#Belonging

Average Boy’s Above-Average Year

Author: Bob Smiley Genre: Comedy

Come along with Average Boy, the longtime popular character from the Clubhouse magazine feature, “Adventures of Average Boy,” in his hilarious journey through the school year. In this middle-grade fiction book, readers will follow Bob (Average Boy) and laugh at his antics as he seeks to set goals and reach them with varying success. One of his big goals is his youth group’s yearlong challenge to stand up for God. Enjoy the signature humor of Christian comedian Bob Smiley. Boys and girls, ages 8 to 12, love the funny stories as they learn important biblical lessons packed into every adventure. Families can also read the Devotions for Super Average Kids (book 1 and 2) and listen to The Official Average Boy Podcast. Read more

Indoor Kid

Author: Mat Heagerty Genre: Graphic Novel Illustrator: Lisa DuBois-Thompson

"A raucously fantastical graphic novel take on bullying’s impact and the power of living one’s own truth." — Publishers Weekly "DuBois-Thompson’s energetic and colorful illustrations show the kinetic fun of sports and games—basketball, baseball, football, and field hockey among them. Heagerty captures the infectious power of competition [...] Energetic entertainment that promotes healthy sportsmanship." —Kirkus In Muscletown, if you’re not a jock, you’re a nobody. You’re an INDOOR KID. Air-ball Arnie couldn’t be worse at sports. As much as he wishes he could score three-pointers or hit home runs, the fact is that he’s way better at video games than he is on the court or the field. What’s worse is he lives in Muscletown, a city full of the best athletes and jocks, especially the Brohemians, the town’s star athletes AND the town’s biggest bullies. The Brohemians get to decide the winners from the losers, and they’ve decided Arnie is the biggest loser of them all. But all that changes when Arnie discovers a magical medal that gives him superhuman sports powers. Now he can slam dunk better than anyone, and he’s determined to put these super sports abilities to good use by putting the Brohemian bullies in their place. But when his newfound powers start to get him the popularity and admiration he’s always craved, will he use his powers for good or will he strike out and foul on his own friends? Knock it out of the park in the newest graphic novel from Mat Heagerty ( Martian Ghost Centaur , Unplugged and Unpopular , Lumberjackula ) and Lisa Dubois ( Rugrats , Aggretsuko ) in a sports-packed story about staying true to yourself, perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson. Read more

Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback

Author: Skai Jackson Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

Actress, activist, and now Danicing with the Stars competitor Skai Jackson shares her lessons on life and her rise to stardom in this vibrant memoir about self-acceptance, girl empowerment, and the classy clapback. Actress and activist Skai Jackson is a star! Her rise to fame started on the popular Disney Channel shows Bunk'd and Jessie . Her cool sense of style led her to create her own fashion line. And her success has made her a major influencer, with millions of followers on Instagram, who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in. But being a teen celebrity isn't always glamorous. For the first time, Skai discusses the negative experiences that sometimes come with living in the spotlight--the insecurities about her appearance, the challenges of separating her real personality from her TV roles, and the bullying she's faced both personally and professionally. She knows firsthand the struggles tweens and teens face today, and she has found her calling as an antibullying activist, known as the queen of the classy clapback. Skai is a positive force and a role model for inspiring change and embracing differences in others. Her story will encourage girls and boys alike to believe in themselves and to have the courage to reach for the sky and follow their dreams. Read more

The Kids Are All Right: A Memoir

Author: Diana Welch Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

A blisteringly funny, heart-scorching tale of remarkable kids shattered by tragedy and finally brought back together by love."— People Somehow, between their father’s mysterious death, their glamorous soap-opera-star mother’s cancer diagnosis, and a phalanx of lawyers intent on bankruptcy proceedings, the four Welch siblings managed to handle each new heartbreaking misfortune together. All that changed with the death of their mother. While nineteen-year-old Amanda was legally on her own, the three younger siblings–Liz, sixteen; Dan, fourteen; and Diana, eight–were each dispatched to a different set of family friends. Quick-witted and sharp-tongued, Amanda headed for college in New York City and immersed herself in an ’80s world of alternative music and drugs. Liz, living with the couple for whom she babysat, followed in Amanda’s footsteps until high school graduation when she took a job in Norway as a nanny. Mischievous, rebellious Dan, bounced from guardian to boarding school and back again, getting deeper into trouble and drugs. And Diana, the red-haired baby of the family, was given a new life and identity and told to forget her past. But Diana’s siblings refused to forget her--or let her go. Told in the alternating voices of the four siblings, their poignant, harrowing story of un­breakable bonds unfolds with ferocious emotion. Despite the Welch children’s wrenching loss and subsequent separation, they retained the resilience and humor that both their mother and father endowed them with--growing up as lost souls, taking disastrous turns along the way, but eventually coming out right side up. The kids are not only all right; they’re back together. Read more

