ProQuest's Homework Central and Ebook Central

ProQuest is free to California schools, provided by the state of California.

All EUSD middle school students and staff now have access to it.

It is not an app.

To use it, Log into your Clever on any device. If on an iPad, you must enable pop-ups:

Click on the Homework Central icon in Clever.

From there, choose any of the following to explore:

-CultureGrams

-eLibrary

-ProQuest

-ProQuest Research Companion

-SIRS Discover

-SIRS Issues Researcher

OR:

In Clever:

-Click on the link to Ebook Central to access ProQuest's Ebook collection.

This is the best way to search for fiction and nonfiction Ebook titles that are similar to what you would find in Mission Library.

To access a small curated selection of free electronic nonfiction books at the elementary and middle school level:

-Click on SIRS Discoverer from Homework Central

-Under the Nonfiction Books dropdown menu, choose a topic of interest.

-One of the topics is All Nonfiction Books if you want to browse selected middle school and elementary nonfiction titles that way. You will not find ALL the available nonfiction books that way though.

To do a more advanced search, to access more nonfiction eBook titles:

-Choose ProQuest from Homework Central

-Click on the Books oval at the top of the screen, then do a search. Not all items returned will be complete books, some will be just excerpts from books

-If you only want complete books, click on Advanced Search at the upper left of the screen. Check the box for Limit to Full Text. Scroll down and select Books as the only search type. Select a language if you are looking for books in a particular language other than English. Do a keyword search if you like, but note that you may need to limit your search quite a bit. Subject headings searches are particularly powerful using the look up subject headings feature.

If you have an email address and are at least 13 years of age, you can save books and other research sources and email them to other people. This is particularly useful for librarians and coaches to develop book lists on a particular topic, and email them out to those teachers who teach that subject. Click on the head and shoulders icon at the upper right hand of the screen in ProQuest and create an account. See, e.g. a YouTube video on the subject such as this one. Then when you search for books you can save them to a named folder, and share that folder with others.

Here are some Ebook titles available from ProQuest to Mission students that are recommended by Mrs. Bloom for their relevance to our curriculum. There are a few historical fiction titles as well as some fun fiction titles at the very end of the list:

Ancient Egypt: From Prehistory to the Islamic Conquest

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Aug 15, 2010.

Home to some of the most remarkable feats of engineering as well as awe-inspiring natural vistas, ancient Egypt was a land of great promise fulfilled. Its pyramids, writing systems, and art all predate the Islamic conquest and are symbols of the civilization's vitality. This volume invites readers to indulge in the splendors of ancient Egyptian culture and discover the traditions that have fired imaginations for generations. A detailed appendix profiles important sites throughout Egypt, many of which still contain remnants and artifacts that illustrate the import of this extraordinary civilization.

Discovering Ancient Egypt

Staley, Erin Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2014.

The world of mummies, pharaohs, and pyramids leaps off the pages of this upper elementary guide to ancient Egyptian civilization. Readers will discover the history and culture of ancient Egypt, from the earliest settlers of the Nile to the final dynasty of Antony and Cleopatra. Egypt's most famous inventions--including papyrus, hieroglyphs, and the 365-day calendar--are presented along with facts about its pantheon of deities and highly organized class system. A final discussion of how modern culture continues to benefit from its techniques and styles is sure to make readers want to delve deeper into the world of ancient Egypt.

The Secrets of Early American Civilizations: The Decline of the Mayas and the Lost Cities of the Amazon

Puigdevall, Federico; Cañagueral, Albert NY, NY: Cavendish Square Publishing LLC, Dec 15, 2017.

Television shows and movies emphasize gruesome rituals and violent warfare, but what was life really like in pre-Columbian cultures? This book presents a holistic view of Mayan and Amazonian civilizations and includes maps, stunning full-color photographs, and engaging sidebars about key figures. The book separates fact from fiction and demonstrates the rich history of the Americas.

The Mysterious Maya Civilization

Mahoney, Emily New York, NY: Greenhaven Publishing LLC, Dec 15, 2017.

Though Mayan culture has existed for more than 3,500 years, researchers and historians have only recently started unlocking some of the mysteries behind this Central American society. Thoroughly researched text guides readers through the gripping history of the Maya, including a detailed description of Maya culture. The main text is supplemented with engaging sidebars, full-color photographs, historical images, and expert, annotated analysis from leading scholars.

The Technology of the Aztecs

McCullough, Naomi V New York, NY: Cavendish Square Publishing LLC, Dec 15, 2016.

The Aztecs were people connected to the land and forests of South America. Unknown to Europeans prior to the 1500s, they developed a unique and vibrant culture. This book explores who the Aztecs were and what various technologies they created or influenced in their own time as well as today.

Classical Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in Ancient Greece and Rome

Carlson, Laurie Chicago: Chicago Review Press, Jul 1, 1998.

Travel back in time to see what life was like in ancient Greece and Rome while having fun with hands-on activities such as making a star gazer; chiseling a clay tablet; weaving Roman sandals; making a Greek mosaic; creating Roman jewelry; throwing Greek pottery; casting a vote in a Roman-style election; and much more. Learn how these civilizations contributed to our present-day world by participating in art, math, cooking, science, and geography activities. Interesting facts and trivia are included throughout. Helpful illustrations explain project steps.

Ancient Rome

Cottrell, George New York, NY: Greenhaven Publishing LLC, Dec 15, 2016.

The ancient Romans developed a civilization unlike any other. Readers discover what made ancient Rome so unique and how its influence can still be felt in the world today. The exciting text and eye-catching design enhance social studies curricula in an engaging way. Readers will want to learn even more about this fascinating civilization, which is presented to them through clear main text, informative sidebars, fun fact boxes, and colorful maps. Vibrant photographs give readers a strong visual sense of what life was like in ancient Rome and what remnants of this great civilization can still be seen today.

Rome in the East: The Transformation of an Empire

Ball, Warwick London: Taylor & Francis Group, Jan 31, 2000.

In this lavishly illustrated and arresting study, Warwick Ball presents the story of Rome's overwhelming fascination with the East through a coverage of the historical, architectural and archaeological evidence unparalleled in both breadth and detail. This was a fascination of the new world for the old, and of the mundane for the exotic - a love affair that took literal form in the story of Antony and Cleopatra. From Rome's legendary foundation by Aeneas and the Trojan heroes as the New Troy, through the installation of Arabs as Roman emperors, to the eventual foundation of the new Rome by a latter-day Aeneas at Constantinople, the East took over Rome, - and Rome eventually ditched Europe to the barbarians. Rome in the East overturns the received wisdom about Rome as the bastion of European culture. Newly available in paperback, and illustrated with almost 300 photographs, plans and drawings, its accessible and comprehensive approach makes it an ideal resource for both the academic and general reader.

