Fans of Judy Blume and Jenny Han are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinks she's got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna by her side to shop for a new look, pick out a prime lunch spot, and even hit up that cute new bubble tea place after school. Her trio is ready to tackle life as they always have... together. But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before Fall Ball, it looks like things may be changing in all the wrong ways. Jenna is sick of caving in to Audrey's demands, and soon Keiko's besties are barely talking, leaving her caught in the middle. While she's been dreaming about triple-dates, first kisses, and a boy she really shouldn't have a crush on, the friendship she's always thought was rock-solid is beginning to crumble. Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends - even if it means losing one of them - or follow her heart? When it comes to flirting, friendships, and fallouts, how is Keiko supposed to keep it all together? Flirting, friendship and fallouts, this has relatable themes for tween readers Sweet, smart writing with emotional depth: like a junior Jenny Han Love the sound of this? Then check out Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence Praise for Keep It Together, Keiko Carter: A beautiful story about healing from heartbreak, and discovering the strength that comes from opening your heart to others. Jenna is a gem!" -- Jo Knowles, award-winning author of Where the Heart Is "Sweet and smart." -- Kirkus Reviews "Charming." -- Booklist "Florence's tween drama will resonate." -- School Library Journal Praise for Keep It Together, Keiko Carter:"Sweet and smart." - Kirkus Reviews"Charming." - Booklist"Florence's tween drama will resonate." - School Library Journal

Since the Takano family's new foster pet, Murray the ferret, arrived at their house, all sorts of things have gone missing: shoes, jewellery, keys, coins... Although eight-year-old Kaita enjoys solving the mysteries, she worries that finding a forever home for the lovable furry bandit will be near impossible! Playful illustrations and lots of sleuthing fun make this chapter book a treat for animal lovers and mystery fans alike.

Fans of Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinks she's got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna by her side to shop for a new look, pick out a prime lunch spot, and even hit up that cute new bubble tea place after school. Her trio is ready to tackle life as they always have... together.But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before Fall Ball, it looks like things may be changing in all the wrong ways. Jenna is sick of caving in to Audrey's demands, and soon Keiko's besties are barely talking, leaving her caught in the middle. While she's been dreaming about triple-dates, first kisses, and a boy she really shouldn't have a crush on, the friendship she's always thought was rock-solid is beginning to crumble.Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends -- even if it means losing one of them -- or follow her heart? When it comes to flirting, friendships, and fallouts, how is Keiko supposed to keep it all together?

With more than 130,000 copies sold, this award-winning chapter-book series starring a spunky Japanese American heroine returns with four new standalone books set on a family vacation in Japan! Toothbrush? Check. Her special journal? Check! Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi--flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch messmaker--can hardly wait for her family vacation to Japan, and by the time their plane finally touches down, she's ready to dive into their new adventure. There are so many things to see in Tokyo: Ramen Street, which she learns is not a whole street made of ramen; old temples with fancy gates; and Tokyo Tower, where you can even spot Mount Fuji on a good day. But when they arrive, Jasmine finds herself unable to get away from her older sister Sophie's crabby attitude. Plus there's so much about Japan she didn't know, and she seems to be getting in trouble right and left. Will Jasmine be able to cheer up her sister AND find her footing in a new country? With her trademark humor and warmth, Debbi Michiko Florence weaves family drama and a fun introduction of Japanese culture into this delightful next chapter in Jasmine's world.

Jasmine's best friend, Linnie, has just gotten a puppy. And now Jasmine wants a pet of her own - a flamingo! So when her grandmother sends Jasmine a daruma doll as a surprise gift, Jasmine colours in one doll eye and wishes for a flamingo to keep. Next, Jasmine tries to convince her parents that she's responsible enough for a pet. She cleans her room, brushes her teeth, takes out the trash, and, most importantly, researches everything she can about flamingos. But soon it becomes clear that her wish may never come true! Will Jasmine's daruma doll ever get its second eye? Luckily her big sister, Sophie, has a surprise planned that fulfills Jasmine's wish beyond her wildest dreams. Debbi Michiko Florence is at her best in this sweet, special story of sisterhood and new responsibilities!

Tiki the cockatoo is the Takano family's newest foster pet and thanks to her ear-splitting screeching, the entire neighbourhood knows it! Eight-year-old Kaita has to pull out all the tricks to keep the feathered squawker calm and content and find Tiki a forever home before everyone goes crazy! Giggle-inducing illustrations and first-person narration bring this noisy early chapter-book adventure to life.

Fans of Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinks she's got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna by her side to shop for a new look, pick out a prime lunch spot, and even hit up that cute new bubble tea place after school. Her trio is ready to tackle life as they always have... together.But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before Fall Ball, it looks like things may be changing in all the wrong ways. Jenna is sick of caving in to Audrey's demands, and soon Keiko's besties are barely talking, leaving her caught in the middle. While she's been dreaming about triple dates, first kisses, and a boy she really shouldn't have a crush on, the friendship she's always thought was rock-solid is beginning to crumble.Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends -- even if it means losing one of them -- or follow her heart? When it comes to flirting, friendships, and fallouts, how is Keiko supposed to keep it all together?

