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23,600 | 7 | League has been called to the Ural Mountains in Russia where a decaying nuclear reactor threatens to melt down. The heroes are able to shut down the reactor, but in doing so they also cut off the power to a long-forgotten cryogenic lab hidden deep under the mountains. A group of genetically engineered meta-humans frozen in the lab are revived. Code-named Red Dawn, they are endowed with powers that rival and mirror those of the Justice League. The Justice League has finally met its matchunless the Flash can save them in time.; Title: Red Justice (Justice League (TM)) | [
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23,601 | 1 | lmost Christmas, and The Saddle Club is busily preparing for an exciting show. But part of their preparation involves raising money a lot of it! When Lisa realizes that Carole and Stevie are having a hard time coming up with the cash, she takes matters into her own hands. But at the same time, Carole and Stevie are secretly plotting to help each other. Will The Saddle Club be able to fix their fund fiasco in time for the show?<br><br>Meanwhile, a winter storm is brewing that may give the girls even more trouble. When things get rough, The Saddle Club must pull together more than ever, and prove that the strength of friendship can get them through even the toughest times.<br>; Title: Best Friends (Saddle Club No. 101) | [
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23,602 | 7 | Amy is going back to the place where she was born--Washington, D.C. It's a class trip to take in the historic sights of the nation's capital. Sure Amy's uneasy about traveling to the home turf of the people who funded Project Crescent--the reason she's alive--and is in constant fear of being captured. But it's a chance to connect with her roots. After all, what could go wrong? Well, Amy's mother is a class chaperon, and for her the trip stirs up memories. Memories of working in the top-secret government program to develop clones. Memories of a loved one battling a rare genetic disorder. Memories of betrayal, and a decision that would forever change her life. And now the trip back to where it all began pits mother and daughter against an enemy both old and new.Marilyn Kaye is an associate professor at St. John's University, New York City.; Title: The Beginning (Replica 14) | [
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23,603 | 2 | ila!</i><br><br>Jessica is proud to be friends with Lila. And she's psyched they've started hanging out again.<br> <br>So what if Lila wants her to make a few changes? That's what best friends do -- they make sacrifices for each other.<br><br>Right?Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: She's Back . . . (Sweet Valley Jr. High(TM)) | [
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23,604 | 10 | d twelve-year-old Alex O'Connel is living in Egypt, looking for adventure. He doesn't expect the Scorpion King to rise from the dead in search of revenge!<br>Includes three pages of fun facts about ancient Egypt!Dave Wolverton is the bestselling author of the Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice series for middle-grade readers.; Title: Revenge of the Scorpion King (The Mummy Chronicles, Book 1) | [
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23,605 | 2 | Brian thinks Kristin is pretty.<br><br>Her friends think she's perfect.<br><br>Her teachers think she's smart.<br><br>And she always believed them.<br><br>Until now.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Invisible Me (Sweet Valley Jr. High(TM)) | [
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23,606 | 7 | The chilling FINALE of the Replica series!Something is happening to Amy. It begins with the fading of the crescent moon mark on her shoulder. And as reports trickle in from sister clones who are encountering their share of sudden physical problems, Amy realizes that none of this bodes well. How can the Amys be developing genetic abnormalities? How can they be losing their extraordinary powers? How can the deterioration be stopped? Amy is stumped by the questions racing through her head. For so long, she has wanted to be normalbut that was before she risked losing everything that makes her special. . .Marilyn Kaye is an associate professor in the Division of Library and Information Science at St. Johns University, New York City, and the author of many books for young people.; Title: Amy, on Her Own (Replica 24) | [
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23,607 | 7 | CHAPTER 1The bright metal globe atop the Daily Planet Building glowed red, reflecting the crimson light of the setting sun. As many in the great city of Metropolis made the transition from day to night, from work to play, activity within the offices of the Planet was reaching its daily fevered crescendo.Reporters hurried to put the finishing touches on stories slated for the edition of the paper that would go to press late that night. Layout artists pieced together the words, photographs, and advertisements that made up the great metropolitan newspaper. In the pressroom, the people who supervised the printing of the Planet prepared for another long night of work putting the efforts of the rest of the staff onto paper for the city to read the following morning.On the thirty-third floor, Lois Lane, veteran reporter for the paper, dashed down a corridor, her latest story clutched in one hand, her coat and bag dangling from the opposite arm.Lois loved her life as a reporter. It was all she had ever wanted to be, for as long as she could remember. Despite her confident, sometimes cocky attitude, she still woke up some days amazed and thrilled that she was actually a working reporter at the city's top newspaper.A pretty, young copy editor with short reddish brown hair rushed up beside Lois, matching her long steps stride for stride. "Is that your feature on the homeless shelter, Miss Lane?" the woman asked."The very one, Kate," Lois replied, attempting to slip her coat on without getting either her bag or her story caught in the sleeves. "Ready to read it?""You bet!" Kate said eagerly, taking the papers from her as she helped Lois put her coat on. "Any chance to read your stuff, Miss Lane. It's like taking Journalism 101.""Thanks, Kate," Lois replied, smiling. "You're sweet.""Rushing off to someplace exciting?" Kate asked, imagining an exotic assignment filled with intrigue or danger. Kate was new on the paper and wanted to be Lois Lane when she grew up."Oh, not very," Lois replied with an exaggerated touch of modesty. "Just heading over to city hall for an exclusive interview with the mayor.""Awesome!" Kate said, turning left at an intersecting hallway, heading back to her desk. "Can't wait to read it! Good Luck!""But first," Lois said, pausing in front of an office door labeled Clark Kent, straightening the collar on her coat, then brushing her stylish black hair from her forehead, "I'm going to pay a certain someone a little visit."From the moment he had shown up at the Daily Planet, looking for a job that would allow him instant access to information on crime in Metropolis--the better to do his job as Superman--Clark Kent felt himself in competition with Lois Lane.Not that he sought the rivalry. Clark had always considered himself a rather shy, self-effacing farm boy from a small town in Kansas, who just happened, in reality, to be the last son of the planet Krypton. But competition was a powerful part of Lois's nature, and in fact, it was one of the many things Clark found attractive and irresistible about her. So he didn't mind when he often found himself caught up in the glorious whirlwind that was Lois Lane. Not in the least.What he did mind, at this very moment, was the "dog" of an assignment he'd been stuck with. The light-features editor was on vacation, and Perry White had asked Clark--whose resume included exposes of organized crime, daily journals of alien invasions, and exclusive interviews with Superman--to cover the Metropolis dog show earlier that afternoon."What am I going to write that hasn't been written about this a million times before?" Clark moaned to himself, shuffling through a stack of glossy photos of dogs of all breeds and sorting his hand-scribbled notes from the event. "Shelby, the smooth collie, wins Best in Show. Who would have thought it? Not me, that's for sure. I've never even heard of a smooth collie."Tack-tack-tack.A knock on the glass section of his door brought momentary relief from the drudgery of Clark's task. Thank goodness for interruptions, he thought."Come in," he said.The door swung open, and in walked Lois, her coat buttoned, her bag slung over her shoulder."Hi, Lois," Clark said, brightening, as usual, at the sight of her. "I'll bet you heard about my lousy assignment and you've come to cheer me up."Lois smiled and was about to speak. Clark interrupted her before she could get a word out. "No," he continued. "You feel so bad for me that you want to see if I'd like to grab some dinner before spending half the night finishing this feature.""That would be awfully considerate of me, Clark," Lois replied, maintaining