“Deeply smart and considerate.” —BCCB “An absorbing mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews “A strong addition to help diversify realistic fiction collections to include neuroatypical characters and heroines.” —School Library Journal Jesse is on the case when money goes missing from the library and her dad is looking like the #1 suspect in Edgar Award­–winning author Susan Vaught’s latest middle grade mystery. I could see the big inside of my Sam-Sam. I had been training him for 252 days with mini tennis balls and pieces of bacon, just to prove to Dad and Mom and Aunt Gus and the whole world that a tiny, fluffy dog could do big things if he wanted to. I think my little dog always knew he could be a hero. I just wonder if he knew about me. When the cops show up at Jesse’s house and arrest her dad, she figures out in a hurry that he’s the #1 suspect in the missing library fund money case. With the help of her (first and only) friend Springer, she rounds up suspects (leading to a nasty confrontation with three notorious school bullies) and asks a lot of questions. But she can’t shake the feeling that she isn’t exactly cut out for being a crime-solving hero. Jesse has a neuro-processing disorder, which means that she’s “on the spectrum or whatever.” As she explains it, “I get stuck on lots of stuff, like words and phrases and numbers and smells and pictures and song lines and what time stuff is supposed to happen.” But when a tornado strikes her small town, Jesse is given the opportunity to show what she's really made of—and help her dad. Told with the true-as-life voice Susan Vaught is known for, this mystery will have you rooting for Jesse and her trusty Pomeranian, Sam-Sam.

“Edgar-winning Vaught, a neuropsychologist, has both personal and professional experience to draw on in crafting a narrator who is admirably smart and resilient despite an ‘itchy’ brain and a compulsion to count things.” —Booklist (starred review) “Deeply smart and considerate.” —BCCB “An absorbing mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews “A strong addition to help diversify realistic fiction collections to include neuroatypical characters and heroines.” —School Library Journal In this Edgar Award–winning novel by mystery superstar Susan Vaught, Jesse is on the case when money goes missing from the library and her dad is looking like the #1 suspect. I could see the big inside of my Sam-Sam. I had been training him for 252 days with mini tennis balls and pieces of bacon, just to prove to Dad and Mom and Aunt Gus and the whole world that a tiny, fluffy dog could do big things if he wanted to. I think my little dog always knew he could be a hero. I just wonder if he knew about me. When the cops show up at Jesse’s house and arrest her dad, she figures out in a hurry that he’s the #1 suspect in the missing library fund money case. With the help of her (first and only) friend Springer, she rounds up suspects (leading to a nasty confrontation with three notorious school bullies) and asks a lot of questions. But she can’t shake the feeling that she isn’t exactly cut out for being a crime-solving hero. Jesse has a neuro-processing disorder, which means that she’s “on the spectrum or whatever.” As she explains it, “I get stuck on lots of stuff, like words and phrases and numbers and smells and pictures and song lines and what time stuff is supposed to happen.” But when a tornado strikes her small town, Jesse is given the opportunity to show what she's really made of—and help her dad. Told with the true-as-life voice Susan Vaught is known for, this mystery will have you rooting for Jesse and her trusty Pomeranian, Sam-Sam.

Foreword by Barbara Klipper Since the first edition of this landmark guide was published, there has been increased interest in services for library patrons on the autism spectrum; indeed, more people of all ages now self-identify as autistic. Those who understand the unique characteristics of autistic young people know that ordinary library programming guides are not up to the task of effectively serving these library users. Well qualified to speak to this need, Anderson is an educator, library researcher, and former public librarian who has helped to develop two IMLS funded initiatives that train library workers to better understand and serve autistic patrons. Here, she offers librarians who work with children and teens in both public library and K-12 educational settings an updated, comprehensive resource that includes an updated introduction to the basics of autism, including language, symbolism, and best practices in the library rooted in the principles of Universal Design; step-by-step programs from librarians across the country, adaptable for both public and school library settings, that are cost-effective and easy to replicate; contributions from autistic self-advocates throughout the text, demonstrating that the program ideas included are truly designed with their preferences in mind; suggestions for securing funding and establishing partnerships with community organizations; and many helpful appendices, with handy resources for training and education, building a collection, storytimes, sensory integration activities, and a “Tips for a Successful Library Visit” template.

