"A hero needs a heart so he can do extraordinary things. Remember, Henley, every good story needs a hero...and a hero needs a heart." Nine-year-old Henley Banks dreams of being a hero, but it's not until he receives a mysterious book from his grandpa that his hero's heart is awakened. As Henley dives into the Living Tale, he discovers a world beyond anything he ever imagined--full of amazing lands, an unexpected gardener, powerful glones, and an evil that lurks behind Henley's every step. Jump into the first book of The Living Tale Series with young Henley Banks in Henley and the Book of Heroes, as author Jane H. Smith, M.D. leads readers of all ages on a supernatural adventure into a battle for Henley's heart. In the midst of this battle, Henley's beloved grandpa is rushed to the hospital, and it seems that only Henley can save him. Not only that, but the Banks family is also struggling to hold together until their father returns from war. There are creatures that seek to overpower the boy before this can happen. Will Henley ignite his hero's heart in time?"

"'A hero needs a heart so he can do extraordinary things. Remember, Henley, every good story needs a hero...and a hero needs a heart.' " Nine-year-old Henley Banks dreams of being a hero, but it's not until he receives a mysterious book from his grandpa that his hero's heart is awakened. As Henley dives-literally-into the Living Tale, he discovers a world beyond anything he ever imagined-full of amazing lands, an unexpected gardener, powerful glones, and an evil that lurks behind Henley's every step. Jump into the first book of The Living Tale Series with young Henley Banks in Henley and the Book of Heroes, as new author Jane H. Smith leads readers of all ages on a supernatural adventure into a battle for Henley's heart. In the midst of this battle, Henley's beloved grandpa is rushed to the hospital, and it seems that only Henley can save him. Not only that, but the Banks family is also struggling to hold together until their father returns from war. There are creatures that seek to overpower the boy before this can happen. How will Henley ignite his hero's heart in time?

A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book for Teens "Raw and unflinching . . . A must-read!" --Marieke Nijkamp, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of This Is Where It Ends "[It] cuts to the heart of our bogus ideas of beauty." –Scott Westerfeld, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Uglies I am ugly. There's a mathematical equation to prove it. At only eight months old, identical twin sisters Ariel and Zan were diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome -- a rare condition where the bones in the head fuse prematurely. They were the first twins known to survive it. Growing up, Ariel and her sister endured numerous appearance-altering procedures. Surgeons would break the bones in their heads and faces to make room for their growing organs. While the physical aspect of their condition was painful, it was nothing compared to the emotional toll of navigating life with a facial disfigurement. Ariel explores beauty and identity in her young-adult memoir about resilience, sisterhood, and the strength it takes to put your life, and yourself, back together time and time again.

The 1st ed. includes an index to v. 28-36 of St. Nicholas.