A Visual History of the Great Civilizations

Pamplona, Alberto Hernández New York, NY: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2016.

This captivating book offers young readers a perspective into the some of the greatest civilizations in history. With stunning illustrations and photographs of artifacts from antiquity, readers will learn about early civilizations such as Mesopotamia and the kings of Israel, civilizations from classical antiquity such as dynastic China and the Persian empire, and civilizations of the Middle Ages, such as the Viking explorers and the Incas, to name a few. Adding to the visual experience are timelines that put the history into perspective. This book is a must-read for any student of ancient history.

Archaeology: Excavating Our Past

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Jul 15, 2014.

The science of archaeology--the study of the remains of the human past--pairs the thrill of the treasure hunt with the mystery of detective work. Readers will learn all about the different types of archaeology, as well as how archaeologists collect, analyze, and synthesize data. In this insightful volume, readers discover archaeologists' goals as they dig up discoveries and the training needed to get a foothold in the field. This book lays out the rich stages of archeological history, and readers learn why this field remains so important to this day.

Human Body Parts

Cavell-Clarke, Steffi New York, NY: Greenhaven Publishing LLC, Dec 15, 2016.

The human body is a fascinating thing to study, and young readers get an age-appropriate overview of its parts as they explore the basics of beginner biology and anatomy. How do people see? What do they use to hear? They will be able to answer these questions and many more after learning the important ways human body parts work together. Accessible text is paired with colorful photographs and clear diagrams to ensure a thorough introduction to these essential science curriculum topics for early learners.

The Skin on Your Body

Chang, Heidi Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2014.

A close-up look at the body's largest organ, this resource presents simple-to-understand information for young readers. Colorful and informative pictures complement and enhance the text and foster visual learning. The lively text explains why there are different skin textures, tones, and pigmentation, how the skin works, how we can protect it, and how the skin protects itself. Think About It, Compare and Contrast, and Vocabulary boxes also get readers to think more deeply about the text, while highlighting and defining more difficult terms.

The Heart and Blood in Your Body

Nagelhout, Ryan Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2014.

This enthralling look at the workings of the cardiovascular system introduces young readers to the human heart and its function. Along with the heart's atria and ventricles, the book explains the circulatory system and how the blood and its pathways operate. Readers get an in-depth look at red and white blood cells, platelets, plasma, blood pressure, blood types and donors, and how the lymphatic system works with the rest of the body's organs and tissues. Vocabulary boxes explain new words, Think About It sections pose questions for readers' consideration, and Compare and Contrast sidebars engage readers' minds.

The Stomach and Intestines in Your Body

Cohen, Robert Z Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2014.

Without the stomach and intestines, we wouldn't be able to digest food or fuel our bodies to create energy. This book teaches young readers about all the parts of the digestive system, including the stars of the system, the stomach and intestines. Readers will be fascinated to learn how the food they eat is processed by their body and turned into fuel that allows them to run on the playground and study in class. Colorful photos and diagrams, plus vocabulary and critical thinking boxes make learning about the stomach and intestines lots of fun.

Human Body Big Book Gr. 5-8

Lang, Susan San Diego: Classroom Complete Press, Sep 1, 2007.

Our Combined resource includes all the required fundamentals for teaching the Human Body. We take your students through a fascinating study of the human body with current information written for remedial students in grades 5 to 8. We start off with an in-depth study of both the muscular and skeletal systems. Then we investigate the organs of the five senses, along with the respiratory system! We also look inside the kidneys and intestines, and then how a tiny sperm and egg cell can grow into a baby. Using simplified language and vocabulary we then explore the major organs of four body systems and how they work to keep us alive and healthy. Reading passages, student activities, and color mini posters all included. All of our content meets the Common Core State Standards and are written to Bloom's Taxonomy and STEM initiatives.

101 Amazing Facts About The Human Body

Goldstein, Jack Luton, Bedfordshire: Andrews UK Ltd, May 7, 2013.

In this amazing eBook you can find more than one hundred facts about the human body. Separated into sections such as the brain, vision, bones and many more you will find some fascinating information inside! Whether you are working on a human biology project or you just want to know more about how your body works, this is an excellent addition to your bookshelf.

Human Movement: How the Body Walks, Runs, Jumps, and Kicks

Mooney, Carla VT: Nomad Press, Mar 14, 2017.

Why do we walk on two legs? How do our muscles know how to work together when we dance? How does our brain work with our hands to sink a basketball? In Human Movement: How the Body Walks, Runs, Jumps, and Kicks, readers ages 12 to 15 learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body and discover how bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves work together to make movement possible. Bones give the body structure and the ability to stay upright. Muscles make possible the movement of the bones. The brain tells the muscles what to do and when to do it. And your heart, lungs, and other organs provide the fuel that powers movement. Human Movement takes a look at all of the components of the human body and examines how they allow you to move and interact with the world around you. Readers also learn what they can do to keep their bodies healthy and fit and moving well. Combining hands-on activities with biology, chemistry, biomechanics, and nutrition, Human Movement offers entertaining graphic novel illustrations and fascinating sidebars to illuminate the topic and engage readers further. Human Movement integrates a digital learning component by providing links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites to deepen readers’ experiences and strengthen practical connections to the material. Projects include building a hand model with working muscles and tendons, testing what makes bones strong, examining how changing your center of gravity affects balance and motion, identifying how different types of joints work, and using yeast to investigate how the body metabolizes food into energy. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, and Internet resources.

Jump-Starting a Career in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Amidon Lusted, Marcia New York, NY: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2013.

Jobs in physical therapy and rehabilitation are an excellent choice for those who want a secure, in-demand career that makes a difference in people's lives. In many states, rewarding positions in the field can be accessed with an associate's degree. Working under the direction of physical therapists and occupational therapists, PT assistants and aides help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgery, while OT assistants and aides help patients with disabilities learn skills to function successfully in everyday life. Enhanced with sidebars and vivid photos, the text describes typical working environments, tasks, equipment, and approaches in these fields, as well as the education needed to start a career.

Uncovering Earth's Crust

Storad, Conrad J Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, Jan 1, 2013.