Fans of Judy Blume and Jenny Han are sure to fall head-over-heels for this funny, sweet story of crushes, competition, and the confusing reality of middle school. "Heartbreak is for suckers." When Jenna Sakai gets dumped over winter break, it confirms what she learned from her parents' messy divorce: Relationships are risky and only lead to disappointment. So even though she still has to see her ex-boyfriend Elliott at newspaper club, Jenna is going to be totally heartless this semester - no boys, just books. But keeping her cool isn't always easy. Jenna's chief competition for a big journalism scholarship is none other than Elliott. Her best friend Keiko always seems busy with her own boyfriend. And cute-but-incredibly-annoying Rin Watanabe keeps stealing her booth at the diner she's been hiding at every day after school. Rin is every bit as stubborn and detached as Jenna. And the more Jenna gets to know him, the more intriguing a mystery he seems. Soon Jenna is starting to realise that being a loner is kind of, well, lonely. And letting people in might just be a risk worth taking. Flirting, friendship and fallouts, this has relatable themes for tween readers Sweet, smart writing with emotional depth: like a junior Jenny Han Love the sound of this? Then check out Keep it Together, Keiko Carter by Debbi Michiko Florence Praise for Keep It Together, Keiko Carter: A beautiful story about healing from heartbreak, and discovering the strength that comes from opening your heart to others. Jenna is a gem!" -- Jo Knowles, award-winning author of Where the Heart Is "Sweet and smart." -- Kirkus Reviews "Charming." -- Booklist "Florence's tween drama will resonate." -- School Library Journal Praise for Keep It Together, Keiko Carter:"Sweet and smart." - Kirkus Reviews"Charming." - Booklist"Florence's tween drama will resonate." - School Library Journal

Fans of Lisa Greenwald and Wendy Mass are sure to fall head-over-heels for this funny, sweet story of crushes, competition, and the confusing reality of middle school. "Heartbreak is for suckers." When Jenna Sakai gets dumped over winter break, it confirms what she learned from her parents' messy divorce: Relationships are risky and only lead to disappointment. So even though she still has to see her ex-boyfriend Elliott at newspaper club, Jenna is going to be totally heartless this semester -- no boys, just books. But keeping her cool isn't always easy. Jenna's chief competition for a big journalism scholarship is none other than Elliott. Her best friend Keiko always seems busy with her own boyfriend. And cute-but-incredibly-annoying Rin Watanabe keeps stealing her booth at the diner she's been hiding at every day after school. Rin is every bit as stubborn and detached as Jenna. And the more Jenna gets to know him, the more intriguing a mystery he seems. Soon Jenna is starting to realize that being a loner is kind of, well, lonely. And letting people in might just be a risk worth taking.

Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Nominee! Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites is a picture book biography that tells the story of the powerhouse female Japanese-American chef and her rise to fame As a child and adult, Niki faced many naysayers in her pursuit of haute cuisine. Using the structure of a traditional kaiseki meal, the authors Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak playfully detail Niki's hunger for success in thirteen bites -- from wonton wrappers she used to make pizza as a kid to yuzu-tomatillo sauce in her own upscale Los Angeles Michelin-starred restaurant, n/naka. To anyone who tells her a woman can't be a master chef, Niki lets her food do the talking. And oh, does it talk. Niki was featured on the first season of Netflix's culinary documentary series Chef's Table. And Chrissy Teigen proclaimed that Niki's restaurant was one of her absolute favorites. She's currently a featured teacher on MasterClass. A smart, strong woman with starpower, Niki is only just getting started -- like the young readers who will devour this book, featuring illustrations by Yuko Jones!

*A fun activity included in every book!* A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018 A CYBILS Easy Reader and Early Chapter Book Award Winner It's talent show time at school, and eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is excited to show her stuff. But as she thinks about her strengths--tree-climbing, mochi making, collage--none of them feel quite right to perform on-stage. Jasmine's friends already have a talent: Tommy yo-yo's, Daisy dances, and Linnie plays piano. Plus, Maggie Milsap (aka Miss Perfect) is saying she'll have the best talent. When Jasmine's mom introduces her to the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum, Jasmine finally finds an activity that feels just right. But will she be good enough at taiko in time to beat Maggie Milsap? Join Jasmine as she discovers her talent--and the difference between being the best and trying your best.

A new foster pet, someBUNNY special, has arrived at the Takano house, and eight-year-old Kaita is over the moon! But Roo isn't lick-your-face friendly like the dogs Kaita's used to fostering, and she soon wonders if she'll ever be able to break the ice and find the skittish mini lop a forever home. This chapter book is a charmingly illustrated lesson in patience, narrated by Kaita herself.

What do you do with a gentle Great Dane who's the size of a cow but acts like he's no bigger than a mini dachshund? If you're eight-year-old Kaita Takano and her animal-fostering family, you shower the dog with love and do everything you can to find him a forever home. Sweet-natured illustrations and Kaita's first-person narration pair up for plenty of chapter book fun.