Diary of a Parent Trainer

Thirteen-year-old Katie Sutton, a self-proclaimed expert on grown-up behavior, begins writing a user’s manual to help other teens train and operate their parents, but when her own mother starts dating Yellow Tie Man, Katie needs all of her expertise to get rid of him.

Girl Out Loud

Fifteen-year-old Kass is trying to resist her manic-depressive father’s attempts to make her try out for “The X Factor” while she also deals with her crush on the same older boy her best friend likes, her distant mother’s mysterious comings and goings, and her younger brother’s criminal activities.

Crusher

The day Finn Maguire discovers his dad bludgeoned to death in a pool of blood, his dreary life is turned upside down. Prime suspect in his father’s murder, Finn must race against time to clear his name and find out who hated his dad enough to kill him.

Scouring the sordid, brutal London underworld for answers, exposing dark family secrets, and facing danger at every turn, Finn is about to learn that it’s the people you trust who can hit you the hardest. . .

Crusher is this year’s most talked-about debut thriller.

Small Damages

Eighteen-year-old Kenzie of Philadelphia, pregnant by Yale-bound Kevin, is bitter when her mother sends her to Spain to deliver and give her baby away, but discovers a makeshift family with the rancher who takes her in, his cook, and the young man they have raised together.

Because Amelia Smiled

A little girl’s smile as she skips down the street in New York inspires a neighbor to send cookies to her grandson in Mexico, and the good will soon spreads around the world.

This book has been included in WOW’s Kids Taking Action Booklist. For our current list, visit our Boolist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.

Hands around the Library: Protecting Egypt’s Treasured Books

In January 2011, in a moment that captured the hearts of people all over the world, thousands of Egypt’s students, library workers, and demonstrators surrounded the great Library of Alexandria and joined hands, forming a human chain to protect the building. They chanted “We love you, Egypt!” as they stood together for the freedom the library represented.

Illustrated with Susan L. Roth’s stunning collages, this amazing true story demonstrates how the love of books and libraries can unite a country, even in the midst of turmoil.

Oliver

Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls across the lawn into the yard of the girl next door, he just might be surprised.

But I’ve Used All of My Pocket Change

A sweet, funny lesson in economics as only Lola can teach itLola has lots of pocket money and is very excited to buy a new toy in the gift shop on a trip to the zoo. But she spends a little here and there, and before she knows it, she doesn’t have enough left for her toy. Big brother Charlie shares his money, but then isn’t able to get the book he wanted. With her typical exuberance, when Lola finds this out, she begins saving everything: a tangerine from lunch, bread for the ducks at the pond, and most importantly, her pocket change. Finally, she is able to help out her big brother when he needs a few extra coins.With a focus on frugality, the latest in the award-winning series is a terrific helper for those just learning about money.