Michelle Ann Abate examines a variety of texts that offer information, ideology, and even instructions on how to raise kids right, not just figuratively, but politically. Highlighting the works of William Bennett, Lynne Cheney, Bill O'Reilly, and others, she brings together such diverse fields as cultural studies, literary criticism, political science, childhood studies, brand marketing, and the cult of celebrity. --from publisher description.

The simplicity of children's picture books--stories told with illustrations and a few well chosen words or none at all--makes them powerful tools for teaching morals and personal integrity. Children follow the story and see the characters' behaviors on the page and interpret them in the context of their own lives. But unlike many picture books, most children's lives don't feature monsters. This collection of new essays explores the societally sanctioned behaviors imparted to children through the use of monsters and supernatural characters. Topics include monsters as instructors, the normalization of strangers or the "other," fostering gender norms, and therapeutic monsters, among others.

This hilarious second book in the "Help! Mom!" series reunites gifted storyteller Katharine DeBrecht with award-winning illustrator Jim Hummel for another small lesson in conservatism.

For fans of The Princess Diaries and Famous in Love, an engrossing look behind the velvet ropes of stardom from a former Teen People Senior Editor who has seen it all. What if your picture was taped inside teenage boys' lockers across America, your closets were bursting with never-worn designer clothing, and the tabloids constantly asked whether you were losing your "good girl" status? It's a glamorous life, but 16-year-old Kaitlin Burke, co-star of one of the hottest shows on TV, is exhausted from the pressures of her fame. So she decides to spend two months undercover as an ordinary high school student. But could it be that real life high school is just as harsh as cutthroat Hollywood?? Don't miss the first book in the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series from Jen Calonita, author of the Fairy Tale Reform School series.

The right song can touch your soul… Becoming a songwriter was never on Sydney Campbell’s radar. No; she chose a music major to one day inspire children as an educator. But all that changed when she met him… Paired together on an important assignment, Austin Mitchell—the country star wannabe—quickly becomes the bane of her existence. Majoring in partying, his carefree attitude causes the duo to clash at every turn. Despite the tension, they make beautiful music together, creating a song powerful enough to change the trajectory of their lives… Forced together, the two battle to cope with their budding attraction as they struggle to navigate the pitfalls of the Los Angeles music industry. Working as a team allows them to grow closer, however, outside forces keep them from fully committing to the partnership. And Austin’s carousing, along with his revolving door of one-night stands, doesn’t help Sydney trust his dedication. The opportunity of a lifetime hangs in the balance. Will they finally sync to become stars? Or will Austin’s actions make them just a one-hit wonder? Hollywood Hot Shots is the first installment in the What We Can’t Have Trilogy. This story is a spicy, contemporary, opposites-attract novel featuring a curvy heroine and tortured hero that you can’t help but fall for. If you like compelling characters, light drama, and spicy scenes, then you’ll adore Selina Violet’s coming-of-age adventure.