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Change Is in the Air: Carbon, Climate, Earth, and Us
by Debbie LevyA nonfiction picture book about amazing ways that the Earth removes carbon from the air, and amazing ways people can help, offering a fresh and hopeful perspective on climate change.The Earth has a problem: there's too much carbon in the air. Luckily, the Earth also has amazing powers to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere-like the power of kelp, mangroves, and dirt. Although these powers alone cannot get us out of the climate crisis we're facing, the Earth has another important power: the power of people! People have the power to change, protect, innovate, and invent. In this informational picture book, Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma paint an encouraging yet honest picture of the problems at hand and some of the ways that we can address them. Thanks to the power of nature and the ingenuity of people, change is in the air!
Emma and the Love Spell
by Meredith IrelandWitchlings meets The Parent Trap in this contemporary fantasy about a girl who tries to use her fickle witchy powers to keep her best friend (and secret crush!) from moving away.Twelve-year-old, Korean American adoptee Emma Davidson has a problem. Two problems. Okay, three:1. She has a crush on her best friend, Avangeline, that she hasn't been able to share2. Avangeline now has to move out of their town because her parents are getting a divorce3. Oh, and Emma is a secret witch who can't really control her powersIt's a complicated summer between sixth and seventh grade. Emma's parents made her promise that she'd keep her powers a secret and never, ever use them. But if Avangeline's parents fell back in love, it would fix everything. And how hard could one little love spell be?This fast-paced, heartfelt story is a powerful exploration of learning to embrace who you are, even when your true self is different from everyone around you.
Grandmas Are the Greatest
by Ben FaulksA delightful picture book about the special bond between grandmothers and grandchildren, perfect for gifting!Do you have a grandmother who lets you help out in her vegetable garden? Or one who takes you along when she hikes through nature? Or maybe you have a silly grandma who tells you her best jokes? Your grandmother may be an acrobat or an ambulance driver, a master chef or mountaineer, a super spy or just super snuggly. No two grandmas are exactly alike, but what makes every grandma the GREATEST is the one-of-a-kind love they give to their grandchildren.Contemporary: This book showcases a variety of grandparentsPerennial: Celebrates the universal love that grandparents and grandchildren shareAn excellent gift for Mother's Day, Grandparent's Day, birthdays, and holidays.For fans of: sweet picture books with commercial art, kid-friendly approach, and heartwarming message.Also available: Grandpas Are the Greatest
Hair Oil Magic
by Anu ChouhanA beautiful picture book about the joyful magic in the tradition of hair oiling and a celebration of the bond between parent and child.Meenu loves Magic Hair Days, when Mommy mixes sweet-smelling oils together and massages the potion into Meenu's scalp and hair. It always leaves Meenu with a fuzzy, magical feeling. And after bath time, when Mom washes the oils out, Meenu's hair is soft and shining. When Meenu decides one day to mix the oils without any help, she discovers something's wrong: No matter how many oils she mixes, the magic just isn't there! What is she missing? But when Mommy comes to help, massaging Meenu's head, the fuzzy, magical feeling returns! Was it really in the oils, or something else? Inspired by Anu Chouhan's own memories and family, this author-illustrator debut is a lovely depiction of a cultural tradition and a delightful story that emphasizes that magical bond between parents and children.
Heiress Takes All (Heiress Takes All #1)
by Emily Wibberley Austin Siegemund-BrokaThe Inheritance Games meets Ocean's 11 in this thrilling adventure about a teenager determined to pull off the perfect heist in the middle of her father&’s wedding. Seventeen-year-old Olivia Owens isn't thrilled that her dad's getting remarried...again. She's especially not thrilled that he cheated on her mom, kicked them out of their Rhode Island home, and cut Olivia out of her rightful inheritance. But this former heiress has a plan for revenge. While hundreds of guests gather on the grounds of the gorgeous estate where she grew up, everyone will be thinking romance—not robbery. She&’ll play the part of dutiful daughter, but in reality she&’ll be redistributing millions from her father&’s online accounts. She only needs the handwritten pass code he keeps in the estate's safe. With the help of an eclectic crew of high school students and one former teacher, Olivia has plotted her mid-nuptial heist down to the second. But she didn't plan for an obnoxiously nosy wedding guest, an interfering ex-boyfriend intent on winning her back, greedy European cousins with their own agenda, or a vengeful second wife. When everything seems like it's going wrong, Olivia has to keep her eyes on what really matters: getting rich. And when she&’s done, &“something borrowed&” will be the understatement of the year.
