers and daughters, as well as the shared trust and hope that create this unique and everlasting bond.

    Mrs Higgins puts him in the sidecar of her motorcycle and is driving him into town, when McDuff recognises the smells, the sounds and sight of home.

    Your eyes are wide open, and the adrenaline is pumping. It's not a feeling you want to give up, any more than you want to get off a roller coaster.In his senior year of high school, late-bloomer Ryan Ward has just begun to feel the magic of baseball: the magic of catching a wicked slider, of throwing a runner out, of training hard and pushing limits. But when one of his teammates clearly pushes the limits too far, Ryan is face with a heartbreaking dilemma: he must choose between his love for the game and his integrity.

    By sticking together and staying out of their mother's way, they manage to make it to school on time, get meals together, and protect one another from their mother's terrifying and seemingly random verbal and physical attacks. A few sympathetic friends, like Brandon from next door, make a big difference. But when their mother storms out of the house with a suitcase and doesn't come back, they have to face a new reality--they can't cope entirely on their own for long. Yet, as Caity comes to realize, there is a lot they can do to take control of their future. This sensitively written novel deals frankly with parental abuse, but is ultimately about the resilience and resourcefulness of young people who beat the odds.

    A girl shares many experiences with her grandmother over the years, and many times the old woman gives her a small gift to help her remember.

    In Shake Shake Shake and Watch Me Dance, explore the joys of rhythm and movement. These spirited board books celebrate the loving closeness of an African American family.

    John Heffernan's vivid portrayal of life in the bush is written from first-hand experience. Spud is the author's own loyal companion on his property in northern New South Wales and was the inspiration for the story.Spud is the first book in the popular series by award-winning author John Heffernan. Look out for the other best-selling titles, Pup and Chips.

    Now these classic books have been resized and rewritten into intermediate-level readers that kids 6 and up can read themselves. While the text has been shortened and simplified, it retains the enduring Chicken Soup message of sincere and heartfelt virtue. The new reader series starts with two books: In The Best Night Out With Dad, Danny can't wait to go to the circus with his dad. It's going to be the best night ever! But the night has a surprise ending when Danny meets Victor in the ticket line. In The Greatest Gift of All, Izzy finds out that her parents won't let her go to Pine View Camp. Her summer is ruined! But things begin to change for Izzy when she starts to do Give-back Time with Grandpa Mike and meets the Braids Girl.With a lower price point, friendly format and the power of the Chicken Soup brand, these books will inspire children as they teach the joy of reading.Key Features The previous books were for parents to read to children; the new books have been shortened by approximately 25% and redesigned to make them appropriate for intermediate readers (ages 6 and up). The books contain 4-color illustrations throughout, including many full-page bleeds. The recognizable brand, along with the lower price point and smaller trim size, make this a perfect impulse purchase for busy parents.

    Each guide includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students.

    The only way for Sean to pay his dues is to perform community service on Mr. Hassler's farm. He can do just what he has to, or he can confront the mess his life has become. It's his choice? An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

    As a pup he is separated from his mother and siblings. This unusual dog learns about living on the dangerous streets and even makes up poetry. He finds human friends, has the chance to win fame and fortune, and is given the name Keeper. Through it all Keeper can't forget his long lost-little sister. If only they could be together again, life would be perfect. But an old enemy is watching and waiting to make his move."Throughout this lighthearted saga of the narrator's 'dog days, ' the author proves she is as well versed in animal behavior as in human sensibilities."--Publishers Weekly

    Ben and his sister Lizzie know that there is a lady who lives outside in a box over a warm air vent. The children worry about the kind-looking lady, and begin sneaking food and clothes out of their apartment for her. Gently told and powerfully illustrated in rich hues, The Lady in the Box deals candidly with the issue of homelessness.

    . . . their white meal runs wet with the knowledge of the language of the land, but people do not listen.”Vaz’s beautiful, intensely conscious language often delicately slips her stories into the realm of the fado, the Portuguese song about fate and longing.  “Listen for the nightingale that presses its breast against the thorns of the rose,” on character sings, “that the song might be more beautiful.”  Such a verse might describe Vaz’s own motive behind her willingness to confront her subject’s ambiguities and her characters’ conflicts - the simultaneous joy and sorrow of some of life’s discoveries, the pain sometimes hidden within passion and pleasure.

    Unfortunately, he has to shelve his board for more than half the year, when the streets are covered with snow. Then a new sport emerges on the scene, one that Dennis's friends think he'd be a natural at: snowboarding. Since snowboarding and skateboarding use such similar moves and techniques, making the jump from the streets to the slopes should be a breeze for Dennis. Only Dennis knows it won't be....

    After conflicting reports on her need for chemotherapy from two different doctors, fourteen-year-old Shannon is forced to make the decision of how she will deal with her disease.

    In Maine, cold can have so hard a grip that rivers freeze thick and clear, and ice is a crop that families depend upon for their livelihoods. Back in distant days of high-rigged schooners, what could children from two such very different places ever have in common? The deliciously satisfying answer, presented here with cut-paper pictures of a tropical island of always-summer and a New England village of very long winters, is given in the voices of two girls -- linked together by a sailor, a gift for imagining life in faraway places, and a taste for iced chocolate.

    One day, a green truck drives down the block. "We have gardens to give away!" shouts Hastings. "And Green Truck Almanacs!" adds Lura.This picture book chronicles the blooming of neighborhood gardens and neighborhood friendships, and features illustrated pages from The Green Truck Almanac, an easy-to-use collection of gardening tips, ideas, history, resources, and recipes.

    Martin had always like music -- liked to listen to it, liked to make up tunes in his head. But all he had to do was say the word "piano" to his father and all hell would break loose. His father thought music was for sissies, and was always mad at Martin for not being good at baseball. But with a lot of help from his friends Wylene and Sybil and his grandmother, Hazeline, Martin learns that, although he can't change his father, he can learn to stick up for himself. With humor, pathos, and a colorful cast of offbeat characters, Barbara O'Connor shows that there's room for genius wherever there's a place for compassion-- even in Paradise.

    But what exactly goes into making this special treat? Grandma decides it's a good time for Ben to find out. When he learns how to make honey biscuits, he doesn't just find out how to bake biscuits, he also discovers where all the ingredients in the recipe come from and whose help he really needs. Alison Bartlett's warm, vibrant illustrations accentuate Meredith Hooper's simple, lively text. Including an easy recipe for honey biscuits, this is a perfect introduction to food and cooking for very young readers.

    Some of the most touching stories in these books tell of the memories Laura has of growing up with her sisters, Mary, Carrie, and Grace as they traveled and settled throughout the Midwest. Here are some of the most special sister stories gathered together for the first time in a lavish gift book format, including gently colorized versions of Garth William's classic artwork, for sisters and Little House fans alike.

    For Travis Cody this is one of those times. His team, the Oil Camp Roughnecks, is facing the Pineview Pelicans for the state championship. Travis will have forty-eight minutes head-to-head with rival Jericho Grooms. Forty-eight minutes to redeem himself for letting Grooms break him on the play that cost the Roughnecks an undefeated season. Forty-eight minutes to prove he isn’t a quitter.