Tony Hawk: The Autobiography: Professional Skateboarder

Author: Tony Hawk Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

In this young adult autobiography, Tony Hawk shares the stories from his life that have helped him become a skateboarding hero. Hawk speaks of being a super-competitive ′demon′ child who found peace while on a skateboard. Classmates teased him because of his interest in an ′uncool′ sport. Instead of retaliating with violence, he practised even more. With his story, he will inspire a younger generation of fans to stand up for what they believe in and follow their dreams. Ages 8-12 Read more

Body Safety Book for Kids: A Children’s Picture Book about Personal Space, Body Bubbles, Safe Touching, Private Parts, Consent and Respect (Feeling Big Emotions Picture Books)

Author: Adrian Laurent Genre: Picture Books

Are You Worried About Keeping Your Child Safe in Today's World? As a parent, your child's safety and well-being are your utmost priority. Your little one coming to any harm is every parent's worst nightmare. You want to protect them, but you can't always be there to watch over them. You want to empower them with the knowledge to protect themselves. But how do you approach such a sensitive topic in an age-appropriate way? How do you teach them about body safety, personal boundaries, and the difference between safe and unsafe touch without causing fear or anxiety? You want your darling to feel confident in setting boundaries. To trust their instincts when something doesn't feel right. And to know that they can come to you with any concerns. But where do you even start? Introducing Body Safety Book for Kids: A Children's Picture Book about Personal Space, Body Bubbles, Safe Touching, Private Parts, Consent and Respect . It’s a gentle, engaging, and effective way to teach your child about body safety. In this beautifully illustrated book, join Nina as she navigates the challenges of personal space and learns to assert her boundaries. Through relatable examples and age-appropriate language, your child will discover: The concept of "body bubbles" and how to set personal boundaries The difference between safe and unsafe touch The importance of respecting others' personal space How to express their feelings and say "no" when uncomfortable The power of seeking help from trusted adults Body Safety Book for Kids is more than just a story. It's a tool to spark crucial conversations and equip your child with the confidence to stand up for themselves. By addressing real-life situations, this book will help your child: Recognize and manage feelings of fear and discomfort Understand that their body is their own property Learn the proper names for private parts to facilitate open communication Trust their instincts when a touch doesn't feel right Feel empowered to speak up and seek help when needed And they don’t need to stop at reading this book! Also unlock a World of Learning and Creativity with Hundreds of Included Printables Activities: 240 Screen-free Activities for Kids: Encourage offline play and imagination 50 Motivational Quotes Coloring Activities: Inspire positivity and artistic expression 100 Inspirational Word Searches: Boost vocabulary and problem-solving skills 200 Creative Writing Prompts: Nurture storytelling and self-expression Reading Log and Reward Chart: Celebrate reading milestones and achievements 100 Mazes for Amazing Kids: Develop focus and spatial reasoning Parents Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Toolkit: Support your child's emotional growth You want to give your child the tools to navigate the world with confidence and resilience. Body Safety Book for Kids is here to help you do just that. Invest in your child's safety and well-being today – click "Add to Cart" now and empower your little one with the knowledge they need to stay safe and thrive. Read more

Inspirational Female Sports Stories for Kids: How 12 Remarkable Female Athletes Broke Down Barriers and Led the Way (Inspiring Children's Books)