her tight-lipped smile. "But completely wrong. I'm here to let you know that, unlike you, I won't be spending half the night at my desk. I am on my way to an exclusive interview with the mayor."She really can't resist competing, Clark thought, shaking his head. I love it. "Lucky Lois, interviewing the mayor," he began. "While poor, poor Clark is stuck here all night with giant schnauzers and miniature poodles.""There's no luck involved, Clark," Lois said. "The best reporters get the best stories. Have fun with your puppies.""Yeah, thanks," Clark muttered, watching as Lois quickly strode from the office. "Hey, how about a rain check on dinner?" he shouted after her."Good night, Clark," Lois called back as she disappeared into the elevator."G'night, Lois," Clark mumbled, getting up and closing his door. Returning to his desk, he turned back to his dog show notes. "'Rain check? Sounds great, Clark. Anytime.' Yeah. Right!"Clark sighed, then returned to shuffling through the stack of photos.The hours passed slowly. Clark had a sandwich delivered and ate it at his desk as he plugged away at the feature. As the hour approached midnight, the editorial offices of the Planet emptied out. Quiet settled in, and the only sound even Clark's superhearing could pick up was the dull staccato clacking of his fingers typing at superspeed on his computer's keyboard.Shortly after midnight, Clark decided to wrap things up. He was almost finished with the piece and could easily add the final touches in the morning. Shutting down his computer, he gathered his things to leave.BAM! BAM! BAM!; Title: A Golden Opportunity (Justice League,8) | [
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23,608 | 7 | Amy fears the organization is monitoring her every move. Thats what Andy tells her before he disappears. He says theyve both been implanted with a chip. Is there anywhere Amy can hide? The answer seems to lie in a computer game. A game into which Amy downloads her consciousness. A game in which fantastic creatures and terrifying dangers lurk at every turn. A game that Amy suspects is being played in real life . . . by someone with sinister intentions. Amy must get to the end of the game ahead of whoevers trying to finish her off.; Title: Virtual Amy (Replica 21) | [
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23,609 | 7 | r, Amys new boyfriend, comes from a broken home. He hasnt seen his father in, like, forever. And when his dad finally appears, it isnt to make up for Chriss miserable childhood. Mr. Skinner is ill so ill that he needs a bone marrow transplant. Chris could be the perfect match. Nothing strange in that, except . . .What if ailing grown-ups could tap into a guaranteed reserve of healthy body parts? What if innocent kids were being harmed? What if you were bred to become an unwilling donor? Amy knows shes blessed with superhuman genes, but no way, nohow is she going to let herself, or any other kid, fall prey to freakish science-fiction experiments!; Title: Like Father Like Son (Replica 20) | [
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23,610 | 7 | The Justice League learns that a mysterious volcanic island is not what it seems. Hawkgirl is puzzled that no birds reside on the island . . . and is left to battle an unknown foe on her own when the members of the League are found petrified! Can the Winged Warrior solve the puzzle and save her comrades before it?s too late?; Title: No Man Is An Island (Justice League, 10) | [
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23,611 | 7 | Candler tries hard to blend in with everyone else, but then she comes face to face with someone who looks just like her--someone who is another Amy. The two girls look identical, and Amy expects them to have identical personalities. But she's in for a big surprise. The other Amy is determined to stand out from the crowd. She's determined to grab the spotlight, even if it means squashing the competition. She's determined not to have a look-alike, and she wants Amy out of the way. She's...well...evil! Amy must stop her, if she can.; Title: Another Amy (Replica 3) | [] | Train |
23,612 | 0 | loves to visit her new friend, Faith, at Miss Abigail's big house. There they can play with each other and admire all the beautiful things. One thing the girls can't touch is the china cabinet in the front hall. It's full of precious china that only Miss Abigail is allowed to handle.But when a beloved teapot turns up missing, does it mean a thief has broken into Miss Abigail's house? Will Miss Abigail have to tell the people of Charley Gap that they should all lock their doors? Mandie's determined to find the answer -- and the missing teapot -- in time for Miss Abigail's big Christmas party.; Title: The Mystery at Miss Abigail's (Young Mandie Mystery Series #3) | [
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23,613 | 2 | ave Virginia for sunny California? She's been there for most of the summer and she likes it. There's a lot less pressure on her, and she's working on a TV show loaded with good-looking guys, romance, and horses. What more could she want? Maybe she should stay....Her boyfriend, Alex, worries that Lisa is spending too much time with a handsome movie star. Some girls might fall in love with someone like that, but Lisa wouldn't. Or would she? If only Alex could be sure. Carole and Stevie are Lisa's best friends and they want the best for her, but they don't want her to move away either. Is there anything they can do to persuade her to come home?Three people's happiness is riding on one decision...will Lisa make the right one?; Title: Reining in (Pine Hollow #3) | [
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23,614 | 2 | <b>The Wakefields are leaving Sweet Valley! Dont miss this emotional conclusion to the series. </b><br><br>Jessica thought changing schools was hard. Now shes moving to another state. What about her friends? Her boyfriend? Her life?<br><br>Her parents keep telling her to be positive. Elizabeth is trying. But if she could have one wish, it would be to stay in Sweet <br>Valley. Too bad thats not going to happen.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Too Many Good-byes (Sweet Valley Jr. High No. 30) | [
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23,615 | 2 | of two companion mystery novels, the girls of The Saddle Club go to one of their favorite places--Moose Hill Summer Camp. This time they're staying for an entire month!Right away, the girls start to wonder if their dream summer won't be all they hoped. Lisa learns she's in a different cabin than her best friends, Stevie and Carole. Stevie's boyfriend, Phil, ignores her. Worst of all, Carole is assigned a camp horse that simply won't cooperate. Whoever would have thought this horse-crazy girl would meet an equine she didn't like?Then, the girls run into some ominous signs that someone wants to close down Moose Hill Camp forever. Can they find out who, before it's too late?; Title: Summer Horse (Saddle Club, No. 67) | [
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23,616 | 7 | Do you know who you are?Andy?s life is a puzzle?even to him. He knows he?s a clone, but other facts remain sketchy. Now he?s on a quest to uncover the truth about the ties his ?father? has to the organization?facts that jolt Andy back to past events and that ultimately determine his future.Is Andy?s ?mother? really dead? Was he ever really kidnapped? Who is really out to get him? The deeper Andy probes for answers, the more he and Amy learn shocking truths about Project Crescent . . . and about their beginnings.Marilyn Kaye is an associate professor in the Division of Library and Information Science at St. Johns University, New York City, and the author of many books for young people.; Title: All About Andy (Replica 22) | [
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23,617 | 1 | Grade 6-8?This first installment in the "Pine Hollow" series picks up where "The Saddle Club" books (Bantam) left off and continues the adventures of the three best friends, who are now in high school. Carole is working at the Pine Hollow stables for the summer, and Lisa is preparing to visit her dad in California. Stevie has just gotten her driver's license and a job at Pizza Manor. The story focuses on their last few days together before Lisa leaves. They plan a last enjoyable ride before other responsibilities and activities take over. The arrival of Callie Forester and her spirited new horse changes that plan. Carole and Callie get off on the wrong foot and Lisa's attention seems to be more and more focused on her new boyfriend. Stevie is excited about her license and wants to drive anywhere, anytime. That enthusiasm, unfortunately, leads to a horrible accident one stormy night. Readers who want to continue their literary friendship with this group may find this installment in the girls' lives pleasant. There is, however, no strong tension or conflict in this book. In addition, the action is minimal. A supplemental purchase for libraries with high demand for horse stories.?Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Young readers that have grown up with Bonnie Bryant's series, The Saddle Club, will be eager to read this great new Young Adult series, Pine Hollow.; Title: The Long Ride (Pine Hollow, Book 1) | [
