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The National Parks Scavenger Hunt: A Family-Friendly Way to Explore All 63 Parks
by Stacy TornioThis fun-filled guide shares an exciting scavenger hunt for every American National Park—featuring natural history factoids and fun and educational ways to get kids engaged with nature. Are you planning a trip to one of America's majestic national parks? The National Parks Scavenger Hunt will help you explore all 63 parks, from Acadia to Zion. A bucket list, game, and adventure all in one, this book will help adventurers of all ages learn fascinating facts about our nation's most iconic landmarks. By reading short descriptions of each item and them finding them, parents, caregivers, and kids alike can tally points in a friendly competition and make unforgettable memories along the way. Filled with colorful illustrations to help identify spectacular flora and fauna, you will want this in hand as you visit every park.
Nature's Best Hope (Young Readers' Edition): How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard
by Douglas W. TallamyThis middle grade edition of the groundbreaking bestseller by Doug Tallamy will inspire kids to use their backyard to help save the planet. Douglas W. Tallamy awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this middle grade adaptation of the New York Times bestseller Nature's Best Hope, Tallamy outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation that everyone can participate in regardless of age. In Nature's Best Hope (Young Readers' Edition), Tallamy empowers kids to use their own yards to help combat the negative effects of climate change. He does so by breaking down complex concepts into simple terms and real-world examples that kids can easily grasp. Black and white photographs help further clarify concepts. In addition to sharing the science, Tallamy encourages kids to take direct action. Some of these ideas include planting an oak tree (one of the most important tree species) at home. If that&’s too large of a task, he suggests they can plant asters—a beautiful flower whose pollen bees use to feed their young. By helping the next generation see that they have power and agency over our collective future, this empowering book will drive home the positive point that kids are truly nature&’s best hope.
Oh Maya Gods! (Gods Squad #1)
by Maz EvansMeet the brand-new Gods Squad led by Vesper, the bossy, football-mad adopted daughter of Elliot Hooper. Along with Virgo’s son, Aster, she heads to ancient Mesoamerica to save the world from Maya immortals messing with astronomy, chocolate and human sacrifice . . .
Omega Morales and the Curse of El Cucuy (Omega Morales #2)
by Laekan Zea KempFans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Paola Santiago and the River of Tears will root for Omega Morales, in the second installment of the Omega Morales series, as she learns to trust her newfound powers when she comes face-to-face with the Mexican legend El Cucuy. After Omega discovers she has the unique ability to influence the emotions of supernatural creatures, she&’s certain she&’s strong enough to handle the feelings of others on Día de Muertos. But when darkness overwhelms her, it&’s a sign that she&’s still vulnerable—and even worse, there may be a new malicious presence in her hometown of Noche Buena. When a child goes missing at the cemetery, panic ensues, prompting the new sheriff to open an investigation. But then another child is taken. And another. Soon, with the help of Carlitos, Clau, and a magical emotional support animal, Omega uncovers that El Cucuy—the boogeyman—is responsible for the disappearances. And it doesn&’t take long for Omega to realize that, just like with La Lechuza, she may be the only one who can stop him. But at what cost? This goose bump–raising sequel to Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza is packed with magic, myth, and a brave heroine who must confront her own fears to save her family.…After all, what&’s scarier than El Cucuy?
Renewable Energy Optimization, Planning and Control: Proceedings of ICRTE 2022 (Studies in Infrastructure and Control)
by Anita Khosla Mohan KolheThis book gathers selected high-quality research papers presented at International Conference on Renewable Technologies in Engineering (ICRTE 2022) organized by Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India, during October 7–8, 2022. The book includes conference papers on the theme ‘Computational Techniques for Renewable Energy Optimization,’ which aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers, and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of renewable energy integration, planning, control, and optimization. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of renewable energy and resources.
