Newbery Honor Book * ALA Notable Children's Book "Deeply felt. Presents a moral question with great care and sensitivity." —The New York Times "A spellbinding story about rites of passage." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A realistic story with the intensity of a fable." —The Horn Book (starred review) "Thought-provoking." —School Library Journal (starred review) In Palmer LaRue's hometown of Waymer, turning ten is the biggest event of a boy's life. But for Palmer, his tenth birthday is not something to look forward to, but something to dread. Then one day, a visitor appears on his windowsill, and Palmer knows that this, more than anything else, is a sign that his time is up. Somehow, he must learn how to stop being afraid and stand up for what he believes in. Wringer is a powerful tour de force from Newbery Medal winner Jerry Spinelli.

Thru the Wringer is a story of personal transformation based on real people and events. Follow along as the Society of 9, an organization made up of highly successful yet anonymous people, share its secrets– powerful secrets that change lives and fortunes for the better. If financial security, happiness and emotional fulfillment are your goals, this is a must read.

When their Ukrainian grandmother is lost on a trans-Atlantic Flight, two sisters are swept into a quest across eastern Europe to find the woman who had always told more tales than truths. From Poland to Slovakia to Hungary and beyond, Larissa and Ira navigate the steps of Ukrainian folk dance, the cliff-side paths of Slovak Paradise National Park, and the stark realities of war, folktales, and feminism, all for the sake of chasing who they're starting to believe is a true Baba Yaga. Understanding their family's roots has never been more clear. The setting's mythic properties drift like ghosts in the humid air, hinting of the folktales the sisters whisper like codes of bravery. The nesting dolls they discover reveal how each woman becomes stronger when tucked one, within another, within another-forgetting lies and truths to seize upon history, love, and the familial traditions that have shaped them into who they are together. Author and professional editor Kris Spisak has been spotlighted in Writer's Digest and The Huffington Post for her work to helping other writers. Her previous non-fiction books include Get a Grip on Your Grammar: 250 Writing and Editing Reminders for the Curious or Confused, The Novel Editing Workbook, and The Family Story Workbook. Spisak's background and her own family experience in the Ukrainian diaspora add weight to her fiction debut.

The lives of four young people in different circumstances are changed by their encounters with books. Four humorous, poignant stories about how books changed the lives of several youngsters.

To the Field Through Backyards is a series of essays with poetry and photographs that depict a not so long ago era in a farming community. The book is an account of the experiences of one family that lived and worked in the southeastern North Carolina community of Leggett. It is also a reflection of life as it was lived by a majority of rural residents of North Carolina and most of the South during the first half of the 20th century. The essays permit the current younger generation a glimpse of a life that is now obsolete.

Just when Joey Pigza's wired world finally seems to be under control, his good-for-nothing dad pops back into his life. This time, though, Carter Pigza is a new man – literally. After a lucky lotto win, Carter Pigza has a crazy new outlook on life, and he's even changed his name to Charles Heinz. He thinks Joey and his mom should become new people, too. Soon Joey finds himself bombarded with changes: a new name, a new home, and a new family business – running the beat-up Beehive Diner. He knows he should forgive his dad as his mom wants him to, and get with the new family program. But Joey is afraid that in changing names and going with the flow he will lose sight of who he really is. In this rocket-paced new chapter in Joey Pigza's life, a favorite hero discovers what identity and forgiveness really mean, and how to cook a delicious turkey burger. This title has Common Core connections.

If you're passionate about using interactive group games to help people interact, share and connect - and have no equipment whatsoever - this book is for you.Interactive group games and activities are one of the most powerful (and attractive) ways to help people connect. And research clearly shows that the most successful programs in the world are those which intentionally build trusting and healthy relationships.In this entertaining and simple how-to guide, Mark Collard distils 30+ years of experience to help you harness the power of group games to have fun and leave your group feeling engaged, valued and meaningfully connected to one another. All without props.This book will help you:Learn 150+ interactive group games & activities that people love, are universally appealing & require no props to play;Know the difference between an 'ice-breaker' and an 'ice-maker;'Understand why the latest research demands that we help our groups connect first before we deliver our content;Use five powerful tools to engage unwilling participants, create productive teams & exceed your group's expectations; andApply a simple four-step program design model that is guaranteed to invite your group to play, interact, trust & learn.Exclusive BonusesTo help you make all of this super-easy, No Props No Problem comes with four unique, value-added resources:QR code for every activity to access online video tutorials, leadership tips, variations & so much more;30-Days Free access to playmeo's ever-expanding activity database (premium subscribers already have immediate access);Free Group Games App to access everything in the palm of your hand; andForty Ready-to-Play Program Templates for 12 to 100+ people.This book makes no props, no problem, and will help you squeeze more than just fun out of your programs.Grab your copy of No Props No Problem today.Written by Mark Collard, 2018 (272 pages)

We all live with fear. It hangs around, whispering in our ears, reminding us of all we can't do or will never be. But that's not the end of the story. We also have a God who draws close to say, Fear not. I am with you. This Spirit transforms us into fear fighters--women breaking free of trepidation to find bold dedication to God's peace-, purpose- and joy-filled callings. With remarkable compassion born from personal experience, Kelly Balarie shows women how to · Cultivate unstoppable faith by harnessing God's Word and promptings · Pray panic-, blood pressure- and stress-reducing prayers to usher in lasting peace · Discover clear and immediate action plans to exchange worry for God's greatest gifts · Implement daily bravery decrees to stand armed through the day · Participate in a 12-week study guide to foster new courageous habits Kelly pulls back the curtain of fear so you can find the beautiful woman God created you to be.