Winner of the 2012 Batchelder Award Based on a real series of events that happened during World War II, Soldier Bear tells the story of an orphaned bear cub adopted by a group of Polish soldiers in Iran. The soldiers raise the bear and eventually enlist him as a soldier to ensure that he stays with the company. He travels with them from Iran to Italy, and then on to Scotland. Voytek's mischief gets him into trouble along with way, but he also provides some unexpected encouragement for the soldiers amidst the reality of war: Voytek learns to carry bombs for the company, saves the camp from a spy, and keeps them constantly entertained with his antics.Always powerful and surprising, Bibi Dumon Tak's story offers readers a glimpse at this fascinating piece of history.

This title introduces readers to the life and music of Ariana Grande. Colorful photos, fun facts, and a timeline of key dates in her life make this book an exciting read for young music lovers.

Everyone has heard the legend of Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier who belonged to a policeman in Edinburgh more than one hundred and fifty years ago - and who was as loyal in death as in life to his master. He was so famous that it's said that Queen Victoria paid him a special visit. But until now, not all the facts of this often told story have been known. Richard Brassey uncovered new research in preparing this book. Best of all, however, is the warmth and humour in the words and pictures that has made this story a favourite for generations of readers.

Leon "Locksmith" Rolle is one-quarter of the phenomenally successful band Rudimental. In this book, he shares his aspirational story. With chapters on mindset, self-belief and confidence, Leon encourages you to find balance and happiness, no matter what life throws at you. Leon grew up in Hackney, where he played semi-professional football and went on to form Rudimental with three childhood friends. He says: "Things weren't always easy for me growing up, and I made a lot of mistakes. But I don't regret any of it, because everything that's happened has made me Locksmith, and that makes me proud. I want you to be proud of yourself too. You have the power to be great, and successes, mistakes and failures are all just a part of life. It's the journey that counts, because that's what makes you who you are." Let Leon's story inspire you to embrace life and fulfil your incredible potential.

Scarlett Johansson captivated audiences as Marvel's Black Widow. With compelling images, fun facts, and an Inside Hollywood special feature, this book provides an engaging overview of Johansson's life, acting career, and experience playing Black Widow.

Discover the story of one teenager's struggles with OCD and Tourette's Syndrome-and how he was able to overcome extraordinary setbacks. Cory Friedman knows how it feels to have a body that won't stop moving, to be really different from everyone else, to be made fun of every day, to be totally reckless, to never relax, to be shut out of everything, to break free and take control. James Patterson's Against Medical Advice riveted adults with the page-turning drama of one teenager's courage, sacrifice, and triumph in confronting an agonizing medical condition. Now this deeply personal account of Cory Friedman's intense struggles with Tourette's Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder-as well as depression, anxiety, and alcohol addiction-is available for teen readers.

A baseball player who ran the bases backwards, an indoor hockey game cut short due to fog, a basketball player who scored for both teams in the same game, a football quarterback who passed the ball to himself, a golf tournament with only one hole - truth is stranger than fiction, especially when it comes to sports! Len Berman showcases the funniest and most amazing stories in the history of sports in this collection taken from his popular 'spanning the world' TV segments. Sports fans will love reading and sharing these bizarre tales.

'Every year I read several manuscripts written by mothers about having a child with Asperger's syndrome. The quality of manuscripts varies considerably. As soon as I started to read 'Living Your Best Life with Asperger's syndrome' I knew it was going to be one of my favourite biographies. I was entranced by Karra's descriptions of her son's intellectual abilities, his perspective on life and sense of humour. The anecdotes illustrate aspects of Asperger's syndrome perfectly. Professionals will have the 'Ah ha!' moment, as the descriptions of events and conversations are consistent with the theoretical models of Asperger's syndrome. Both parents and professionals need to read this book, and then other children with Asperger's syndrome will indeed live a better life' - Professor Tony Attwood 'This book is a worthwhile read and written in a very positive way. Many professionals will find the anecdotes evocative and perhaps illumination. There are also useful and practical tips and ideas noted throughout the book. I would happily recommend it to parents, especially those who are in the early days, post diagnosis and looking for information, ideas and a positive perspective' - Alison Leask, Chair of Autism, Argyll, Scotland Effectively accommodating the social and academic needs of children on the autistic spectrum is an important task in every school. This book is a practical guide to benefit parents, teachers, Local Education Authorities and international autism organisations. Each chapter provides a summary followed by anecdotal stories that illustrate a point, describing how a young boy navigates his way through the social challenges that he faces every day. Issues covered include: o diagnosis and recognizing the difference; o providing support and understanding; o communication; o concrete thinking. The focus of the writing is how to live your best life despite your difference. The book describes the problems and pain Karra faced as her son changed and encountered difficulties at every stage. She also demonstrates her resilience and determination and the book is a celebration of her son and their relationship. 'This is a very accessible book which would be helpful to parents and teachers meeting autism for the first time. The book charts a success story and as such should make an encouraging read. This would be well worth having a parents' group or staff room library.' - Special

Tasmanian schoolteacher Kate Byrne is having an affair with the father of her most gifted fourth grader, Lucien. Her lover's wife has just published Murder at Black Swan Point, a true-crime story about the brutal slaying of a young adulteress in a nearby town. Kate herself has become so obsessed with the murder and so convinced that the published account has it all wrong that she sets about writing her own version -- this one for children, narrated by Australian animals. Though Lucien's father brings Kate to life sexually in encounters of escalating eroticism, he cannot dull her obsession. Fixated on the crime of passion, Kate is becoming less and less aware of the present and of how her behavior may align her fate with that of the dead girl. Chloe Hooper chillingly captures this young woman's unraveling in an intense, witty, superbly crafted novel.

The ninth title in this successful series. A factually accurate but hilarious look at the life of Leonardo Da Vinci as he mixes with the colourful set in Renaissance Italy From his passion for horses, to his painting of the Mona Lisa -- all is revealed. Leonardo da Vinci's life from 1470 to 1519 as seen through the eyes of one, Luigi Cannelloni, Leonardo's trusty assistant. From his Adoration of the Magi; his passion for the structure of horses; his painting of the Mona Lisa not to mention the highlife of Renaissance Italy -- all is revealed in an hilarious way. As with the other Lost Diaries, this is factually accurate but the fictional voice brings in the humour

Be inspired by the lives of trailblazers past and present in this fun and factual biography series! How did Stephen Hawking's amazing discoveries change the way we think about the universe? Fascinated by the cosmos from a young age, Stephen grew up in a family that read books at the dinner table and kept bees in the basement! Despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, Stephen overcame the limits of his disability to become a superstar scientist and best-selling author. Find out how Stephen's ground-breaking research into black holes helped answer questions about the universe that had been puzzling scientists for centuries. TRAILBLAZERS biographies are packed with little-known trivia, fascinating facts and lively illustrations.

1814: Mary Godwin, the 16-year-old daughter of radical socialist and feminist writers, runs away with a dangerously charming young poet—Percy Bysshe Shelley. From there, the two young lovers travel a Europe in the throes of revolutionary change, through high and low society, tragedy and passion, where they will be drawn into the orbit of the mad and bad Lord Byron. But Mary and Percy are not alone: they bring Jane, Mary's young step-sister. And she knows the biggest secrets of them all . . . Told from Mary and Jane's perspectives, Monsters is a novel about radical ideas, rule-breaking love, dangerous Romantics, and the creation of the greatest Gothic novel of them all: Frankenstein.