Marta is an outsider at school. Partly because she chooses to be. With parents who were once farmworkers, she was used to moving a lot. It was hard to make friends. Though now the family is settled, trouble seems to follow her. To escape, she draws. Her art teacher thinks she has a gift. He signs her up for a program in another city. As she leaves behind the drama back home, she encounters other places, people, and events that are just as dramatic and even dangerous. Her drawings seem to be responsible. This series of books was designed specifically for struggling teen readers. The contemporary fiction is written at accessible levels and provides substantive content without being edgy. The relatable plots appeal to teens, especially those who are reluctant to read. Books in the series quickly grab their interest with fast-paced storylines that feature realistic, sometimes larger-than-life teen characters readers can identify with or would like to know. Then there is an unexpected twist. The characters' lives are suddenly on the edgeÑof fame, fear, or even sanity. What starts out as fun or routine becomes a nightmare, real or imagined. As characters are tested in mind, body, and spirit, readers have a sense of being there to experience the adventure.
Raul and Juan set out for a few hours of kayaking. The weather is in their favor. It should be an easy ride. Raul, who is nicknamed the Cloud Warrior, prides himself on knowing good weather from bad. But once on the river, storm clouds appear. Their only choice is to keep moving and try to beat them. Soon they learn that a storm is the least of their worries. Some unexpected campers are in the area causing trouble. Not only for Raul and Juan. But for a girl Raul likes.
A young monster with no manners visits his friend's house and learns the manners he should use while visiting.
A young monster with no manners goes grocery shopping with his dad and older brother, who teaches him how to have good manners at the supermarket.
A young monster with no manners goes out to eat with a human family and learns the manners he should use at a restaurant.
A young monster with no manners goes on vacation with her parents and her older sister, who teaches her how to be polite while traveling and visiting relatives.
A young monster who takes her sister’s tablet computer without asking gets a lesson in online etiquette and appropriate use of electronics.