Hummingbird Season
by Stephanie V.W. LucianovicA poignant and necessary story about finding hope during difficult times, set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.Archie's life--and the whole world--is turned upside down by Covid-19. Suddenly there are no more Friday night dinners out, no more going to school, no more hanging out with friends . . . no leaving the house at all. Even though he's inside with his family all day every day, Archie can't help but feel more alone than ever before. While everyone else seems to be adapting to their new normal just fine, it's like Archie is permanently on mute, unable to find the words to describe how he feels--and sometimes, unable to find someone who will listen. The bright spot of Archie's days at home is watching and learning about the hummingbirds that feed outside his windows. But just when it seems like this could be what brings his family together again, California experiences its worst wildfire in history, and Archie's favorite hummingbird disappears. In a time when hope is hard to hold on to, Archie must find his voice and find hope once again.Hummingbird Season is an honest and healing novel in verse documenting the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and the things that bring us together when circumstances keep us apart.
Let's Learn to Fish!: Everything You Need to Know to Start Freshwater Fishing
by Dan ArmitageIn this exciting introduction to freshwater fishing, fishing expert Dan Armitage teaches kids about the best bait and tackle, how to rig a rod, cast a line, and reel in their first fish. Grab a fishing rod and head out to a nearby stream or lake for a fishing adventure! In this skills-based book, kids ages 6 and up go on a fishing trip, led by author and fishing guide Dan Armitage of the Kids' Fishing Fun Program, and learn essential techniques, facts, and tips to learn how to fish and catch a big one! Step-by-step color photography shows everything kids need, the best beginner bait and tackle, key fishing skills such as rigging, casting, and reeling in fish, and tips on where to fish for crappies, bass, catfish, perch, trout, and more. Kids record fishing adventures in the log at the back of the book. The skills teach fun fishing know-how, connect kids to nature, and foster independence and self-reliance.
The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers' Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields
by Steve WatkinsFor fans of Steve Sheinkin and Deb Heiligman, a riveting true story of the West Virginia coal miners who ignited the largest labor uprising in American history.In May of 1920, in a small town in the mountains of West Virginia, a dozen coal miners took a stand. They were sick of the low pay in the mines. The unsafe conditions. The brutal treatment they endured from mine owners and operators. The scrip they were paid-instead of cash-that could only be used at the company store.They had tried to unionize, but the mine owners dug in. On that fateful day in May 1920, tensions boiled over and a gunfight erupted-beginning a yearlong standoff between workers and owners.The miners pleaded, then protested, then went on strike; the owners retaliated with spying, bribery, and threats. Violence escalated on both sides, culminating in the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest labor uprising in United States history.In this gripping narrative nonfiction book, meet the resolute and spirited people who fought for the rights of coal miners, and discover how the West Virginia Mine Wars paved the way for vital worker protections nationwide. More than a century later, this overlooked story of the labor movement remains urgently relevant.
No Bear Anywhere
by Leah GilbertA young boy learns to cope with disappointment and embrace the unexpected in this infectiously charming, beautifully illustrated picture book.When his family takes a walk on Bear Creek Trail, Bruin is determined to spot his favorite animal (a bear). Before too long, he notices something! It's a . . . pinecone! Not a bear, but that's okay. A few minutes later, Bruin stops again: He's seen a . . . flower! No bear anywhere, but there's still plenty of time. Eventually, they make it all the way to the . . . cave! But when there is no bear anywhere in the cave, Bruin is as sad as could be. Can he turn his day around, even when there's no bear? Or, wait a minute-was a bear there, after all?! Leah Gilbert's gorgeous art shines in this playful and charming story about finding wonder and joy in the world around us, even when life takes unexpected turns.
