Best of
Young-Readers

2015

Big Nate's Greatest Hits


Lincoln Peirce - 2015
    He’s the king of Monopoly, the Michelangelo of P.S. 38, and a Cheez Doodle poet extraordinaire. He’s a sixth-grade superstar—at least, that’s what he tells everyone—and he’s going all the way to Number One. Whether he’s having an imaginary near-death experience, creating another hilarious episode of “Doctor Cesspool,” or meeting the girl of his dreams at summer school, Nate’s always at the top of the charts. The hits just keep on coming in Big Nate’s Greatest Hits!The more Big Nate, the better! Readers will have their fill of Nate's wisecracks and school day shenanigans in this giant collection of hilarious comic strips.

Immortal Guardians


Eliot Schrefer - 2015
    Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan were rare even among those few. They summoned four animals who were once Great Beasts, immortal guardians who sacrificed everything to end a brutal war. Now, in the wake of that sacrifice, more special children are appearing all across Erdas who are connected to these legendary beings. But something else lurks in the shadows of this hard-won peace. A dark force is hunting the Great Beasts, just as the world is rebuilding. Older and more powerful than even the Great Beasts themselves, it has slept for centuries beneath the surface of the world. Now it has awakened ...and if the young heroes can't stop it, it will consume everything.

The Essential Collection for Young Readers


Ruskin Bond - 2015
    Curated inthis essential collection are some of his best-loved stories, designed tointroduce the young reader to Ruskin’s cast of beloved characters—from theirrepressible Rusty, with his constant thirst for adventure, to his Grandfather,with his overflowing kindness towards all creatures great and small; from theresolute Bina, who braves a leopard to walk to school, to Suraj and SunderSingh, who become unlikely friends.Including classic tales such as ‘The Girl on the Train’, ‘Coming Home toDehra’, ‘The Room of Many Colours’ and ‘The Blue Umbrella’; in turns funny,touching, whimsical and nostalgic, this collection is a must-read for childrenand adults alike.

Guide to the Crystal Gems (Steven Universe)


Rebecca Sugar - 2015
    They are also mentors to Steven Universe, a gem/human hybrid boy whose mother was a great Gem leader. This guide, told from Steven’s point-of-view and written by the show's very own creator, Rebecca Sugar, is packed with facts about the Crystal Gems' powers, abilities, and origins, It also includes original art and a special introduction from Rebecca Sugar. This book is a must-have for any Steven Universe fan!

Cinderella: Junior Novel


Elizabeth Rudnick - 2015
    The live-action re-imagining of this timeless tale is sure to delight fans both old and new!

How to Speak Dolphin


Ginny Rorby - 2015
    He's definitely on the autism spectrum -- though her step-father, Don, can barely bring himself to admit it -- and caring for him has forced Lily to become as much mother as sister. All Lily wants is for her step-father to acknowledge that Adam has a real issue, that they need to find some kind of program that can help him. Then maybe she can have a life of her own. Adam's always loved dolphins, so when Don, an oncologist, hears about a young dolphin with cancer, he offers to help. He brings Lily and Adam along, and Adam and the dolphin -- Nori -- bond instantly. But though Lily sees how much Adam loves Nori, she also sees that the dolphin shouldn't spend the rest of her life in captivity, away from her family. Can Adam find real help somewhere else? And can Lily help Nori regain her freedom without betraying her family?

Killer Whale Vs. Great White Shark


Jerry Pallotta - 2015
    A mammal against a fish.The Killer Whale is one of the greatest predators of all time. The Great White Shark frightens everyone because of the movie JAWS. In reality it is no contest.

All the Wrong Questions: A Complete Mystery Gift Set


Lemony Snicket - 2015
    He was almost thirteen and undertook an apprenticeship that didn't go as planned. His record of this curious time, published as four books in the bestselling series All The Wrong Questions, has been gathered together for the first time in one handsome gift box. It's a complete mystery.

Balancing Act


Margaret Gurevich - 2015
    After winning the first season of the fashion reality show, Chloe is ready to start her job with a famous designer, Stefan Meyers, in New York City. But with an old crush and new challenges to contend with, Chloe discovers that fast-paced fashion industry isn’t for the faint of heart. Will she be able to make it work, or will the balancing act prove to be too much for this budding designer? For ages 9-12. From the Chloe by Design series.*Appeals to viewers of Project Runway*Perfect for aspiring teen designers and girls who love fashion*Reality-competition setting appeals to teens by tying into current television interests*Artwork from fashion industry illustrator with experience at major magazines and TV shows*Sketchbook-style artwork encourages creativityLinks

Art Workshops for Children


Hervé Tullet - 2015
    12 workshops are featured, each offering a list of materials needed, a step–by–step guide to facilitation, practical tips, illustrated examples, and photos of workshops in progress.The workshops are designed to spark children's imaginations, champion group bonding, and give visually pleasing results – with no artistic ability required.Tried and tested around the world by children of all ages. Perfect for organizing group events at home, in schools, at parties, at museums – anywhere!