The outside layer of our planet is an active place. Earth's crust is always growing and changing. But do you know how Earth's crust forms? And what happens when its plates shift suddenly? Find out more about the moves that make mountains and ocean ridges in this interesting book!

Geological Sciences

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Aug 1, 2011.

Described as craggy, rocky, or glacial, among a host of other descriptors, the Earth's geosphere--that is, its solid foundation--is subject to incredible variation. It is these permutations that inform the study of the geological sciences. This field involves not only the study of rocks, minerals, and landforms, but also that of glaciers, fossils, volcanoes, and other aspects of the Earth's surface. This sweeping volume examines the various branches of the geological sciences, as well as the methods and instruments used by geologists to obtain accurate records of the planet's geological history. Profiles of seminal earth scientists are also included.

Bringing Outdoor Science In: Thrifty Classroom Lessons

Rich, Steve Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Association, Mar 1, 2012.

When itOCOs just not possible to take students out to explore the natural world, bring the natural world to the classroom. Clearly organized and easy to use, this helpful guide contains more than 50 science lessons in six units: Greening the School, Insects, Plants, Rocks and Soils, Water, and In the Sky. All lessons include objectives, materials lists, procedures, reproducible data sheets, ideas for adapting to different grade levels, discussion questions, and next steps."

Pesticides

New York, NY: Greenhaven Publishing LLC, Mar 25, 2014.

The use of pesticides increases food production, but also has the potential to create serious health problems for people and damage the environment. This collection of essays explores a variety of issues related to pesticides, including whether they negatively affect human health, and how they interact with the environment. It contains a diverse collection of writings representing contrasting views of the issues. Each chapter presents an important question about the subject such and the opinions that follow are grouped into "yes" and "no" categories. By evaluating contrasting opinions, readers can attain an objective knowledge of the subject. Fact boxes are included to summarize important information for researchers.

Record-Breaking Earth and Space Facts

Richards, Jon; Simkins, Ed Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, Aug 1, 2015.

Where is the Solar System's biggest mountain? Which planet is hot enough to melt metal? Where would you find the largest desert on Earth? Find out about the record-breaking features on our planet and beyond--from the biggest and slowest to the hottest and longest--all in stunningly designed infographics.

Astronomy: Understanding the Universe

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Aug 1, 2011.

Fathoming the boundlessness of space and the universe, we are immediately filled with curiosity about our own origins and wonder about the objects, life forms, and matter that populate the cosmos. Through the observations and work of astronomers over time, we have slowly been able to reduce the number of unknowns and develop explanations or theories for some of the celestial objects and phenomena we see. This space-traveling survey recounts some of the major discovery milestones in the field of astronomy and examines the tools and techniques currently used by astronomers to study the universe.

Earth and Its Moon

Anderson, Michael, Jr. Jr.; Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Jr Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Aug 1, 2011.

Routinely going through daily life, people may be inured to the fact that Earth takes up only a small fraction of a solar system, let alone the universe. Still, the planet we call home is unique for a number of reasons. The more we can learn about Earth and its Moon--the two bodies in the solar system of which the most has been discovered to date--the more likely scientists are to uncover truths about the universe as a whole. The properties, motions, and cycles that characterize the Earth and Moon are the subjects of this mesmerizing volume, supported with details, sidebars, and labeled illustrations that any earthling would love.

Stickmen's Guide to Earth's Atmosphere in Layers

Chambers, Catherine Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, Aug 1, 2016.

Teeter on the edge of outer space with the Stickmen. Then fly down, down, down to atmospheric layers that wrap around Earth. Follow the Stickmen to view the galaxies through the Hubble Space Telescope and stop by the International Space Station. The Stickmen will take you on a tour of satellites in orbit, aircraft riding jet streams, and storms in the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere. With phenomenal facts, cool diagrams, and photos from space, this will be a dizzy, action-packed ride!

Geology

Woyt, Barbara Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2016.

Geology is the study of the history, structure, and composition of the solid Earth, and of the past and present processes that act on it. It encompasses mineralogy and stratigraphy, and includes disciplines such as geophysics and geochemistry. This volume focuses on Earth’s composition, including mineralogy and crystallography; igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic petrology; economic geology; and geochemistry. It investigates Earth’s structure, which concerns geophysics, structural geology, tectonics, volcanology, and geodesy. Earth’s surface features and processes are also explored. Historical geology, stratigraphy, paleontology, astrogeology, and geology’s practical applications such as in earthquake prediction and control complete this informative resource.

Weather Projects for Young Scientists: Experiments and Science Fair Ideas

Carson, Mary Kay Chicago: Chicago Review Press, Mar 1, 2007.

From the everyday phenomena of wind and clouds to the awesome, destructive power of lightning, tornados, and hurricanes, children can explore weather in detail with this fascinating science activity book. Throughout the text instructions for building weather-measuring tools—barometers, psychrometers, anemometers, wind vanes, rain gauges, and thermometers—allow the reader to assemble them into a working weather station. More than 40 weather projects are included, such as building a model of the water cycle, creating a tornado in a bottle, calculating dew point, and reading a weather map. Most of the experiments also include ideas for expanding them into full-fledged science fair projects. Weather-related environmental issues are also addressed, such as global climate change, ozone depletion, and acid rain, as well as profiles of scientists working in the field of meteorology.

The Rise of a Jazz Art World

Lopes, Paul Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, May 30, 2002.

This 2002 book presents a unique sociological vision of the evolution of jazz in the twentieth century. Analysing organizational structures and competing discourses in American music, Paul Lopes shows how musicians and others transformed the meaning and practice of jazz. Set against the distinct worlds of high art and popular art in America, the rise of a jazz art world is shown to be a unique movement - a socially diverse community struggling in various ways against cultural orthodoxy. Cultural politics in America is shown to be a dynamic, open, and often contradictory process of constant re-interpretation. This work is a compelling social history of American culture that incorporates various voices in jazz, including musicians, critics, collectors, producers and enthusiasts. Accessibly written and interdisciplinary in approach, it will be of great interest to scholars and students of sociology, cultural studies, social history, American studies, African-American studies, and jazz studies.

A Performer's Guide to Renaissance Music, Second Edition

Bloomington: Indiana University Press, Aug 2, 2007.

Revised and expanded since it first appeared in 1991, the guide features two new chapters on ornamentation and rehearsal techniques, as well as updated reference materials, internet resources, and other new material made available only in the last decade. The guide is comprised of focused chapters on performance practice issues such as vocal and choral music; various types of ensembles; profiles of specific instruments; instrumentation; performance practice issues; theory; dance; regional profiles of Renaissance music; and guidelines for directors. The format addresses the widest possible audience for early music, including amateur and professional performers, musicologists, theorists, and educators.