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23,618 | 2 | king senior Jeremy Aames has found someone special.She's not like other girls.She's Jessica Wakefield...and she's everything he ever dreamed a girlfriend would be.<br><br>Jeremy was used to having days when everything fell apart.<br><br>He had no idea what to do about them.<br><br>He wished there was someone who could make the whole world disappear....<br><br>Then he met her.<br><br>And all Jessica Wakefield had to do was smile.Conner McDermottEver hear the expression "damned if you do, damned if you don't"?It's the dilemma of being repulsed by something and attracted to it at the same time.Like with coffee. People drink it for the taste, the buzz, the sensation of holding a warm mug in their chubby little hands, or even because sipping the stuff makes them feel intellectual. Some people can't even begin their days without it.But then there's the downside. Caffeine headaches when they don't get enough; yellowed teeth if they drink too much. It's a turn-on and an aggravation all at once.Sort of like Elizabeth Wakefield.Elizabeth WakefieldIf a guy kisses you and then runs away, is that good or bad? It could mean he thinks it was a mistake and wants to forget it ever happened.Then again, maybe he was so blown away by the kiss that he didn't know what else to do.I'm hoping for number two, but Conner is so hard to read that I have no way of knowing.So the next question is, do I ask him about it?Jeremy AamesI've only known Jessica Wakefield for two days, but I can't stop thinking about her. She's intelligent, totally beautiful, and so fun to be with that she actually makes me forget the rest of my life is falling apart--it's like she's so full of energy that it's contagious. But she has a quiet side too. There's something; vulnerable about her that makes me want to get to know her even more. I guess the only thing to do is ask her out. Of course, first I have to find her and figure out why she ran off so suddenly this afternoon.Let's just hope it wasn't because I repulse her.Jessica WakefieldSucky Things That Have Happened to Me Lately Lila and Melissa told Jeremy that I'm the slut of SVH. I took off before I actually heard them, but they must have.Restraint isn't exactly one of their strong points. Elizabeth got me fired from Healthy because she decided to be irresponsible for the first time in her perfect existence.She was supposed to work my shift, but she never showed, so now I'm jobless. I talked to Coach Laufeld after the game--she called to let me know she's benching me for the next game.Then she informed me that (surprise!) I'm not captain of the squad anymore.Not that I expected to be anything after missing the pep rally, but I was still hoping.On the bright side--if you can call it that--Tia was named captain instead of Melissa, which should make things a little more bearable.I hope. It's Saturday night, but instead of having a date (social lepers don't get many offers, you know) I'm stuck at the Fowlers' with nothing to do but watch crappy TV with my parents.I'll probably just end up doing homework, which reminds me: I have a huge project for drama class due next week, and I don't have the slightest clue where to start.Did I mention that my life sucks?Will held Melissa close and swayed back and forth. He nuzzled his face into her soft, chestnut brown hair, inhaling the familiar scent of her apple-blossom shampoo with each breath."It's going to be okay, you know," Will murmured as he moved his hand in large, slow circles on her back. But even as he said the words, he couldn't help wondering if he was telling the truth. He knew Melissa was going to need some time to recover from this blow. Her heart had been set on being captain of the cheerleading squad. It was all she'd talked about for weeks. And now it was like the earth had fallen out from beneath her feet.Melissa pulled away and walked over to the car. She boosted herself onto the hood, her arms at her sides and her entire body slumping heavily. She was still wearing her cheerleading uniform, and it somehow made her look even more frail. Slowly she lifted her head to look at him."But it's not okay, Will. Don't you see?" Melissa said, her voice little more than a whisper. "This is our senior year. You're first-string quarterback, and I was supposed to be the cheerleading captain, but now I have to sit back while Tia Ramirez runs the squad. Tia," she repeated, her voice trembling. "Tie would never even have been considered for captain if we were still at El Carro." She stared at him, the tears welling up again.Will walked closer, his feet stirring up tiny grains of sand that had found their way onto the paved parking lot. In the moonlight he could see the moistness reflected around Melissa's swollen eyes the result of nearly two hours of crying. He touched her face gently with his thumb, wiping away a few stray tears. Her skin was as cold as it was pale.Will took off his new Sweet Valley High football jacket and draped it around her shoulders. Melissa's features softened slightly. She tugged at the jacket's collar, pulling it tightly around herself. Will had seen Melissa this way many times, and he'd always stood by her. That was just part of being her boyfriend. He tried to tell himself that it would be that way in any relationship, but somehow he knew that life with Melissa was more dramatic than it would be with other girls. Over the years he had learned to accept that."Are you all right?" he asked."I guess," Melissa responded.She dabbed at her eyes and nose with a tissue she'd pulled from her bag earlier. Then she crumpled it up and put her hands back under her legs. She stared up at Will, her pale blue eyes so large and vulnerable that he wished he could scoop her up and hold her in his arms forever. He wanted to protect her from all of the pain in the world--the pain that always seemed to surround her."Thanks for hanging out with me," she said quietly.Her grateful tone caused a pang in Will's heart, and he was suddenly overcome with guilt. What if he had followed through with his original plan to break up with her tonight? To leave her so that he would be free to date Jessica Wakefield.Jessica. Beautiful, lighthearted Jessica. He had to push his thoughts of her aside. There was no way he could leave Melissa now. She would never get through this alone. She needed him, and Will liked to be needed."I know it's not fair, Liss," he said, putting his arms around her again. "I really do. I know how much you wanted to be captain, and you deserved it. Way more than Tia." He held her close and kissed her head lightly. "Or anyone else," he added as an afterthought, knowing that his dismissal of Jessica would make her feel more secure.But Melissa wasn't done crying yet. She brought her hands to her face, and her whole body began to shake. Will pulled her even closer, enveloping her in his strong arms and resting his chin on her head."Go ahead and cry, Liss," he said quietly, staring at the rough surf in the distance. "I'm here for you, and I'm not going anywhere.""Hello, Aames? Anyone in there?"Jeremy Aames started at the sound of a familiar voice. It was Corey Scott, one of his coworkers at House of Java."Snap out of it, daydream boy, Corey ordered, with attitude to spare."Sorry," Jeremy apologized, turning to face her black-rimmed eyes and dyed black hair. "Did you say something?"Corey narrowed her eyes. "Only about ten times, but don't worry about it. I'm sure you were thinking about something really important--like football."Jeremy wasn't in the mood for Corey's sarcasm. Unfortunately she had nailed him--he had been thinking about that day's game. He was the captain of Big Mesa High's football team, and he'd just led his squad in a gloryless loss against Sweet Valley High.Then, instead of joining his friends over a few pizzas to commiserate, he'd had to come to work as usual. It had been a long time since Jeremy had been able to participate in the bonding ritual that took place off the football field. That was just the way it had to be. For now.Jeremy looked at Corey, who was staring at him with her arms folded across her chest."So what exactly did you say?" he asked in as level a tone as he could manage. Corey rolled her eyes and sighed."I said I think I can handle this massive crowd for a while if you want to take your break," she offered, gesturing at the nearly empty caf."Oh, thanks." Jeremy untied the strings on his green apron. He saw Corey start to open her mouth, so he quickly ducked into the back room before she could let another derisive comment fly.Jeremy threw his apron over a chair and plopped down on the beat-up maroon couch. His manager, Ally Scott, Corey's more normal sister, had finally given in and set up an area in the back room where the staff could hang out or eat during breaks. Of course, she hadn't wanted to spend much money, so the "area" consisted of an old couch, an even older chair, and a table holding a bunch of out-of-date magazines and a Princess phone. The rest of the room