My Little Book of Big Freedoms: The Human Rights Act in Pictures


Chris Riddell - 2015
    Chris Riddell brings to life 16 fundamental freedoms outlined by the Human Rights Act.

Lion Guard: Return of the Roar (Disney Picture Book (ebook))


Walt Disney Company - 2015
    Learn how the Lion Guard came to be in this beautifully illustrated picture book based on the upcoming Disney Junior movie event

The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair


Lara Williamson - 2015
    But standing in his way are two things: 1) his dad, his brother and him seem to have run away from home in the middle of the night and 2) Becket’s mum died before he got the chance to say goodbye to her. Arming himself with an armchair of stories, a snail named Brian and one thousand paper cranes, Becket ploughs on, determined to make his wish come true.

The Curious Cat Spy Club


Linda Joy Singleton - 2015
    They have nothing in common--until they rescue three kittens and form a club to help animals through volunteering, spying, and solving mysteries. In the first book of this series, Kelsey helps catch a runaway zorse (horse + zebra) with the help of another girl from school named Becca. The two are walking home when they happen upon a litter of kittens trapped in a dumpster and Leo Polanski is the only person around who can help get them out. The three unlikely friends decide to work together to help solve animal crimes with their secret club!

Nelson Beats The Odds


Ronnie Sidney II - 2015
    When Nelson learns that he has been placed in Special Education, he fears being teased. Consequently, he keeps his learning disability and ADHD diagnosis a secret. With the encouragement of his parents and assistance from Mrs. T., his Special Education teacher, Nelson pushes the boundaries and discovers his potential. ”Nelson Beats The Odds” is an inspiring story that celebrates friendship, resilience and empowerment. The striking illustrations give life to ”Nelson Beats The Odds”, while the author’s story is perfect for students diagnosed with learning disabilities or mental health disorders.

A Wisher's Guide to Starland


Walt Disney Company - 2015
    It's where our wishes go when we send them out into the universe... and it's called Starland. This is where the Star Darlings live -- twelve girls who are chosen as an elite, secret circle of Wish-Granters. They collect, nurture and help us make wishes come true. A Wisher's Guide to Starland introduces us to the Starlings and the incredible, sparkling, positive-energy-powered world they live in. Filled with facts on Starland and it's inhabitants, this 128-page book is loaded with amazing full-color art and sure to be on every tween's "wish" list!

Missing Jack


Rebecca Elliott - 2015
    But Jack is getting old - and Toby will miss his furry best friend terribly when he's gone. Then Toby meets a crazy cat called Humphrey. In this charming and beautifully illustrated picture book Rebecca Elliott addresses the difficult subject of a child's first experience of the death of a pet with warmth, sensitivity and well placed humour. Awards: 2011 JUNIOR MAGAZINE DESIGN AWARDS Most Promising New Talent- SHORTLISTED, 2011 NASEN AWARDS (National Association of Special Education Needs) Inclusive Children's Book of the Year - SHORTLISTED, 2011 NURSERY WORLD AWARDS Three to Fives New Launch - FINALIST, 2010-11 PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE Children's Book of the Year - FINALIST, 2012 - KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL - LONG LIST, 2012 - DOLLY GRAY CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD - WINNER

In the Heart of the Sea (Young Readers Edition): The True Story of the Whaleship Essex


Nathaniel Philbrick - 2015
    The New York Times bestselling and National Book Award winning In the Heart of the Sea, soon to be a major motion picture directed by Ron Howard, adapted by the author for young readers. On November 20, 1820, the whaleship Essex was rammed and sunk by an angry whale.  Within minutes, the twenty-one-man crew, including the fourteen-year-old cabin boy Thomas Nickerson, found themselves stranded in three leaky boats in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with barely any supplies and little hope.  Three months later, two of the boats were rescued 4,500 miles away, off the coast of South America.  Of the twenty-one castaways, only eight survived, including young Thomas.  Based on his New York Times best-seller In the Heart of the Sea, Nathaniel Philbrick recreates the amazing events of the ill-fated Essex through the sailors own first-hand accounts, photos, maps, and artwork, and tells the tale of one of the great true-life adventure stories."Horrifyingly engrossing." —Kirkus Reviews"A compelling saga of desperation and survival." —School Library Journal

