A Not So Typical Eighth Graders Story follows 13-year-old Austin Keller, a writer with Cerebral Palsy, who uses a wheelchair to get from place to place due to the obstacles he faces due to his condition. In addition to having Cerebral Palsy, his parents divorced because of his father's PTSD and alcoholism, which led to him being labeled an outcast at Plantation Middle School. A MacBook Pro gives him a sense of belonging for his 13th birthday and he is encouraged to join the school creative writing club, changing his life forever In this inspiring story, Austin Keller, an eighth-grader with cerebral palsy, shares his story that differs greatly from that of most eighth-graders. Austin uses a wheelchair to get around since he has cerebral palsy. Writing became his passion due to his disability Austin has been able to use writing as an outlet for his feelings and as a way to express himself. Through writing he has been able to share his experiences with others, something he wouldn't have been able to do without his disability. Writing has given Austin the opportunity to connect with and inspire people all over the world. He has been able to develop his own unique voice and style, and share his story with people who may not have been in a position to understand it in any other way. Through writing, he was able to express himself and gain self-confidence despite living with a disability. He used writing to express his thoughts and feelings about his experiences and to inspire others. In order to cope with living in a world where he is not understood, he entered the Youth Writers Competition. By entering the competition, he was able to share his story with others and have it validated, which helped boost his self-esteem. Participating in the competition also allowed him to connect with other people who have similar experiences and to find support and community.

Before he found his passion for writing, he was just an 11-year-old boy with buck teeth, trying to find his way born with Cerebral Palsy. Austin Keller loves science, and someday he hopes to discover the cure for Cerebral Palsy, but as he enters middle school and deals with the everyday struggles of being a preteen with Cerebral Palsy, he soon finds himself in a pickle as he discovers he has a new passion that has always been there. He discovers he loves to write, and he finds his passion in writing stories and poetry. He starts to write every day and soon discovers that writing helps him to cope with his disability and the struggles he faces. Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize winner, wrote: “Writing is really a way of thinking--not just feeling but thinking about things that are disparate, unresolved, mysterious, problematic or just sweet.”

In A Not so typical 7th grader's story Austin Keller is now going into the seventh grade, still confused about whether he should be a writer and dealing with the fact that his parents may get divorced by the end of the year, he is at a crossroads in his life. After visiting the Ernest Hemingway museum with his grandfather Juancho, he is certain he should be a writer despite all of his challenges and obstacles with CP. According to Robert Penn Warren, “Real writers are those who want to write, need to write, have to write.”

Heroes are hard to find, especially for Sean, who, at fifteen years old, has never had it easy. He's estranged from his father and abused by his mother—Sean feels he has nowhere to turn. Suspended from school and with a mounting police record, he is one step away from serious trouble. Sentenced to community service for violating curfew, Sean is sent to Mr. Hassler's farm, where he's forced to confront his fears and take charge of his own life. When Sean is faced with a dangerous situation that tests his true character, he learns just what it means to be a hero. In an age where it seems that few truly worthy heroes exist, S. L. Rottman has written a compelling and realistic portrayal of the conflicts that drive a young man toward his destiny.

A highly illustrated middle-grade series that celebrates new friendships, first crushes, and getting out of your comfort zone—now in paperback Ever since they can remember, fifth graders Kenzie (aka Kenzilla) and Shelly (aka Bomb Shell) have dreamed of becoming roller derby superstars. When Austin’s city league introduces a brand-new junior league, the dynamic duo celebrates! But they’ll need to try out as a five-person team. Kenzie and Shelly have just one week to convince three other girls that roller derby is the coolest thing on wheels. But Kenzie starts to have second thoughts when Shelly starts acting like everyone’s best friend . . . Isn’t she supposed to be Kenzie’s best friend? And things get really awkward when Shelly recruits Kenzie’s neighbor (and secret crush!) for the team. With lots of humor and an authentic middle-grade voice, book one of this illustrated series follows Kenzie, Shelly, and the rest of the Derby Daredevils as they learn how to fall—and get back up again.

Includes "War supplements," Jan-Nov. 1918; "Supplements," Dec. 1918-Nov. 1919. These were also issued as reprints.