Grace-Ella is thrilled when a black cat walks through her door. She's always wanted a pet. But Mr Whiskins has a secret. On the ninth day of the ninth month of her ninth year, he tells Grace-Ella that she is a witch and can start learning magic with the Witches' Council. Her parents are shocked, particularly Mam, who worries what other people will think. Grace-Ella has never been good at school - can she learn to be a good witch? As well as struggling with lessons, Grace-Ella and her best friend Fflur are bullied by star pupil Amelia. The Witches' Council forbids using magic against anyone. But how else can Grace-Ella protect her friends? Grace-Ella is a magical, funny adventure, first in a series, about friendship and being true to yourself.

What greater praise than to be compared to Judy Blume --"Each Blume and Hiranandani] excels in charting the fluctuating discomfort zones of adolescent identity with affectionate humor."--"Kirkus Reviews, " Starred
After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions--questions Sonia doesn't always know how to answer--as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd.
At the same time that Sonia is trying to make new friends, she's dealing with what it means to have an out-of-work parent--it's hard for her family to adjust to their changed circumstances. And then, one day, Sonia's father goes missing. Now Sonia wonders if she ever really knew him. As she begins to look for answers, she must decide what really matters and who her true friends are--and whether her two halves, no matter how different, can make her a whole.

"From the Hardcover edition."

n Boelie, ’n bangbroek en ’n bende gaan oor die fiktiewe lewens van kinders in Laerskool Steenbras en fokus op die hoofkarakter (Dewaldt) en sy vriende wat deel is van ’n bende. Dit is gebaseer op karakters en ware gebeurtenisse uit die skrywer se kinderdae en word op ’n vars manier vertel deur teks en illustrasies te kombineer. Die leser leer die bende ken deur al die manewales wat in een pouse gebeur. Daar is ook baie ander interessante karakters wat die leser boei, soos Jak (die boelie) en Elsa (die meisie wat hy bewonder).

A New York Times Bestseller As Harry enters his fifth year at wizard school, Lord Voldemort's rise has opened a rift in the wizarding world between those who believe the truth about his return, and those who prefer to believe it's all madness and lies - just more trouble from Harry Potter. Add to this a host of other worries for Harry . . . and you'd know what Harry faces during the day. But at night it's even worse, because then he dreams of a single door in a silent corridor. And this door is somehow more terrifying than every other nightmare combined.In the richest installment yet of J. K. Rowling's seven-part story, Harry Potter confronts the unreliability of the very government of the magical world, and the impotence of the authorities at Hogwarts. Despite this (or perhaps because of it) Harry finds depth and strength in his friends, beyond what even he knew; boundless loyalty and unbearable sacrifice.

J. K. Rowling currently resides in Scotland J. K. Rowling has won the Hugo Award, the Bram Stoker Award, and the Whitbread Award for Best Children's Book She has received special commendation for the Anne Spencer Lindbergh Prize, and a special certificate for being a three-year winner of the Smarties Prize, as well as many other honors With over a quarter of a billion sold, the Harry Potter books have been translated into 61 languages and distributed in over 200 countries All five Harry Potter books have appeared on bestseller lists in the United States, Britain, and around the globe

The story of a boy and his imaginary friend-told by the imaginary friend Zach should've outgrown his imaginary friend by now. He knows this. He's 11, long past the days when kids are supposed to go on epic make-believe adventures with their invisible friends. But after the death of his father five years ago, all Zach wanted was an escape from the real world. So his imaginary friend, Shovel, hasn't faded away like the other kids' have. Their imaginary friendship grew stronger. But now Zach's in middle school, and things are getting awkward. His best friend ditched him for a cooler crowd. His classmates tease him in the hallways. He still misses his dad. Reality is the worst. Which is why Zach makes regular visits to a fantasy world with Shovel. But is Zach's overactive imagination helping him deal with loss or just pushing people away? Poignant, humorous, and breathtaking, Imaginary is an inventive story of friendship, loss and growing up . . . as only an imaginary friend could tell it.

