While struggling with the death of her beloved adoptive mother, sixteen-year-old Brenna reconnects with members of her biological family, hoping to discover why her biological mother broke off contact many years earlier. At the same time, she is falling in love with Ryan, who provides support while she grieves but has to leave her when she needs him most. Despite powerful feelings of abandonment, Brenna realizes that getting strong physically and focusing on the needs of others might just help her move beyond her crippling grief, find peace and plan a future for herself. Dancing in the Rain continues the story that began in Shelley Hrdlitschka’s bestselling Dancing Naked.
Psycho. Sick. Dangerous. Réal Dufresne's reputation precedes him. When the mangled body of his best friend, Shaun, turns up in a field just east of town, tough-as-hell Réal blames himself. But except for the nightmares, all Ré remembers is beating the living crap out of Shaun the night of his death. Shaun's girlfriend, sixteen-year-old Evie Hawley, keeps her feelings locked up tight. But now she's pregnant, and the father of her baby is dead. And when Réal looks to her to atone for his sins, everything goes sideways. Fast. The tighter Evie and Réal get, the faster things seem to fall apart. And falling in love might just be the card that knocks the whole house down.
To honor the death of her best friend, teen Sienna signs up to do a triathlon and finds a connection with an unexpected training partner in this body-positive romance exploring first love, grief, perseverance and trusting in yourself. Five months ago, Sienna Shoring lost her best friend, Stacey, to suicide. Now Sienna's back at school, struggling—and failing—to find her new place in the social hierarchy. Awkward and alone, Sienna is still dealing with her grief. When a package arrives for the “Try It Triathlon,” which Stacey signed them up for as a joke, it’s like receiving a message from the grave. Sienna has no experience with running or biking. And she doesn’t even own a swimsuit. But she decides to take on the challenge in honor of her best friend, despite being a “fat girl.” And when mysterious jock Blake Romano approaches her unexpectedly and offers to train with her, she can hardly say no. He seems to understand her in a way no one else does. But Blake has a secret that might just break Sienna’s heart, even as he’s winning it.
The online world has real dangers, but girls around the world are using social media to create positive change and practice good digital citizenship. You've probably seen media stories about the ways girls interact online, with headlines like "Depression in Girls Linked to Higher Use of Social Media," or "Half of Girls Are Bullied on Social Media." Better Connected focuses on the less-recognized and positive aspects of the online experiences of girls. From environmental activism to gun control, immigration policy to education access, girls are leading the way. They're showing up, teaming up and speaking up. With profiles of real changemakers and practical tools for getting started, Better Connected is an inspiring look at the amazing things girls can accomplish online.
Jack’s a star player on an elite soccer team along with his brother, Alex. The Lancers are on top of the league, even favored to win the National Championship. But the game’s about to change. A slick bookie wins Jack’s friendship and introduces him to illegal betting. Before long, Jack is hooked on the adrenaline rush, and early wins convince him that gambling could make him rich. Meanwhile, an ever-widening rift is forming between the two brothers. Suddenly, Jack’s “system” fails and his luck runs out. How could a few losses pile up to a gut-kicking ten grand? When he can’t pay, the bookie gives Jack one way out - throw the National Championship. But can he betray his brother, his team and himself?
Gerri waits outside all night to audition for Big Time, her favorite TV singing competition. She believes she has a shot at success, but when she’s insulted by one of the judges and kicked out of the competition, she thinks she’ll probably never sing again. After a teacher at her school asks her to join a choral club, Gerri reluctantly gets involved. Even though she can’t read music and she doesn’t know the other kids, she finds herself enjoying the group and learning a lot about music. A cute guy she met at the Big Time auditions joins the group, and when they perform their unique mashups at an open-mic night, Gerri realizes there’s more than one way to be a successful—and happy—singer!
Moving between science and culture, After Life: Ways We Think About Death takes a straightforward look at these and other questions long taboo in our society. By showing the fascinating, diverse ways in which we understand death, both today and throughout our history, the book also shines a light on what it is to be human. Each chapter includes a brief telling of a death legend, myth or history from a different culture or tradition, from Adam and Eve to Wolf and Coyote, and ends with a section on a common theme in our thinking about death, such as rivers and birds in the afterlife, the colors that different cultures use to symbolize death, and, of course, ghosts. The final chapter is about grief, which is both a universal human experience and unique to each person. The text offers suggestions for ways to think about our grief, when to ask for help and how to talk to friends who are grieving.
