This powerful and poignant coming-of-age middle grade debut novel follows an Arab American girl named Yasmeen as she moves to San Antonio with her family and navigates finding friendship-and herself. Perfect for fans of Other Words for Home, Front Desk, and American as Paneer Pie. When twelve-year-old Yasmeen Khoury moves with her family to San Antonio, all she wants to do is fit in. But her classmates in Texas are nothing like her friends in the predominantly Arab neighborhood back in Detroit where she grew up. Almost immediately, Yasmeen feels like the odd girl out, and as she faces middle school mean girls and tries to make new friends, she feels more alone than ever before. Then Yasmeen meets her neighbor, Ayelet Cohen, a first-generation Israeli American. As the two girls grow closer, Yasmeen is grateful to know someone who understands what it feels like when your parents' idea of home is half a world away. But when Yasmeen's grandmother moves in after her home in Jerusalem is destroyed, Yasmeen and Ayelet must grapple with how much closer the events of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are than they'd realized. As Yasmeen begins to develop her own understandings of home, heritage, and most importantly, herself, can the two girls learn there's more that brings them together than might tear them apart . . . and that peace begins with them? A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION!

A story about accepting no for an answer and how to handle the feeling of rejection.Accepting no for an answer is a key foundation of consent. We Accept No builds children s social and emotional skills and helps teach them how to ask for permission, how to respect no, and how to handle rejection. The fourth book in the We Say What s Okay series, We Accept No follows Jamin, who is upset when his friend Zakiya doesn t want to share a great big extra-squeezy hug at the end of the day. With the help of his teacher, Ms. H, Jamin learns why accepting no for an answer is important, what to do with his sad and angry feelings, and what else he can do when someone doesn t want a hug. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Jamin s teacher uses to support him as he learns how to respect personal boundaries. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching boundaries and consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book. Digital content includes a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.We Say What s Okay SeriesCentered on a class of preschoolers, the We Say What s Okay series helps teach young children the social and emotional skills they need to understand the complexities of consent. Each book covers a consent theme, such as how to recognize the physical sensations that emotions create, look for body language cues, ask for and listen to choices, and know that our bodies have value. With believable, everyday situations and diverse characters, children can see themselves and others reflected in each story and develop a vocabulary to communicate consent and feelings. Every book in the series is accompanied by a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

"Wow! Shades of Fahrenheit 451 and Orwell's 1984. Painfully real and urgent. Read this book." -Michael Grant, New York Times bestselling author of the Gone series Bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau's eerily timely, high-stakes page-turner is destined to start important conversations at this particular moment in our history. Meri Beckley lives in a world without lies. When she looks at the peaceful Chicago streets, she feels pride in the era of unprecedented hope and prosperity over which the governor presides. But when Meri's mother is killed, Meri suddenly has questions that no one else seems to be asking. And when she tries to uncover her mother's state of mind in her last weeks, she finds herself drawn into a secret world with a history she didn't know existed. Suddenly, Meri is faced with a choice between accepting the "truth" or embracing a world the government doesn't want anyone to see-a world where words have the power to change the course of a country and where the wrong ones can get Meri killed.

With clear explanations, fun illustrations, and expertly-presented information, Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering introduction to consent, bodily autonomy, and how to respect yourself and others. Consent is like being ruler of your own country...population: YOU. This is a smart, playful guide to consent and bodily autonomy, packed with bright and energetic illustrations. Readers will learn about boundaries and how to set them; ways to respect themselves and others; what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe; and much more. Along the way, they'll be encouraged to reflect on (and improve!) their own behavior and to practice consent in their daily lives. Whether you're looking for a consent primer to share with a friend or searching for a way to talk to your child about what it means to be in control of their own body and respect others', look no further! This humorous and insightful book from the co-creator of the viral Tea Consent video is the perfect teaching tool, conversation starter, and insightful, empowering resource for educators, kids, and families everywhere.

Punching Bag is the compelling true story of a high school career defined by poverty and punctuated by outbreaks of domestic abuse. Rex Ogle, who brilliantly mapped his experience of hunger in Free Lunch, here describes his struggle to survive; reflects on his complex, often paradoxical relationship with his passionate, fierce mother; and charts the trajectory of his stepfather's anger. Hovering over Rex's story is the talismanic presence of his unborn baby sister. Through it all, Rex threads moments of grace and humour that act as beacons of light in the darkness. Compulsively readable, beautifully crafted and authentically told, Punching Bag is a remarkable memoir about one teenager's cycle of violence, blame and attempts to forgive his parents-and himself.

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.