Author: Jessica Blakely Genre: Sports

What if you could give the girl in your life a book that doesn't just share inspiring stories — but challenges her to become her own champion? Written for girls ages 8–12 , this isn't a collection of fairy tales. These are real girls who faced incredible odds — and rose above every one of them. She'll discover how Serena Williams came out of Compton to dominate tennis. How Simone Biles turned her ADHD into a superpower. How Bethany Hamilton returned to surfing after losing her arm. How Maya Moore left basketball to fight for justice — and won. She'll also meet Megan Rapinoe, Chloe Kim, Leah Williamson, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tatyana McFadden, Wilma Rudolph, and Hilary Knight — every one of them was once a girl with a dream and the courage to chase it. But here's what sets this book apart: She won't just read these stories — she'll put them into action. Every chapter ends with a uniquely themed challenge — the Comeback Challenge, the Identity Challenge, the Voice Challenge, the Game-Changer Challenge. Each one includes 4 hands-on activities she can try in sports, school, friendships, and everyday life. Here's what you'll find inside: 12 true stories of female athletes who overcame prejudice, injury, and disability to reach the top of their sports — so she sees that she’s stronger than any obstacle in her way 12 uniquely themed challenges with 48 activities in total — so she's building real confidence as she reads, not just after Real quotes about pressure, perseverance, and rising after failure — woven into every story so she has powerful words to hold onto when she needs them most A thought-provoking question in every chapter — so she's not just reading, she's thinking about her own life One full-page illustration per athlete — so she's excited to start every chapter The perfect gift for any parent, coach, grandparent, or mentor who wants to hand a girl something she'll actually use — not just read once and forget. Every girl deserves to know how strong she really is. Give her the proof. Scroll up and click “Buy Now.” Read more

Real Friends

Author: Shannon Hale Genre: Comics Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

“Fresh and funny.” ― New York Times Book Review Over 2 million copies of the Real Friends series sold! Newbery Honor author Shannon Hale and New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham join forces in this graphic memoir about how hard it is to find your real friends―and why it's worth the journey. When best friends are not forever . . . Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen's #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . . . even if it means bullying others. Now every day is like a roller coaster for Shannon. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? Can she stand up for herself? And is she in The Group―or out? Real Friends is an honest and relatable true story about the ups and downs of friendship. It's a great conversation starter for talking about feeling left out, big emotions, and finding your people. It's also uplifting and funny, making this the perfect graphic novel for readers who love the Click series by Kayla Miller, the Nat Enough series by Maria Scrivan, and books by Raina Telgemeier. Don't miss Shannon Hale's new bestselling graphic novel series, DREAM ON! Read more

The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl (Volume 1) (Epic Axolotls, 1)

Author: Kit Brooks Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Abandoned at birth, Ace the axolotl struggles to survive both human and animal predators in his quest to save himself—and his entire species— in this epic middle grade fantasy for fans of Warrior Cats, with 24 black-and-white illustrations throughout . There’s danger lurking in the depths of the lake. Ace learns this early—when his twin brother cruelly devours his tail and leaves him for dead. Separated from his family, Ace is cast into a perilous waterway. He is wary of trusting others, but his survival will depend on it as he navigates treacherous algae blooms and hunts for food while he waits for his tail to regenerate. And when he stumbles upon a glowing green axolotl named Ariel, he learns that, with training, axolotls can develop an incredible power: immortality. With high rewards come unspeakable risks, and Ace has been hurt before. But the potential to cheat death might be too hard to resist. This action-packed adventure explores the strength that develops through adversity as Ace confronts bullying, betrayal, poisoned waters, and vicious predators, all while forming lasting bonds with the courageous axolotls he meets along the way. Read more

Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day

Author: Alex L. Combs Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Alex L. Combs

"Combs and Eakett do a fantastic job of providing readers an incredibly comprehensive and strongly researched—yet somehow compact—look into the history of trans identity." — School Library Journal (starred review) An essential introduction to trans history, from ancient times to the present day, in full-color graphic nonfiction format. Deeply researched, highly readable, and featuring a broad range of voices. What does “trans” mean, and what does it mean to be trans? Diversity in human sex and gender is not a modern phenomenon, as readers will discover through illustrated stories and records that introduce historical figures ranging from the controversial Roman emperor Elagabalus to the swashbuckling seventeenth-century conquistador Antonio de Erauso to veterans of the Stonewall uprising Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. In addition to these individual profiles, the book explores some of the societal roles played by trans people beginning in ancient times and shows how European ideas about gender were spread across the globe. It explains how the science of sexology and the growing acceptance of (and backlash to) gender nonconformity have helped to shape what it means to be trans today. Illustrated conversations with modern activists, scholars, and creatives highlight the breadth of current trans experiences and give readers a deeper sense of the diversity of trans people, a group numbering in the millions. Extensive source notes provide further resources. Moving, funny, heartbreaking, and empowering, this remarkable compendium from trans creators Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett is packed with research on every dynamic page. Read more

Brainwashed: Crime Travelers Spy School Mystery & International Adventure Series Book 1 (Volume 1)