Tessa Miyata Is No Hero
by Julie AbeA thrilling and charming middle grade fantasy steeped in Japanese lore and mythology, perfect for fans of the Zachary Ying series. Tessa Miyata has never fit in. When she and her two sisters are told they will be staying at their grandparents in Japan, Tessa is thrilled. A summer in Japan could be her chance to go on an adventure worthy of impressing her classmates back home. Her hopes are quickly dashed when, all too soon, she realizes that life in Japan is just like being in California: her sisters are old enough to go into Tokyo, while she can&’t even go to the corner store by herself. Plus, her grandparents want her to stay home with the neighbor kid, thirteen-year-old Jin Uehara, who&’s made it clear he&’s too cool to spend time with a weirdo like her. When Tessa is finally allowed to go to Tokyo, it&’s only to join her grandpa&’s retiree aerobic class with none other than Jin. Their disastrous forced hang out comes crashing to a halt when Tessa and Jin break the Miyata family&’s precious heirloom—accidentally releasing the malicious samurai god Taira Masakado and discovering a hidden part of the city where gods and mythological creatures walk among humans—including their new companion, a mythical nine-tailed fox who may be more trouble than he is help. Despite doing everything to avoid spending another minute together, Tessa and Jin must now work together to stop Taira Masakado before he traps them—and the rest of Tokyo—under his command, forever. Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Graci Kim, this brand new fantasy adventure will grip readers from the very first page and never let go.
There's No Cream in Cream Soda: Facts and Folklore About Our Favorite Drinks
by Kim ZachmanFrom soda to water to milk and juice, this refreshing follow-up to There's No Ham in Hamburgers is full of fun facts and origin stories of some of America&’s most popular drinks. People have been inventing drinks for thousands of years. Kinda weird when you consider that humans only need two liquids to survive—water and milk—and we don&’t need milk once we can eat solid foods. So, why did humans, unlike other mammals, begin concocting new beverages? It likely started with safety—boiling water to make it safer to drink, and then adding in berries or leaves or roots to make it taste better. Sometimes, it was thought that enhancing drinks made them healthier (i.e. bubbly water restored vitality). Did you know that some of the most popular sodas were created by pharmacists? Americans spend approximately $150 billion on soft drinks, coffee, and tea each year. Why? This book offers some possible answers!
This is How You Fall in Love
by Anika HussainBest friends Zara and Adnan must navigate the twists and turns of fake dating, family dynamics and cultural stereotypes in this swoon-worthy YA Desi rom-com.Zara loves love in all forms: rom-coms and romance novels and grand sweeping gestures. She's desperate to have her own great love story-a real one. Everyone thinks Zara and her best friend, Adnan, obviously belong together. And they do love each other-just not like that. So when Adnan begs Zara to help cover his new, secret relationship by pretending to be his girlfriend, she doesn't really hesitate. How difficult can it be? It isn't the kind of great romance she had in mind, but with fake dating comes fake hand-holding and fake kissing and . . . real feelings?And when a new, exciting boy arrives in Zara's life, things get more confusing than ever. Her fake romance might be making everyone around her happy, but should it be real, and can Zara and Adnan really be in love if they both have real feelings for somone else? Anika Hussain's hilarious and heartfelt debut follows best friends as they fall through the twists and turns of fake dating, family dynamics, and friendship in this swoon-worthy young adult rom-com.
The Umbrella Maker's Son
by Katrina LenoFrom a critically acclaimed author comes a fantastical middle grade novel about a boy determined to prove there&’s more than just the weather behind his rainy town. Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it&’s always raining. And when it isn&’t raining, it&’s about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar&’s father is an umbrella maker—appropriate for a place where you can&’t leave home without one!—but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they&’re expensive. Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar&’s family&’s business. To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.
Where the Lockwood Grows
by Olivia A ColeA New York Public Library Best Book of 2023!&“A mystery...brimming with heart.&” —Kwame Mbalia, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the TRISTAN STRONG seriesA lyrical and environmentally-focused story about sisterhood, adventure, and activism—perfect for fans of The Last Cuentista and The City of Ember. Twelve-year-old Erie has never lived life fully in the sunlight. After destructive wildfires wreaked havoc on the world around her, the government came up with a plan—engineer a plant that cannot burn. Thus, the fire-resistant lockwood was born. The lockwood protects Erie and her hometown of Prine, but it grows incredibly fast and must be cut back every morning. Only the town&’s youngest and smallest citizens can fit between the branches and tame the plant. Citizens just like Erie. But one evening, Erie uncovers a shocking secret that leads her to question the rules of Prine. Alongside her older sister, Hurona, she&’ll journey from the only home she&’s known and realize that the world is much more complicated than she'd ever imagined. Packed with surprising twists and a cast of courageous characters, this gripping novel encourages readers to stand up for justice and challenge the status quo.