was lined with stock shelves and contained another small area with a desk that served as Ally's office.Jeremy leaned forward and pulled the phone over from the opposite side of the table. He dialed Jessica Wakefield's number and almost crossed his fingers for luck."Don't be mad at me," Jeremy whispered. "Just don't be mad at me." Jessica had run off so suddenly when he had seen her earlier that afternoon, he'd spent most of the rest of the day wondering if he'd somehow offended her."Hello?"Jeremy's heart skipped a beat at the sound of a young female voice, but then he realized it was too high-pitched to be Jessica's."Hi, this is Jeremy Aames. May I speak with Jessica, please?" he said automatically. Then he grimaced. His friends always teased him for being so polit...; Title: If You Only Knew (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,619 | 7 | The arch-villain Darkseid has captured Wonder Woman and locked her up in a filthy dungeon on the planet Apokolips. He hopes to break her will and use her against Superman and the Justice League. Robbed of her armor and her magic lasso, it takes all of Dianas power to resist her captor, knowing she must escape soon or betray her friends. As she musters her strength to break free, Wonder Woman must prove to herself that she is a super hero with or without her magical weaponsor die trying.Louise Simonson worked in comics for Warren Publishing and Marvel Comics before leaving her editorial position to pursue a freelance writing career. She has since written many novels based on comic book characters, including the hit junior novel Superman: Doomsday & Beyond.; Title: The Gauntlet (Justice League (TM)) | [
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23,620 | 7 | The only way Mongul can regain the crown of War World is to fight Superman againand win. So he dispatches the bounty hunter Lobo to Earth to bring the Man of Steel back. Lobo finds Superman, and after theyve fought to a stand-off, he holds up a remote control and tells Superman that hes hidden a thermonuclear device somewhere on Earth. Unless Superman goes with him, the planet will be dust. Superman surrenders and accompanies Lobo on an interstellar law-breaking spree, to the confusion of the rest of the Justice League. But Superman has a plan. Superman always has a plan.; Title: Wild at Heart (Justice League (TM)) | [
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23,621 | 7 | They are the world's greatest super heroes, fighting endlessly to defend Earth. But some threats are too big for just one hero. When an alien invasion threatens our planet, they must join together as the Justice League. But can they fend off the unstoppable invading armada in time?CHAPTER1Two years later . . .The sprawling complex of the WayneTech radar substation in Metropolis covered acres of land on the outskirts of town. Dominated by the enormous radar dish in the center of the complex, the facility contained a low building attached to the dish's support platform. Inside were offices and control rooms, mainframe computers, and the most sophisticated radar and satellite-guidance technology available.Surrounded by a chain-link fence topped with razor-sharp curls of barbed wire, the substation was one of the crown jewels in Bruce Wayne's high-tech industrial empire. But for the past several months, Bruce had noticed security breaches in the deep-space radar monitoring network.Wayne Enterprises operated this facility for the federal government. Bruce knew that if he went through official channels, the investigation of these breaches would inevitably get bogged down for months in governmental red tape. And so the owner and CEO of Wayne Enterprises decided to investigate the situation himself.But not as Bruce Wayne.A caped figure dashed silently across the roof of the low office building. Glancing furtively left, then right, certain he was unseen, Batman firmly grasped a grill covering an open duct. Yanking it free, he slipped like a shadow into the building.Swinging acrobatically, then landing noiselessly on a rafter above the complex's main control room, Batman crouched in the darkness, peering down at the four people in the room below.The WayneTech technicians, clad in their long white lab coats, checked monitors, took readings, and prepared to close shop for another day. A tall, thin tech with floppy blond hair and large round glasses headed up a metal staircase leading to the exit."Okay, I'm outta here," the skinny tech said, pausing at the top of the stairs. "Another week in the bag. Remember, Al, Lee, Cynthia, barbecue at my place Saturday night. You're all invited. Venus is rising early, and you know what that means! A wild time is guaranteed for all!"His fellow technicians turned to the young man, broad smiles plastered on their faces."I'm there, Howie," replied Al, a heavyset, bald man, the senior member of the group. "Wouldn't miss it.""Sounds great," added Cynthia, a large, middle-aged woman, peering over the top of her reading glasses."Thanks," chimed in Lee, a thin, dark-haired tech, the youngest of the group. "See you then."Stopping at the exit, Howie turned back to face his colleagues. "You guys are party animals," he snorted, giggling, then winking and flashing the thumbs-up sign. "Good night!"As the door closed behind Howie, the three remaining technicians glanced at one another in silent relief, the frozen smiles instantly vanishing from their faces.Batman gazed down from above, watching intently as Al stood and spoke to the others."H'i chalt eed 'vaird go!" he shrieked in a shrill, inhuman voice, nodding toward the exit. Then, turning to Lee, he added, "Gy! Na'chrona tote!"The skinny young man nodded, then walked quickly to a bank of large mainframe consoles lining the back wall.Batman's mind raced. He'd been all over the world, heard hundreds of languages, but this speech was completely foreign to him. Shifting his position to get a better view, Batman wondered why this crew would suddenly stop speaking English when Howie left the room.Grasping an enormous console towering ten feet in the air, Lee easily lifted the weighty piece of equipment, moving it aside as if it were an empty cardboard box.Cynthia strode to the space vacated by the console, reached up with her right hand, and punched a hole in the thick stone wall. Shoving her arm into the hole, she lifted out an odd-looking piece of technology about the size of a large roasting pan but irregularly shaped, covered with swirling patches of red, black, and gray circuitry."Reeg ear a' chai," she announced, carefully cradling the device in her arms.Stepping toward the wall, Lee placed the console back in the spot from which he had taken it. He then followed the others through a side door leading out onto the support platform that held the massive radar dish in place.Scowling, Batman climbed back up through the rafters, slipping out onto the roof.The support platform consisted of four long, narrow metal walkways radiating out from the central radar dish, then curving down to the ground like the long steel legs of a giant spider. Reaching the radar dish, the technicians placed the device they had carried onto the dish's transmitter. Appearing to move under its own power, the apparatus split into four equal sections, then slithered, as if alive, into four openings in the transmitter, vanishing into the depths of the complex radar tracking system.Satisfied, the three colleagues turned to leave."I doubt that modification's legal," a deep, firm voice said from behind them.Swinging around in shock, they spotted Batman poised at the end of the dish's platform.Moving with lightning speed, before the three techs could react, Batman sent a rope tether speeding through the air. Finding its target, the tether bound Al and Lee together as two heavy steel balls attached to each end of the rope spun around and around, faster and faster, tightly securing the two men."Shriiiiiiii!" they both screeched, releasing high-pitched, unearthly cries."Should've stuck to your desk jobs," Batman announced, dashing toward Cynthia, who stood her ground, her face angry and defiant.Reaching out to grab Cynthia, Batman recoiled as the female tech swiped at him with surprising speed and power. Dodging the swift backhanded blow, Batman countered with a powerful punch of his own.Exhibiting extraordinary strength, Cynthia caught Batman's hand midblow, then lifted him by the wrist, tossing him aside like a rag doll.Reacting instinctively, Batman shifted his weight in midair, whipped his feet around, and landed back on the narrow steel platform in time to see Al and Lee undergo a strange transformation.; Title: Justice League: Secret Origins | [
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23,622 | 7 | rm at an end-of-summer, back-to-school party sends Amy scrambling for coverbut a bolt of lightning hits her as she runs. Next thing she knows, she wakes up in a hospital emergency room. Everythings fine. Or is it? Suddenly Amy can hear more than shed like to. She can see things that disturb her. In fact, all her senses are on edge. At first Amy thinks its way cool to have extrasensory abilitiesuntil they become more like a curse than a gift. Now she just wants to shut them down for good!Marilyn Kaye is an associate professor in the Division of Library and Information Science at St. John's University, New York, and the author of many books for young people. ; Title: Dreamcrusher (Replica 19) | [
