Danny's tall and skinny. Even though he's not built, his arms are long enough to give his pitch a power so fierce any college scout would sign him on the spot. Ninety-five mile an hour fastball, but the boy's not even on a team. Every time he gets up on the mound he loses it.
But at his private school, they don't expect much else from him. Danny' s brown. Half-Mexican brown. And growing up in San Diego that close to the border means everyone else knows exactly who he is before he even opens his mouth. Before they find out he can't speak Spanish, and before they realize his mom has blond hair and blue eyes, they've got him pegged. But it works the other way too. And Danny's convinced it's his whiteness that sent his father back to Mexico.
That's why he's spending the summer with his dad's family. Only, to find himself, he may just have to face the demons he refuses to see--the demons that are right in front of his face. And open up to a friendship he never saw coming.
Set in the alleys and on the ball fields of San Diego County, "Mexican Whiteboy" is a story of friendship, acceptance, and the struggle to find your identity in a world of definitions.
An ALA-YALSA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
A Junior Library Guild Selection
" A] first-rate exploration of self-identity."-"School Library Journal"
"Unique in its gritty realism and honest portrayal of the complexities of life for inner-city teens...De la Pena poignantly conveys the message that, despite obstacles, you must believe in yourself and shape your own future."-"The Horn Book Magazine
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"The baseball scenes...sizzle like Danny's fastball...Danny's struggle to find his place will speak strongly to all teens, but especially to those of mixed race."-"Booklist"
"De la Pena blends sports and street together in a satisfying search for personal identity."-"Kirkus Reviews
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"Deftly explores the subject of interracial mixing."-"Multicultural Review"
"Matt de la Pena has done the impossible; fired a perfect fastball on the low inside corner and hit a towering home run at the same time. A tough, funny, edgy, hopeful story about friendship under fire and love in its true sense."-Chris Crutcher, author of "Deadline "and "Whale Talk
"""Mexican Whiteboy."..shows that no matter what obstacles you face, you can still reach your dreams with a positive attitude. This is more than a book about a baseball player--this is a book about life."-Curtis Granderson, New York Mets outfielder

"Let me introduce you, to a little girl called Hope. She didn't want to start first grade until she could jump rope." Excited by the skipping rope from her loving father, Hope tries to jump rope. But soon realizes, jumping rope was harder than she'd ever imagined. She tries and tries and tries but is ready to give up, until ....Hope learns the secret to success. Her hard earned success is utterly joyous, and serves as a positive and totally enjoyable inspiration for readers of all ages. Hope Learns To Jump Rope is a motivational story focused on the most basic of positive character traits. She displays the ability to work hard, and persevere. Hope overcomes the desire to give up, and ultimately succeeds. "A timeless story told with perfect rhyme and gorgeous vivid illustrations. This book is irresistible." ..". has written a feel good, light hearted story that goes much deeper than it appears. This is a short rhythmic story of a little girl named Hope, and her overwhelming desire to learn to jump rope, through practice, temporary failure and hard work."

This funny, charming story is the perfect way to introduce young children to being brave when they feel shy and help them find ways to feel more confident. Also included are suggestions for activities and ideas to talk through together to help children fully understand how their behaviour can impact on others.

Turtle has a beautiful singing voice, but she feels far to shy to enter the talent show at school. By talking to her friends about it, she develops a way to overcome her shyness in a way that works for her.

The Behaviour Matters series of picture books provide a gentle means of discussing emotions, boosting self-esteem and reinforcing good behaviour. Supports the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage, and is also suitable for use with children in KS1 and can be used to discuss values. Suitable for children under 5.

The new heart-warming and hilariously brilliant story from number one bestselling author David Walliams. Beautifully illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.

Dads come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

There are fat ones and thin ones, tall ones and short ones.

There are young ones and old ones, clever ones and stupid ones.

There are silly ones and serious ones, loud ones and quiet ones.

Of course, there are good dads, and bad dads . . .

A high-speed cops and robbers adventure with heart and soul about a father and son taking on the villainous Mr Big – and winning!

This riches-to-rags story will have you on the edge of your seat and howling with laughter!

Bad Dad is a fast and furious, heart-warming story of a father and son on an adventure – and a thrilling mission to break an innocent man into prison!

With very low level text, these books are simple introductions to how children can look after themselves and their physical and mental health. Questions throughout encourage children to talk about their ideas and experiences and engage children with the topic. The All About Me series helps young children to learn more about themselves, their body and their health. Read the other titles in the series: Family, Friends, Growing up, Keeping Well, My Senses.

Shif is just an ordinary schoolboy who loves chess and playing with his best friend. But, one day, he is forced to leave home to avoid conscription into the army. He embarks on an epic journey, in which he encounters dangers and cruelties - and great acts of human kindness - as he bravely makes his way to a future he can only imagine.

Told in the powerful first person, this startling debut novel will encourage understanding and empathy in young readers, and allow the news headlines of the day to resonate with the humanity involved in creating them.

From rising star Victoria Cassanell, Penguin Parcel is a sparkling Arctic adventure about friendship, empathy, and a very long journey. When Polar Bear spots a Penguin Coupon in the newspaper, he wastes no time in ordering his very own pet. He's thrilled with his new friend, but Penguin doesn't seem quite as pleased (though it's hard to tell - he's not very chatty). As time goes on, Penguin becomes more and more despondent, and Polar Bear knows he has to do something to fix it. And that something involves a very long journey. . . A warm-hearted, funny and breathtakingly beautiful book about kindness and learning to think about others.

From phenomenal number-one bestseller David Walliams comes another collection of more hilariously horrible children! Look out! It’s more badly behaved boys and ghoulish girls! Like Boastful Barnabas who is so big-headed he might just explode! And Tandy and her titanic tantrums and who will be crowned bully of the year! From number one bestselling author David Walliams come ten more hilarious and horrendous tales, illustrated throughout by artistic genius Tony Ross.

This cute board book has a cast of animal characters and gentle rhyming text, showing us all the ways in which we can be kind to one another - from A to Z!

I am a CURIOUS brown boy.
I explore the world around me ...
I am an ACCEPTING brown boy.
I respect people who are different from me.

Remarkable me is an empowering book of positive affirmations for brown boys. This book teaches boys to embrace and celebrate their unique talents and interests, while encouraging them to dream big and to be creative.

Build confidence and resilience from a young age with easy-to-follow rhyming text and bright inclusive illustrations that reflect proudly South African children.

Also available in Sesotho, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Afrikaans