"This beautiful tale with gentle illustrations is an ode to the milestone of attending school for the first time and all it entails."-School Library Journal. "A cozy portrait of the everyday discoveries and accomplishments that school can bring."-Publishers Weekly, Starred Review Ming goes to school, where she learns to say hello and good-bye. She meets new friends and introduces them to old friends (including her favorite teddy). She builds sandcastles and makes snow angels; she traces, glitters, and glues. She is so fearless that when held at sword point, she even walks the plank! And when she's playing in the mud, she reaches out and touches the worms with her bare hands. But despite those brave deeds, she isn't quite ready for the big red slide-not yet. This is a very sweet story with soft, evocative watercolor illustrations that will help kids to grow comfortable with the idea of starting preschool. Ming is curious and playful and ready for adventure, but even she gets scared of new things sometimes. Kids will relate to her desires and fears and will be excited to see Ming at the top of the slide by the story's end. A quiet and reassuring picture book for preschoolers (3-5), this is a wonderful going-to-school story that can be read both at home and in the classroom or childcare center. The illustrations provide a lot of diversity of characters, making this feel like any classroom in any school in the country.

It's time for dolphin school's annual Show Off Day! It's a chance for students to perform what they've learned for the whole dolphin community. Pearl and her friends Echo, Splash, and Flip are excited to come up with the best group routine ever! But they all have different interests, and they can't agree on what to show off. Can the dolphin friends come up with a compromise, or will they end up looking silly in front of everyone?

The perfect coming-of-age summer romance by the most spectacularly funny and original debut UKYA voice. My name is Ellie. Ellie Pillai . . . And I suppose I am a little bit weird, but then, aren't we all, just a little bit? Most days, Ellie Pillai is somewhere between invisible, and not very cool - and usually she's okay with that. But suddenly, Ellie feels different. Maybe it's the new boy at school who makes her brain explode into rainbows every time she sees him (and also happens to be going out with her best friend), or maybe it's her new drama teacher, the one who seems to have noticed she exists. Suddenly, her misfit style, her skin colour, her songwriting and all that getting lost in the music in her head seem to be okay too. Because maybe standing out isn't a bad thing after all. 'I adored this.' Simon James Green, author of Alex in Wonderland 'A feel good coming-of-age gem.' Observer, Book of the Year 'I loved the fresh and original voice.' Bookseller, Highlights of the Season 'A hilarious and heart-warming story.' Aisha Bushby, author of A Pocketful of Stars 'Warm, funny and hopeful.' A M Dassu, author of Boy, Everywhere 'A fresh, funny, feel-good story.' Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Going to preschool is a lot more fun with a friend like Maisy to show you the ropes
Preschool for Maisy means a day filled with friends and things to do, from the time she hangs her coat on a special peg to the time she says good-bye. There's painting and snack time, stories and nap time (and a bathroom break in between). Soon everyone's ready to haul out the instruments and make some noise, then head outside for a turn at the sandbox or slide. In a bright, full-size storybook full of familiar scenes, this child-friendly look at a day in the life of a preschooler is one that newcomers and seasoned pros alike will be happy to share.

"From the Hardcover edition."

America's favorite series returns with a new look and a Netflix tv show.

Dawn has always thought there was a secret passage hidden in her house. But that doesn't explain why creepy things happen when Dawn's at home, or the spooky noises coming from behind her bedroom wall.Dawn is sure there's a ghost in her house! And so are the other Baby-sitters Club members. But they're so busy with their jobs that they don't have time for a ghost hunt.

Will Dawn and her friends solve the mystery . . . or will Dawn have to share her house with a ghost?

Prepare for plenty of giggles as a kindergarten class arrives for their first day of school, but can't find their teacher—only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words "Mr. S" scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether or not the sandwich must be their teacher. A comical, first day of school book of mayhem and chaos by Monica Arnaldo, perfect fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing. “This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I’ve ever read." —Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling author of School’s First Day of School It was the first day of school. But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong . . . Where was the teacher? Who left this sandwich on the desk? The only clue, written on the chalkboard, were three simple letters: Mr. S Praise for Mr. S: "Confusion, mystery, and laughs are on the menu in Arnaldo’s deliciously goofy back-to-school tale." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) "The tale's genuinely absurd situation, the mystery of the teacher's identity, and the deadpan storytelling make this a memorable read-aloud choice."— Booklist (starred review) "Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining." —School Library Journal (starred review)