Tangled Secrets


Anne-Marie Conway - 2015
    She's grieving for Nan, struggling for Mum's attention, and scared she's losing Dad too. She keeps everything knotted up inside, unable to find her voice... until she's paired with Kieran Black - the bad-boy troublemaker in her class - and finds her confidence growing. But when Maddie's hit by a secret that could bring her whole world crashing down, can she find the strength to face her fears? A captivating new mystery from the author of the bestselling Butterfly Summer. "Conway’s beautifully written and sensitive novel is as complex as its Tangled title, blending important early adolescent concerns with a captivating, moving story that entertains whilst gently doling out plenty of good advice." - Lancashire Evening Post

Proverbs for Young People


Jack E. Levin - 2015
    Levin brings his distinctive artistic style to twenty-nine life lessons that have been passed down from generation to generation. Filled with wit and wisdom, these life lessons have stood the test of time. From “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine” and “Early to Bed and Early to Rise” to “Practice Makes Perfect” and “Look Before You Leap,” these well-known proverbs are universal, evergreen truths that every parent and grandparent will want to share with their children.

Winell Road


Kate Foster - 2015
    But the road has a secret that few people know. And Jack’s about to uncover it. Mystery, action and adventure. This award-winning sci-fi series is “highly recommended” for middle grade readers. For fans of Men in Black and Zac Power, Winell Road is jam-packed with “loads of twists and turns” that will keep you guessing to the end.2015 New Apple Award Winner Solo Medalist Winner Children's Fiction CategoryFirst Edition: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Peanuts Movie Novelization


Tracey West - 2015
    And—good grief!—Charlie Brown finds himself instantly with a crush on her. Will he be able to impress her? Meanwhile, Snoopy is heading out on a fantastical flight of the imagination as the Flying Ace! While on his adventure, Snoopy falls head over heels for Fifi, a spunky, high-flying poodle, in the skies over Paris. But when the dastardly Red Baron captures Fifi, it’s up to Snoopy and Woodstock to take down the Red Baron once and for all! Relive the action, fun, and magic in this incredible retelling of the Peanuts movie that comes with an insert with images from the movie and is sure to be loved by fans young and old! © 2015 Peanuts Worldwide LLC © 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

The Gameknight999 Box Set: Six Unofficial Minecrafter's Adventures!


Mark Cheverton - 2015
    Six exciting adventures for boys and girls who love Minecraft. One great price!Gameknight999 loves Minecraft, but when one of his father’s inventions teleports him into the game, Gameknight is forced to live out a real-life adventure inside a digital world. Stuck in Minecraft, he discovers the game’s best-kept secret, something not even its programmers realize: the creatures within the game are alive!Over the course of six adventure novels, Gameknight999 battles zombies, spiders, ghasts, endermen, creepers, and even the infamous Herobrine as he tries to keep himself and his friends alive and fights to stop the enemies of Minecraft from taking over the game and escaping into real life. Included in the box set are the following novels: Invasion of the Overworld, Battle for the Nether, Confronting the Dragon, Trouble in Zombie-Town, The Jungle Temple Oracle, and Last Stand on the Ocean ShoreThe bestselling Gameknight999 books are action-packed tributes to the worldwide gaming phenomenon of Minecraft, and each novel is filled with your favorite characters, biomes, and creatures from the actual game. The Gameknight999 Box Set is the perfect gift for any Minecraft fan.This adventure series is created especially for readers who love the fight of good vs. evil, magical academies like Hogwarts in the Harry Potter saga, and games like Minecraft, Terraria, and Pokemon GO. Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest


J.A. Myhre - 2015
    This adventure story is designed for eight-to fourteen-year-old youth and is written for children and teens who love reading and learning about faraway and different parts of the world, while relating to characters and issues that seem much closer to home.Ten-year-old Mu, orphaned as a toddler, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember, he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness and little hope that anything will ever change. But one day everything does change.On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through an ever changing landscape.Through his adventure, Mu learns many things about himself. Along with Mu, you will walk through Africa, encountering good and evil. Read carefully and you just may find out who you are too.For 8-14 year olds

The Unlicensed Magician


Kelly Barnhill - 2015
    Nineteen, if you count the one that died. The Minister ordered that the nineteen children be shipped to the Tower to be worked and drained to nothing, and that the dead child be thrown on the rubbish heap, and never spoken of again. But the dead baby had other plans. When the half-drunk junk man witnesses the half-decayed corpse becoming a living, breathing, healthy baby, he knows at once that he must protect the child from the clutches of the Minister. Enlisting the help of the formidable egg woman and the sagacious constable, he manages to keep the existence of the child a secret.But children grow. And so does magic. And secrets long to be told.