From 70 of the most successful mystery writers in the business, an invaluable guide to crafting mysteries—from character development and plot to procedurals and thrillers—“this is a writing guide that readers and writers will turn to again and again” (Booklist, starred review). Mystery Writers of America (MWA) is known for providing unparalleled resources on the craft, art, and business of storytelling, helping writers of all levels improve their skills for nearly a century. Now, this handbook helps authors navigate the ever-shifting publishing landscape—from pacing, plotting, the business side of publishing, to the current demand for diversity and inclusivity across all genres, and more. Featuring essays by a new generation of bestselling experts on various elements of the craft and shorter pieces of crowd-sourced wisdom from the MWA membership as a whole, the topics covered can be categorized as follows: —Before Writing (rules; genres; setting; character; research; etc.) —While Writing (outlining; the plot; dialogue; mood; etc.) —After Writing (agents; editors; self-pub; etc.) —Other than Novels (short stories; true crime; etc.) —Other Considerations (diverse characters; legal questions; criticism) Also included is a collection of essays from MWA published authors—including Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen, and Charlaine Harris—selected by bestselling authors Lee Child and Laurie King and arranged thematically answering, “What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d had at the beginning of your career?” “Everything you wanted to know about how to plan, draft, write, revise, publish, and market a mystery” (Kirkus Reviews), this inclusive manual provides practical, current, easily digestible advice for new and established authors alike.

Help autistic kids understand their unique gifts and needs and learn strategies for daily living in a neurotypical world. This positive, straightforward reference book offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Freshly updated, the content reflects changes in the understanding of ASD since the book was first released, including clarification that Asperger's syndrome is no longer a specific diagnosis and what this means for readers. The book also features new stories of young people with autism and an added chapter, "Tech Talk." Some children with ASD are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others want to be social. Some get “stuck” on things, have intense interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing (“stims”). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions (“What is ASD?” “Why me?”) a(more...)

King of the Witches. Queen of the Witches. Bren and Jazz are finally together, and finally safe. They should have it made, right? Except for Bren's terrifying vision of the Shadowmaster escaping her prison, Jazz's nightmares and growing jealousy, mysterious girls with special abilities showing up at random, and old witch factions going to war with peaceful refugees... Safety turns to desperate danger when a shapeshifting dwarf kidnaps Bren's brother, the sanctuaries erupt in riots and bloodshed, and Bren and Jazz face a crisis of trust that threatens to tear apart their relationship--and the witching world. It's obvious something dreadful has descended upon L.O.S.T., but what? Bren and Jazz must find a way to stand together, or watch everything they have built tear itself apart.

What if death is just another stop on the Path? Bren McAllister found his power as a witch and a warrior, but he’s lost everything that matters to him. The magical world won’t give him a break. Everyone depends on him for everything, but he can’t get past missing the girl who stole his freedom and his heart. He has to get Jazz back, even though it’s impossible. His family thinks he’s crazy. His friends think he’s going to get himself killed. As for Bren, he thinks maybe, just maybe, he’s earned a miracle. Jasmina Corey can’t believe death is such a pain. Dark skies, dark rivers, dark monsters, oh, yeah. Death is just one funfest after the other. She can’t get Bren off of her mind, except her mind seems to be leaving her in pieces. One day she knows who she is, but the next, she’s not sure. As for magic, forget it. She can’t even levitate a pebble, much less bind the beak of annoying peacock who won’t stop telling her to wake up, start thinking, move—run! In a race for life itself, there’s no such thing as second place. It’s win or die—forever.

How far can you go before you get lost forever? Brenden’s on his way to the beach when he makes a pit stop in a tiny desert town called Live Oak Springs Township. It’s a weird place, no question. Maybe even frightening. It doesn’t take long for Bren to realize that something in L.O.S.T. isn’t right—and it might be that witchy girl in the general store. Jasmina Corey has a secret, and a very big problem. Bren may be the solution. Her magic tells her that Bren has a warrior’s heart, that he might be the one to help her defeat a creature so evil it threatens to destroy the witching world and all of humanity, too. Too bad he hates her on sight. Too bad she might have to kill him.

In a world where pop-culture is saturated with zombie mania comes... another zombie book... where the word Zombie is only used once. The reader will follow Parker, an ex World War III army medic who must deal with annoying hallucination ghosts, neo government corruption, hot deserts, hords of not-zombies that are totally zombies, and an angry Mexican who is friend but almost kills him.

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Ethan Sayer and his three daughters are now faced with finding the four remaining Saint's Treasures. God told Ethan that he and his three daughters would travel with His four emissaries and reveal treasures which would be a test for the Gentile world. Ethan believes they will be in nations that he was sent with one of God's angels. It will be an around-the-world trip, and one nation is still a mystery! The only deadline was given by Ethan's wife, "Have Lyndsay and Alicia back in time to register for their college classes." Come along on this around-the-world mission and meet kings, queens, princes, princesses, and other world leaders. Visit distant lands and, more importantly, meet the people that live there. These are the people to whom God sent His emissaries. They are the real treasure in a fallen world. The challenge for the Sayers is that the emissaries are the Dragons of the Apocalypse, and they are to ride these dragons across oceans, mountains, and over hostile countries. Ethan Sayer has looked at pioneers of early flight as his guides to accomplish his mission. Ethan feels an urgency that his oldest daughter does not share. She wants to enjoy the journey, but Ethan feels he must complete the work as quickly as possible. Join this family as they experience a world full of joy and sometimes sorrow. They will make friends with great and small alike, but it is not all blissful, but that is life.