Join the girls at the Strictly Dance Academy and experience all the fun and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing. Meet Bella, Natalie and Sofia - three dedicated pupils who love to dance! When four lucky Strictly Dance Academy pupils are chosen to dance on a carnival float with gorgeous boy band New Ride, Bella is beside herself. Her favourite band and a chance to samba in style! With lots of hard work, Bella is ready for her moment in the spotlight and is chosen to dance with the lead singer. But when a costume disaster threatens to spoil the day will Bella sink or sparkle? A must-read for anyone who has ever wished they could be a part of the glamorous world of Strictly Come Dancing. Strictly Come Dancing (or Dancing with the Stars as it is known in the US) is a key BBC one show and can be seen in over 75 countries with approximate worldwide viewing figures standing at 250 million. It was the UK's highest rating programme of 2012 excluding The Olympics, Euro 2012 and The Diamond Jubilee Concert. 'Sure to be a hit with star-struck little girls.' The Scotsman "It's amazing and a really exciting book to read!" Grace, 7 "The pictures were beautiful and I think all girls of my age will love it!" Aimee, 10 "It made me think I was really at Strictly!" Lucy, 7 "I loved the Bella adventures. There were wonderful descriptions of the characters." Josie, 7 "The book is really, really good. It's almost like I'm there watching." Sigalia, 7 "I can't wait to read the next book." Susan, 8 "I like the characters very much and am looking forward to the next book." Eden, 8 "Once you start it, you can't stop reading it!" Levana, 8 "I enjoyed reading this book because I loved the characters." Mira, 8 "So much fun - especially the dancing bits!" Janine, 7 "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I'd like to go to the Strictly Academy ... if there was one!" Sterrett, 7 "It's really good!" Leora, 6

For fans of Smile and Real Friends comes a debut graphic novel about friendship and finding where you "click" in middle school.

Olive wants to get in on the act . . .

. . . Any act!

Olive “clicks” with everyone in the fifth grade—until one day she doesn’t. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up?

Author-illustrator Kayla Miller has woven together a heartfelt and insightful story about navigating friendships, leaning on family, and learning to take the stage in the most important role of all.

"A big-hearted story that's as sweet as it is awesome." -R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder "An honest, emotionally rich take on disability, family, and growing up." -Kirkus Reviews (starred review) In the tradition of Wonder and Out of My Mind, this big-hearted middle grade debut tells the story of an irrepressible girl with cerebral palsy whose life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to a new town. Ellie's a girl who tells it like it is. That surprises some people, who see a kid in a wheelchair and think she's going to be all sunshine and cuddles. The thing is, Ellie has big dreams: She might be eating Stouffer's for dinner, but one day she's going to be a professional baker. If she's not writing fan letters to her favorite celebrity chefs, she's practicing recipes on her well-meaning, if overworked, mother. But when Ellie and her mom move so they can help take care of her ailing grandpa, Ellie has to start all over again in a new town at a new school. Except she's not just the new kid-she's the new kid in the wheelchair who lives in the trailer park on the wrong side of town. It all feels like one challenge too many, until Ellie starts to make her first-ever friends. Now she just has to convince her mom that this town might just be the best thing that ever happened to them!

When animals and humans unite, amazing things can happen. Bailey and his group of friends are back at Fairmount academy, accompanied by Gwen, the Elder's apprentice. But all is not well. They quickly figure out that evil ruler Viviana has something planned for the day of her grand Progress Fair, and knowing Viviana, it won't be good. But their plans to stop her are swiftly torn apart. Taleth, the last white tiger and Bailey's only kin, is kidnapped. Bailey and Hal must follow her trail deep into the Dust Plains, but they could never have predicted the danger that they will find there. Meanwhile, Gwen and Phi are on a quest of their own - having been entrusted with finding 'The Instrument of Change', they know their mission is an important one. But could Gwen be more special than she knows? Somehow, although they are separated, the friends must pull together. Because the fate of not just the kingdom, but the Animas bond itself, is in their hands...

Will is football mad. He practises every day and he's got great skills - but he's the shortest in his year. He knows he would be great on the football pitch, if only he could show the coach that skill can beat size. Will Will ever get a chance to play on the team? Zero to Hero is a football-filled adventure about determination, overcoming the odds and being a team player. Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper with a dyslexia friendly font, Zero to Hero is aimed at readers aged 10+ and has a manageable length (64 pages) and reading age (8+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties.

From The New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kayla Miller comes a graphic novel about friendship and finding where you "click" in middle school, perfect for fans of Smile and Real Friends. Olive wants to get in on the act . . . . . . Any act! Olive "clicks" with everyone in the fifth grade--until one day she doesn't. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up? The New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kayla Miller has woven together a heartfelt and insightful story about navigating friendships, leaning on family, and learning to take the stage in the most important role of all. Looking for more of Olive's adventures? Check out the companion books Camp and Act.

