Book Spotlight

Jamila Phillips and Tai Johnson have been inseparable since they were toddlers, having grown up across the street from each other in Pirates Cove, a low-income housing project. As summer comes to an end, Tai can’t wait for Mila to return from spending a month with her aunt in the suburbs. But both girls are grappling with secrets, and when Mila returns she’s more focused on her upcoming dance auditions than hanging out with Tai.

Paula Chase explores complex issues that affect many young teens, and So Done offers a powerful message about speaking up.

Can an undercover nerd become a superstar agent? Ben Ripley sure hopes so—and his life may depend on it!

Ben may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: C.I.A. or bust. Unfortunately, Ben is so awkward he can barely get to school without a mishap. Because of his nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior C.I.A. academy. Could the C.I.A. really want him?

Actually, no. There’s been a case of mistaken identity—but that doesn’t stop Ben from trying to morph into a supercool undercover agent, the kind that gets the girl. And through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he might be a halfway decent spy…if he can survive the attempts made on his life!

Eleven-year-old Amar'e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He loves skateboarding in the park, takes his school work very seriously, helps out with his dad's landscaping company, and likes playing basketball with his best friends-but just for fun.

When a group of older kids start disrespecting his boys on their neighborhood basketball court, there is only one solution. Amar'e must step in and use his athletic ability and intelligence to save the day. This experience leads Amar'e to realize that basketball is his true passion.

Based on the life of All-Star NBA sensation Amar'e Stoudemire.