Parachute Minds: Light Switch By: Jeremiah Sanchez On Traveler’s home world of Whewliss, Gideon, Dumakleiza, and Timrekka are prepared to go where all others have failed—where the most advanced planet fears—where their destiny calls to them from across the stars. Harnessing elastic light, they will embark for humanity's hallowed horizon: the fourth phase. But as they venture off into the unknown, a new peril will force them to question if light will be enough, or if to find salvation, they must turn to the dark. In an age where we look beyond our planet and see not mystical heavens out of reach, but a universe within our explorative grasp, the big questions grow louder. Are we alone? And more unsettling, what exists in the farthest reaches of the darkness? For more information on the series and author, visit his website: miahsanchez.com/books

Parachute Minds: Leap of Faith By: Jeremiah Sanchez Traveler explains it was during his people's third phase that they discovered elastic light. By harnessing light’s elasticity, they were able to explore the universe, healing with each jump. It wasn’t long before they discovered they are not alone. Other habitable worlds exist throughout the cosmos, populated by uniquely evolved Homo sapiens. Their observers confirmed each planet’s humanity goes through the same three phases. Phase one: traveling and mapping one’s world. Phase two: manipulation of tools, agriculture, industry, electricity, and technology. Phase three: exploring beyond one’s planet into the stars. But they traveled too far. They discovered something humanity was never meant to in the farthest reaches of space: The fourth phase. The mysteries held within its unknown are so terrifying that Traveler's people refuse to explore it themselves. He explains that’s why he's come to Earth: to recruit brave souls willing to go where his people dare not. Gideon, a death-seeking adrenaline junky with a disturbing secret, seems the perfect candidate for Traveler’s invitation. He accepts, leaving Earth behind with a wink and a smile, but Traveler worries the gamble may prove to be too much. Gideon’s recklessness could either be the key to unlocking the fourth phase, or the mistake that unleashes humanity’s extinction across the stars.

A multidisciplinary activity book from four core academic areas—math, science, language arts, and social studiesUnlike the many activity books devoted solely to one type of activity—science experiments, art activities, math games, brain teasers, and the like—Curious Minds takes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating science, social studies, math, language arts, world languages, and more in 40 hands-on activities that promote kids' critical thinking and engaged interest in the world they live in. Designed for teachers, parents, or homeschoolers searching for new ways to motivate students aged 9–12, this illustrated resource provides a short mini-lesson for each activity, giving educational background information, related lingo, a materials list, step-by-step directions, and guidance for extending the activity. The wide range of activities—from exploring the physics of parachute flight to making homemade ink to testing how pollutants affect plants—ensures every learner's interest will be piqued.

Speak enters the world of Gossip Girl in this modern immigrant story from New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang about two girls navigating wealth, power, friendship, and trauma. They’re called parachutes: teenagers dropped off to live in private homes and study in the United States while their wealthy parents remain in Asia. Claire Wang never thought she’d be one of them, until her parents pluck her from her privileged life in Shanghai and enroll her at a high school in California. Suddenly she finds herself living in a stranger’s house, with no one to tell her what to do for the first time in her life. She soon embraces her newfound freedom, especially when the hottest and most eligible parachute, Jay, asks her out. Dani De La Cruz, Claire’s new host sister, couldn’t be less thrilled that her mom rented out a room to Claire. An academic and debate team star, Dani is determined to earn her way into Yale, even if it means competing with privileged kids who are buying their way to the top. But Dani’s game plan veers unexpectedly off course when her debate coach starts working with her privately. As they steer their own distinct paths, Dani and Claire keep crashing into one another, setting a course that will change their lives forever.