A guitar. Punk rock. The chords of a rock 'n' roll road trip in a coming-of-age novel that is a must-read story about finding your place in the world...even if you carry scars inside and out. In attempting to describe himself in his college application essay--help us to become acquainted with you beyond your courses, grades, and test scores--Harbinger (Harry) Jones goes way beyond the 250-word limit and gives a full account of his life. The first defining moment: the day the neighborhood goons tied him to a tree during a lightning storm when he was 8 years old, and the tree was struck and caught fire. Harry was badly burned and has had to live with the physical and emotional scars, reactions from strangers, bullying, and loneliness that instantly became his everyday reality. The second defining moment: the day in 8th grade when the handsome, charismatic Johnny rescued him from the bullies and then made the startling suggestion that they start a band together. Harry discovered that playing music transported him out of his nightmare of a world, and he finally had something that compelled people to look beyond his physical appearance. Harry's description of his life in his essay is both humorous and heart-wrenching. He had a steeper road to climb than the average kid, but he ends up learning something about personal power, friendship, first love, and how to fit in the world. While he's looking back at the moments that have shaped his life, most of this story takes place while Harry is in high school and the summer after he graduates.

    And because he is also the king's taster, Max gets to feast on...French Fries!Rose Pudding!Cheese Pie!Pizza!No wonder Max loves his job. Who wouldn't want to dine on these delicious dishes?The new king, that's who.And if the new king has his way, it won't just be their job that the cook and Max lose!

    From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference--or at least help a friend.

    In his debut adventure, Groovy Joe faces three roaring dinosaurs hungry for his doggy ice cream! Oh no! But Joe knows just what to do and soon enough he has them all sharing while moving and singing along.Signature rhyme, repetition, and musical writing style, combined with wild and witty illustrations come together to create an unforgettable new character who embodies positivity, creativity, and kindness. Groovy Joe is here, ready to get groovy! Download your FREE Groovy Joe songs, written and performed by Eric Litwin, at groovyjoestories.scholastic.com.

    Naturally, his perfect meal on a perfect winter day is Perfect Soup. But Murray doesn’t have a carrot, and Perfect Soup isn’t perfect without a carrot. With the snow falling around him, Murray ventures out of his little house to track down the final ingredient for his Perfect Soup. And there’s no time for playing around—Murray is in a hurry.The farmer will be happy to provide a carrot if Murray will haul some logs. The horse will gladly haul the logs for Murray if he’ll give him some fancy jingle bells in return. It looks like Murray just might get his carrot, but it only takes one grumpy person for a delicate chain of favors like this to fall apart. Can a friendly snowman help Murray make the soup perfect anyway?Author Lisa Moser and illustrator Ben Mantle have filled Murray’s little town with richly colorful winter landscapes, wonderfully detailed cozy homes, a hilarious cast of quirky characters, and the absolute cutest talking snowman you have ever seen. Parents and kids alike won’t be able to resist picking this book up again and again.