On the last day of high school, Sophie's boyfriend breaks up with her. It turns out he thinks she is too predictable, too responsible, too mature...too boring. When Sophie turns to her best friend, Ella, for comfort and reassurance, Ella just confirms what her boyfriend has said. And that hurts even more. Then Ella comes up with a plan to help Sophie find her wilder side. In the 90 days between the end of high school and the start of university, she is going to arrange for Sophie to do amazing, new, different and sometimes scary things. The deal is Sophie has to agree to everything, no matter what. And she has to share her adventures through social media. Can 90 days of different create a different life? Can stepping outside your comfort zone help you find yourself?
When things don't go as planned, do you throw in the towel and call it quits, or do you give it another try? Part of the Driven to Succeed book series, the nonfiction book Scientists & Inventors Who Never Gave Up tells the stories of exceptional scientists and inventors who overcame challenges to discover or invent something that changed the world.
Does failing at something mean it's time to throw in the towel and give up? Part of the Driven to Succeed nonfiction book series, Artists & Entertainers Who Never Gave Up takes a look at the lives of some of the most famous and well-loved creators and entertainers who had to overcome challenges and obstacles to achieve their success.
What are some of the best ways to volunteer and become involved in your local community? Learn tips on how to become an active community member through volunteering for different social causes. This book takes students on a civic journey to teach them about the importance of volunteering and getting involved in their community.
The worst snowstorm in years. They were trapped in a farmhouse. The owners seemed innocent enough. Quiet. Stoic. But something was not quite right.
Troy was over foster homes. He decided to run away. It wasn't easy living on the streets. Then he met Justin.
Troy and Justin have been through a lot together. But Troy has had enough of street life. He cleans up his act. Finds a job. Takes classes at night. Justin is the same fun-loving guy he's always been. He hops from job to job. But he prefers mooching off his girlfriend. About to get dumped, Justin is glum. Then Troy suggests a road trip.
Never in his wildest dreams could he imagine his best day turning into his worst. Chad and Marcus ruled the school. Smart. Athletic. Popular. A looming wrestle off for their weight class made Chad jumpy. Marcus told him to chill. But with one slam to the mat, Marcus would be dead.
Will has left his troubled teen years behind. He's stayed out of trouble. Traveled. Worked odd jobs. Matured. Now he's coming home. No one could be more thrilled than his mother, Nia. But old family secrets keep them apart. And one shattering event may destroy their relationship for good and ruin everyone's shot at happiness.
Follow along with Josh as he practices day and night for the tournament.
Li is trying to pay off a car. It takes her many months of careful saving to make good progress. Right before her last payment is due, something happens that changes things. How can Li follow through on her commitment?
Students who fail to turn in their assignments on time will get a zero, Mr. Lee has decreed. Tyler and Malik had fun all weekend. Now they have to stay up all night to write their papers. Their classmate, Darcie, finished her paper days ago. And she agrees with Mr. Li's "no exception" policy. But now she can't find her paper...
Taking on more responsibilities at home or moving into your own place can be both thrilling and intimidating. You may be handling grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and house cleaning by yourself for the first time. Mastering a few basic skills will make these tasks easy and manageable. Then you’ll have time to focus on something more fun—decorating your new place and making it your home.
There’s more to finding a job than simply applying. First, figure out what you’d like to do for a living. Think ahead and set career goals. Understand what training and education you’ll need to reach your dream. Then begin your job search, looking for work that aligns with your goals. Grab potential employers’ interest with a polished cover letter and resume, then impress them further in an interview. You’ll be ready for the workplace in no time.
There’s more to finding a job than simply applying. First, figure out what you’d like to do for a living. Think ahead and set career goals. Understand what training and education you’ll need to reach your dream. Then begin your job search, looking for work that aligns with your goals. Grab potential employers’ interest with a polished cover letter and resume, then impress them further in an interview. You’ll be ready for the workplace in no time.
Moving out on your own comes with great responsibilities. Are you ready to take on this level of independence? If so, it’s time to find a place to live. Knowing where to search and what to look for in an apartment will ensure you sign a lease for a place you love. Plan your big move carefully and understand common problems with roommates and landlords. You’ll be settled into your new home in no time.
