Courtney Caterpillar is going to make some cookies—with his little cousin Candy. But things do not seem to turn out well. Candy seems to be spoiling all the fun! Does this spell the end of Courtney’s cookie fun?

This "provocative and personally searching"memoir follows one mother's story of enrolling her daughter in a local public school (San Francisco Chronicle), and the surprising, necessary lessons she learned with her neighbors. From the time Courtney E. Martin strapped her daughter, Maya, to her chest for long walks, she was curious about Emerson Elementary, a public school down the street from her Oakland home. She learned that White families in their gentrifying neighborhood largely avoided the majority-Black, poorly-rated school. As she began asking why, a journey of a thousand moral miles began. Learning in Public is the story, not just Courtney’s journey, but a whole country’s. Many of us are newly awakened to the continuing racial injustice all around us, but unsure of how to go beyond hashtags and yard signs to be a part of transforming the country. Courtney discovers that her public school, the foundation of our fragile democracy, is a powerful place to dig deeper. Courtney E. Martin examines her own fears, assumptions, and conversations with other moms and dads as they navigate school choice. A vivid portrait of integration’s virtues and complexities, and yes, the palpable joy of trying to live differently in a country re-making itself. Learning in Public might also set your family’s life on a different course forever.

From the founder of the eponymous party-planning website, a guide to creating exceptional celebrations that will inspire any host. Tablescapes, tips, DIY party crafts, beautiful color photos, and more than 50 never-before-seen recipes, in an easy-to-follow format. Beginner hosts will find tons of tips and how-tos, as they’re walked through practical steps to creating fabulous parties on a realistic budget. The seasoned host will discover unique details and new recipes to enhance their tablescapes all year long. Follow one party to a tee, or mix-and-match elements to create a unique affair all your own. Courtney Dial Whitmore provides instructions for more than a dozen occasions (from simple backyard gatherings to special celebrations), each complemented with full tablescape details; decor tips; and recipes for each party covering appetizers, desserts, and drinks. Ring in the new year with a glitzy New Year's Day Brunch; savor a bit of Parisian culture with a Crêpe Cake and Sparkling Raspberry Cocktails; enjoy Spinach Tea Sandwiches and Lavender Fizz Cocktails at a Jane Austen–inspired Book Club Gathering; celebrate your favorite guy with Bacon and Pecan S'mores and Sriracha and Bourbon Wings; and don your best black-and-white apparel to enjoy Red Velvet Brownie Truffle Cakes and White Chocolate Martinis at a Black and White Masquerade Party. These are just a few of the ideas you'll find in Pizzazzerie: Entertain in Style. “Courtney covers every detail, and breaks them down to make entertaining easy. With so many creative ideas, you’ll want to start celebrating half birthdays, too!” —Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, editor-at-large, Southern Living “Festive, bright, and cheerful…full of ideas and passionate about the details.” —Tara Guerard, owner/creative director, Soiree

Lauren Richmond isn't a fan of Christmas.Which is why she rarely makes the trip home to the Midwest for the holidays. After all, she has plenty to keep her busy-namely, her duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom.But this December, Lauren's brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will.Unfortunately for Lauren, she's been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years.Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she's stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois.She's circumspect and organized. He's flirty and spontaneous. She's convinced that people don't change. He's trying to prove to her (and himself) that he has.On this cross-country road trip, they'll both discover that history doesn't exactly repeat itself. . . but like any good Christmas carol, it does have a second verse.

Courtney's suited up for an epic adventure — just like Crystal Starshooter, the video game hero she invented. Crystal is brave and bold and doesn't back down. Courtney tries to be the same in real life. When Courtney meets Isaac Wells at the arcade, they form an epic friendship. Isaac has awesome ideas to add to Crystal Starshooter's game world, and he gets along great with Sarah and Kip, Courtney's two best friends. When Isaac needs help fighting a real battle called HIV, Courtney is quick to support him. But doing so puts her friendship with Sarah at risk. Being brave and bold is complicated. What would a superhero do?

Offers more than three hundred of the author's favorite recipes, including split-level pudding, gingered carrot cookies, and fold-over pear torte, and provides baking tips and a glossary.

Joy the Baker Cookbook includes everything from "Man Bait" Apple Crisp to Single Lady Pancakes to Peanut Butter Birthday Cake. Joy's philosophy is that everyone loves dessert; most people are just looking for an excuse to eat cake for breakfast.