The Renaissance

Hunt, Jocelyn London: Taylor & Francis Group, Jul 8, 1999.

The Renaissance presents the panorama of Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, exploring such themes as: the origins and causes of humanism Renaissance monarchies the Reformation geographical exploration science artistic movements. The book includes narrative introductions to each issue, views of major historians, interpretations, analysis and evaluation of primary sources.

Scientists and Inventors of the Renaissance

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2012.

The ingenuity evidenced during the Renaissance was not just limited to the fine arts. A number of scientists and inventors also made astonishing breakthroughs in astronomy, medicine, physics, and more. Readers examine the scientific revolution, profiling Isaac Newton, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo, and many other great thinkers who transformed the scientific and mechanical worlds.

The Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance

Arora, Sabina G Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Jul 15, 2015.

Away from the bustling nightlife of 1920s Harlem, a literary and cultural rebirth was taking place among African American writers, artists, and performers. Producing works that reflected the racial realities of the era between the end of the Civil War and the beginnings of the civil rights movement, these cultural luminaries helped define a new black consciousness. Readers will learn how the Great Migration and changing opportunities for African Americans informed the vibrant creative period known as the Harlem Renaissance. Bridging social and literary history, this volume provides an interdisciplinary overview and serves as a companion to multiple subject areas.

The 100 Most Influential Musicians of All Time: 100 Most Influential Musicians of All Time

Gorlinski, Gini; Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 20, 2009.

Welcome to a veritable feast for readers' eyes, minds, and, by extension, ears. Filled with profiles of truly accomplished musicians across a broad spectrum of musical styles and genres, this volume includes such varied musical artists as Ludwig von Beethoven, Elvis Presley, and hip-hop artist Jay-Z.

Duke Ellington

Rohan, Rebecca Carey New York, NY: Cavendish Square Publishing LLC, Jul 15, 2016.

Duke Ellington's masterful big bands left a permanent impression on the nation, and his name is one of the most honored in jazz. Learn about this Harlem Renaissance artist's life as well as his impact on American culture.

Musicians of the Renaissance

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 15, 2012.

The score of Western music was writ large during the Renaissance. Secular music rivaled church music for prominence, harmonic lines intertwined and changed music forever with the emergence of polyphony, and, in general, musical composition was taken to new heights. The composers and musicians who provided the soundtrack to this remarkable period are the subject of this comprehensive volume, which also takes an in-depth look at instruments of the day.

The 100 Most Influential Painters and Sculptors of the Renaissance: 100 Most Influential Painters and Sculptors of the Renaissance

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Dec 20, 2009.

The Renaissance was a fantastic period of rebirth in terms of art and culture. This book recounts the struggles and victories of the most celebrated artists who lived and worked at this time. The masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Pieter Bruegel, Sandro Botticelli, and others are highlighted.

Authors of the Medieval and Renaissance Eras, 1100 to 1660: Authors of the Enlightenment: 1660 To 1800

Britannica Educational Publishing Staff Chicago, IL: Rosen Publishing Group, Jul 15, 2013.

As Europe's religious, social, economic, and cultural identity began to take more definite shape in the medieval and Renaissance eras, so too did its literary identity. By capturing in ink the spirit of these transformative periods, such literary giants as Geoffrey Chaucer, Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and John Milton laid the foundations for literature, drama, and poetry today. Readers will be introduced to these and other notable figures from around the world whose works have had an equally enduring impact on the global literary canon.

The Best of Shakespeare: Retellings of 10 Classic Plays

Nesbit, E; Hunt, Peter Cary: Oxford University Press, Incorporated, May 13, 1999.

At the heart of any great work of literature is a story. William Shakespeare's plays are no exception. They tell the stories of kings and queens, of ghosts and witches, of romance and passion. But to get to the stories at the heart of the Bard's plays, the reader must first work through Shakespeare's language, a task often too demanding for younger readers (and for many adults). This new paperback edition brings ten of Shakespeare's greatest plays to life. E. Nesbit, the classic British children's author, shakes off the burdensome complexity of Shakespeare's language and tells the stories at the core of the plays with a generous sprinkle of wit and humor. Her graceful, vivid retellings, written in highly accessible and lucid prose, are the perfect introduction to Shakespeare's work.All of these major works are included in this anthology: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, and Twelfth Night. The text is illustrated with dramatic black-and-white photographs from contemporary productions of the plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Stratford Festival (Ontario, Canada), and the Folger Library's Shakespeare Theater. Also included is an afterword by Peter Hunt, a leading scholar of children's literature.These retellings of the classic tales of one of the world's greatest playwrights remind us that it is never too early for Shakespeare.

Baba Yaga the Witch and Other Legendary Creatures of Russia

Boutland, Craig New York, NY: Gareth Stevens Publishing LLLP, Jul 15, 2018.

Some young readers may be unfamiliar with the child-stealing witch well known to Russian folklore. After reading this captivating book, they'll know all about Baba Yaga and other legendary creatures of Russia, such as the Brosno Dragon. This high-interest volume features colorful images paired with stimulating text. Eye-catching sidebars are included throughout the book and feature even more information about these interesting stories and creatures. This innovative book is sure to be a hit with curious readers of many ages and abilities.

The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary: The Next Chapter

Kinney, Jeff Cork: Abrams, May 9, 2017.

Presents a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the 2017 feature film adaptation of Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the Long Haul" with photographs, storyboard sketches, and original art.

Mystery of the Dark Tower

Coleman, Evelyn Open Road Media, Jul 8, 2014.

A young girl’s life changes forever when she investigates a mystery with the help of writers, artists, and musicians in 1920s Harlem Bessie Coulter has no idea why her father spirits her and her brother, Eddie, away from their home in Burlington, North Carolina, in the middle of the night, leaving their sick mother behind. But from the moment she steps off the train at Grand Central Station, she’s captivated by this teeming, colorful city that’s both scary and exciting. Although Harlem is a thrilling place, Bessie misses her mother and can’t get used to living with her two aunts. She’s lonely and homesick, especially when her father begins going out with a beautiful, well-dressed woman. Desperate to find out what’s going on, Bessie launches an investigation that takes Eddie and her into a world of artists, jazz musicians, and writers, in search of a strange place called the Dark Tower. With the help of their next-door neighbor Lillian Moore and a Caribbean hoodoo woman named Miss Flo, Bessie is determined to uncover the mystery and get her family back together. This ebook includes a historical afterword.

