ÿHow far will Bix go to be popular? A delightful and humorous diary account from "Bix," a plain Jane from a struggling family trying to outdo and steal the third-grade classroom stage from Valerie, whose mother is a famous author. Miss Popular may be a wheelchair-user, but she knows how to charm the classroom, and her pink bejeweled wheelchair rules. In a pique of frustration, Bix resorts to lies to steal the limelight from Miss Popular. She also announces that she will be having a puppy shower, and everyone except Miss Popular is invited. Can Bix pull it off? Readers will:Learn the importance of honestyDiscover that being loved and being popular are not the same thingFind out how even a small act of kindness pays big dividendsLearn how to rise above circumstances to be a better person "Jewel Kats does it again! She has the ability to shine a light on disabilities with characters that empower and inspire! And she does it in way that entertains thoroughly! Her optimism and sense of fun explode on every page!" --Dan Parent,ÿArchie Comics "Miss Popularÿis a testament to young girls everywhere: guiding them through the issues of popularity, honesty and the fun of life! Jewel Kats has created a character that I would have loved to be my friend when I was a third-grader! Spectacular in every way!" --Robin Marvel, author ofÿAwakening Consciousness: A Girl?s Guide! Learn more atÿwww.JewelKats.com from Marvelous Spirit Press www.MarvelousSpirit.com Juvenile Fiction : Social Issues - Special Needs

ÿHansel & Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twistÿis an enchanting tale about how kindness overcomes callousness and leads to a wondrous reward. This adaptation of the classic Grimms' tale includes the wicked witch and the poor siblings in search of food, but in this case, five-year-old Hansel is a mischievous, yet courageous, boy with Down syndrome. Young readers will learn that: Children with Down syndrome are capable and can achieve extraordinary success with determination.An act of kindness can transform people and the world.Treating people like family can create a miracle.People cannot be judged by appearance; a princess or a hero can be hidden within.Facing a challenge can lead to unimagined rewards. "I love that this book addresses not only the low expectations that society has of kids with Down syndrome but that the Mother has as well. What a gifted author to see past the diagnosis and tell a magical story of potential and belief!" --Nancy Gianni, Founder & Gigi's Mom,ÿGiGi's Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers "I find that Jewel Kat's message that someone?s disability is not what makes a person, a great one. I like how she portrayed Hansel. He reminded me of my nephew who had Down syndrome?not only someone who was kind but also very smart. I believe it?s a great book for every kid to read." --Janet McNevin, Museum of disABILITY History "Hansel shines as a courageous boy with incredible determination despite his challenges and succeeds in changing his family's circumstances. This story would help young readers look beyond disabilities and focus on the characters of those who have special needs. Claudia's breathtaking illustrations take this beloved tale to a whole new level. A must read for children of all ages." ??Shaila Abdullah, author,ÿMy Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy Book #5 in the Fairy Ability Tales Series Juvenile Fiction: Social Issues - Special Needs

Get in on the Christmas cheer with Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic starring the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who—guaranteed to grow your heart three sizes! Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot...but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT! Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. From the Grinch and his dog, Max, to Cindy-Lou and all the residents of Who-ville, this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will warm even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is perfect for readers young and old.

From a leading cultural journalist, the definitive cultural history of female showrunners—including exclusive interviews with such influential figures as Shonda Rhimes, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Mindy Kaling, Amy Schumer, and many more. “An urgent and entertaining history of the transformative powers of women in TV” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). In recent years, women have radically transformed the television industry both behind and in front of the camera. From Murphy Brown to 30 Rock and beyond, these shows and the extraordinary women behind them have shaken up the entertainment landscape, making it look as if equal opportunities abound. But it took decades of determination in the face of outright exclusion to reach this new era. In this “sharp, funny, and gorgeously researched” (Emily Nussbaum, The New Yorker) book, veteran journalist Joy Press tells the story of the maverick women who broke through the barricades and the iconic shows that redefined the television landscape starting with Diane English and Roseanne Barr—and even incited controversy that reached as far as the White House. Drawing on a wealth of original interviews with the key players like Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls), Jenji Kohan (Orange is the New Black), and Jill Soloway (Transparent) who created storylines and characters that changed how women are seen and how they see themselves, this is the exhilarating behind-the-scenes story of a cultural revolution.

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Based on extensive research on the features that make children's books appealing and appropriate, this valuable teacher resource offers guidance on selecting books, strategies for specific grade levels, suggestions for extension, and tips for assessment. This teacher-friendly book is organized around the major genres — traditional literature, picture books, nonfiction, poetry, and multicultural texts — that will inspire young readers. Throughout the book, teachers will find suggestions for using literature to implement shared reading, reading aloud, and response strategies with emergent, developing, and independent readers. This comprehensive book is rooted in the belief that educators must consider and offer a wide range of choice to ensure that students read "good" books. It argues that the choices children make about what they read should be governed by their interests and desire to learn; not by a grade or reading level.