ÿHow far will Bix go to be popular? A delightful and humorous diary account from "Bix," a plain Jane from a struggling family trying to outdo and steal the third-grade classroom stage from Valerie, whose mother is a famous author. Miss Popular may be a wheelchair-user, but she knows how to charm the classroom, and her pink bejeweled wheelchair rules. In a pique of frustration, Bix resorts to lies to steal the limelight from Miss Popular. She also announces that she will be having a puppy shower, and everyone except Miss Popular is invited. Can Bix pull it off? Readers will:Learn the importance of honestyDiscover that being loved and being popular are not the same thingFind out how even a small act of kindness pays big dividendsLearn how to rise above circumstances to be a better person "Jewel Kats does it again! She has the ability to shine a light on disabilities with characters that empower and inspire! And she does it in way that entertains thoroughly! Her optimism and sense of fun explode on every page!" --Dan Parent,ÿArchie Comics "Miss Popularÿis a testament to young girls everywhere: guiding them through the issues of popularity, honesty and the fun of life! Jewel Kats has created a character that I would have loved to be my friend when I was a third-grader! Spectacular in every way!" --Robin Marvel, author ofÿAwakening Consciousness: A Girl?s Guide! Learn more atÿwww.JewelKats.com from Marvelous Spirit Press www.MarvelousSpirit.com Juvenile Fiction : Social Issues - Special Needs

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City. To the Green-eyed Lovebird: We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House. You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more. We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other. Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding… I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello. After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half? M

A cop, a lawyer, and a costume designer walk into a bar--the beginning of a beautiful relationship? Or will their agreement be DOA? Raine Rivera will never see her name in lights as a costume designer, but she loves using fashion to flesh out characters. Finding a job after grad school has been a huge worry. When an offer comes from an unlikely source, she’s conflicted because it comes with strings attached, and she's always been a no-strings-attached kinda girl. Margaret Katz is a successful attorney, but there's one starring role she's had her eye on her entire life: mother. After countless setbacks, she'll do almost anything to make it happen--even sharing her husband? After all, he's always been willing to share her. Leonard Katz always knew he wanted to be a cop, but the job is a lot harder than he ever imagined. He and his lawyer wife blow off steam from their law and order jobs by practicing an alternative lifestyle. Now Leo has a wild and crazy idea...an idea that will either destroy three people's lives or fulfill all their dreams. Author's Note: This romance novel deals with the subjects of infertility, surrogacy, pregnancy and birth. Reader discretion is advised. The PolyAm Fam series chronicles a polycule's romantic adventures with humor, heat, and heart. Even if you're totally vanilla, you'll probably fall in love with a book boyfriend or girlfriend--maybe a dozen of them. As they say: the more, the merrier! Book 1: The Scottish Play (Molly & Lachlan's story, MFF Vee) Book 2: Break a Leg (Noah, Aris & Danielle's story, MMF Triad) Book 3: Stealing the Show (Raine, Maggie & Leo’s story, FFM Triad)

ÿHansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twistÿis an enchanting tale about how kindness overcomes callousness and leads to a wondrous reward. This adaptation of the classic Grimms' tale includes the wicked witch and the poor siblings in search of food, but in this case, five-year-old Hansel is a mischievous, yet courageous, boy with Down syndrome. Young readers will learn that: Children with Down syndrome are capable and can achieve extraordinary success with determination.An act of kindness can transform people and the world.Treating people like family can create a miracle.People cannot be judged by appearance; a princess or a hero can be hidden within.Facing a challenge can lead to unimagined rewards. "I love that this book addresses not only the low expectations that society has of kids with Down syndrome but that the Mother has as well. What a gifted author to see past the diagnosis and tell a magical story of potential and belief!" --Nancy Gianni, Founder & Gigi's Mom,ÿGiGi's Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers "I find that Jewel Kat's message that someone?s disability is not what makes a person, a great one. I like how she portrayed Hansel. He reminded me of my nephew who had Down syndrome?not only someone who was kind but also very smart. I believe it?s a great book for every kid to read." --Janet McNevin, Museum of disABILITY History "Hansel shines as a courageous boy with incredible determination despite his challenges and succeeds in changing his family's circumstances. This story would help young readers look beyond disabilities and focus on the characters of those who have special needs. Claudia's breathtaking illustrations take this beloved tale to a whole new level. A must read for children of all ages." ??Shaila Abdullah, author,ÿMy Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy Book #5 in the Fairy Ability Tales Series Juvenile Fiction: Social Issues - Special Needs

