Escape Into A World Of Reversed Expectations High schooler Yura’s world is literally turned upside down when she’s pulled through a mysterious mirror and into the strange land of Tolkinia, a world of magic and fantasy, where opinions of beauty are reversed. Now the girl who was bullied for her looks is beloved and admired for those same traits, while the knight she finds incredibly handsome is abhorred for his. Facing this mysterious new reality, Yura must decide if she wants to return home to normalcy or embrace the distorted views of this new, war-torn world.

In this book on shaping a meaningful and ethical life, the renowned, Pulitzer Prize–winning author explores how character, courage, and human and moral understanding can be fostered by reflecting on the lives of others, through stories. Based on Robert Coles’ legendary course at Harvard, this provocative book addresses such questions as, “Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?” It calls on us to become stronger and more aware, by reflecting on ourselves and others with the help of great literature and art. Dr. Coles shows how the work of writers, artists, and thinkers of the past two centuries can inspire our own reflections on the daily lives we lead. He offers a compelling call to venture outside of our own selves and lives and to listen, attentively and with growing humanity, to the way others get through life. Coles encourages us to examine our own character, kindness, and complexity by looking carefully at our perceptions of others, and by studying the wisdom of authors from Charles Dickens to Flannery O’Connor, from James Agee to George Orwell, and many others. In this influential conversation about empathy and engagement, Coles inspires us to seek out deeper meaning in our lives, and guides us toward achieving greater clarity, strength, and richness of understanding, amid the moral, psychological, and social complexities of the modern world.

A career-spanning anthology of essays on politics and culture by the best-selling author of The Flamethrowers includes entries discussing a Palestinian refugee camp, an illegal Baja Peninsula motorcycle race, and the 1970s Fiat factory wildcat strikes.

Eizo is a middle-aged, overworked software engineer who loves cats. One night after working late, he saves an injured cat from a speeding truck. The cat survives, but Eizo does not... Luckily, that cat turns out to be a god-like being who offers him a second chance in another world! Eizo decides that he wants a slower life, one where he can live off the things he creates with his own hands. So, why not become a blacksmith? He does have one other stipulation: a cat companion for his quiet life. These requests are granted, and Eizo is whisked away to a new world and imbued with blacksmithing knowledge. He soon finds out that his abilities are above average—in fact, his new skills are so overpowered that they’re like cheats. On top of that, his cat companion turns out to be a half-tiger girl! Eizo’s blades soon garner attention, and he realizes that he can turn the tides of battle with his forge and hammer. With so much commotion in store, will Eizo truly be able to enjoy a quiet life?

THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Champions do extra. They sweep the sheds. They follow the spearhead. They keep a blue head. They are good ancestors. In Legacy, best-selling author James Kerr goes deep into the heart of the world's most successful sporting team, the legendary All Blacks of New Zealand, to reveal 15 powerful and practical lessons for leadership and business. Legacy is a unique, inspiring handbook for leaders in all fields, and asks: What are the secrets of success - sustained success? How do you achieve world-class standards, day after day, week after week, year after year? How do you handle pressure? How do you train to win at the highest level? What do you leave behind you after you're gone? What will be your legacy?

* "Maldonado excels at depicting realistic and authentic interactions between middle school boys."--School Library Journal (starred review) A Washington Post Best Children's Book of 2018! Tight: Lately Bryan's been feeling it in all kinds of ways. He knows what's tight for him in a good way--reading comics, drawing superheroes, and hanging out with no drama. But drama's hard to escape where he's from, and that gets him wound up tight. And now Bryan's new friend Mike is challenging him to have fun in ways that are crazy risky. At first, it's a rush following Mike, hopping turnstiles, subway surfing, and getting into all kinds of trouble. But Bryan never feels right acting wrong. So which way will he go when he understands that drama is so not his style? Fortunately his favorite comic heroes shed light on his dilemma, reminding him that he has power--the power to choose his friends and to stand up for what he believes is right . . . Torrey Maldonado delivers a fast-paced, insightful, dynamic story. Readers will connect with Bryan's journey as he navigates a tough world with a heartfelt desire for a different life.

In beloved author Emily March’s novel about a special place and its remarkable residents, a woman betrayed by life discovers the healing power of love in Eternity Springs. Savannah Moore arrives in Eternity Springs alone, determined to put her troubled past behind her. Her handcrafted-soap shop fits right in with the magic of this warm and welcoming community—but the sexy, suspicious local sheriff promises to upset her hard-won happiness. Zach Turner knows this woman means trouble: Maybe to his town. Possibly to his friends. Definitely to his heart. Something about this simmering Southern beauty does crazy things to his committed bachelor status, taunting him with possibilities far beyond his dedication to his sometimes dangerous job. So when Savannah’s dark past follows her to town, wreaking havoc with both their lives, Zach will fight for all he’s worth—for a love he can’t afford to lose. Includes an excerpt from Emily March’s Eternity Springs novel Miracle Road Praise for Emily March and Reflection Point “Eternity Springs is a small town in the Colorado Rockies, populated with people I delight in visiting again and again.”—New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery “With passion, romance, and revealing moments that will touch your heart, [March] takes readers on an unhurried journey where past mistakes are redeemed and a more beautiful future is forged—one miracle at a time.”—USA Today “The matchmakers are at it again in Eternity Springs and, with a bit of angel dust, will help the hero and heroine discover the healing power of love. All the characters are wonderfully complex and the surprise involving one of them is nicely done. Readers will be eager to reach the end, yet sad to get there.”—RT Book Reviews “Reflection Point is a sweet heartwarming novel that will leave you feeling giddy.”—Joyfully Reviewed “For a wonderful read, don’t miss a visit to Eternity Springs.”—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas “[March] has a way of touching something soul deep in each of her characters, and bringing that feeling to life with every word.”—Coffee Time Romance

Anna Claire has written these poems with older schoolchildren in mind, hoping they will encourage lively debate and reflection. Many of the poems are personal, and some are tragic but they are based on situations and circumstances that most of us encounter or face at some point during our lifetime. Reflection enables us to respond to others with understanding, and perhaps with the benefit of doing so, we are better equipped to deal with that which might otherwise overwhelm oneself, or those close to us. The human spirit is strong and has amazing abilities to overcome difficulties.