Shout in the Sunshine

Cohen Ioannides, Mara W Dulles: Jewish Publication Society, Dec 1, 2006.Set in 15th-century Greece, this young adult novel tells the story of an extraordinary friendship between two boys from different cultural backgrounds. On the surface, Miguel, a refugee from post-Inquisition Spain, and David, the son of a wealthy Greek Jewish fabric merchant, have little in common. As they work together in David's family shop, they find they share a special connection that goes beyond the divide of rich and poor, Spanish and Greek. Will an argument over David's sister be more than their friendship can bear? A Shout in the Sunshine sheds light on an often forgotten part of Jewish history - the Greek Jewish experience. Set in tumultuous times for the Greek Jewish community, the book explores what happens when two distinct Jewish communities must learn to live together. In 1492 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella expelled the Jewish community of Spain. Sultan Beyazit II invited these refugees to Thessalonika, a community already home to a diverse Jewish population with deep roots in Greece. The melding of these different Jewish groups created a vibrant Jewish community that was, tragically, almost entirely destroyed during World War II. This book is a testimony to the remarkable nature of this once thriving world.

Ducky's California Diaries: Diary One, Diary Two, and Diary Three

Martin, Ann M Newburyport: Open Road Media, Apr 10, 2018.

Teenager Christopher “Ducky” McCrae deals with feeling isolated in this spin-off from the Newbery Award–winning author’s Baby-sitters Club series. Ducky has great new friends in Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, and Amalia. But as much as he enjoys spending time with the girls, sometimes he misses the connection he had with his former friends Jay and Alex, who’ve recently drifted away. With his parents always traveling and his brother too busy to spend time with him, lately Ducky feels like the loneliest teenager on the West Coast. So when one of his female friends develops a crush on him—no one is more surprised than Ducky . . . The next chapter following Ann M. Martin’s bestselling Baby-sitters Club series, the California Diaries are the first-person journals of Dawn, Sunny, Maggie, Amalia, and Ducky—five teenagers dealing with the ups and downs of growing up. This collection includes the complete set of Ducky’s three California Diaries.

Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! (Lumberjanes #1)

Tamaki, Mariko Cork: Abrams, Oct 10, 2017.

"Based on the Lumberjanes comics created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Noelle Stevenson & Brooke Allen." "Welcome to Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. The five scouts of Roanoke cabin--Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley--love their summers at camp. They get to hang out with their best friends, earn Lumberjane scout badges, annoy their no-nonsense counselor Jen, and go on supernatural adventures. That last one? A pretty normal occurrence at Miss Qiunzella's, where the woods contain endless mysteries. Today is no exception. When challenge-loving April leads the girls on a hike up the TALLEST mountain they've ever seen, things don't go quite as planned. For one, they didn't expect to trespass into the lands of the ancient Cloud People, and did anyone happen to read those ominous signs some unknown person posted at the bottom of the mountain? Also, they meet unicorns"

The Flash: Hocus Pocus

Lyga, Barry Cork: Abrams, Oct 3, 2017.

Inspired by the hit TV series The Flash. In a timeline where Flashpoint never happened, The Flash (aka Barry Allen) must face a mysterious villain who can control the minds and actions of citizens. But when Hocua Pocus, as he call himself, takes control of Barry, it's up to Team Flash to help the Scarlet Speedster before he's forced to do the unthinkable.

The Year They Burned the Books

Garden, Nancy Newburyport: Open Road Media, Sep 5, 2017.

From the author of Annie on My Mind comes an unflinching novel about prejudice, censorship, and homophobia in a New England town. As the editor in chief of the Wilson High Telegraph, senior Jamie Crawford is supposed to weigh in on the cutting-edge issues that will interest students in her school. But when she writes an opinion piece in support of the new health curriculum—which includes safe-sex education and making condoms available to students—she has no idea how much of a controversy she’s stepped into. A conservative school board member has started a war against the new curriculum, and now—thanks to Jamie’s editorial—against the newspaper as well. As Jamie deals with the fallout and comes to terms with her own sexuality, the school and town become a battleground for clashing opinions. Now, Jamie and the students at Wilson need to find another way to express their beliefs before prejudice, homophobia, and violence define their small town.

Backcourt Battle: An Up2U Character Education Adventure

Wallace, Rich US: ABDO Publishing Company, Sep 1, 2017.

After the starting point guard sprains his ankle during a game, Jamere steps in until his rival teammate returns for the championship. But with both boys expecting to start in the final game, their coach asks Jamere to decide who will play. The ending is Up2U.

The Silence

Alpert, Mark Naperville: Sourcebooks, Jul 4, 2017.

Nothing is as it seems... When Adam joined the Pioneer program, he became one of six teens to forfeit their bodies for a new, digital existence. Together, the Six were unstoppable, protecting the world from artificial-intelligence systems that threatened the human race. But they were more than a team—they were family. Until now. Adam has a complex power within his circuitry that defies the very laws of physics. He wasn't programmed to have this power, and he can barely control it or its consequences. Adam's never felt more alone. Amber, the newest Pioneer, knows what it is like to be an outsider. She gets him in a way the others don't. Except Amber's software has been corrupted, and until Adam figures out exactly what she's become, the Pioneers—and the world—are in mortal danger. "Questions of principle, power, and possibility keep this look at our modern, hardwired existence fresh and fascinating." —Booklist, STARRED review of The Six "An exciting action-story chock full of characters you'll love. The Six is full of big ideas, big questions, real science, and things that will make you think and wonder and lie awake late at night." —Michael Grant, author of the Gone series on The Six

Life, Loss, and Lemonade

Friedman, Laurie Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, Jan 1, 2017.

As freshman year winds down, April has a lot to look forward to, including getting her driving permit and spending the summer with her quirky almost-boyfriend, Leo. But she also knows her grandmother, Gaga, doesn't have much time left. On top of that, her closest friend, Sophie, is moving away. April struggles to make sense of everything. Does it matter if you stay positive while losing a loved one to cancer? What do you do when you're caught between friends keeping secrets? How do you know whether an important decision is the right one? Most importantly, what would Gaga say to do when life hands you lemons?

The Witching Hour

Fallenstein, J Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, Jan 1, 2017.