Oceans 11 meets The Breakfast Club in this funny book for teens about a boy pulled into an epic prank war who is determined to get revenge. 10:00 tonight at the water tower. Tell no one. -Chaos Club When Max receives a mysterious invite from the untraceable, epic prank-pulling Chaos Club, he has to ask: why him? After all, he's Mr. 2.5 GPA, Mr. No Social Life. He's Just Max. And his favorite heist movies have taught him this situation calls for Rule #4: Be suspicious. But it's also his one shot to leave Just Max in the dust... Yeah, not so much. Max and four fellow students-who also received invites-are standing on the newly defaced water tower when campus security "catches" them. Definitely a setup. And this time, Max has had enough. It's time for Rule #7: Always get payback. Let the prank war begin. Perfect for readers who want: books for teen boysfunny storiesheist stories and caper comediesPraise for Don't Get Caught: "This caper comedy about an Ocean's 11-style group of high school masterminds will keep readers guessing."-Kirkus Reviews "Genre-savvy, clever, and full of "Heist Rules"...this twisty tale is funny, fast-paced, and full of surprises. Fans of Ocean's 11 or Leverage...will find a great deal to enjoy in Dinan's debut."-Publishers Weekly "Not only is Don't Get Caught the best kind of underdog story-heartfelt and hilarious-but it's filled with genuine surprises up until the very last page, which features one of my favorite endings in recent memory. I'm highly inspired to prank someone right now." -Lance Rubin, author of Denton Little's Deathdate "Witty, charming and always surprising...Call it Ocean's 11th Grade or whatever you like, Don't Get Caught snatched my attention and got away clean." -Joe Schreiber, author of Con Academy and Au Revoir Crazy European Chick

Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham (and breakout character from Into the Spider-Verse), arrives in this all-new, original graphic novel for younger readers! Experience a laugh-out-loud day in the life of Spider-Ham! After long being derided by the citizens of New York, Spider-Ham has finally been recognized for his outsized contribution to the city's safety, and receives the key to the city from none other than the mayor (and, being a cartoon universe, the key actually unlocks New York City's political and financial institutions). Sure, it's just a publicity stunt for the beleaguered mayor - and yeah, maybe every single other super hero was busy that day - but an award is an award! Of course, Spider-Ham isn't paying attention to the fine print telling him he didn't actually get to keep the key, and he swings off without returning the highly coveted oversized object. The next day, when the mayor's office finally gets in touch to ask for the key back, Spider-Ham realises he must have dropped it sometime in the last 24 hours. YIKES. Now, our notoriously empty-headed hero must retrace his steps from the past day, following his own trail to discover where he dropped the key before it falls into villainous hands. Did he lose it during a rooftop chase with the Black Catfish? Drop it in the middle of a tussle with the Green Gobbler? Leave it behind while visiting Croctor Strange's magic mansion? Accidentally store it next to May Porker's vacuum cleaner? Who knows? You'll have to read to find out! But one thing's for sure - Great Power, No Responsibility is an action-packed, hilarious adventure perfect for younger readers.

What's the good in keeping secrets?

Secret Friends is a heartbreaking story about friendship and bullying from the multi-award-winning Elizabeth Laird.

Rafaella doesn't find it easy to make friends. She looks and feels different from the others at school. And Lucy is the first to tease, the first to call her 'Earwig', until they get to know one another and Lucy sees that Rafaella is full of hopes and ideas, just like she is. Lucy loves keeping her own secret friend, until tragedy strikes and secrets can't be kept any longer.

Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Children's Book Award and reissued with gorgeous illustrations, more than twenty years after first publication, Elizabeth Laird's moving and unflinching novella brings home the crucial importance of cultivating empathy in young people.

With more than 27 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Get ready for the performance of a lifetime in this sixth book in the My Weirder-est School series! A.J. and his friends are forming a band! At least, they are taking band classes. Their new teacher, Mrs. Bacon, can teach any instrument, from the kazoo to the tuba. But can she get A.J.'s class to play well enough during their recital to impress crabby Dr. Carbles? Or will their concert turn into a musical mess? Perfect for reluctant readers and all kids hungry for funny school stories, Dan Gutman's hugely popular My Weird School chapter book series has something for everyone. Don't miss the hilarious adventures of A.J. and the gang!