A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a police officer, drawing connections through history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes. Only the living can make the world better. Live and make it better. Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing. Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. Emmett helps Jerome process what has happened, on a journey towards recognizing how historical racism may have led to the events that ended his life. Jerome also meets Sarah, the daughter of the police officer, who grapples with her father's actions. Once again Jewell Parker Rhodes deftly weaves historical and socio-political layers into a gripping and poignant story about how children and families face the complexities of today's world, and how one boy grows to understand American blackness in the aftermath of his own death.

Join some very enterprising mice in this funny, festive book from best-selling creator of Percy the Park Keeper, Nick Butterworth. A great Christmas gift! Christmas time, a happy time - or so it should be. But for two small mice, Lottie and Jack, Christmas Eve is overshadowed by one big problem... That Cat. How can they stop him from spoiling everything? Their friend, the wise rat, Ton Chee, has an idea involving a little golden bell ... but will it work?

A powerful and poetic novel from the multi-award-winning author of Tangleweed and Brine Ces longs to be a tattoo artist and embroider skin with beautiful images. But for now she's just trying to reach adulthood without falling apart. Powerful, poetic and disturbing, Needlework is a girl's meditation on her efforts to maintain her bodily and spiritual integrity in the face of abuse, violation and neglect. 'Reading Needlework is similar to getting your first tattoo - it's searing, often painful, but it is an experience you'll never forget.' - Louise O'Neill, author of The Surface Breaks and Asking For It 'Needlework is a powerful novel that deserves to be read.' - Sarah Crossan, author of One and We Come Apart 'I loved Deirdre Sullivan's Needlework, a novel that is just as sharp and precise as its title suggests.' - Doireann Ni Ghriofa, poet 'A modern, broken fairy tale that gets under your skin.' - Tara Flynn, author and comedian

Powerful, riveting, real. Sixteen celebrated authors bring us raw, insightful stories that explore guns and teens in a fiction collection that is thought provoking and emotionally gripping. For fans of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock and Give a Boy a Gun, and with an array of YA talent like the late great Walter Dean Myers, the poetic Joyce Carol Oates, the prophetic Elizabeth Wein, and the gritty Chris Crutcher, these are evocative voices that each has a different perspective to give. Capturing the hurt and the healing, victims and perpetrators, these stories get to the heart of the matter. From a boy whose low self-esteem is impacted when a gun comes into his possession to a student recalling a senseless tragedy that befell a favorite teacher, from a realistic look at hunting to a provocative look at a family that defies stereotypes, each emotional story stirs the debate to new levels. The juxtaposition of guns and their consequences offers moving tales, each a reminder of how crucial the question of guns in our society is, and the impact they have on all of us. Other acclaimed contributors are Marc Aronson, Edward Averett, Francesca Lia Block, Alex Flinn, Gregory Galloway, Jenny Hubbard, Peter Johnson, Ron Koertge, Chris Lynch, Eric Shanower, Will Weaver, and Tim Wynne-Jones.

In hierdie dapper en pragtige verhaal vertel Mejuffrou Suid-Afrika, Shudufhadzo Musida, die storie van waar sy vandaan kom; as ’n singende, dansende babbelkous in ’n klein dorpie met die naam Ha-Vhangani, omring met liefde, veral dié van haar ma en Gogo Gugu.

Maar dinge loop skeef vir Shudu wanneer sy na ’n nuwe plek trek en deur haar klasmaats geboelie word.

Lees hoe Shudu haar hartseer en uitdagings te bowe kom, en ’n jong meisie en volwassene word wat geleer het om haarself lief te hê!

The victim of a cyber-prank gone viral, Autumn was forced to transfer schools not exactly what she wanted to do as a sophomore. But what choice did she have when all her personal information was posted all over the web? When threatening comments started to trickle in, the police said her only chance to avoid stalkers was to move schools and start over. Determined to make the best of her situation, Autumn realized that she had been given an opportunity to reinvent herself; to become the outgoing, popular, not-at-all-shy girl she'd always wanted to be. But even the best plans go awry. As soon as Autumn arrives at her new school, she meets Maurice a bully of monumental proportions who makes life miserable for everyone. Things seem to be looking up when Autumn learns that her best friend Sophie Rose is transferring to her new school, too but then Sophie starts keeping her distance. Bullied at school and online, adrift without the support of her best friend, Autumn believes she failed miserably at changing the old habits that had given her that shy girl reputation in the first place. Not only could she not move from reserved to rambunctious, she couldn't even get to normal. But when a tragedy shakes Autumn's world, she stops feeling sad about what happened to her. Now she's angry and she's determined to put a stop to this cyber-torture and bullying of herself and the people she loves in this powerful and poignant novel.

Ten easy-to-learn strategies to help kids ease the pain of teasing and stand up for themselves.Teasing happens to lots and lots (and lots!) of kids. Every day. Sometimes that teasing can be fun, but other times it hurts. Ease the Tease helps young readers recognize what hurtful teasing sounds and feels like and provides simple but powerful ideas for dealing with teasing. How many ways can children ease the tease? Inside the book, readers will find not one . . . not two . . . but ten helpful ways to ease the tease: Two ways using pure brainpower Three ways to try right away Four ways with the element of . . . surprise! And, finally, one way with the help of a grown-up (because sometimes asking for help is the right thing to do)Children can try out these useful and memorable strategies, practice them, and team up with others to ease the tease. A glossary of terms at the back of the book empowers children with the vocabulary they need.Little Laugh & Learn SeriesSelf-help, kid-style! Kids ages six to nine can tote these handy guides anywhere and boost their skills. With practical advice, silly jokes, fun illustrations, and a kid-centric point of view, these books are the go-to for help with everything, from triumphing over teasing to learning to be a fantastic friend to becoming a self-confidence superstar, and more!

How do you fit in and stand out when you feel different to everyone around you? "I loved Frankie's story and could really identify with her character. This is such an amazing graphic novel that represents neurodiversity really realistically." Libby Scott "Aoife Dooley captures Frankie's autistic experience with great care, humour and love." Lizzie Huxley-Jones "A fun and relatable read about awkwardness, self-acceptance, family and friendship." Sarah McIntyre "Unique and often funny ... I cheered Frankie on through her journey." Sue Cheung Frankie knows she's not like anyone else in her class: she's different, but she can't quite figure out why. Is it the new freckle on her nose, or the fact she's small for her age? Or that she has to go to the hospital sometimes? Everyone else seems to think she's weird too, and they make fun of her at school. Frankie's dad left when she was a baby - maybe he was different too? It would explain why she always feels like an alien. So she and her best-friend Sam, embark on a mission to track him down. A graphic novel offering a unique perspective on Autism, told with humour and heart. Brought to life with glorious colour artwork in a distinctive blue and orange palette. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.