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!

The fourth book in the internationally bestselling series that includes The Breadwinner, Parvana's Journey and Mud City. In this stunning sequel, Parvana, now fifteen, is found in a bombed-out school and held as a suspected terrorist by American troops in Afghanistan. On a military base in Afghanistan, after the fall of the Taliban in 2001, American authorities have just imprisoned a teenaged girl found in a bombed-out school. The army major thinks she may be a terrorist working with the Taliban. The girl does not respond to questions in any language and remains silent, even when she is threatened, harassed and mistreated over several days. The only clue to her identity is a tattered shoulder bag containing papers that refer to people named Shauzia, Nooria, Leila, Asif, Hassan -- and Parvana. In this long-awaited sequel, Parvana is now fifteen years old. As she waits for foreign military forces to determine her fate, she remembers the past four years of her life. Reunited with her mother and sisters, she has been living in a village where her mother has finally managed to open a school for girls. But even though the Taliban has been driven from the government, the country is still at war, and many continue to view the education and freedom of girls and women with suspicion and fear. As her family settles into the routine of running the school, Parvana, a bit to her surprise, finds herself restless and bored. She even thinks of running away. But when local men threaten the school and her family, she must draw on every ounce of bravery and resilience she possesses to survive the disaster that kills her mother, destroys the school, and puts her own life in jeopardy. A riveting page-turner, Deborah Ellis's final novel in the series is at once harrowing, inspiring and thought-provoking. And, yes, in the end, Parvana is reunited with her childhood friend, Shauzia. The paperback edition includes a new cover and map, and an author's note to provide background and context. Royalties from the sale of this book will go to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. Parvana's Fund supports education projects for Afghan women and children. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.9 Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.

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.

Josh Mendel has a secret. Unfortunately, everyone knows what it is.
Five years ago, Josh's life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town--seems like the world--thinks they understand. But they don't--they can't. And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First there's Rachel, the girl he thought he'd lost years ago. She's back, and she's determined to be part of his life, whether he wants her there or not.Then there are college decisions to make, and the toughest baseball game of his life coming up, and a coach who won't stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink. And then there's Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Josh's past. It's time for Josh to face the truth about what happened.
If only he knew what the truth was . . .

Young Changemakers is an inspirational series all about real kids from around the globe doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities and the world!

In Compassionate Kids, you'll meet selfless and generous kids who put others first. They show kindness by collecting pajamas for kids in need, fighting for education equality, and much more! Enthusiastic and ambitious, these kids show that compassionate actions have the power to change the world.

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.

The sparklingly funny debut picture book from Juno Dawson, bestselling writer and activist. Sometimes people say to me: 'What happened to your brother, Bill?' That's when I look them in the eye and say: 'Hun, you need to chill.' When Bill can't be found at school one day, the imaginations of the other children run wild. Is he on holiday? Is he lost in the park? Has he been eaten by a shark?! It's up to Bill's sister to explain... 'A timely, perfectly positive and reassuring read.' Steven Lenton 'GLORIOUS and heartwarming with so much love between the two covers. Just beautiful!' Alex T Smith Juno Dawson' debut picture book is a witty and fun-filled rhyming story about family, identity and allyship. Bold, joyful and warm-hearted, its message of love and inclusivity shines through on every page. Juno Dawson is the internationally bestselling author of Young Adult novels and non-fiction, including Clean and This Book Is Gay, as well as a novelist, screenwriter, journalist, and a columnist for Attitude magazine. Her work has appeared in Glamour, Dazed, Grazia and the Guardian, and she was chosen by Val McDermid as 'one of the ten most compelling LGBTQ+ writers working in the UK today'.

Young Changemakers is an inspirational series all about real kids from around the globe doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities and the world!

Making a Difference is filled with stories of kids who are making the world a better place by following their hearts and chasing their dreams. Whether planting a billion trees, bringing joy to others through music, fundraising for sick children or starting an inclusive dance team, these determined youth are using their talents to do amazing things!

America's favorite series returns with a new look and a Netflix tv show. Dawn's a little jealous when there's a formal ceremony to welcome Jessi and Mallory into the Baby-sitters Club. Don't people know that Dawn's a special baby-sitter too? Then it's Dawn's turn to shine. Mrs. Pike wants Dawn to help prepare Margo and Claire for the Little Miss Stoneybrook contest. So what if Margo's only talent is peeling a banana with her feet? Dawn's going to help her charges win that contest any way she can. The only trouble is...Kristy, Mary Anne, and Claudia arehelping Karen, Myriah, and Charlotte enter the contest, too. And nobody's sure where the competition is fiercer: at the pageant -- or at the Baby-sitters Club! The best friends you'll ever have!

For readers aged 9+ comes the second book in a sparkling new series about family, friends and finding the joy in life! From the mind of Guardian award-winning author Jenny Valentine, this is the perfect series for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Cath Howe and Lara Williamson! Hi! My name is Joy Applebloom and I'm ten years old. People say I am a 'glass half full' kind of person, which basically means I see the good in everything. And right now I'm going to need all my powers of positive thinking to fix a really tricky situation . . . My new best friend Benny just hasn't been himself lately. I have to find out what's going on and bring back Benny's special smile for good... A heart-warming and positive story about family, friends and the importance of kindness with gorgeous illustrations from Claire Lefevre. Praise for A Girl Called Joy: 'This book [. . .] is a delight for its warmth and humour, but principally because the writing is alive and stunning.' The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week.

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 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

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