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23,623 | 2 | <b>No easy answers for Tia.</b>When Tia has to make a tough choice, she always writes a list.<b></b><b>Angel</b><b></b><b></b><b>Trent</b><b></b>lovelikeromanticfungonehereToo bad this list isn't helping.Tia sat on her bed, staring down at the framed portrait of Angel in her hands. Funny. She'd always thought his smile was wider than that. And that his eyes drooped more at the corners. Had she forgotten what he looked like already? Or was it that the photo simply didn't do justice to the live, in-the-flesh version of him?"Give it back! Give it back! It's mi-ine'" Toms's voice sliced through the wall and pierced Tia's brain like a Ginsu knife. Time for her brothers' daily battle over the Game Boy. Tia lay down on the bed and placed a pillow over her exposed ear, never taking her eyes off Angel.Should she tell him about what happened at the party? Maybe confessing the whole thing to him would ease her conscience. At the very least she needed to open up about how left out she'd been feeling."No fair! I was playing this first!""But it's mine!""You weren't even here. You were downstairs watching TV!""I don't care! It's mine! Give it back!""All right. That's it," Tia muttered. She leaped off the bed and ran next door to her brothers' room."How much sugar did you guys eat today?" she hollered from the doorway. "Do you even know how to be quiet? Or do you just think you're the only ones on this block with eardrums!"Toms and Miguel froze in midargument, their dark brown eyes wide as golf balls. Just then Tia's mother rounded the corner of the hallway and frowned at all three of them."Boys, no more fighting," she ordered. "I want you two to go downstairs and settle this quietly." The boys mutely obeyed. As soon as they trudged past, Mrs. Ramirez turned toward Tia and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Well, that outburst wasn't like you, Tia. What's wrong?"Tia raked her fingers into her thick brown hair, grasping her forehead tightly. A sharp pain was throbbing inside her skull. "Nothing," she said. Her mother wasn't exactly the type of person who would understand random party hookups. Tia was pretty sure her mom thought she and Angel were still in the peck-on-the-cheek phase."Are you sure?" her mother asked."Yes," Tia said evenly. Then she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. "I just need to be left alone for a minute. Would it be all right if I borrowed the van? I need to sit somewhere quiet and think for a while."Her mother nodded slowly, wiping her hands on the dish towel she seemed to almost constantly be carrying. "All right. But don't be out too 1ong, okay?""Okay."Tia headed into the hall and grabbed the keys from their usual spot on the table by the door. Free at last! It was just too impossible to have a productive train of thought in this house.She started up the minivan and let it roar loudly. Then she backed out of the driveway and headed down the street.The quiet hum of the engine helped her relax, and the brilliant sunshine seemed to be illuminating everything just for her. Tia turned onto the main strip, easily blending into the sparse Sunday traffic.Sunday. When Angel was here, they'd often meet up at House of Java and talk about the weekend's events. There was nothing more cozy and comfortable than drowning in Angel's eyes . . . and a huge cup of latte. Tia hadn't even realized she was driving toward HOJ until it loomed into view. Some habits must die hard.No sense stopping, though. She didn't feel like having coffee alone, and being there would only make her feel more miserable. Instead she should find someplace that didn't remind her of Angel.But where? As she headed down the avenue, every single place held some sort of memory for her. The restaurants. The movie theater. The ice cream parlor and minigolf course. After three years of dating, there was really no place they hadn't visited at least once together.Without thinking, she rounded a corner and drove down several blocks before turning onto a tree-lined street--a street as familiar to her as her own. Angel's street.Tia parked the van across the road from his house. For a long moment she sat staring at his bedroom. Fragments of memories flashed past her, like a vivid parade of time. Angel laughing. Angel stroking her hair. Angel surprising her with flowers."God, what's wrong with me?" she cried, the van's cramped interior absorbing the sound of her voice.How could she have even considered being with someone else? After everything she and Angel had been through and meant to each other? What did that say about her? About them?Covering her face with her hands, Tia slumped over the steering wheel and cried. She felt beyond guilty. And the thing was, Angel was probably the only person in the world who could lift her spirits.Maybe she should just go back home and call him. Then again, he knew her so well, he'd probably be able to tell something awful was up just by the sound of her voice. Should she risk it?Tia straightened up and restarted the engine. In any case, she probably should head back. The drive wasn't exactly making her feel better.After one last look at Angel's house, she pulled away from the curb and headed off. In a way, it seemed fitting she should be driving around aimlessly. Since Angel left, all she seemed to be doing was going around in circles.; Title: Split Decision (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 14) | [
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23,624 | 2 | s it's impossible to just be friends with a guy. But that's exactly what Blue and Elizabeth are.<br><br>He lets her use his surfboard--the one no one else can touch.<br><br>And he calls her all the time!<br><br>It's cool being just friends with Blue.<br><br>She hopes it never changes.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Clueless (Sweet Valley Jr. High(TM)) | [
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23,625 | 2 | t.<br><br>He's funny.<br><br>He's attractive, intense, and athletic.<br><br>He's even a fairly decent dancer.<br><br>He's absolutely perfect! And he wants Jessica Wakefield.<br><br>So why, why, WHY doesn't she want him?Jessica stoked up her courage as she saw Evan trudging toward her, his mind obviously elsewhere. He still hadn't seen her, so she got to take a good, long look.If Evan had purposely chosen his clothes and hairstyle in order to mock her image of the ideal man, he couldn't have done a better job. Not only had he not shaved, but it looked like he hadn't shaved all weekend. And it wasn't a coarse, macho stubble either--it was a wispy black fuzz, the same color as his shaggy, unkempt hair, which looked like he was trying to grow dreadlocks.She checked out Evan's clothes and sighed. Frayed, drab olive cargo shorts--nothing too outrageous about that. Except for him the pockets weren't a fashion statement but were stuffed with God only knew what--his lunch, probably. His shirt, or jacket, or whatever was one of those coarsely woven, shapeless, hooded garments from Mexico or Central America. She shuddered. At least it was just plain, unbleached cotton, not covered with garish stripes. She hardly needed to look at his feet to know he was wearing Birkenstock sandals. She glanced down. Yep.Oh, well. Maybe he could change. There was always Beauty and the Beast.Jessica suddenly imagined Will's perfectly groomed, arrogant face, smiling at Evan with amusement and contempt. She flushed, angry that she had even thought of Will. There was one more reason to go ahead with this--to prove she was over the self-absorbed blond.Jessica leaned quietly against his car as Evan approached. The closer he got before seeing her, the better. She wanted to see his eyes when that first flash of recognition occurred, to observe that unguarded split second in which his true feelings might be glimpsed. Part of what was making her nervous was that despite all of her doubts about Evan, she was equally uncertain of what he thought of her.Evan was reaching into his pocket for his car keys when he finally saw her. His eyes widened for a split second, then narrowed. He unlocked the car door and threw his backpack in the passenger seat, not even bothering to acknowledge her. When he finally turned toward her, his face bore the indulgent half smile of a boy being followed around by his little sister."Hey, Jessica," he drawled. "What's up?""Not much." Jessica lowered her head, then peered up at him through her heavily mascaraed lashes, a look that never failed to have an instantaneous effect on the male respiratory system. Evan simply looked amused. His casual confidence was very different from the aggressive cockiness of a hotshot football star but was no less self-assured. He seemed in no hurry to say anything, and his relaxed smile was making Jessica increasingly self-conscious.Their eyes met, and Jessica was