A young boy who is "cool" on the outside has some inner fears that he expresses to his grandmother.

The current social media, movies, TV, etc., that we are living through has shown us that our society craves to be cool. Whether by the clothes we wear, attitude expressed, music we listen to, or people we follow, being labeled "cool" has always been a sort of badge of honor; however, very few understand that being "cool" comes with responsibilities. My hope is to provide a more inclusive and less hateful future, which I feel can only be achieved with the help of our children, who are our future. This character, "the cool kid," is based on my life, which I say with the utmost of humility and is maybe a reason why it has taken me so long to embark on this journey. As a young person (which my same mindset has continued through my adult life), I was always able to work and deal with matters that at times were above my head and fraught with deep in meaning; however, doing the right thing or doing the "cool" thing always allowed me to humbly resolve the respective matter. I can remember, on so many occasions, how my peers where picked-on, bullied, left out of playtime, shunned, etc., and how I was always the bridge between the so-called "cool kids" and the "not cool kids". My position of being a bridge then, which continues now, provided me with the insight into how I can help "bridge" relationships between children by having "the cool kid" tell them that "it's cool" to let others play; or to tell them that it's "not cool" to pick on someone; or allow them to realize that it's actually "not cool" to slander, hate, or (what we see so often) exclude another child for whatever reason. As a parent, I have relied on teachers, clergy, family, and friends to help me, as well as other parents, to guide our children; however, once again, this method always made me realize that it is an adult telling children on how they are to conduct themselves for a better life for them and our society. That is why "the cool kid" will be a perfect medium to propagate my message. Think about it:, how many kids fall prey to negative peer pressures? But this time, "the cool kid" does the opposite of that negative peer pressure.

An ode to the girl with scrapes on her knees and flowers in her hair, and every girl in between, this exquisite treasury will appeal to readers of Dear Girl and I Am Enough and have kids poring over it to find a poem that's just for them. I am a canvas Being painted on By the words of my family Friends And community From Vanessa Brantley-Newton, the author of Grandma's Purse, comes a collection of poetry filled with engaging mini-stories about girls of all kinds: girls who feel happy, sad, scared, powerful; girls who love their bodies and girls who don't; country girls, city girls; girls who love their mother and girls who wish they had a father. With bright portraits in Vanessa's signature style of vibrant colors and unique patterns and fabrics, this book invites readers to find themselves and each other within its pages. "A dynamic, uplifting, and welcoming world of girls."--Kirkus "Thoughtful, inclusive, and celebratory"--Publishers Weekly "Bursting with positivity, this would be a great book to use in primary school classrooms when discussing issues of friendship, diversity, and self-esteem."--Booklist

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what Here's a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.

An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. A perfect gift for any special occasion! I am a nonstop ball of energy. Powerful and full of light. I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader. The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

Plus-sized sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin never thought she had the figure to compete in a beauty pageant, but this vacation is about to change everything. Maisie has spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone: her gorgeous best friend, her pageant-winning sister, and definitely her longtime crush. Never one to jump in the water, Maisie is planning on taking it easy while her friends chill at the beach. But then her BFF starts flirting with the boy she's always loved, her older sister comes home and steals the spotlight, and Maisie has found herself pushed aside like usual. Except now, she's had enough. After forging new friendships, Maisie takes the deep dive and enters the local Miss Teen Queen. Now, with all eyes on her, can Maisie prove she has a place in the spotlight? This contemporary young adult novel is as relatable as it is charming and Maisie's realistic journey towards confidence and self-love will draw readers in as she learns how to celebrate all of herself.

A Hero Like You looks at everyday heroes and highlights qualities such as loyalty, compassion, resourcefulness, justice, and courage. The lyrical rhyme and relatable illustrations remind us that we all have the opportunity to be a hero by helping others, doing right and making the world a better place. "What the world needs is a hero like you!"