BIG and Small in the Mirror


Mary Feliciani - 2015
     A discussion page appears at the end of the story to help foster a deeper understanding of the issue of bullying, and to put the story in perspective. The author creates empathy for the victims while at the same time showing that bullies don’t feel good about themselves. Big and Small in the Mirror is the first of a trilogy of books about bullying that happens at school. The author uses the same characters and setting as The Magic Leaf — Carlo and Marco in a small Italian town named Roseto. Each book will focus on a different aspect of bullying.

5-Minute Berenstain Bears Stories


Mike Berenstain - 2015
    Make the Berenstain Bears part of your story-time tradition with this new collection of classics.

A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story


A.J. York - 2015
    Someone new has arrived. Tallulah the Christmas Fairy wakes to find herself attached to the top of a tree. She soon makes friends and has a magical first Christmas. Once the festivities are over, Tallulah finds herself in the attic with the other decorations from Easter and Halloween. Each year they watch the seasons change as they wait excitedly for their turn to go downstairs. Until one day new boxes appear and then the unthinkable happens. A Fairy Extraordinary Christmas Story is a magical and uplifting tale for the whole family.

AJ & Magnus: Night of The Roach


Bryan Steel - 2015
    Together they have a knack for finding adventure like no one else. Join AJ & Magnus on their hilarious adventures through life in this collection of comic strips written by Bryan Steel and illustrated by Simon Steel.

The Witch with the Wonky Broomstick


Sam Cairns - 2015
     Be prepared to hold your nose as the Phantom Pumper strikes again. Stare in awe at the giant snail. Feel for Harry the Rat as he desperately tries to find a friend. And dodge the ogres as they attempt to snotify anyone nearby. Some of the characters are nice. Some aren’t. You decide! The Witch With The Wonky Broomstick is a great book to encourage youth to love poetry.

Fairalon


T.J. Roberts - 2015
    She lost her mother at six and it changed her, it scared her to her core. Now she repeats almost everything she does, to make sure she gets it right, to make sure nothing that bad ever happens again. Only three people know her secret, her father, her grandmother and her doctor. Only one of them believes her.With her grandmother’s passing, Iris inherits her grandmother’s house in the woods and all of its contents, including five ornately carved heavy wooden boxes. She loved her grandmother and knew there was something different about her, and something strange and wonderful about that house.Moving day comes and along the road to her new home she sees something so bizarre it scares her. She tells her dad and the police, but nobody believes her. She sets out to prove she’s not crazy, and then things get really, really weird.Fairalon is a middle grade / YA fantasy fiction.

Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Ellis Island Volume 6


Barbara Ann Mojica - 2015
    Millions of immigrants left their homelands in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to seek the promise of a better future in America. Why did they abandon their homeland? Some fled from political oppression or slavery, others sought work or the possibility of acquiring land to farm. Those who entered the Great Hall on Ellis Island did so with fear in their hearts and hope in their eyes. Come follow along and explore their dreams and experiences as they passed through the gates on Ellis Island. Perhaps you will see one of your ancestors reflected in their eyes. For most immigrants the end of their transatlantic voyage was a new beginning, for others it became “An Island of Tears.”

Hank Hudson


Clark Chamberlain - 2015
    Being the fifth of nine children makes it hard for him to be noticed. Some days he feels invisible. He might be right. When Hank's dad loses his job due to the Great Depression, he moves the family to California. The one problem, Hank got left behind. With the help of his best friend, Dog, Hank heads across the country to catch up with his family. Along the way he and Dog discover a hidden world filled with mysterious people, mythical power, buried treasure and a dark force that wants to take control of Hank. It will take all of Hank's courage to see him through on his adventure home.

Night Buddies Go Sky High


Sands Hetherington - 2015
    Not surprisingly, Crosley is craving a new supply of pineapple cheesecakes, but what Mae points to on her ceiling will start the Night Buddies on a totally new fantasy adventure, taking them all the way into the stratosphere in their newly modified racing blimp.

DC Comics Super Hero Mad Libs


Roger Price - 2015
    DC Comics Superhero Mad Libs features 21 original stories based on everyone's favorite DC superheroes--Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and many more! This book includes 21 stories.

