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

MIA TANG IS PLAYING TO WIN! The Women's World Cup is coming to California, and everyone has football fever - especially Mia! But when her PE teacher gives her a C, Mia has to pull up her grade by scoring interviews with the championship teams. It's not so easy when... 1. Th two teams are hunkered down in secret hotels in Pasadena and not taking any media requests. 2. Mr Yao is back at the motel- as a co-owner! Jason is sure his dad deserves a second chance. Mia is not so sure. 3. Mia's parents are trying to buy a house of their very own, which turns out to be a LOT harder than they thought! As Mia aims for her goals, she'll have to face strikers from all corners, as well as her own fears. But if anyone can find a way to win big, it's Mia Tang. The fourth book in the FRONT DESK series - following Mia Tang as she plays to win!

'With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. 'Cuz tonight I'm delivering,' raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood – he's got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it's all on the line.

See the Bell family in a whole new light through Dawud Anyabwile's dynamic illustrations as the brothers' winning season unfolds, and the world as they know it begins to change.

The third in Sir Chris Hoy's fantastically fun, magical cycling adventure series. The Hercules' Hopefuls are through to the next round of the cycling tournament, but there's a big problem. Bruce's Biscuits are expanding their factory - and building over the park where the team train! How can Fergus and his friends hope to stop them? Fergus has an idea, but he'll have to return to Nevermore and summon up the courage to enter King Woebegot's castle. . . Written with award-winning author Joanna Nadin, with fantastic illustrations from Clare Elsom.

"Why are you arresting my daddy?"
Ten-year-old Alicia clung to her father's pant leg until the policeman pulled her off and took her father, in handcuffs, to the police car. She didn't understand. Her dad was a famous rock star from the band MAJIC. Everybody loved him. He wasn't supposed to be taken to jail
Alicia Marie Zamarelli's world turned upside down the night of the "incident" - the night her father was arrested for DUI. Her mother was no help; she and Alicia's dad had recently divorced, and besides, she was zoned out and slept all the time anyway. Alicia felt completely alone, but she still had no idea just how catastrophic her life was about to become.
How Alicia grapples with the addictions around her and manages to strengthen the relationship with her father may bring tears to your eyes, but it will also warm your heart and provide hope for finding a pathway out of the emotional upheaval that the world of alcohol and drug addictions can create.
Daddy Drinks fulfills author Channell's God-given goals to increase awareness among children about the profound effects that alcohol and drug addictions can cause, to empower young people to deal with the strong emotions they may experience and the questions they may have when faced with situations involving addictions, and to promote open communication between youths and adults.

Did you ever wonder how a hockey puck became a hockey puck? Melvin and the Big Hockey Game is the first book in a new series by author Christina Burke. Each enchanting, yet educational tale in the Melvin The Mouse series follows a resourceful, studious and hockey-loving mouse named Melvin, as he and his animal friends in the town of Shinny discover the fascinating origins of hockey. In this book, Shinny is hosting a big hockey game at the barn. After everyone in town tries various objects, unsuccessfully, to use for a puck (even meatballs ), it is Melvin who saves the day with the perfect solution Melvin and the Big Hockey Game is the perfect story for the little hockey fan in your family.

One boy's obsession for basketball stardom creates dramatic consequences for him, his friends, and his tiny hometown during one truly remarkable basketball season.

Mark Daniels spent his childhood honing basketball skills, preparing for the day he can star for Shiloh High. Now a sophomore, Mark believes his time has come, only to realize that his lack of height may forever doom that dream.

His personal fears must be set aside though when a tragic bus crash and dramatic rescue attempt plunge Mark into the center of a media storm of controversy. Even worse, Mark and his teammates then learn that the school board plans to cancel the season after the loss of seven varsity players and their coach in the accident.

A valiant battle earns a temporary reprieve, both for the season and Mark's basketball dreams. But the tragedies are far from over, as Mark must learn several more lessons before fully comprehending the importance of his dream and its impact on him and his friends.

Filled with tragedy and triumph, "The Young Rebel" begins the inspiring story of one young man's struggle to fulfill his dreams, and his understanding of himself.

""A compelling story with a spectacular opening and a satisfying ending that still leaves room for wanting more."
- Editor Genna Gifford

Book 6 in a series of heart-warming pony tales packed with expert advice from three-times Olympic Medallist and Grand Slam winner, Pippa Funnell, on everything you ever wanted to know about horses. Tilly's riding has improved by the day and now she's ready for her first Pony Club competition, riding Rosie. She's nervous, and so is Brook who is competing with his horse, Solo. He's lost his lucky talisman, but the huge surprise that he and Tilly uncover makes up for everything. Collect all 18 titles in this series of irresistible, uplifting pony adventures, packed with expert, up-to-date advice from the author as well as a helpful glossary and black and white illustrations. For 8+

Take your family on a camping adventure with the Happy Camper Shaped Board Book from Mudpuppy. Explore snow filled mountains, tide pools, lakes, deserts, forests and more for a fun and entertaining experience for little ones. * 14 pages * Trim: 7.5 x 6", 19 x 15.25 cm * Camper van-shaped book * All Mudpuppy products adhere to CPSIA, ASTM, and CE Safety Regulations. * Made responsibly from FSC-certified material. Printed with nontoxic inks.

Reading is matter of survival with the only official Leveled Reader series based on Minecraft! Bonus: Includes over 30 stickers! Minecraft (R) is the best-selling video game of all time! And now learning to read has never been more fun for fans of the game ages 4 to 7. They'll get a great introduction to the game's Survival Mode when two players Emmy and Birch--and their tame wolf Byte--set out to explore, build, craft--and survive--in the epic expanse of the Overworld! Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own. (c) 2021 Mojang AB and Mojang Synergies AB. MINECRAFT and MOJANG are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mojang Synergies AB.