The real world is a hostile place for twelve-year-old Bren, his schooldays stalked by vicious bully, Shaun, and his family life fractured at home. Ever since his sister Evie died in an accident, Bren's only safe space is Furthermoor, an imagined world of mechanised trees and clockwork animals, where Evie is still alive. In Furthermoor, no one can hurt Bren...until the mysterious Featherly arrives. Now Bren is forced to confront his deepest fears and decide if his place in the real world is worth fighting for. Enter a world as vast and dark as your imagination, in this unforgettable coming-of-age story about courage, friendship and finding your voice.

A brave, beautifully told story of an Afro-American teen dealing with colourism, racism and bullying - but given hope by the power of an inspirational and kind teacher. Maleeka suffers every day from the taunts of the other kids in her class. If they're not getting at her about her homemade clothes or her good grades, it's about her dark, black skin. When a new teacher, whose face is blotched with a startling white patch, starts at their school, Maleeka can see there is bound to be trouble for her too. But the new teacher's attitude surprises Maleeka. Miss Saunders loves the skin she's in. Can Maleeka learn to do the same? Features a new introduction by New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds. A powerful, unflinching and hopeful story that redefined young adult literature by presenting characters, voices, and real world experiences that had not been fully seen before See Sharon G. Flake's The Life I'm in if you liked this!

Squirt Saves the Day tells a tale of friendship, heroism, and self discovery as Squirt, a lovable stinkbug, is confronted by bullies at his new school. In overcoming rejection he learns that the best way to deal with problems is head on. By doing what must be done, he gains the respect and admiration of the whole school. The book is full of colorful illustrations that will win children's hearts and teach them that, if a little stinkbug can conquer his fears, so can they.

This is an educational book about a real life story and contains some upsetting themes. It should be introduced in an environment where children can talk and learn in a supported way. For children with the cognitive age of 12+. Breck is a 14-year-old boy, with friends, family and a love for gaming. When he is befriended online by 18-year-old Lewis, the lies that Lewis constructs destroy Breck and his loved ones' realities forever. Based on the tragic events around the grooming of 14-year-old Breck Bednar the play 'Play Virtual, Live Real' is designed for special needs and lower ability children to introduce online safety and grooming awareness. This play has been created to be used with children with the cognitive age of 12+. Designed with a six-week scheme of work to support teachers and students through this heartbreaking story. Share the message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreckfoundation/ Instagram @breckfoundation Twitter: @thebreckfound Website: www.breckfoundation.org

This is an educational book about a real life story and contains some upsetting themes. It should be introduced in an environment where children can talk and learn in a supported way. For children with the cognitive age of 8+. Breck is a strong and fearless knight. When he is be-friended by a Troll called Lewis, all is not as it seems. Is it all just a fantasy? Or a terrible truth within? Based on the tragic events around the grooming of Breck Bednar. 'Breck and the Online Troll' is designed for special needs and lower age students to introduce basic online and grooming safety to children. This book has been created to be used with children with the cognitive age of 8+. Share the message on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreckfoundation/ Instagram @breckfoundation Twitter: @thebreckfound Website: www.breckfoundation.org

From the family that brought you the Lena in the Spotlight series and the popular For Girls Like You magazine comes Amber's Song, book three in the Daniels Sisters series. This realistic fiction story of family, friendship, and the challenges that so many young girls face each day growing up will appeal to girls 8-12 looking to express their talents and individuality alongside their faith. In this fun, relatable, and inspiring story, Amber and her sisters Ashton and Ansley head to Christian summer camp at Camp Caracara. With high hopes, the twins meet their cabinmates Gio-an old friend from back home in Texas-and Maxine, a new friend with some challenges to overcome. Amber will have to work hard to practice kindness and patience as she handles teasing from her own sisters and her old and new friends while navigating camp. Amber's Song: Features diverse characters Is an engaging read for girls ages 8-12 Is an addition to the Faithgirlz brand Is a perfect birthday gift from parents and grandparents to tween girls, and is great for Spring Break and summer vacation reading Is written by girls for girls If you enjoy?Amber's Song,?check out books one and two in the Daniels Sisters series of middle grade fiction: Ansley's Big Bake Off Ashton's Dancing Dreams

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?

Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize

Through rallies and marches, in polite drawing rooms and freezing prison cells and the poverty-stricken slums of the East End, three courageous young women join the fight for the vote.

Evelyn is seventeen, and though she is rich and clever, she may never be allowed to follow her older brother to university. Enraged that she is expected to marry her childhood sweetheart rather than be educated, she joins the Suffragettes, and vows to pay the ultimate price for women's freedom.

May is fifteen, and already sworn to the cause, though she and her fellow Suffragists refuse violence. When she meets Nell, a girl who's grown up in hardship, she sees a kindred spirit. Together and in love, the two girls start to dream of a world where all kinds of women have their place.

But the fight for freedom will challenge Evelyn, May and Nell more than they ever could believe. As war looms, just how much are they willing to sacrifice?