Ten-year-old Liam and his two younger sisters, precocious third-grader Dakota and second-grader Izzy, who has Down syndrome, face the possibility of losing their beloved dog, Cupcake, who keeps urinating on their apartment's carpet in this funny, fast-paced, and heartfelt story from the Newbery Honor-winning author of the Al Capone series. Illustrations.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is an activity the entire family will enjoy. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.

Kids will relate to Elizabeth's fervent wish to be called by her proper name.

A teenager struggles through physical loss to the start of acceptance in an absorbing, artful novel at once honest and insightful, wrenching and redemptive. (Age 12 and up) On a sunny day in June, at the beach with her mom and brother, fifteen-year-old Jane Arrowood went for a swim. And then everything -- absolutely everything -- changed. Now she’s counting down the days until she returns to school with her fake arm, where she knows kids will whisper, "That’s her -- that’s Shark Girl," as she passes. In the meantime there are only questions: Why did this happen? Why her? What about her art? What about her life? In this striking first novel, Kelly Bingham uses poems, letters, telephone conversations, and newspaper clippings to look unflinchingly at what it’s like to lose part of yourself - and to summon the courage it takes to find yourself again.

The 'American Civil War Collection' stands as a monumental anthology that explores the myriad facets of one of America's most defining historical moments through a mosaic of literary expressions. This collection brings together an array of genres - including historical fiction, personal correspondence, and firsthand accounts - to offer a comprehensive narrative that is as diverse in style as it is in perspective. Within its pages, readers will find works that range from the raw realism of battlefield reports to the nuanced storytelling of personal loss and societal division, capturing the essence of an era marked by profound change. The inclusion of standout pieces by noted authors underscores the anthology's significance in both literary and historical contexts, providing a unique lens through which the Civil War era is viewed and understood. The contributing authors, hailing from varied backgrounds, bring a rich tapestry of experiences and viewpoints to the anthology. Their collective works reflect not only the historical and cultural movements of the era but also the personal and communal narratives that define it. The interdisciplinary nature of the contributors, including novelists like Jules Verne and Mark Twain and historians such as James Ford Rhodes, showcases a confluence of literary brilliance and historical scholarship. Through their writings, the anthology aligns with key literary and cultural movements of the time, offering insights into the complexities of the human condition amidst tumultuous societal change. Their diverse voices join to evoke a deeper understanding of the American Civil War's impact on individual and collective memory, highlighting the interplay between history and narrative. Recommending the 'American Civil War Collection' to readers is an invitation to traverse a historical landscape rich with conflict, heroism, tragedy, and transformation. This anthology is not just a mere compilation of texts but a gateway to experiencing the multitude of human stories forged in the crucible of the Civil War. It is an essential volume for anyone seeking to comprehend the vastness of the war's influence on American literature and culture, offering an unparalleled educational journey. Through its pages, readers are encouraged to engage with the past, fostering a dialogue that bridges historical knowledge with contemporary understanding.

A photographic look into the world of vinyl record collectors—including Questlove—in the most intimate of environments—their record rooms. Compelling photographic essays from photographer Eilon Paz are paired with in-depth and insightful interviews to illustrate what motivates these collectors to keep digging for more records. The reader gets an up close and personal look at a variety of well-known vinyl champions, including Gilles Peterson and King Britt, as well as a glimpse into the collections of known and unknown DJs, producers, record dealers, and everyday enthusiasts. Driven by his love for vinyl records, Paz takes us on a five-year journey unearthing the very soul of the vinyl community.