What do you do when you're new to a town where unexplainable things keep happening? Rosie moves to Middleton right after Mackie, a star on the high school football team, has died--and Mackie's death may have been his best friend Omar's fault. Rosie tries to help Omar get over his grief as the whole town blames him for the accident, but Mackie's ghost doesn't seem to be satisfied. What can they do to stop the haunting?

Clones vs. Aliens

Castle, M E Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, Jan 1, 2017.

Fisher, Two, Amanda, and Veronica are happy to spend their holiday break at Fisher's parents' new amusement park. But when aliens crash-land on Fisher's favorite roller coaster, mistaking it for their home planet, it spells the end of R&R for our heroes. Meet the Gemini: not only are all the aliens identical twins, they're also all beautiful girls. The crew decides the best way to encourage the Gemini girls to vacate the stratosphere is to give them a taste of middle school. But Fisher and his crew learn quickly that the Geminis are not to be messed with, not when they might literally explode at any moment. That's right, the Geminis are like puberty times one million. They can seem sweet as pie, but when they turn on you, they're deadly.

Settling the Score

Cobb, Amy Minneapolis, MN: ABDO Publishing Company, Dec 15, 2016.

From the percussion section at the back of room 217, Carmen Trochez keeps the Benton Bluff Junior High band steady. But when a student teacher enters the scene, the band's loyalties are divided. Carmen is usually the glue. Can she keep everything from falling apart? Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Calico is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

The Ghost in the Third Row

Coville, Bruce Open Road Media, Sep 30, 2014.

In the first book of the Nina Tanleven Mysteries, Nina investigates the ghost of a haunted auditorium Standing on the Grand Theater’s storied stage, sixth-grader Nina Tanleven is about to audition for the latest local production. But as she launches into song, she sees a mysterious woman dressed all in white appearing out of nowhere. It isn’t until later, after Nina has won a part in the play, that she learns the truth: Fifty years ago, on the Grand’s famous stage, the beautiful actress Lily Larkin—known for her captivating white costumes—was killed by a falling chandelier. Ever since, rumors have swirled that the ghost of Lily Larkin haunts the Grand. When eerie events start disrupting the play’s rehearsals, Nina knows that Lily is responsible. But what is Lily trying to tell her? Along with her best friend, Chris, Nina decides that the only way she can save the play is to get to the bottom of this decades-old murder mystery. The Ghost in the Third Row is the first book of the Nina Tanleven Mysteries, which continue with The Ghost Wore Gray and The Ghost in the Big Brass Bed. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Bruce Coville including rare images from the author’s collection.

The Royal Summit #5

McGehee, Laura Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Dec 15, 2016.

The American Royalty will do anything to save their treasured position of rule--even if it means traveling across the country and talking to real-life peasants in real-life cheese factories. As the peasant movement to dismantle the Royalty gains steam, will the tenuous bonds of blood be enough to hold together this combustible family and their divided country? The Royal Summit is Book #5 from American Royalty, an EPIC Press series.

San Antonio

Moussavi, Sam Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Dec 15, 2016.

James Baker has earned a starting wide receiver spot at Churchill High in San Antonio. During an early scrimmage, he takes a blow to the head. He doesn't want to lose his starting spot, so he keeps his concussion hidden from everyone in his life. James is determined to keep playing at all costs--but is being on the field ever more important than his health? San Antonio is from Texas Fridays, an EPIC Press series.

Black Canvas

Aros, Dana Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 15, 2016.

In this map-your-destiny book, you make the decisions as Kelly Anne, who has been on various medications for her bipolar disorder since she was fourteen. Now a senior in high school and off your medication, you struggle to express yourself to old friends who fear you or don't believe you; to your dad, whose alcoholism keeps him distant; and to your stepmom, who wants to control you. You must find normalcy again by learning to navigate the roadblocks of your own mind. Black Canvas is from Dark Roads, an EPIC Press series.

Fade to Black

Aros, Dana Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 15, 2016.

In this map-your-destiny book, you make the decisions as Brent, who lives in a trailer park in the crumbling city of Detroit. Your mom is a junkie who puts both you and your brother, Michael, at risk. Your only hope to save your family and yourself is a football scholarship--but your alcoholism threatens this dream. Can you change the fate of yourself and your brother, even if it means leaving your mom behind? Fade to Black is from Dark Roads, an EPIC Press series.

Voyage to Nowhere #1

Weissman, D S Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 15, 2016.

When the world started to freeze over, everyone tried to escape the cold. The kids at the Samuel S. Fornland Boardinghouse had nowhere to go and no one to help them. With the country in ruins and most of the world cast in snow, James and his best friend Abe find hope in an abandoned cruise ship docked in the San Diego harbor. The only things standing in their way are the remaining kids from the boardinghouse and the scavengers that prowl the city. Voyage to Nowhere is Book #1 from Deep Freeze, an EPIC Press series. Some titles may contain explicit content and/or language.

The Arrival #1

O'Neill, Corey Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 15, 2016.

Troubled teen Reed Mackenzie embarks on Ship Out, a three-month rehab program on a boat that sails around the world. When the kids are taken to a mysterious island against their will, things take a sinister turn, and Reed wonders if the strange place is part of the Ship Out program at all. The Arrival is Book #1 from Gladiator Island, an EPIC Press series

Bloodline

Jiménez, Joe; Jimanez, Joe Houston, TX: Arte Público Press, May 30, 2016.

In his junior year, seventeen-year-old Abraham learns how to drive a stick shift. He falls in love for the first time. And he has been in three fights and suspended twice, all before Thanksgiving.His grandmother fears the hard future that awaits him, so she invites her son—the one with a fat police file who has hurt his mother so many times—back into the house, and he is determined to make a man of his nephew. Meanwhile, Abraham’s feelings for his friend Ophelia grow, and she tries to understand why he fights. “This will end badly,” she warns.At school, Abraham learns about genetics, and he wonders if people are born bad. Is it in their DNA? Was he born to punch and kick and scream and fight and destroy things because of the genes in his body? Is that what happened to his father? All he knows is that his father is dead and his mother is gone.

My Mom's a Mortician

Wiles, Patricia New York: Open Road Distribution, Feb 2, 2016.