Shark Teeth
by Sherri WinstonFrom National Book Award longlisted author Sherri Winston comes an important middle grade novel about a girl's tumultuous journey to keep her family together, even when she's falling apart.Sharkita “Kita” Hayes is always waiting.Waiting for her mama to mess up.Waiting for social services to be called again.Waiting for her and her siblings to be separated.Waiting for her worst fear to come true.But Mama promises things are different now. She's got a good job, she's stopped drinking, stopped going out every night-it's almost enough to make Kita believe her this time. But even as Kita's life is going good, she can't shake the feeling that everything could go up in flames at any moment. When her assistant principal and trusted dance coach starts asking questions about her home life, Kita is more determined than ever to keep up appearances and make sure her family stays together-even if it means falling apart herself. As the threat of her family being separated again circles like a shark in the water, the pressure starts to get to Kita. But could it be that Kita's worst fear is actually the best thing that could happen to her family . . . and to her?
Sick!: The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs
by Heather L. MontgomeryWhen a super sickness lands on the land, when a parasite becomes more than a pest, when an infection ignites an epidemic, what's a body to do? Your body is an animal body, so why not ask the animals?Follow the scientists, around the world and into their labs, who are studying animals and the germs that attack them. From fungus-ridden frogs with fevers to bacteria-resistant buzzards and everything in-between, animals have A LOT to teach us about infections. But-reader beware!!-the story of germs is filled with twists and turns.In this fascinating, highly visual nonfiction book packed with colorful, comic-style art, you'll discover not only the cool ways that animal bodies (and our bodies) fight back against pesky pathogens, but also the amazing and surprising ways we can learn to work together with germs.Sick! The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs is written by Heather L. Montgomery with graphic novel-style art from Lindsey Leigh.
Six Truths and a Lie
by Ream ShukairySix Muslim teens are falsely accused of a deadly attack in this timely and harrowing examination of America&’s justice system, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas and Samira Ahmed. As fireworks pop off at a rowdy Fourth of July bonfire party, an explosion off the California coast levels an oil rig—resulting in chaos and worse, murder. At the center are six Muslim teens - six patriots, six strangers, and six suspects. An old soul caught in the wrong place. An aspiring doctor. An influencer with a reputation to protect. A perfect daughter with secrets to hide. A soccer star headed for Stanford. An immigrant in love. Each with something to hide and everything to lose. Faced with accusations of terrorism, The Six are caught in a political game that will pit them against each other in exchange for exoneration. They must choose: frame each other to guarantee their own independence or expose their secrets to earn back freedom for them all.
Stay Dead
by April Henry"Milan is in a race against time and terror to get to her parents&’ one trusted friend before she ends up dead, too… readers will be intrigued and thrilled to see how it all turns out." —Booklist "A page-turning cat-and-mouse survival story." —Kirkus ReviewsNew York Times bestselling author April Henry delivers a thrilling murder mystery featuring a teen with an assassin on her trail fighting to uncover the truth behind a government cover up, perfect for fans of Karen McManus.Sometimes, the only way to live is to make sure the world thinks you&’re dead . . . In the aftermath of a car accident that claimed the life of her senator father, sixteen-year-old Milan finds herself adrift, expelled from her third boarding school. Milan&’s mother, who has assumed the senate seat, diverts her private plane to pick up her daughter. But on their way home, a bomb rips off a wing and the plane crashes in the mountains. In her final moments, Milan&’s mother entrusts her with a key. She reveals it will unlock the evidence that so many people have already died for—including Milan&’s father. The only way Milan can survive, her mom tells her, is to let everyone believe she died with the other passengers. Milan is forced to navigate a perilous descent in freezing conditions while outwitting everything from a drone to wild animals. With relentless assassins on her trail, she must untangle the web of deceit and save herself and countless others. Will she piece together the truth in time?"The cat-and-mouse between Milan and Lenny adds a thick layer of tension, especially as Lenny closes in on her target… things come together nicely as the climax looms. Perfect for fans of Mindy McGinnis." —School Library Journal
Summer Is Here
by Ms Renée WatsonNew York Times bestselling creators Renée Watson and Bea Jackson offer a picture book ode to a picture-perfect summer day, from sunrise to sunset.Summer is here!No dark clouds in the sky, it's a perfect day for play. What joy will summer bring me today?Summer is finally here, and she's bringing the most perfect day! From sunup to sundown, there's so much to do on this lovely summer day. With summer comes fresh fruit, sweet and tangy, jump ropes for leaping and dancing, and friends at the pool swimming and floating. Summer brings family cookouts under shady trees, gardens overflowing, and the familiar song of the ice-cream truck. This beautiful ode to all the season's sensations follows one girl's perfect day in an exploration of joy, family, friendship, sunshine, and wonder.Her stars shimmer like spilled glitter across the sky. I whisper a wish and say goodbye to the day.I wish summer would stay.Renée Watson celebrates iconic childhood joys in this love letter to summer featuring bright, sun-drenched art from Bea Jackson.
Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It
by Christof Koch"Deeply personal and infinitely digestible, Then I Am Myself the World is a remarkable must-read for anyone interested in knowing their mind.&”―Judson Brewer MD, PhD, New York Times–bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety The world&’s leading investigator of consciousness argues that by understanding what consciousness does—cause change in the world—we can understand its origins and its future In Then I Am Myself the World, Christof Koch explores the only thing we directly experience: consciousness. At the book&’s heart is integrated-information theory, the idea that the essence of consciousness is the ability to exert causal power over itself, to be an agent of change. Koch investigates the physical origins of consciousness in the brain and how this knowledge can be used to measure consciousness in natural and artificial systems. Enabled by such tools, Koch reveals when and where consciousness exists, and uses that knowledge to confront major social and scientific questions: When does a fetus first become self-aware? Can psychedelic and mystical experiences transform lives? What happens to consciousness in near-death experiences? Why will generative AI ultimately be able to do the very thing we can do, yet never feel any of it? And do our experiences reveal a single, objective reality? This is an essential book for anyone who seeks to understand ourselves and the future we are creating.
The Things We Miss
by Leah Stecher"Magical and heartbreaking! You will read this book in one gulp." - Jennifer L. Holm, New York Times-bestselling author of The Fourteenth GoldfishWhen You Reach Me meets Starfish in this heartfelt contemporary middle grade about a misfit girl who finds a way to skip all of the hard parts of life.J.P. Green has always felt out of step. She doesn't wear the right clothes, she doesn't say the right things, and her body…well, she'd rather not talk about it. And seventh grade is shaping up to be the worst year yet. So when J.P. discovers a mysterious door in her neighbor's treehouse, she doesn't hesitate before walking through. The door sends her three days forward in time. Suddenly, J.P. can skip all the worst parts of seventh grade: Fitness tests in P.E., oral book reports, awkward conversations with her mom…she can avoid them all and no one even knows she was gone.But can you live a life without any of the bad parts? Are there experiences out there that you can't miss?This moving middle grade novel about mental health, body acceptance, and self-confidence asks what it truly means to show up for the people you love-and for yourself.
This Night Is Ours
by Ronni Davis&“Ronni Davis perfectly captures the terrifying joy of shaking off others&’ expectations and coloring in your own future—a sensitive, stirring, deep breath of a book.&” —Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling authorFor one teen girl, the summer before college brings uncertainty about the future and a budding romance—perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon! It&’s the longest day of the year, and eighteen-year-old Brandy Bailey has just received the worst news of her life: She&’s been accepted to a top nursing school, making her mother overwhelmingly proud. The thing is, Brandy wants to be an artist. She knows all the risks of chasing her dream. She&’s heard them from her mother time and time again. Plus, Brandy&’s annoying classmate from high school, the annoyingly handsome Ben Nolan, is catching his far-fetched dream of being an actor. Why does he get to be fearless while she has to be practical? Ben is the last thing Brandy wants on her mind, so of course today is the day he decides to glue himself to her hip. Now his perfect face is right there in the cacophony crashing through her head. Swirling in too many directions, Brandy&’s emotions clash with the flashing lights at the town&’s summer carnival. Can she have one extraordinary night before everything changes? Ronni Davis spins a whirlwind summer romance full of cotton candy, funnel cake, and the sweetness of first love. Don't miss:When the Stars Lead to You
Trouble at the Tangerine
by Gillian McDunnAward-winning author Gillian McDunn pens a delightfully quirky mystery that examines the meaning of home, perfect for fans of The Vanderbeekers series.Simon's family is always on the move. Every few months, they load up their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off for a new adventure. According to his dad, you can't live an extraordinary life by staying in one place. But all Simon wants is to settle down, so he's hatched a plan: to make their latest apartment in the Tangerine Pines building his forever home.When a priceless necklace is stolen, clues indicate the thief might actually be another neighbor. Simon worries he'll have to move again if the thief isn't caught. He usually doesn't go looking for trouble, but if retrieving the necklace means establishing home, Simon is willing to risk it. With the help of his neighbor Amaya, pet sitter, plant-waterer, and podcaster extraordinaire, Simon is determined to crack the case and finally put down roots.