Really? Robots


Penelope Arlon - 2015
    But are you really getting all the information you need? Is it correct and up to date? Is there more information out there?There is! REALLY? ROBOTS presents cutting-edge information directly from people who are actually working in robotics. It reveals how the technology behind robots is developed, along with the theories, experiments, and new processes involved. Featuring interviews with amazing men and women, facts about the very latest humanoids, androids, and cyborgs in production, fantastic photography, and superb infographics, this book is filled with original and extraordinary facts that will have every child exclaiming, "Really? WOW!"

DNA Detective


Tanya Lloyd Kyi - 2015
    She explains the basics of genetics and reveals the fascinating, and frequently entertaining stories of the researchers who discovered pieces of the DNA puzzle. Meet the genetics rock stars like Frederick Sanger, whose groundbreaking research won him two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry; and Rosalind Franklin, who created the first clear image of DNA.Readers will apply what they learn about genetic science at the end of each chapter in an engaging challenge: helping a young detective eliminate suspects to solve a major crime, based on a real-world case.Discover why humans are more like flies or mice than we'd like to admit, how to clone a sheep, and what palindromes have to do with DNA. From genetically-engineered pets to a dating app that helps Icelanders avoid marrying their cousins, the world of DNA will surprise and delight you.

Canadian Monster Club - The Summer Picnic


Troy Townsin - 2015
    Every Canada Day monsters from each province and territory gather to celebrate the Canadian Monster Club Summer Picnic. With games like swamp hockey and food fights using blackfly pie and banana slug sundaes, it gets messy! Eh! Eh! Eh! Ooh La La!Monster Club of CA-NA-DA!Some are BIG and some are small,But we are monsters one and all! RAAAAAR!Each friendly, fun-filled monster is based on real Canadian folklore, a First Nations legend or a historical sighting. Trish's stunning illustrations seem to leap from the page and children will delight in finding the hidden frog in each picture. Full of catchy chants, look & finds and plenty of Canuck humour, the Canadian Monster Club is sure to become a favourite.

Dreadful Wind and Rain


Isabel Greenberg - 2015
    Inspired by the jealous, lustful and murderous folk song narratives, Isabel presents her interpretation of the cruel and fantastical folk ballad also known as ‘Two Sisters’ and discovered during her research in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.Created as a comic published by Gosh!, Isabel has created intriguing characters and a story full of dark humour and otherworldly qualities that brings this well-known ballad into a fresh new light.This book was made for an exhibition at Cecil Sharp House with the English Folk Dance and Song Society, and printed with a risograph.The story can also be found in the graphic novel The One Hundred Nights of Hero.

The Surfing Animals Alphabet


Jonas Claesson - 2015
    An aquatic alphabet adventure for old sea dogs and young pups alike! Learn A - Z or ABC + get stoked on surfing, in case you were not already, with this Surfing Animals ABC book. Hardcover, 64 pages of full color animal ABC surf stoke! As seen in Surfer magazine, White Horses Magazine and more. Created and self-published by Jonas Claesson, aka Instagram: jonas_draws http://shop.jonasclaesson.com/ *PLEASE NOTE* "Jonas Claesson Shop" is the ONLY authorized seller of this book on Amazon. Please beware of unauthorized sellers!

Dead Diary


L.P. Donnelli - 2015
    Dead tired. So tired I can barely stay awake to write this. After helping Mr Bircher search for his head all night, I’m a little annoyed too. Dad doesn’t help. He doesn’t know what it's like for a girl my age, trying to fit in at school as much as possible, and trying to fit in all the dead people. It’s not easy being a soul helper. And so her diary entries begin. Through the school term, Mathilde will learn important life lessons she will never forget. Realising that ghosts and people are not as different as she thought . . .

Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound


Andrea Davis Pinkney - 2015
    He converted the garage of a residential house into a studio and recruited teenagers from the neighborhood-like Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross-to sing for his new label. Meanwhile, the country was on the brink of a cultural revolution, and one of the most powerful agents of change in the following decade would be this group of young black performers from urban Detroit. From Berry Gordy and his remarkable vision to the Civil Rights movement, from the behind-the-scenes musicians, choreographers, and song writers to the most famous recording artists of the century, Andrea Davis Pinkney takes readers on a Rhythm Ride through the story of Motown.

La Llorona: Counting Down / Contando Hacia Atras: A Bilingual Counting Book


Patty Rodríguez - 2015
     ABOUT LIL' LIBROS: The Lil' Libros series will introduce bilingual literature to the youngest readers; newborns to three-year-olds. For more information, visit www.LilLibros.com.