Winner of the 2004 Middle Grade Fiction Award from the Association for Mormon Letters. It’s bad enough that Kevin’s mother is about to graduate from mortuary college, but when his parents tell him they’re moving to a small town in the Arkansas delta to run the Paramount Funeral Home, Kevin is certain it’s his life that’s over. After all, normal people don’t live in houses with dead bodies downstairs! Once in Armadillo, Arkansas, Kevin tries to adapt to the family business. When he’s targeted by the biggest bully in the seventh grade, Kevin begins to “hear” advice from an unlikely source—Cletus McCulley, an old Mormon fisherman and one of his mother’s dead customers. Cletus’s messages from beyond the grave lead Kevin to uncover not only the bully’s secrets, but the truth about a family tragedy that shattered his parents’ faith and led them away from God. It’s up to Kevin to find the courage to face the bully, and to find a way to help his family heal.

Spirit Level

Harvey, Sarah N Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, Feb 2, 2016.

Harriet (known as Harry) is a donor-conceived child who has never wanted to reach out to her half-siblings or donor, until now. Feeling adrift after a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Harry tracks down her half-siblings, two of whom are in Seattle, where Harriet lives. The first girl she meets is fifteen-year-old Lucy, an effervescent half-Japanese dancer. Then she meets Meredith, a troubled girl who is always accompanied by her best friend, Alex. Harry and Alex are attracted to each other, much to Meredith's chagrin, and when it becomes clear that Meredith is an accomplished liar, Harry makes it her business to figure out what Meredith is up to. In the course of her investigation, she discovers a lot about Meredith, but the biggest shock is not about Meredith, it's about Alex, who was born female. So now Harry must deal with not only her growing attraction to Alex, but also Meredith's hostility. As decisions are made around whether to contact their donor, the three donor sisters negotiate their relationship and Harry tries to figure out what she really wants.

The Powers of the Knife

Senne, Bontle Muizenberg: Cover2Cover Books, Jan 30, 2016.

What if you discovered that you come from an ancient family of Shadow Chasers, with a duty to protect others from an evil Army of Shadows. Nom is an outsider at school. When she and Zithembe become friends, life still seems - well - a little ordinary. But when an army of monsters threatens their world, it's all up to the two of them and the start of a journey into the dreamworld on a quest that will change their lives. Powers of the Knife is the first book in the Shadow Chasers trilogy. It's an African fantasy adventure, one part family saga, one part hero's quest.

Time and the Clock Mice, Etcetera

Dickinson, Peter Newburyport: Open Road Media, Jan 5, 2016.

When the town clock stops, a colony of telepathic mice comes to the rescue Unthinkable! The Branton Town Hall Clock has stopped! The intricately carved turret clock had attracted tourists from all over the world. Every day six small bells would chime at precisely fourteen minutes and twenty seconds past the hour. And out would come a procession of prancing lambs followed by a shepherd playing Pan-pipes and, finally, old Father Time himself. The impressive clock tower is also home to a group of Clock Mice, extraordinary rodents who are twice as bright as rats and just as smart as humans. They speak their own complex language of mind-pictures and elude Juno, the clock tower cat. When the clockmaker’s grandson fails to repair the town’s beloved clock, will the Clock Mice be able to save Time? Filled with unforgettable characters, including the Hickory, Dickory, and Dock mouse families and some eccentric humans, Time and the Clock Mice, Etcetera is a whimsical tale of mice, magic, cats, clocks, science, people, and the nature of time. This ebook features full-color illustrations by Emma Chichester-Clark and an illustrated personal history of Peter Dickinson including rare images from the author’s collection.

The Phantom Catnapper

Fenelon, Susan Luton, Bedfordshire: Andrews UK Ltd, Dec 23, 2015.

Howard is a wealthy cat. Under the terms of his late-owner's will, he inherits her mansion, and estate, on condition that he provides a home for nine needy cats. The rescued cats soon move in and make themselves at home. Unfortunately, they are haunted by a mysterious 'Phantom Cat.' Legend states that when the Phantom Cat is sighted, a tragedy will take place. One-by-one, the cats disappear, kidnapped by the fearsome Phantom Cat of Howard House.

Spot the Swamp Lizard Man

Fields, Jan Minneapolis, MN: ABDO Publishing Company, Aug 15, 2016.

Gabe Brown's brother Ben has his own show on the Internet called Discover Cryptids. Gabe and his friends Tyler and Sean help Ben hunt down these monsters and make sure the show goes on! For this episode the Monster Hunters travel to the sunny southland to search the South Carolina swamps for the Lizard Man. The evidence they gather points to a man in a lizard suit. But what made those three-toed tracks? Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Calico is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

Lily and the Lost Boy

Fox, Paula Newburyport: Open Road Media, Jun 28, 2016.

Newbery Medal winner Paula Fox depicts a fateful summer on the mysterious Greek island of Thasos in this “haunting tale” (TheNew York Times Book Review). Lily Corey and her older brother, Paul, have been summering on the Greek island of Thasos with their parents. For Lily, it’s been fun hanging out with her brother, exploring the island, and studying ancient mythology and archaeology—until they meet Jack Hemmings. When Paul and Jack become friends, Lily feels left out. She thinks Jack is a show-off and a fake. She also knows he’s sad and lonely, yet she still wishes the boys would include her on their wild adventures. Then, one day, Jack shows off too much and something terrible happens . . . Amid the wilds of an exotic Greek island, Lily and the Lost Boy is the “beautifully crafted” (Kirkus Reviews) story of a young girl coming of age and discovering her courage and compassion.

San Francisco Boy

Lenski, Lois Newburyport: Open Road Media, Oct 13, 2015.

A Chinese boy struggles to adapt to life in the big city In Chinatown, the streets are crowded and the air is filled with delicious smells. Felix Fong and his family just moved to San Francisco from a town in the countryside, and they have never seen so many people. Felix’s siblings are thrilled by the constant hustle and bustle, but he misses their old house. He liked having grass to play in and a pond to swim in. The city is overwhelming, and it doesn’t feel like home. But soon Felix begins to have adventures in San Francisco. He makes friends and even gets a job. Before he knows it, he forgets about being homesick and learns to fall in love with the city.

Ship of Fire

Cadnum, Michael Newburyport: Open Road Media, Oct 6, 2015.

A young Englishman embarks on history’s most daring naval assault Thomas Spyre wields his rapier like an expert, but his blade has never drawn blood. A surgeon’s apprentice in Elizabethan London, young Thomas spends his days learning the most modern medical techniques—from amputation to bloodletting—and by night he tries to keep his master from gambling away their earnings at bear fights. When a bad bet leaves their purse emptier than ever before, Thomas fears they are destined for the poorhouse. But a strange stroke of luck is about to whisk them away from England toward one of the greatest adventures of all time. Thomas and his master are called upon by Sir Francis Drake, the legendary swashbuckler, to accompany him on a daring raid of the Spanish port of Cadiz. As a surgeon aboard the ship, Thomas will have to learn the nature of manhood, medicine, battle, and espionage—all while the cannons fire.

