DARNELL ROCK IS not the kind of kid who volunteers to write for the newspaper—it sounds too much like homework. But this is Darnell’s last chance to pull himself together and make a positive contribution to his school. At first, Darnell would rather be hanging out with his sister and his friends. But soon he gets interested in the Oakdale Gazette. Much to his surprise, Darnell discovers that people pay attention to the words he writes. Before he knows it, Darnell changes from a kid who can’t do anything right to a person who can make a difference.

An ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults New Bonus Content: -Q&A with Walter Dean Myers -Q&A with screenwriter John Ballard -Teaser chapter from On a Clear Day -Excerpt from 145th Street All eyes are on seventeen-year-old Lonnie Jackson while he practices with his team for a city-wide basketball Tournament of Champions. His coach, Cal, knows Lonnie has what it takes to be a pro basketball player, but warns him about giving in to the pressure. Cal knows because he, too, once had the chance—but sold out. As the tournament nears, Lonnie learns that some heavy bettors want Cal to keep him on the bench so that the team will lose the championship. As the last seconds of the game tick away, Lonnie and Cal must make a decision. Are they willing to blow the chance of a lifetime?

Although Savannah has been warned by her family to stay away from any members of the Clann, and Tristan has been forbidden to speak to Savannah, they both feel an irresistible mutual attraction to each other.

This Halloween season discover a new action-comedy series about two kids battling an army of evil teddy bears! What a nightmare! Can they save the day before bedtime? After Lisa-Marie and her big brother, Vernon, visit a Create-A-Ted store, the unexpected happens. Their teddy bears come to life! But it turns out they aren't the only ones. All kinds of teddy bears--zombies, ghosts, aliens and more--are suddenly alive and creating mayhem . . . and soon there is an army of evil teddy bears on the loose! Can Lisa-Marie and her big brother Vernon save themselves--and the world? The Living Ted series appeals to readers of all ages with quick chapters, laugh-out-loud action scenes, and lively illustrations throughout.

A classic memoir that's gripping, funny, and ultimately unforgettable from the bestselling former National Ambassador of Books for Young People. A strong choice for summer reading—an engaging and powerful autobiographical exploration of growing up a so-called "bad boy" in Harlem in the 1940s. As a boy, Myers was quick-tempered and physically strong, always ready for a fight. He also read voraciously—he would check out books from the library and carry them home, hidden in brown paper bags in order to avoid other boys' teasing. He aspired to be a writer (and he eventually succeeded). But as his hope for a successful future diminished, the values he had been taught at home, in school, and in his community seemed worthless, and he turned to the streets and to his books for comfort. Don’t miss this memoir by New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers, one of the most important voices of our time.

A biography of the author of numerous books for young people, describing her childhood bout with polio, how she became a writer, family relationships, and the importance of writing in her life.

50 healthful, fun recipes for parents and children ages 2 to 5 from “celebrity chefs” Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, and the beloved Sesame Street gang. Sesame Street has been entertaining and educating young children and their parents for 45 years with its irresistible, brightly colored “monsters.” In recent years, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and the rest of the bunch have appeared with chefs and on TV to teach kids about healthy eating. Studies have even shown that Elmo helps kids like broccoli. In April 2014, Michelle Obama announced a national “Eat Brighter” campaign that features Sesame Street characters on food labels. Sesame Street Let's Cook! furthers this new effort in cookbook form. It features a visual “ABCs of Healthy Foods,” plus 50 simple, healthful recipes for breakfasts, main meals, and snacks. There’s a color photo for every recipe, Kids! steps, nutrition tips, and clever sidebars that teach young children ages 2 to 5 skills such as counting, matching, learning the alphabet, and more. This is a fun, practical book to help parents and their kids make simple meals, enjoy time together in the kitchen, and learn about healthy eating.