The popular Social Studies Connects series links history, geography, civics and economics to kids’ daily lives. Featuring stories with diverse characters who face situations young readers can relate to, these books support reading and social studies skills including researching, inferring, comparing, and communication. An activity to stimulate curiosity about the world is included in each book! With no special powers, no secret identity, and no cape, can someone be a real hero? Ethan thinks so and sets out to prove it! (Social Studies Topic: History & Culture/Heroes)

When he was a kid, Quentin Kenihan loved Superman. Ironic, really. Quentin didn't need kryptonite to reveal his weakness - born with a rare bone disorder, osteogenesis imperfecta, his bones broke all on their own. When Quentin was seven, Mike Willesee made a documentary about him. Australians fell in love with his wit, and never-say-die attitude. Over the years he grew up before our eyes. But there was a dark side to his life. The true story was never told - until now. A story of abandonment, drug addiction, dark days, and thoughts of suicide. Battling through it all, Quentin's resilience is inspiring. This is an unforgettable, brutally honest, at times heartbreaking memoir.

Meanwhile, back in the darkened alleys of a city near you... trouble is brewing. A fight breaks out. A mugger shakes down an innocent tourist. Inequality is on the rise. Enter our heroes. Dark Guardian chases off an angry drug dealer in Manhattan. Mr. Xtreme charges in and breaks up a San Diego bar brawl. T.O. Ronin hugs a homeless man on the snowy streets of Toronto. These aren’t the big-screen or comic-book heroes that have been increasingly dominating pop culture. They’re real-life superheroes: individuals who take on masked personae to fight crime and help the helpless. They don’t have superpowers, but they do try to make the world a better place. Lifelong comic-book fan and veteran journalist Peter Nowak goes to the source of this phenomenon, meeting with real-life superheroes in North America and around the world to get their stories and investigate what the movement means for the future of society. To some people, real-life superheroes may seem like quirky outliers or dangerous vigilantes but, as Nowak shows, they are also archetypes whose job is to remind us of the better part of human nature.

A heartwarming thank you to the essential workers who help us every day From supermarket staff and firefighters to doctors and nurses, this charming picture book celebrates the brave, everyday heroes who keep our world turning through difficult times. Inside the pages of this illustrated children’s book, you’ll discover: • Charmingly simple illustrations by Julia Seal • Simple, rhyming text to share and read aloud with young children • A beautiful celebration of key workers Some superheroes have shiny capes, super-strength, and trusty sidekicks, but how many of these superheroes have ever rescued you? Perfect for children aged 3-7 years, and a wonderful picture book dedicated to brave frontline workers - the real heroes who look after us! Covering a diverse range of professions and characters, Real Superheroes pays tribute to the incredible jobs that key workers are doing around the world so we can stay home and stay safe. Little ones will love seeing pictures of other kids dressed up to do different jobs, including a teacher, a delivery worker, and a shopkeeper!

Even though her family moved across the country for a “fresh start” after her little brother’s death, eleven-year-old Zinnia Helinski still feels like she’s stuck waiting for her new life to begin. Then she spots her new neighbor, Kris, climbing down the fire escape of their apartment building. He’s wearing a black eye mask! And Spandex leggings. . . . And a blue body suit? Soon Zinnia finds herself in a secret club for kids who want to be heroes. The Reality Shifters don’t have superpowers, but they do have the power to make positive change in their neighborhoods. And a change is just what Zinnia is looking for! At first, she feels invincible. Zinnia finally has friends and is on the kind of real-life adventures her little brother, Wally, would have loved. But when her teammates lose sight of their goals, Zinnia must find the balance between bravery and recklessness, and learn to be a hero without her cape.

graphic novels.

Natalie is a wife. Natalie is a mother. Natalie is a cutter. Clawing at walls built by resentment, regret, and guilt, Natalie cuts as an escape from a life she never planned. Staying present is only possible when you let go of the past. But, what if the past won't let go of you?

What do you think of when you hear the word 'hero'? Is it the wall-climbing, cape-wearing, villain-fighter you see in comics and films? Heroes can actually come in all forms, shapes and sizes. Some cook for the hungry. Some nurse the poorly back to health. Others raise money for important causes. From small acts of kindness to inventions that have saved the lives of hundreds of people, every person in this book has found their passion - or their superpower. No matter how big or small it might be, your power can be used to change the world for the better too. So put away the cape, climb down from that wall and discover how ordinary people can still do extraordinary things and become heroes. Written by Ben Brooks, the bestselling author of the Dare to Be Different books, and paired with vibrant comic-style illustrations throughout, this is the perfect guide for the budding superhero in your life!