The Unicorn Legacy: Tangled Magic
by Kamilla Benko"A sparkling page-turner full of surprising twists, clever girls, and magical wonders!" -Tui Sutherland, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire seriesFrom the creator of The Unicorn Quest series, a wondrous new series set in the magical land of Arden, full of unicorns and mystery!Magic pulses bright in Arden, a world where humans who craft magic have been at war and separated for hundreds of years. Now a new era has dawned, the unicorns have returned, and the prime minister has decreed that apprentices from all four guilds will learn in the newly formed Unicorn Academy. But peace is tenuous: As rumors spread of dark magic and of unicorns disappearing, twelve-year-old apprentice Olivia Hayes is caught between her joy at newfound magical abilities at the academy and proving to everyone that her older sister, Laurel, is NOT a unicorn poacher. She and her friends must untangle the truth and the secrets of the past to spin a stronger future-or else the unicorns of Arden may be lost forever. This sweeping middle grade fantasy is about friendship, choice, and the ties that truly matter.
We Mostly Come Out at Night: 15 Queer Tales of Monsters, Angels & Other Creatures
by Rob CostelloAn empowering cross-genre YA anthology that explores what it means to be a monster, exclusively highlighting trans and queer authors who offer new tales and perspectives on classic monster stories and tropes. Be not afraid! These monsters, creatures, and beasties are not what they appear. We Mostly Come Out at Night is a YA anthology that reclaims the monstrous for the LGBTQA+ community while exploring how there is freedom and power in embracing the things that make you stand out. Each story centers on both original and familiar monsters and creatures—including Mothman, Carabosse, a girl with thirteen shadows, a living house, werebeasts, gorgons, sirens, angels, and many others—and their stories of love, self-acceptance, resilience, and empowerment. This collection is a bold, transformative celebration of queerness and the creatures that (mostly) go bump in the night. Contributors include editor Rob Costello, Kalynn Bayron, David Bowles, Shae Carys, Rob Costello, H.E. Edgmon, Michael Thomas Ford, Val Howlett, Brittany Johnson, Naomi Kanakia, Claire Kann, Jonathan Lenore Kastin, Sarah Maxfield, Sam J. Miller, Alexandra Villasante, and Merc Fenn Wolfmoor.
The Wild River and the Great Dam: The Construction of Hoover Dam and the Vanishing Colorado River
by Simon Boughton★ "In this detailed and informative work, Boughton chronicles the construction of the Hoover Dam via compellingly comprehensive text." —Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ "This well-written narrative is bound to become the authority on this modern American marvel." —Booklist, starred review"A fascinating blend of social and environmental history and engineering." —Kirkus Reviews "Truly breathtaking. This is a powerful story and like the water slowly rising behind that concrete barrier, it becomes more powerful with each page turn." —David Macaulay, two-time recipient of the Caldecott Medal and creator of the bestselling The Way Things Work"An exciting mix of research, storytelling, and an astounding true story—one that&’s still unfolding today." —Steve Sheinkin, three-time National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor author of Bomb Discover the complicated history behind the construction of Hoover Dam—one of the country&’s most recognizable and far-reaching landmarks—and its lasting political and environmental effects on the Colorado River and the American West. At the time of its completion in 1936, Hoover Dam was the biggest dam in the world and the largest feat of architecture and engineering in the country—a statement of national ambition and technical achievement. It turned the wild Colorado River into a tame and securely managed water source, transforming millions of acres of desert into farmland while also providing water and power to the fast-growing population of the Southwest. The concrete monolith quickly became a symbol of American ingenuity; however, its history is laden with contradiction. It provided work for thousands, but it was a dangerous project that exploited desperate workers during the Depression. It helped secure the settlement and economies of the Southwest, but at the expense of Indigenous peoples and the environment; and it created a dependency on the Colorado River&’s water, which is under threat from overuse and climate change. Weaving together elements of engineering, geography, and political and socioeconomic history, and drawing heavily from unpublished oral histories taken from dam workers and their families, Simon Boughton&’s thoughtful and compelling debut—featuring historical photographs throughout—follows the construction and impact of Hoover Dam, and how its promise of abundance ultimately created a river in crisis today.