Get in on the Christmas cheer with Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic starring the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who—guaranteed to grow your heart three sizes! Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot...but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT! Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. From the Grinch and his dog, Max, to Cindy-Lou and all the residents of Who-ville, this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will warm even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is perfect for readers young and old.

A girl disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight in this first book in Tamora Pierce’s Margaret A. Edwards Award–winning young adult series—now with a new look! From now on, I’m Alan of Trebond, the younger twin. I’ll be a knight. In a time when girls are forbidden to be warriors, Alanna of Trebond wants nothing more than to be a knight of the realm of Tortall. So she finds a way to switch places with her twin brother, Thom, and, disguised as a boy, begins her training as a page at the palace of King Roald. But the road to knighthood, as she discovers, is not an easy one. Alanna must master weapons, combat, and magic, as well as polite behavior, her temper, and even her own heart. So begin Alanna’s adventures—filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil—that will lead to the fulfillment of her dreams and make her a legend in the land.

The reviews are in! This Is Where It Ends, the #1 New York Times bestseller and one of the Best Books of the Decade (Buzzfeed, Paste Magazine, BookRiot), "could break you." "I am speechless." "The saddest book I have ever read." "Literally tore my heart out." Go inside a heartbreaking fictional school shooting, minute-by-terrifying-minute. Everyone has a reason to fear the boy with the gun... 10:00 a.m.: The principal of Opportunity, Alabama's high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve. 10:02 a.m.: The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class. 10:03 a.m.: The auditorium doors won't open. 10:05 a.m.: Someone starts shooting. Over the course of 54 minutes, four students must confront their greatest hopes, and darkest fears, as they come face-to-face with the boy with the gun. In a world where violence in schools is at an all-time high and school shootings are a horrifyingly common reality for teenagers, This Is Where It Ends is a rallying cry to end the gun violence epidemic for good. Praise for This Is Where It Ends: A Buzzfeed Best Young Adult Book of the Decade A Paste Magazine Best Teen Book of the Decade A Book Riot Biggest YA Book of the Decade A Professional Book Nerds Best Book of the Decade A Bustle.com Most-Anticipated YA Novel A Goodreads YA Best Books Pick A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for Young Adult Fiction Kids Indie Next List Pick "Marieke Nijkamp's brutal, powerful fictional account of a school shooting is important in its timeliness." —Bustle.com "A gritty, emotional, and suspenseful read and although fictionalized, it reflects on a problematic and harrowing issue across the nation." —Buzzfeed "A compelling, brutal story of an unfortunately all-too familiar situation: a school shooting. Nijkamp portrays the events thoughtfully, recounting fifty-four intense minutes of bravery, love, and loss." —BookRiot

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Based on extensive research on the features that make children's books appealing and appropriate, this valuable teacher resource offers guidance on selecting books, strategies for specific grade levels, suggestions for extension, and tips for assessment. This teacher-friendly book is organized around the major genres — traditional literature, picture books, nonfiction, poetry, and multicultural texts — that will inspire young readers. Throughout the book, teachers will find suggestions for using literature to implement shared reading, reading aloud, and response strategies with emergent, developing, and independent readers. This comprehensive book is rooted in the belief that educators must consider and offer a wide range of choice to ensure that students read "good" books. It argues that the choices children make about what they read should be governed by their interests and desire to learn; not by a grade or reading level.