Who Got Game?: Amazing but True Stories!
by Derrick D. BarnesFrom superstar author Derrick Barnes, here is a middle-grade celebration of the people and stories that helped shape the game of basketball, from unsung pioneers to unforgettable moments of the game. Capturing all the joy and energy that mark the sport of basketball, bestselling and award-winning superstar author Derrick Barnes shines a light on the amazing ballers, buzzer-beaters, and record-breakers who haven&’t always gotten the attention they deserve. Who Got Game? Basketball, the second book in his sports series, following Who Got Game? Baseball, weaves together great storytelling, lively illustrations, and a far-ranging selection of facts, stats, sidebars, and quotes. Middle-grade readers will discover the highest-scoring game in NCAA history. The influential center, George Mikan, who created the modern big man role, and 5'3" Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player ever to star in the pros. The pioneering Senda Berenson Abbott, creator of the women&’s game. The legendary Rucker Park b-ball court in Harlem, New York. Plus the first African American players and coaches, greatest comeback victories and earth-shattering slam dunks, longest winning streaks, and so much more. This book will hit you like a three-pointer from half-court!
Wish of the Wicked (A Fairy Godmother Novel)
by Danielle PaigeNew York Times bestselling author Danielle Paige puts a dark YA spin on Cinderella's fairy godmother in this brand new origin story, perfect for fans of These Violent Delights and A Curse So Dark and Deadly.Everyone knows a fairy godmother helped Cinderella get to the ball. But no one knows why. For centuries, Farrow's family-the Entente-have been magical advisors to the Queen. Their wisdom and foresight kept the Thirteen Queendoms in harmony. Until a new queen, Magrit, takes power, outlaws magic, and executes the Entente. Only Farrow survives, with her magic warped beyond repair. She can now use it only to fulfill the feeble wishes of commoners.Since that day, Farrow has dreamed of revenge. The one way to reach the queen is through her son, Prince Mather, who is nearing the age when he must select a bride. When a special ball in his honor is announced, Farrow sees her opportunity. All it will take is a young woman named Cinderella who dreams of true love. With one night, one chance to reclaim her magic and destroy the queen, Farrow will stop at nothing.Set in a lush, dangerous world rooted in our beloved fairy tales, New York Times bestselling author Danielle Paige launches a brand-new Fairy Godmother origin story full of intrigue, magic, and romance.
The Young Witch’s Guide to Living Magically: Potions, Lotions, Rituals, and Spells for Kids
by Nikki Van De CarFrom the top-selling author of The Junior Witch's Handbook comes a guide to self-care that illuminates the connection between the mind and the body, with an emphasis on connecting to the natural world.The Young Witch's Guide to Living Magically teaches young witches that there is a strong connection between their body and spirit. With chapters on the internal, the external, and the home, young readers will learn to use charged crystals, healing herbs, and sacred spaces to help alleviate their stress and to create a better life for themselves. From projects such as baking lavender-chamomile cupcakes to creating shampoos to creating wind chimes and more, mystical expert Nikki Van De Car gives kids calming ways to bring peace, power, and magic into their busy lives.
The Gardens of Dorr
by Paul BiegelA classic masterpiece of middle grade fantasy by the author of The King of The Copper MountainsDorr was once a city of merriment, music and dancing. Now it lies grey and silent under the spell of the witch Sirdis. When a young princess arrives in Dorr on a secret quest, she finds a town full of mystery, magic and danger. As she meets with a succession of strange, funny and frightening characters, Dorr's true history, and the true nature of her quest, become clear through the stories they tell each other. Can the princess find the gardens of Dorr and free the city from its evil enchantment?By turns beautiful, thrilling, frightening and comical, The Gardens of Dorr is a richly detailed, unforgettable fantasy adventure, considered by many to the crowning achievement of one of Europe's most beloved children's writers.