Abandon Ship!: The True World War II Story About the Sinking of the Laconia (True Survival Series #1)
by Michael J. Tougias Alison O'LearyA remarkable World War II account of a maritime attack off the West African coast, for fans of Steven Sheinkin and Deborah Heiligman. At the height of World War II, the RMS Laconia was torpedoed by a German submarine five hundred miles off the coast of western Africa. The attack triggered a series of unprecedented events involving allies and enemies from both sides, and left survivors adrift at sea in shark infested oceans, fighting to stay alive with little food or water. Suspenseful and informative, and featuring historic photographs, this incredible true account is a testament to the idea that compassion can rule over conflict—even during the cruelties of war. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection "This epic story races along, unspooling like a movie before our eyes—artfully, dramatically, revealing a little known part of WWII history. An intriguing book."―Doug Stanton, #1 New York Times bestselling author of In Harm&’s Way "The authors do an excellent job of conveying the chaos and loss of this grisly historical incident without pushing young readers too deeply into the horror. Many of those who lived through the Laconia catastrophe endured weeks at sea, parched and sunburned and starving in conditions that literally drove men mad. Archival photos add immediacy to this sensational true-life story." ―Wall Street Journal "An amazing account of a World War II event that is almost entirely unknown…. This story chronicles the courage, compassion, and perseverance of the few survivors of the incident, showcasing war at its worst and humanity at its best…. School librarians will want to add this to their collection." ―Booklist
Attacked!: Pearl Harbor and the Day War Came to America
by Marc FavreauThe true story of Pearl Harbor as you&’ve never read it before—action-packed, informative, and told through the eyes of a diverse group of people who experienced the terror of the unprecedented attack firsthand. A single day changed the course of history: December 7, 1941. Nobody in America knew Japan&’s attack on Pearl Harbor was coming. Nobody was prepared for the aftermath. It became a defining moment from which the country never truly recovered. Perfect for fans of Steve Sheinkin and Deborah Heiligman, this unflinching narrative puts readers on the ground in Pearl Harbor through the stories of real people who experienced the attack and its aftereffects. It alternates between the sweeping views and fateful decisions of leaders such as FDR and on-the-ground accounts from soldiers and sailors of all backgrounds as well as an array of other unique participants and observers. Attacked! sheds new, compelling light onto a history we think we know, what it means to be American, and the enduring lessons from an event we never saw coming.
Breakup, Makeup
by Stacey AnthonyIn this sweet and stylish romance, two lovers turned cosplay rivals go head-to-head for a chance at their dream school . . . and maybe a second chance at love. Eli Peterson is a self-taught, up-and-coming makeup artist in the cosplay scene who is barely making ends meet. While they might be slaying it with their breathtaking looks, they&’re also trying to save enough money for top surgery and convince their parents that their artistic dream is worthwhile. During a convention, Eli hears about Makeup Wars, a competition that could change everything . . . The grand prize? A scholarship to Beyond, the best SFX school on the West Coast. The problem? Going head-to-head with the most talented up-and-coming makeup artists in the scene—including rival influencer Zachary Miller, their ex-boyfriend. Eli will have to juggle their makeup brushes, their rekindled feelings for Zach, and their self-doubt in order to win everything they&’ve ever wanted: a chance to chase their dream and a second chance at love.
The Death and Life of Benny Brooks: Sort of a Memoir
by Ethan LongA BCCB Blue Ribbon Best Book of the Year ★ "Captivating…. Long's heartening memoir portrays a boy facing challenging situations with hard-won hope and increasing maturity." —Booklist, starred review ★ "A tender, vulnerable portrayal of one kid&’s attempt to shore up his strengths to piece together the shards of a deeply shattered heart.... Readers will appreciate Long&’s honest exploration of a troubled family that is bound both by love and tragedy." —The Bulletin, starred reviewAn award-winning children&’s book creator grapples with the darker undercurrents of his childhood in this poignant and honest illustrated memoir, for readers of Free Lunch and The List of Things That Will Not Change. Benny's life is slowly unraveling. His parents are newly divorced, his mom chooses to move away, and Benny and his brother and sister are left with their chain-smoking dad, who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. Benny is lonely, anxious, and very angry. He can't sleep at night and spends his days trying to survive fifth grade. Writing from a personal place, award-winning creator Ethan Long sheds light on the challenges of growing up amidst family turmoil in this thought-provoking, bighearted story that brims with hope.