struck once again by the intensity of his expression. Feeling more flustered than ever, she decided she had to say something because he seemed like he could stand there forever."I-I just wanted to apologize for last Friday," she blurted out.Evan shrugged, as if she were talking about something that happened several months ago."I didn't mean to be rude," she continued. "See, I just got out of this pretty serious relationship, and I guess I sort of panicked. I mean..." She trailed off. What was making her apologize and babble on like an idiot? A few minutes ago she had thought she was doing him a favor just by talking to him."Forget it, he said, a glimmer of irritation crossing his face. "It was just a dance. I wasn't proposing marriage or anything."Jessica straightened up and looked him in the eye. Enough of this doormat routine. "Well, since you're not totally traumatized, do you want to take another shot at it?"He raised his eyebrows in surprise, and Jessica felt she had regained the upper hand. "If you want," he said. "But it's no big deal. Don't stress yourself out about it.""I'm not. I want to," Jessica said. She looked him in the eye and smiled."Okay. Why not?" He smiled back lazily. "Should we take two cars in case you feel the need to leave suddenly?"Jessica flushed but managed a laugh. "No, you can drive. I'll just make sure I have cab fare with me."He nodded. He was so calm and detached, she barely felt like they were part of the same conversation."Do you meditate, by any chance?" she asked.For the first time since he met her, Evan looked genuinely surprised. "No," he said. "I do yoga, though." He looked at her with new interest. "Why? Do you?""Are you kidding?" she asked. "I can't sit still for more than five seconds."He laughed. "So I noticed last Friday. That's why I figured that dance thing was nothing personal.""It wasn't," Jessica said. "So, are you free tomorrow night?"He nodded. "I've got swimming practice till five. Should I pick you up at six?""Perfect," Jessica said. "I'll see you then." She gave him one last patented Wakefield grin and then turned and sauntered off. As she climbed in her car, she realized she was actually feeling excited. Maybe her friends were right. Maybe she had always dated a certain type before. Breaking the mold was suddenly an exciting prospect.; Title: On My Own (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,626 | 2 | wanted was for supercute Damon Ross to notice her. Did he? Of course not.But Ronald Rheece, geek extraordinaire, noticed.And he's been acting like he's her boyfriend--gross!But nobody actually thinks he is, right? Right?!DamonReasons to try to ask Jessica Wakefield out again, even though the last time I failed miserably:1. "Do or do not. There is no try."2. I can't stop thinking about her.3. I can't even think about trying to stop thinking about her.4. She might say yes.JessicaI've almost made it, I thought in relief as I finished stuffing my books in my locker. Just two more seconds and I'll be out of here in time to escape a run-in with Ronald Rheece. Ronald is my locker partner--and not only is he a total dork, but he also has this giant crush on me. Every time he sees me, he gets all sweet and mushy and he talks so loudly. I'm really worried that one of these days someone will hear him and get the wrong idea. Because, believe me, there is no way that I would ever go out with Ronald.I quickly threw everything I needed into my backpack and was about to head off when a scrap of paper slipped out of my English notebook and landed on the floor."Hey, Jessica, you dropped something!" Ronald appeared out of nowhere and lunged for the paper. Oh my God. I panicked, my heart starting to pound. It was the poem I'd written about Damon!I gulped. "Uh . . . thanks," I told him, sticking out my hand to take the poem."Hey, wait," Ronald said, glancing at the paper as he picked it up. "Is this some kind of poem?" His eyes widened with interest as he read. "It's in your handwriting--did you write this?""Could you please give it back?" I asked sharply. I stretched my arm over to snatch the paper away, but Ronald held it out of my reach."But Jessica," he said, "this is really great!" His gaze shifted from the poem to me, and on his face was that adoring expression that made me cringe."Ronald, that's personal," I said through clenched teeth. I glanced around nervously, relieved that no one seemed to be watching us. Everyone was chattering and slamming their locker doors, rushing to get to class. If only I had come to get my books a few minutes earlier, I would have missed Ronald altogether."I didn't know you liked to write," Ronald continued. He peered at me with his puppy-dog eyes. (Maybe that sounds appealing, but it's not. They're just big and brown and, I don't know, wet looking.)I inhaled deeply, trying to stay calm. So Ronald had seen the love poem I wrote for Damon. Yeah, okay, that was pretty embarrassing, but as long as I could just convince him to give it back to me before--"'Silent Love,'" Ronald read. Out loud. Very out loud. "Your smile melts my heart . . .""Shut up!" I hissed. I lunged for the paper and grabbed it out of his hand, no longer caring about making a scene. Well, as long as that scene didn't involve my poem being broadcast throughout the halls of Sweet Valley Junior High.Ronald gave me a puzzled look. "But Jessica, you should be proud of that. 'Your smile melts my heart, your voice makes it pound,'" he repeated, his voice still horribly loud. "I like that."I knew Ronald was a genius, but I couldn't believe he'd actually memorized the stupid thing already. "Listen, I have to go--""'Your smile melts my heart . . .'" A high, mocking voice interrupted me. "Isn't that sweet? Jessica gave the dork a love poem."I whirled around and saw Justin Campbell standing behind me with a big smirk on his face. His best friend, Matt Springmeier, was next to him, laughing and shaking his head.I froze. I could see my life--or at least my social life--flash before my eyes. Justin and Matt are these really obnoxious guys who think the only way to have fun is to give other people a hard time. Justin had started calling me this annoying nickname, Lamefield, after he'd found out I was pretending my older brother was my boyfriend. That was back when Elizabeth and I had just started at SVJH after being rezoned from Sweet Valley Middle School and I had absolutely no friends. I thought having a high-school boyfriend would help me on the popularity front. But when Justin's crowd found out that Steven was really my brother, they made fun of me even more than they normally make fun of Ronald. That was a few months ago, and people were finally starting to forget about that whole thing. I'd even stopped thinking about it, now that I'd made some really cool friends like Bethel McCoy and Kristin Seltzer. But now it was coming back to haunt me."I--It's for English," I stammered. I glanced up at Justin's bright green eyes, the ones I actually thought were cute when I first met him. Now they just made me want to gag. "It's just an English assignment," I repeated slowly, forcing myself to breathe. I stuffed the paper into my backpack, then slung the bag over my shoulder."Look at that," Justin teased. He was standing pretty close to me, and I noticed that his breath smelled really bad. I struggled not to wrinkle my nose in disgust. "You wrote a poem about your dorky boyfriend," Justin went on. "Isn't that romantic?"I felt my cheeks heat up. Then I stole a glance at Ronald and cringed inwardly at the hopeful light I saw in his eyes."He's not my boyfriend," I mumbled nervously. I had to get away from them--from all of them, including lovesick Ronald. "Excuse me, but I have somewhere to be," I said stiffly. I spun around and started to walk briskly toward algebra class.I groaned softly as I heard Justin's footsteps behind me.Didn't the stupid bully have anything better to do than follow me around?"So your secret is finally out," Justin said as he reached my side. "Rheece the Geek and Lamefield are a hot item."My worst nightmare was happening--it was just like the beginning of school all over again."Don't worry," Justin continued. "We won't tell anyone about you and the dork, Lamefield."I shuddered as the sound of that nickname sent a terrifying chill down my back.He laughed loudly, then turned and stalked off in the other direction, leaving me standing there in the middle of the hallway. I took a deep breath, then kept walking to my classroom, avoiding the gaze of everyone I passed.My hands shook a little as I sank into my seat and pulled my backpack onto the desk in front of me.I looked around as the classroom started to fill up. People were talking softly to one another as they got settled. I was relieved to find that no one was paying any attention to me.This isn't a big deal, I tried to reassure myself. Justin and Matt will forget about it. I mean, no one would actually believe that I wrote a love poem for Ronald Rheece, right?Thank goodness Damon hadn't been around. If he thought Ronald and I were a couple, then he'd never ask me out.As if he's ever going to anyway, I thought in frustration.At least no one knew that