Alliana, Girl of Dragons
by Julie AbeFor fans of Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine, comes an enchanting fairy tale retelling of the Japanese Cinderella, set in the magical world of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch.Once upon a time, Alliana believed in dreams and fairy tales as sweet as spun-sugar clouds. Alliana wished on shooting stars, sure that someday she and her grandmother would be able to travel to the capital city to see the queen. Then her grandmother passed away—and those dreams disappeared in a disenchanted puff. Now Alliana&’s forced to attend to the whims of her wicked stepmother—with long days of cleaning her stepfamily&’s inn as her skin burns raw or staying up until the crack of dawn to embroider her stepsister&’s ball gowns. Until she meets two beings who change her life forever—the first is a young nightdragon who Alliana discovers she can magically talk to. And the second is Nela, a young witch. Nela needs Alliana&’s help navigating the mysterious abyss, filled with dangerous beasts, a place Alliana knows by heart. Alliana sees Nela&’s request as a chance to break free of her stepmother&’s shadow and to seize a chance at a life she&’s barely dared to hope for—but there&’s a risk. If caught, Alliana will be stuck working for her stepmother for the rest of her life. Can Alliana truly make wisps of dreams into her own, better-than-a-fairy-tale happily ever after? Inspired by the Japanese Cinderella story and set in the same world as the Eva Evergreen series, this story can be read as a standalone.
Alliana, Girl of Dragons
by Julie AbeFor fans of Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine, comes an enchanting fairy tale retelling of the Japanese Cinderella, set in the magical world of Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch.Once upon a time, Alliana believed in dreams and fairy tales as sweet as spun-sugar clouds. Alliana wished on shooting stars, sure that someday she and her grandmother would be able to travel to the capital city to see the queen. Then her grandmother passed away—and those dreams disappeared in a disenchanted puff. Now Alliana&’s forced to attend to the whims of her wicked stepmother—with long days of cleaning her stepfamily&’s inn as her skin burns raw or staying up until the crack of dawn to embroider her stepsister&’s ball gowns. Until she meets two beings who change her life forever—the first is a young nightdragon who Alliana discovers she can magically talk to. And the second is Nela, a young witch. Nela needs Alliana&’s help navigating the mysterious abyss, filled with dangerous beasts, a place Alliana knows by heart. Alliana sees Nela&’s request as a chance to break free of her stepmother&’s shadow and to seize a chance at a life she&’s barely dared to hope for—but there&’s a risk. If caught, Alliana will be stuck working for her stepmother for the rest of her life. Can Alliana truly make wisps of dreams into her own, better-than-a-fairy-tale happily ever after? Inspired by the Japanese Cinderella story and set in the same world as the Eva Evergreen series, this story can be read as a standalone.
Astrology for Black Girls: A Beginner's Guide for Black Girls Who Look to the Stars
by Jordannah ElizabethAstrology for Black Girls is a charming introduction to the wonders of self-discovery and empowerment through the Zodiac.Astrology for Black Girls gives young girls information and context for the core foundations of the Zodiac. This book provides the perfect introduction to the sun, moon, rising signs, and more. Speaking directly to black girls, author and life-long astrology practitioner Jordannah Elizabeth address:Practicing both Faith and AstrologyTalking to Family and Friends about the starsUsing the Zodiac for discovery and understanding Complete with four-color illustrations by Chellie Carroll throughout, this beautiful book will capture the imagination of middle-grade Black girls for years to come.
The Book of Bees: Inside the Hives and Lives of Honeybees, Bumblebees, Cuckoo Bees, and Other Busy Buzzers
by Lela NargiFilled with more than 150 beautiful, crystal-clear photos and bee fun facts, The Book of Bees is the ultimate guide for kids to explore the lives of these stunning insects and learn about their critical role in fostering a sustainable, healthy Earth.Did you know there are blue bees and green bees? Or that one species of bee nests in snail shells? Or that many bees don&’t live in hives? With more than 20,000 species of bees worldwide, there&’s more to bees than just honey! The Book of Bees gives curious kids a close-up view of busy buzzers from around the world. From the familiar Western honeybee to the extra-large Himalayan giant honeybee and Australia&’s vibrant neon cuckoo bee, these pages are packed with detailed photos and fascinating facts on more than 50 species of bees. In-depth species profiles help you identify bees, learn about bee-havior, and find your favorites! And special features examine topics like hive life, nest cells, and other pollinators. The world of bees is exciting and surprising—and The Book of Bees will leave you buzzing!