Believarexic

Johnson, J J New York: Peachtree Publishers, Oct 6, 2015.

Asking for help is only the first step Jennifer can’t go on like this—binging, purging, starving, all while trying to appear like she’s got it all together. But when she finally confesses her secret to her parents and is hospitalized at the Samuel Tuke Center, her journey is only beginning. As Jennifer progresses through her treatment, she learns to recognize her relationships with food, friends, and family—and how each relationship is healthy or unhealthy. She has to learn to trust herself and her own instincts, but that’s easier than it sounds. She has to believe—after many years of being a believarexic. Using her trademark dark humor and powerful emotion, J. J. Johnson tells an inspiring story that is based on her own experience of being hospitalized for an eating disorder as a teenager. The innovative format—which tells Jennifer’s story through blank verse and prose, with changes in tense and voice, and uses forms, workbooks, and journal entries—mirrors the protagonist’s progress toward a healthy body and mind.

The Defiant

Quint, M San Francisco: McSweeney's, Sep 29, 2015.

An absorbing, breakneck debut YA novel set on the high seas. On a field trip to see famed privateer Francisco Ventana's once-sunken ship, the Defiant, six kids from San Francisco's Greenly School—a last-chance refuge for orphans, troublemakers, and misfits—find themselves stranded at the center of a storm unlike any other. By the time the clouds have cleared, and the strange pink flashes have faded from the sky, the Defiant is out on the open sea, San Francisco ablaze behind it. What follows is an adventure that will change the classmates' lives forever—a journey across a dangerous ocean in search of a new home, with only their instincts and each other to rely on. Can they master the ship? Can they work together, and defend themselves against the unexpected adversaries they encounter on the way? Will they ever find land? You'll have to join their voyage to find out. A remarkable debut in the tradition of Gulliver's Travels and Lord of the Flies, The Defiant creates a world that's all its own—thrilling and wholly original, filled with strange energies and superstitious survivors, and dozens of moments you won't soon forget.

Battle of the Bunks

Mullarkey, Lisa Minneapolis, MN: ABDO Publishing Company, Aug 15, 2016.

Welcome back to Storm Cliff Stables! Ainsley, Cassidy, Khadija, and Ryleigh--the Four Horseketeers--can't wait to start their next summer at horse camp. Ainsley Stevens and the Four Horseketeers are battling it out with the Core Four. But will their pranks go too far? Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Calico is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

The Lost Prince

Myklusch, Matt Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, Aug 1, 2017.

Middle-grade adventure readers will love this fresh take on classic pirate tropes. Dean Seaborne is thrown off his ship by the Pirate King and given one last chance to redeem himself before he meets Davy Jones's locker. He has to spy on the Pirate King's biggest rival, Gentleman Jim Harper, and find the treasure hidden on the mysterious island of Zenhala. Once on Zenhala, Dean realizes the inhabitants of the island think he is the lost prince who went missing 13 years ago. In order to fulfill his mission for the Pirate King, Dean undergoes intense and fantastical trials to prove he is the lost prince. But the longer Dean stays on the island, the more he questions his mission.

Shattered

Skogen, Jennifer Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Sep 1, 2017.

After the tragic loss of her mother, fifteen-year-old Natalie isn't sure how to move on with her life. She and her brother are sent to stay with family friend Joan--and her son, Adam--at a small, remote cabin. Natalie is sure this is going to be the worst spring break ever. Through a twist of fate, Natalie and Adam are left alone at the cabin . . . But when a raging storm hits and a falling tree destroys the cabin, Natalie and Adam must figure out how to survive. Shattered is from Survive, an EPIC Press series.

Emergent Behavior #1

Taylor, Nicole M Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 1, 2015.

A robotics genius, Edmond West has developed a plan to create the world's first Artificial Intelligence truly indistinguishable from a human being. His Bots will eradicate global slavery and allow humanity to channel its darkest impulses safely, harming only these soulless machines. His greatest success, however, may also be his undoing. He's finally created the perfect humanoid robot; perfectly intuitive, perfectly emotive... and perfectly unpredictable. Emergent Behavior is Book #1 from Bots, an EPIC Press series.

Hazardous Motion #2

Taylor, Nicole M Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 1, 2015.

No place is safe for Edmond West and his humanoid robot, Hart. They are on the run, pursued not just by the US military, but also by the giant SennTech Corporation. Meanwhile, the rollout of the Hart Series military robots is hitting a speed bump: the Bots are starting to think for themselves... and they don't think much of the jobs they've been asked to do. Hazardous Motion is Book #2 from Bots, an EPIC Press series.

Uncanny Valley #3

Taylor, Nicole M Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 1, 2015.

SennTech is pleased to announce its latest--and finest--creation: a Hart-style Bot who can see individual DNA signatures. Her first assignment: find Edmond West and stick to him like glue. She's not the only one obsessed with the former-inventor; hostile forces are converging on the little island where Edmond and Hart are hiding and all seems lost. But General Liao isn't the only one with a secret weapon... The Uncanny Valley is Book #3 from Bots, an EPIC Press series.

Degrees of Freedom #4

Taylor, Nicole M Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 1, 2015.

When Shannon Liao sees an internet video of a man doing what seems to be impossible, she finds a rabbit-hole of human-Bot interaction, extreme body modification and, possibly, the solution to all her problems. Degrees of Freedom is Book #4 from Bots, an EPIC Press series.

Control Architecture #6

Taylor, Nicole M Minneapolis, MN: EPIC Press, Aug 1, 2015.

The great Bot recall begins. General Liao demands nothing less than the total obliteration of all humanoid robots. Desperation makes for strange bedfellows as Hart's people reach out to unexpected allies in the corporate world, amongst the humans who protest the very existence of Bots, even in the house of their greatest enemy. They all must work together or face the same fate: annihilation. They will need all the help they can get. Control Architecture is Book #6 from Bots, an EPIC Press series.

Don't Push the Button! Halloween

Cotter, Bill Naperville: Sourcebooks, Aug 7, 2018.

Don't miss this delightfully spooky holiday companion to Don't Push the Button! Everyone knows that trick-or-treating is the best part of Halloween. But that one house looks kind of scary...wait, why are you walking toward the creepy house?! Whatever you do, do NOT ring that doorbell!