Deborah Ellis, activist and award-winning author of The Breadwinner interviews young people involved in the criminal justice system and lets them tell their own stories. Jamar found refuge in a gang after leaving an abusive home where his mother stole from him. Fred was arrested for assault with a weapon, public intoxication and attacking his mother while on drugs. Jeremy first went to court at age fourteen (“Court gives you the feeling that you can never make up for what you did, that you’re just bad forever”) but now wears a Native Rights hat to remind him of his strong Métis heritage. Kate, charged with petty theft and assault, finally found a counselor who treated her like a person for the first time. Many readers will recognize themselves, or someone they know, somewhere in these stories. Being lucky or unlucky after making a mistake. The encounter with a mean cop or a good one. Couch-surfing, or being shunted from one foster home to another. The kids in this book represent a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations and ethnicities. Every story is different, but there are common threads — loss of parenting, dislocation, poverty, truancy, addiction, discrimination. The book also includes the points of view of family members as well as “voices of experience” — adults looking back at their own experiences as young offenders. Most of all, this book leaves readers asking the most pressing questions of all. Does it make sense to put kids in jail? Can’t we do better? Have we forgotten that we were once teens ourselves, feeling powerless to change our lives, confused about who we were and what we wanted, and quick to make a move without a thought for the consequences? Key Text Features illustrations photographs further reading glossary resources Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2 Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.

Winner of the 2022 Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Award! From debut author-illustrator Gracey Zhang comes a timeless and timely picture book that celebrates the unassuming power of kind words. Oh, there goes Lala! She carries a pot of water around the corner, down the block, and over the fence, to a patch of dirt and concrete where tiny weeds sprout. "Hello, hello, friends!" she whispers. Lala waters the plants every day, but it is her kind words that make them sway and nod. Lala's wild nature and quiet compassion enchant in this evergreen story about the power of kind words and the magic of being loved for who you are.

This book is a collection of digital narratives and personal essays written by thirty immigrant and refugee high school students from thirteen countries who reside in Minneapolis.

In this deeply personal book, artist and author Ed Young explores twenty-six Chinese characters, each describing a feeling or emotion, and each containing somewhere the symbol for the heart. Through stunning collage art that interprets the visual elements within each character, Young uncovers layers of emotional meaning for words such as joy and sorrow, respect and rudeness. He invites children to probe the full range of their own emotions, and gives parents, librarians, and older readers a context for discussing ethics and for examining the silmilarities and differences between old and new, East and West. Voices of the Heart is a truly unique exploration—or as Young writes, "adventure"—into the different moods, and dangers and abilities of the human heart.

Because action is the best antidote to climate change! If you haven’t yet viewed the Young Voices for the Planet films, you need to. Immediately. And so do your students! These remarkable films showcase nine youth advocates who, starting with nothing but enthusiasm, are shrinking the carbon footprint in their homes, schools, and communities. And now, with the help of this corresponding teacher’s guide, you can help your students take action against global warming, too. Above all else, Empowering Young Voices for the Planet is about teaching students the science and reality of climate change, while empowering them to respond effectively—and without fear. Inside this guide you’ll find Inspiring true stories of low- or no-cost youth-led projects that address a wide range of environmental issues and engage schools, local government, businesses, the public, and parents Practical tips for inspiring students to develop projects relevant to their own communities, including planning, financing, safety, and liability Many creative and replicable ways to reduce CO2 emissions, as well as connections to the Next Generation Science Standards Discover for yourself what a powerful catalyst "think globally, act locally" can be when integrated into STEM, social studies, environmental studies, and civic engagement lessons. If not now, when? "The entire film series is beyond fantastic. Through the YVFP films we witness youth taking a stand to fight to save their planet and their future." --Karla Utting Programs Director Dream in Green

If laughter is the best medicine, then reading humorous short stories should be the best practice to maintain your health. These three authors with their six stories have written stories that both poke fun at the sacrosanct and also skewer them for dissection as both pompous and ripe. From the ranks of Voltaire, Twain, and Vonnegut, these new voices have something to say about how our current culture and what they consider serious. You may find yourself irritated, incensed, or having a laugh outloud moment as you read along into the imaginative worlds these authors create. You may find yourself expecting to see someone just waiting in the shadows for you to get the punchline - expect that author's spirit as you read their works. PS. You have their permission to roll on the floor with delight, in private, of course... Get Your Copy Now.

Being able to escape into the wonderful world of romance is always a pleasure. This set of six short stories are an amusing way to find yourself into new worlds, with new lovers working out their difficulties and eventually end up with their happily-ever-after result. Some are ghosts, some introspective writers, some CIA-government types, a couple of futurists, some socially disadvantaged, and a young couple with hidden abilities. All in contemporary settings (for the most part) and perhaps something you can relate to (well, we can always want the superpowers, anyway.) Lose yourself in these worlds and become young at heart again with these short reads to fit into any schedule... Get Your Copy Now.

Writers don't often write about their own worlds - but when they do, expect them to be every bit as imaginative as their other fiction. We've found a common theme in these six short stories. Where these new authors, not only explore their own thoughts, ideas, and angst through their own fiction, but also take apart their own ideas about how writers write. Here you'll see writer's block, the solitary writer's romances, the revenge of stalking stories, being transported by another writer into one of their worlds, and even examining the idea of your pet cat being responsible for a writer's output - or lack of it. Nothing is sacred to these authors as they turn their fiction microscope on themselves and their own profession. Get Your Copy Today.

An inspiring true story about modeling good leadership and being the change you wish to see. "A compelling celebration of Eleanor Roosevelt that will inspire children to follow in her footsteps." -- Kirkus Reviews "A necessary source of inspiration." -- School Library Journal All her life, Eleanor Roosevelt hoped to "leave some mark upon the world." She was a shy child who found joy in helping others. A passionate young adult who longed for adventure. An independent young woman who formed her own opinions. A trustworthy partner who worked tirelessly for change. So when her husband became president and she became first lady, Eleanor was ready to make her mark. With characteristic candor, compassion, and courage, she traversed the country and trotted the globe, championing the value and dignity of every human being and transforming the role of first lady. This graceful portrait of a vivacious American icon radiates the essence of Eleanor, a model for kindness and purpose, in her time and in ours. How will you leave your mark upon the world?