Chess for Kids: An Interactive Guide to the World's Greatest Game
by Jennifer KemmeterThis engaging workbook introduces kids to the wonderful world of chess—from an explanation of every piece on the board to the fundamentals of the game and strategies to capture pieces and win—all told through fun visuals, mock games, and exciting exercises. Chess for Kids includes:A comprehensive introduction to the king, queen, knights, bishops, rooks, and pawns and how each piece moves, attacks, and defends.Detailed explanations of the basic rules of chess, tactics, strategies, mating patterns, and piece strategies.Write-in, workbook activities to help kids &‘learn by doing,&’ unlike other chess books which are text heavy and not interactive. The best offensive and defensive strategies including how to find weak spots in your opponent's defense and how to close games when most of the board&’s pieces are gone.Learn the pieces, study the strategies, and checkmate all your opponents in this complete guide to mastering the game of chess!
A Child's Introduction to Jazz: The Musicians, Culture, and Roots of the World's Coolest Music (A Child's Introduction Series)
by Jabari AsimGet ready to swing with A Child&’s Introduction to Jazz, an interactive journey into one of the richest and most soulful music genres in the world. Listen while you learn with QR codes that will connect you to the instruments and musical flair of jazz. Welcome to jazz! Feel the music and rhythms of all the different styles of jazz, from swing and Dixieland to the blues and bebop, with this interactive introduction to the world&’s coolest music.Author Jabari Asim will take you on the journey through the history of jazz as you discover the most important musicians and singers while hearing some really cool sounds. You&’ll learn all about the roots of jazz in Africa and New Orleans and how the music traveled to different parts of the United States and around the world. Along the way you&’ll meet legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong, who shaped a new form of jazz called improvisation; pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington, who helped create the big band sound of the swing era; and the singer Billie Holiday, whose songs such as &“God Bless the Child,&” &“Don&’t Explain,&” and &“Lady Sings the Blues&” have become jazz standards.Listen along to the sounds of jazz by downloading music and hearing instruments such as trumpets, clarinets, trombones, and even singers scatting as they improvise melodies. With a pull-out poster showing the different instruments of jazz, A Child&’s Introduction to Jazz hits the perfect beat and will have you bebopping and scatting in no time!
A Child's Introduction to Space Exploration: An Explorer's Guide to Rockets, Astronauts, and Life in Zero Gravity (A Child's Introduction Series)
by Michael E. Bakich David J EicherGet ready to blast off into the space! This interactive, fact-filled book by two space experts takes kids aged 8-12 on a journey through the universe with answers to all their questions on space exploration--from what the first rockets looked like and the first animal in space to what space food tastes like and what it&’s like to live in zero gravity. We are living in a golden age of astronomy and space exploration, with more discoveries about the universe every day. With so many possibilities now open to us, revered science writers Michael E. Bakich and David J. Eicher will take young readers on a journey to the throughout the universe in this latest edition of A Child&’s Introduction series.Perfect for budding explorers aged 8-12, Bakich and Eicher explore the history of space exploration from the very first rocket in China, to the moon landing, to the latest missions to Mars (and beyond). They also include profiles of noteworthy scientists, engineers, and astronauts including Isaac Newton, Neil Armstrong, Mae Carol Jemison; fun sections on space food, UFOs, a timeline of space suits, and how to go to the bathroom in space; and STEM experiments like how to build your own rocket and how to tell time using the sun. Packed with dozens of NASA photos and charming original illustrations, and a pull-out poster, this fascinating book reveals the wonders of space exploration—past, present and future!
The Counterclockwise Heart
by Brian FarreyWINNER OF THE 2023 MINNESOTA BOOK AWARDS FOR MIDDLE GRADE LITERATURE In this thrilling fantasy novel from an award-winning author, a prince and a mage must untangle the riddles from their shared past to save the future of the empire--or risk seeing everything they both love destroyed.Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . Time is running out in the empire of Rheinvelt. The sudden appearance of a strange and frightening statue foretells darkness. The Hierophants—magic users of the highest order—have fled the land. And the shadowy beasts of the nearby Hinterlands are gathering near the borders, preparing for an attack. Young Prince Alphonsus is sent by his mother, the Empress Sabine, to reassure the people while she works to quell the threat of war. But Alphonsus has other problems on his mind, including a great secret: He has a clock in his chest where his heart should be—and it&’s begun to run backwards, counting down to his unknown fate. Searching for answers about the clock, Alphonsus meets Esme, a Hierophant girl who has returned to the empire in search of a sorceress known as the Nachtfrau. When riddles from their shared past threaten the future of the empire, Alphonsus and Esme must learn to trust each other and work together to save it—or see the destruction of everything they both love.
