Lila has always wanted a career in belly dance, so she is thrilled when she is invited to join Dana Sajala’s competitive and prestigious studio. But dancing at the new studio isn’t quite what she expected. Dana Sajala is a tough teacher, and Lila finds the constant criticism stressful. On top of that, Lila misses the dancers from her old troupe, and a rift is developing between her and her best friend, Angela, who is not altogether sympathetic to Lila’s struggles.
Carter High is a typical high school. The students of Carter attend classes, participate in sports and drama, cram for exams, and go on field trips. During rehearsal, someone wearing a clown costume is seen next to the ticket money box. Soon, Mrs. Scott realizes that the money is missing. Did the clown take it? Did someone else? Logan's dream of being the star fades, as many at Carter High believe he took the ticket money. Can he prove that there was more than one person in a clown costume that day?
When Nat, her best friend Jess and singing-star wannabe Harper sing together, their harmonies bring down the house. For Nat, the experience sparks a driving new desire to perform. But when the girls form a trio and enter a contest for a chance to play at the Tall Grass Music Festival, Nat finds that harmony - musical and otherwise - is hard to maintain. Her bandmates almost never agree, her new boyfriend starts behaving more like a non-boyfriend, and the trio’s famous-musician mentor doesn’t even like the way Nat breathes. Every day, Nat’s dream of performing at Tall Grass seems farther away, and she questions whether she has what it takes to get there.
Fifteen-year-old Aiden is a minor cast member on a long-running high school "dramedy" with a low budget and a loyal following. Aiden and his friends are excited that they're being promoted to lead roles for the upcoming tenth season of Pop Quiz. But then they learn the show is being canceled. According to the producers, no one even watches TV anymore, with kids preferring the antics of YouTube stars. With the help of some former cast members and a group of hardcore fans, Aiden and his friends attempt to create a movie special to wrap up the storylines and give the series the send-off it deserves.
Langston Hughes is often thought of as one of the greatest and most influential African American authors. This fascinating and inspiring biography will have readers enthralled by the life of Hughes as they learn how he became known as the voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Featuring lively images, photos, and captivating facts, this book allows readers to gain insight into how the Civil Rights Movement had an effect on Hughes' life and writing as well as important movements in the Harlem Renaissance like jazz, poetry, music, and clubs. The easy-to-read, supportive text works in conjunction with the accessible glossary and index to give readers the tools they may need to better understand the content and vocabulary.
Combining biographical profiles with poetry selections, this revised and updated selection of Voices in Poetry highlights the extraordinary lives and talent of some of the world’s most influential poets. From Shakespeare’s classic love sonnets to Hughes’s songs of the African American experience, this series introduces readers to six unique poetic voices from multiple perspectives by featuring full-length poems or excerpts from larger works and examinations of the author’s style and thematic material. This title provides an exploration of the life and work of 16th-century English writer William Shakespeare, whose poetry is known best for its sonnet form as well as its transcendent descriptions of love.
A survey of the mystery fiction genre, from its detective-story origins and puzzle-solving influences to the famous authors—such as Agatha Christie—whose works have defined the genre over time.
A survey of the horror fiction genre, from its folkloric origins and Gothic influences to the famous authors—such as Stephen King—whose works have defined the genre over time.
Acclaimed writer Jane Yolen employs 15 sonnets, accompanied by brief biographical notes, to tell of the reclusive life and literary innovations of 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson.
This collection of 21 poems offers perspectives on the ever-changing stages of human life, framed by the famous “Seven Stages of Man” monologue in William Shakespeare’s "As You Like It".
For thousands of years, women in many cultures were excluded from or limited in education. This meant that others told their stories for them. This fascinating book shines a light on women writers who broke that mold. These women wrote some of the most intriguing stories ever written, such as Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote the world’s first novel, and Olympe de Gouges, whose political essays helped spark the French Revolution.
Fifteen-year-old Kyle Evans has been a jock for years—a triple threat basketball player who can dribble, pass or shoot with considerable skill. But once he decides to try out for the school musical production at Sainsbury High, Kyle finds there is much more to life than hightops and hookshots. Conflicting priorities cause problems between Kyle and his coaches, teachers, teammates and friends. And when his buddy Lukas becomes the target of homophobic hatred, Kyle is left with some difficult choices to make.
Elle is on the road as an opening act for Johnny James, the biggest star in country music. Touring is everything she's ever dreamed of, but it has unexpected downsides: crazy fans, jealous backup singers, weird rules on the tour bus. But when something goes terribly wrong during a performance, Elle struggles to figure out how she can make things right with her fans, her father, her record company and with her friend Webb. True Blue continues the story that began in Billboard Express.
Fifteen-year-old Natalie is obsessed with ballet and plans to spend the entire summer in dance class with her two best friends. But when her mom gets a job out of town, Natalie gets shipped off to stay with cousins she barely knows. Natalie is thrilled when her cousins invite her to join them at the local dance studio. But it turns out it's not a ballet class; it's Irish dance. Skeptical at first, Natalie is surprised to learn she really enjoys the new dance style and agrees to take part in an upcoming competition. But this new passion could result in Natalie having to leave her ballet dreams behind.
Mark Twain’s classic American story about a boy with a nose for mischief and a knack for avoiding any sort of work is here presented in vibrant detail, with new illustrations by C. F. Payne.
This perennial Dickensian favorite about a miser’s startling change of heart is illustratedby Italian artist Roberto Innocenti and reissued for the readers of all the Christmases Yet To Come.
Kallie Echo is starting to think dreams are dangerous. Her dad had one to be a rock star and then he died. Now Kallie is practically homeless and her life is falling apart. So when a punk band asks Kallie to sing for them, she must decide if she's got the heart to front a band of rocker chicks (and one trans guy). Can she find a new purpose in punk? And will the drummer with the amazing smile break her heart?The band goes on tour, and everything hinges on Kallie. It's a lot of pressure especially when you throw in substance abuse and Kallie's deadbeat mom showing up at the worst time. Kallie must learn to trust her friends, and herself, if she's going to get over the past and make a new future. But if she dares to dream again, will she lose it all?
Brielle and Tawni have played cello side by side in orchestras since they were nine years old. Brielle has always played second chair to Tawni's first, and she's been happy with that arrangement. When Tawni is injured, Brielle suddenly finds herself principal cellist. Not only does that mean she'll be thrust into the spotlight, but it also means she is now leader of the cello section. Brielle is terrified. Is she good enough? Will the other musicians accept her? What if she screws up? Despite her fears, Brielle rises to the occasion. Her cello skills, and her leadership skills, improve as she grows into her new role. But just as Brielle is beginning to feel confident, Tawni returns. And she wants her job back. If Brielle steps down now, she'll lose her place in the spotlight. If she doesn't, her friendship could be in jeopardy.
The term "blog" was coined in 1997. Less than 10 years later there were over 150 million blogs. How did that happen? Who is responsible for their development? This book explores the role innovation and innovators had in the development of blogs.
Find out what life is like for a professional screenwriter and decide if it is the right career for you.