poem was actually for Damon. I couldn't even imagine what I would do if Damon found out. He won't, I thought. Nobody will find out about the poem, and nobody will think Ronald is my boyfriend.All I had to do was go into major avoid-Ronald mode. The whole stupid rumor would be over in a second as long as I made sure I was never, ever seen with him.Bethel"Twenty-six. twenty-seven, twenty-eight." I stuck the pen in the top of the clipboard and set it down on the cafeteria table. "I still need twenty-two more signatures by tomorrow, Jess." I chewed my lip nervously. "I'll never make it.""Yeah, sure," Jessica answered distractedly. She swirled her straw around in the full cup of soda that she'd been staring into and not drinking for the last twenty minutes. I'd never seen Jessica like this at lunch before. Usually she's ravenous and bursting to tell me the latest news."Okay," I said, leaning back and crossing my arms over my chest. "Is there a reason why you haven't listened to a word I've said?"Jessica's face flushed, and she glanced at me apologetically At least she'd heard that comment."I'm sorry, Bethel," she said hurriedly, pressing her fingertips into her temples. A strand of blond hair fell over her face, and she pushed it back behind her ear. "I think it's great that you're running for class president. It's--I'm just tired." She frowned, then stirred her straw around again."But do you think I have a chance to actually win?" I asked anxiously, sitting forward. "I mean, what about this petition that all the class-president candidates have to fill up? I still need so many signatures."Jessica stared across the table at me, her blue-green eyes finally focusing on my face. "Bethel, you work so hard," she said sincerely. "And you're, like, the smartest person I know . . . except for my sister, obviously.""Don't forget Ronald Rheece," I added. "He's taking high-school classes already."Jessica winced. "Let's not talk about him," she said.I raised an eyebrow. "More problems with your wacky locker partner?" I teased.She looked straight down at the table, tracing the plastic pattern with her finger. "You're gonna think it's stupid," she muttered.I bit back a smile. Jessica cared way more about what other people thought than I did, and sometimes she did get upset over some pretty silly stuff. Still, I wouldn't be friends with Jessica if I hadn't learned that she had a lot more to her than what's on the surface. And she had the biggest heart, even if she didn't realize it. I'd never gotten over the time she'd taken my side ...; Title: Too Popular (Sweet Valley Jr. High No. 9) | [
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23,627 | 2 | Help! It's prom time and once again, Nicole is without a date. Not that she needs one--she's perfectly happy to hang out with her interesting, intelligent self. So why did she open her big mouth and announce she was going to the prom with this cute stranger she met at the mall? Not only does she not know who he is or if he's taken, she's only got three days to track him down!; Title: Love Stories Prom Trilogy: Justin & Nicole | [
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23,628 | 1 | are approaching. Carole Hanson and Lisa Atwood are discovering that romance can appear in unexpected places, while Stevie Lake is searching for the perfect gift for her boyfriend. With their attention focused elsewhere, none of them realize that their friend Callie Forester may be riding into trouble.Callie can be incredibly single-minded. She won't let anything come between her and her goal, and right now her goal is to get back into competitive riding. So every day she hits the trails around Pine Hollow for hours at a time--just Callie and her horse out in the peaceful woods, all alone. But the woods may not be as empty as Callie thinks.Bonnie Bryant is the author of The Saddle Club series and numerous novelizations for young people.; Title: Headstrong (Pine Hollow, Book 14) | [
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23,629 | 1 | n never knew that falling in love could be so easy--as easy as falling off a horse! Cam may be setting the pace, but Carole's right in step, and now she wants everyone to share her happiness. Life just couldn't get any better, could it? But the New Year may bring new challenges for Carole and for her friends Stevie Lake and Lisa Atwood. While Stevie helps a friend confront his past, Lisa looks toward her own future--and nothing will be quite the same.The close of an old year and the opening of a new bring unexpected endings and beginnings for everyone. It just takes courage to keep up the pace.Bonnie Bryant is the author of The Saddle Club series and numerous novelizations for young people.; Title: Setting the Pace (Pine Hollow, No. 15) (Pine Hollow(TM)) | [
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23,630 | 7 | Batman prefers to work alonebut the Justice League needs him to be a team player if theyre going to keep the World Assembly meeting peaceful. With tensions simmering between two European countries, Batman follows his own instincts instead of working with the group. Hawkgirl demands to go with him, determined to help. But with two clashing styles of fighting, theyre going to have to learn to deal with each other before they can save the world. And that might take more time than the World Assembly can spare.Michael Jan Friedman is the author of over 48 books of fantasy and science fiction, 8 of which have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. He has also written more than 160 comic books for DC Comics and Marvel Comics.; Title: Wings of War (Justice League) | [
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23,631 | 2 | m thinks Jake is the perfect guy for her. Sure, he's cute and smart, but he's also pretty obnoxious. But it just so happens that Christy and Jake's mothers are best friends. That's why when Jake surprised her by asking her to the prom, Christy found herself saying yes. Her mom has been sick for a long time, and she hates to let her mom down, even if it means spending the most romantic night of her life with Jake. But can she really go through with it? It's only one night, but it's a memory for a lifetime.Jake"Come on, Ramona," I begged. "I know you can do it, baby." I turned the key in the ignition of my Volkswagen GTI for the third time, praying for some kind of life from the engine.But there was no sound from the car's internal organs, and I knew getting the engine going within the next three minutes was impossible. It wasn't the first time the fifth-hand used car I had bought with the lawn-mowing money I had saved last summer had refused to cooperate with me. And I was sure it wouldn't be the last. Ramona, my car, had an extremely temperamental personality.This was the last thing I needed. I was running way late, and Mrs. Clark had informed me last week that I was going to have to stay after school if I was tardy one more time. At the age of seventeen, staying after school was a downright humiliating experience.I gazed down the block, trying to figure out my next course of action. My dad had already left for work, and my mom was in the shower. But if I walked to school, I was going to be at least twenty minutes late.And then I saw none other than Christy Redmond racing out of her house. Her arms were loaded down with books, as always. I sighed. Christy was the last person I wanted to ask for a ride to school. But she was also the only person on this street about to head to Union High.Pride or detention. Pride. Detention. Okay, I would sacrifice my pride in the name of avoiding detention. It was the only sane thing to do. I jumped out of the car and slammed the door behind me.Swinging my backpack over one shoulder, I jogged down the block, waving my arms. When I was about fifty feet from the Redmonds' house, Christy looked up from the door she was unlocking."You can stop waving, Jake," she informed me. "I see you.""Can I have a ride to school?" I asked. "Ramona is in one of her moods."She shrugged. "Get in."Huh. That was easy. This wasn't the first time I'd had to swallow my pride and ask Christy for a lift to school. But usually she tortured me for a couple of minutes before she grudgingly agreed to let me grace the inside of her precious car. I tossed my backpack into the backseat of her Honda and slid into the passenger seat.Christy barely seemed to notice me as she started the car and put it into gear. Her eyes were focused on the road, and she seemed to be in some sort of meditative trance."You're losing your touch," I commented, glancing sideways at her dark hair and ivory skin.She raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?""I haven't received one insult since I got into this car," I pointed out. "We've been together for almost three full minutes, and you've neither commented on my poor taste in girls nor called me a ruttish, reeling-ripe puttock.""Maybe I've matured," she responded. "Maybe I've realized that it's a waste of time to expend even an iota of mental energy on sparring with you."Right. And I'm the proud owner of a brand-new Porsche, I thought. "I've got another theory," I informed her. "I think you're