Author: Paul Aertker Genre: Adventure

1000+ global reviews averaging 4.7 for 3 books in the series. Pure middle-grade action adventure. Nothing adult. Not YA-Young Adult. "The only thing dirty in this series is a diaper." " Like the Bourne Identity, but for kids , Crime Travelers tracks the secret adventures of international orphaned teens living in hotels, traveling the globe, and fighting crime worldwide. " - M. R., Editor ★★★★★ Gertrude Warner Middle-Grade Grand Prize - "An adventurous line-up that takes readers around the globe, Brainwashed delivers with exciting espionage and action-packed thrills." This series combines " action and adventure with global awareness and smart humor. " ClarionRating® 5 Stars Lexile® Measure: 720L AR Points from Renaissance Accelerated Reader® Parents, teachers, and librarians will appreciate the worldwide geography and appropriate language for Ages 9 - 14 US Grades: 4 - 8 #1 Amazon best-selling series in Children's Travel 300 Geographic References plus illustrative maps! FUNNY. SMART. ACTION. BRAINWASHED marks the explosive beginning of The Crime Travelers Adventure Series Also available: BOOK 2: DIAMONDS ARE FOR NEVER & BOOK 3: PRICELESS While sleeping on the roof of his father's hotel-spy school, thirteen-year-old Lucas Benes finds a baby alone and learns that the Good Company has restarted its profitable brainwashing business. The first book in the trilogy tracks the secret urban adventures of international teenage spies. Lucas, the reluctant hero, leads a group of friends through the hotspots of Paris-from the catacombs to the Eiffel tower- in an all-out effort to sabotage a brainwashing ceremony that could potentially turn them all into "Good" kids. This action-packed international series from Amazon, best-selling and award-winning author Paul Aertker, is a mind-opening adventure for elementary and middle-grade readers of Gordon Korman, James Patterson, and John Grisham. "Rooftop rappelling is just the tip of the action iceberg in this high-energy adventure that thoughtfully addresses global issues. " - Foreword Reviews "Lucas, the hero of Crime Travelers, is resourceful, courageous, and most importantly, kind. "-Head of School, GCDS "I love how math helps the team escape danger at every corner."- K.G., middle school math teacher "A fast-paced adventure with rescues, crashes, street fights, and more. While there are plenty of stunts typical of the kid spy genre-from a creepy, super-evil villain to motorcycle chases and private luxury aircraft-there is also a decidedly serious, real-life element. Full of exotic locales, the international stage is set, and Brainwashed leaves the door wide open for future installments in the Crime Travelers series. "-Foreword Reviews GoodReads: BRAINWASHED is a novel aimed at the preteen market, and it hits the mark. The book follows 13 YO Lucas Benes, a typical kid who sleeps on the roof of a hotel, saves babies, and rappels through windows. A group of teens fights the GOOD Company, an organization that is anything but. Whirling through all the major attractions in Paris, this is more of a travelogue than a nefarious story. Kids from 10 up should relish its campy flavor." Are you ready for an exhilarating ride? Join the thrilling journey of the Crime Travelers series as teenage spies fight against a global crime syndicate. With non-stop action humor, young readers will be taken on a ride of mystery, suspense, and twists in this fun and educational series. Travel the world with brainy heroes, and let's get kids reading again! Read more

inspiring stories for black teen boys

Author: TimknBridge Stories Genre: Anthology

This collection of twenty captivating tales is more than just a book—it's a journey of discovery. Each story features a brave, creative, and relatable Black teen boy who faces a unique challenge and discovers his inner power. Inside, you'll find: Positive & Diverse Role Models: From a star-gazing astronomer and a time-traveling historian to a community-saving gardener, these characters will inspire your child to dream big. Crucial Life Lessons: Every story is carefully crafted to teach essential values like perseverance, kindness, courage, the power of imagination, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Engaging & Age-Appropriate Adventures: Written specifically for ages 8-12, these short stories are perfect for building reading habits, sparking conversations, and holding the attention of middle-grade readers. A Celebration of Identity & Potential: This book serves as a powerful mirror, allowing Black and African American boys to see themselves as the heroes, creators, and leaders they are destined to be. Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, or as a gift that builds self-esteem, Inspiring Stories for Black Teen Boys is the character-building book every young reader needs. Give the gift of inspiration and self-confidence. Scroll up and click "Buy Now" to start the adventure today! Read more