Duet
by Elise Broach★ &“Exceptional…. Rich with facts around goldfinches and music, vivid descriptions, unique characters, and carefully crafted suspense.&” —Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ &“Perfect for readers who, like Mirabelle, are sometimes spellbound by music.&” —Booklist, starred reviewA musically gifted bird, a piano-playing boy, and a real-life mystery involving three artistic geniuses Welcome to the world of Mirabelle, a young goldfinch who loves to sing and dreams of becoming a musical star. She lives with her family in the backyard of a piano teacher, and she is quickly intrigued by Mr. Starek's newest pupil. Michael Jin is an eleven-year-old keyboard sensation, but lesson after lesson, he refuses to play. With the prestigious Chopin Festival looming at summer&’s end, how will he be ready in time? Mirabelle is responsible for Michael&’s breakthrough—to her own astonishment, she sings the Chopin piece he is beginning to play at the piano. It is their first duet. Thus begins a secret adventure that will take Mirabelle and Michael further than they ever imagined—in music, in friendship, and in solving the mystery of a lost piano that could be worth millions. A house full of treasures holds the clues. There, Mirabelle, Michael, and their friend Emily will make an important discovery that links the great composer Frederic Chopin, the trailblazing author George Sand, and the French Romantic painter Eugene Delacroix. A fast-paced, history-rich mystery will have young readers hooked as they root for boy and bird in this beautifully told novel, full of emotion and suspense.A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Einsteins of Vista Point
by Ben GutersonAfter the tragic loss of their sister, Zack and his siblings band together to investigate a Morse Code-inspired mystery in this stunning novel about grief and resilience. When Zack&’s younger sister dies in a tragic accident, his family moves to a small town in the Northwest to try and heal from the pain. Vista Point is home to many mysterious landmarks, including the great domed stone Tower with its cryptic message hidden in the ceiling. Zack blames himself for his sister&’s death, and he struggles to find comfort in his new surroundings. Until he meets Ann, a girl who lives in the area and shows Zack all the special places to be discovered. But there&’s something that seems a bit strange about Ann—and perhaps a secret she is keeping from him. This masterful novel thoughtfully explores how a season of pain can evolve into a summer of healing."Guterson does a splendid job of conjuring up the ideal setting for a classic summer story….An adventure that begs to be read by flashlight under bedcovers." —Booklist "Guterson sensitively explores Zack&’s journey toward self-forgiveness in this contemplative adventure." —Publishers Weekly "The fascinating cipher that ties it all together is the highlight of this wholesome, gentle story....An inspirational throwback for families seeking tales with a classic feel." —Kirkus Reviews
Ellen Outside the Lines
by A. J. SassWinner of a Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor! A heartfelt novel about a neurodivergent thirteen-year-old navigating changing friendships, a school trip, and expanding horizons for fans of Rain Reign and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World. Thirteen-year-old Ellen Katz feels most comfortable when her life is well planned out and people fit neatly into her predefined categories. She attends temple with Abba and Mom every Friday and Saturday. Ellen only gets crushes on girls, never boys, and she knows she can always rely on her best-and-only friend, Laurel, to help navigate social situations at their private Georgia middle school. Laurel has always made Ellen feel like being autistic is no big deal. But lately, Laurel has started making more friends, and cancelling more weekend plans with Ellen than she keeps. A school trip to Barcelona seems like the perfect place for Ellen to get their friendship back on track. Except it doesn't. Toss in a new nonbinary classmate whose identity has Ellen questioning her very binary way of seeing the world, homesickness, a scavenger hunt-style team project that takes the students through Barcelona to learn about Spanish culture and this trip is anything but what Ellen planned. Making new friends and letting go of old ones is never easy, but Ellen might just find a comfortable new place for herself if she can learn to embrace the fact that life doesn't always stick to a planned itinerary.