"When Leeds meets Layla, he's convinced he'll spend the rest of his life with her--until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla's behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that's just one of many inexplicable occurrences."--

Seven-year-old Layla loves life! So she keeps a happiness book. What is happiness for her? For you? Spirited and observant, Layla’s a child who’s been given room to grow, making happiness both thoughtful and intimate. It’s her dad talking about growing-up in South Carolina; her mom reading poetry; her best friend Juan, the community garden, and so much more. Written by poet Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin, this is a story of flourishing within family and community.

'If you want to invent something nobody has ever thought of before, you need to read the things that others don't read, look in the spaces other people are not in...' Layla believes she was right to stand up for herself against a bully, but it's landed her a suspension - not the way she (or her parents) would have wished to begin her time at her fancy new school! This is just a setback though, and she's determined to prove that she does deserve her scholarship by making new friends and setting her sights on inventing something that could win the big robotics competition. But where to begin? You Must Be Layla introduces Sudanese-born author, broadcaster, social advocate and mechanical engineer Yassmin Abdel-Magied as an exciting new voice in children's writing. "...this warm, humorous account of a larger-than-life Sudanese girl navigating a posh Australian school is an engaging read for 12-plus." - The Guardian

A neglected girl's chaotic coming-of-age becomes a trending new hashtag in a novel about growing up and getting away by an award-winning author. Underprivileged and keenly self-aware, SoCal fourteen-year-old Layla Bailey isn't used to being noticed. Except by mean girls who tweet about her ragged appearance. All she wants to do is indulge in her love of science, protect her vulnerable younger brother, and steer clear of her unstable mother. Then a school competition calls for a biome. Layla chooses her own home, a hostile ecosystem of indoor fungi and secret shame. With a borrowed video camera, she captures it all. The mushrooms growing in her brother's dresser. The black mold blooming up the apartment walls. The unmentionable things living in the dead fridge. All the inevitable exotic toxins that are Layla's life. Then the video goes viral. When Child Protective Services comes to call, Layla loses her family and her home. Defiant, she must face her bullies and friends alike, on her own. Unafraid at last of being seen, Layla accepts the mortifying reality of visibility. Now she has to figure out how to stay whole and stand behind the truth she has shown the world.

Meet rock star Layla and her team of Bots! Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Layla and the Bots are in an awesome rock band! They also use problem-solving and creativity to build cool inventions. When a local amusement park is in danger of shutting down, Layla knows just how to bring in the crowds... build an amusement park for DOGS! But will cool doggie rides like the Rub-a-Dub Mud Slide and the Tummy Rubbing Machine be enough to keep the park open? With full-color artwork on every page and speech bubbles throughout, this early chapter book series brings kid-friendly STEAM topics to young readers!

"Layla's Gift" is a heartwarming children's book that celebrates the beauty of diversity, friendship, and cultural understanding. Written by Alina Syed, this enchanting story follows Layla, a young girl who embarks on her first Ramadan fasting experience. As Layla's friends, Luke and Kate, discover her fasting journey, they become curious about her culture and join her in exploring the wonders of Ramadan. Through Layla's eyes, readers learn about the significance of Ramadan, the practices observed during the holy month, and the values of gratitude, prayer, and charity. Layla's determination to observe her fast despite challenges and her eagerness to share her culture with her friends create an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance. As the story unfolds, Layla's friends experience the magic of the neighborhood mosque, where they witness the joyous breaking of the fast (iftar) and immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural traditions surrounding Ramadan. The book beautifully captures the essence of the mosque, with its golden dome, dazzling silver moon and star sign, and the warmth of community gatherings. "Layla's Gift" encourages children to embrace and appreciate different cultures, fostering empathy and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of friendship, kindness, and respect for others' beliefs and traditions. With its engaging narrative, relatable characters, and vivid illustrations, this book inspires young readers to celebrate diversity and recognize the value of their own cultural heritage. Ideal for children aged 5 to 10, "Layla's Gift" is a delightful addition to any bookstore or library collection. It promotes cultural literacy, opens doors to dialogue, and encourages young minds to embrace the rich tapestry of our global society.

Lefty is a black hitman working for the Chicago mob. Tasked with eliminating a mark, he kills the man and his wife, only to learn they have an infant daughter. Realizing the child is now alone in the world, Lefty takes her in and decides to raise her as his own. Years later, Lefty embarks on a trip across the country to pick up a freelance contract: a once-in-a-lifetime hit with a two million dollar paycheck. Together with two-ex-colleagues and his daughter, they head to Detroit to take on a sadistic mob boss's son. When the stakes get high, can Lefty figure out who to trust - and keep his daughter safe? This book contains graphic violence and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.