harboring a hidden, burning passion for me. It's written all over your face."Now that got her attention. Christy took her eyes off the road just long enough to glare at me. "I might have a burning disdain for you," Christy retorted. "But as for giving you a ride, I'm only doing what's right. My parents always taught me to take pity on stray animals."Ouch. I never should have opened my mouth. But now that I had...there was no way I was going to let Christy get the last word."Speaking of animals, I saw your ex-boyfriend making out with some freshman in the cafeteria the other day. He was kissing her in between showing off his ability to snort milk out of his nose to his buddies.""He must have been making out with Leanne Nelson," Christy came back at me. "Isn't she the girl who turned you down for a date last month?"Ouch again. Christy was an expert at getting under my skin. Why did I find it necessary to provoke her the minute I got into the car? Because you're an idiot, I told myself. But it was too late to take it back. So far, this day was getting off to a stellar start.For the tenth time I regretted the fact that I had let my mom talk me into asking Christy to the prom. Not that I had resisted the idea. I knew that Rose Redmond had always had a not-so-secret hope that Christy and I would fall in love. Making her happy by taking Christy to the prom was, like, the least I could do for the woman who had been basically like a second mom to me since I was five.It was ironic, really. I could have named at least six guys who would have killed to take Christy Redmond to the senior prom. And I, her archenemy, had asked her to the dance as a favor to her mother. At what point is life going to start making sense? I wondered as Christy slammed on the brakes to avoid going through a yellow light."So have you thought up a good excuse to get out of going to the prom with me yet?" Christy asked, almost as if she had been reading my mind with an X-ray machine."Why?" I asked. "Have you found some no-brained jock you'd rather go with?"I had never understood Christy's taste in guys. She flitted from one amiable, good-looking bonehead to another. Apparently she enjoyed the company of guys who resembled friendly puppies. Naturally, none of these relationships (and I use that term loosely) lasted for more than three or four weeks. Sometimes I thought she chose her dates based solely on who would provide the best material for my stinging barbs."For your information, David Foster was a National Merit semifinalist," she retorted, referring to her last sort-of boyfriend. "Not everyone finds it necessary to flaunt their smarts in order to get attention."I decided not to respond to that particular comment. I knew Christy thought I tended to be obnoxious--it wasn't new information. Luckily there were others who appreciated my strong personality. Wendy Schultz, for instance. She was an adorable junior who had been giving me The Eye in the cafeteria lately.Now, there's an ideal prom date, I thought. Wendy was pretty, smart, and, most important, pleasant. I would have loved to put my arms around her for a few rounds of slow, slow dancing."Well, don't worry," I assured Christy. "Once we get to the dance, you can flirt with any National Merit semifinalist you want to.""I know, Jake," Christy declared. "We'll do the limo, we'll do the corsage, we'll do the pictures. After we make nice for the parents, we're both free to do whatever we want once we arrive at the prom."She had repeated back to me exactly what I had said to her when I asked her to be my "date." I guessed that bringing up the same subject again had hurt her girlish sensibility."Unless you want to be real dates," I said quickly. "I mean, it's not like I'm going to refuse to dance with you or anything."She snorted. "I'll have plenty of people to do the lambada with," she assured me. "Don't you worry your tickle-brained little head.""Say no more," I answered. "I'll be more than happy to leave you to your own devices.""Good." It had the ring of a definitive, final statement. She was done with the conversation. Had we not been confined to the front seat of a small car, Christy probably would have waved her hand to dismiss me from the room.That's fine with me, I thought. Who cared if Christy didn't want to talk to me? I didn't want to talk to her either. I would sit here in silence until we pulled into the school parking lot.Still, Christy's attitude was just a tad irritating. Even beyond her usual brand of irritating. She didn't have to be quite so bummed about going to the prom with me. It wasn't as if I were a total loser. For that matter, I wasn't any kind of loser. Not that I would ever let Christy know that she had even slightly gotten to me. I might not be too proud to cop a ride, but I had my limits.Besides, lots of girls would have jumped at the chance to go to the prom with me, if I did say so myself. Wendy Schultz, for instance. I would have been willing to bet anyone fifty dollars--no, a hundred--that she would have done somersaults if I'd invited her to be my date.I was getting the sinking feeling that prom night was going to be a replay of the Date from Hell after seventh grade. At least it can't be any worse, I thought.Sometimes it was hard for me to believe that at one time in our lives, Christy and I had been almost inseparable. She was the first girl I really got to know. In truth, she was the first girl I ever loved.During long summer days in grade school, I had learned that girls could be playing with a doll one minute, climbing a tree the next. I had learned that girls were a lot more sympathetic when it came to scraped knees than boys were. I had learned that...well, just because girls had longer hair and softer skin didn't mean they couldn't be a blast to hang out with.I sighed quietly, glancing at Christy out of the corner of my eye. Now that we weren't engaged in verbal combat, I could really study her face. She looked as beautiful as she always did...but something was off.She's got circles under her eyes, I realized. She's tired. Sure, she was wearing blush and lipstick and whatever else it was that girls wore to make themselves look totally put together. But beyond the makeup, I could see that Christy was exhausted.Suddenly all of the fire seeped out of my bones. Next to me sat the girl I had grown up with. And she was goin...; Title: Jake & Christy (Love Stories: Prom Trilogy 3) | [
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23,632 | 2 | ng the summer helping people and making new friends...what could be cooler?From the personal journal of soon-to-be- eighth grader Elizabeth Wakefield:I came to Costa Rica to work hard and help people.But what do I get? A nonstop party.Not that I'm complaining.It's just weird...sort of how it is with J.P., I guess.At first I thought he was a jerk.But now...now I think I might be falling in love with him.What have I gotten myself into?Sunday, 6:45 A.M.Dear Diary,Well, here I am on my way to the airport.I can hardly believe the big day is finally here! I'm excited but kind of nervous too.This isn't the sort of thing I expected to be doing the summer before eighth grade.Of course, eighth grade may not be anything like what I was expecting either, so I guess it all kind of makes sense.Jessica is sleeping next to me in the backseat.Actually, to be completely accurate, she's sleeping on me and drooling on my shoulder.I'm a little surprised she decided to come along and see me off--we all know how she feels about her beauty sleep, and it is pretty early.I'm glad she came, though.It's going to be incredibly strange being apart from her for such a huge chunk of the summer.Five weeks is a long time.Especially since Jessica and I have never really been separated before, not for more than a few days.Even though there are moments--OK, sometimes whole days or weeks or months--when I think that Jess and I have absolutely nothing in common, we've still always been close.They say that's how it is with twins, and I guess it's true.In a way, this summer is proof of how different we are.Because if Jessica and I were exactly alike (like some people think when they see our identical long blond hair and blue-green eyes), we would both be spending the month of August in the same place.Instead I'm off to Costa Rica while Jessica is staying behind in Sweet Valley to hang with her friends in the Unicorn Club.Jessica isn't the only one I'm going to miss.There's Mom and Dad, of course, and Steven (even though he'd never admit it, I know he'll miss me too).I'll definitely miss my friends, especially Maria Slater--she's the one who gave me this travel diary as a going-away present.She said she picked it out because it's small enough to take with me everywhere.She's smart that way."See? It's smaller than those paperback mystery novels you're always carrying around," she told me when I unwrapped it."Thanks, Maria," I exclaimed, running my fingers over the cloth-covered diary."It's perfect!""You'll probably be too busy to read much on this trip.But you ought to write down everything that happens so you'll always remember it." She smiled."Of course, the way you write, it will probably turn out sounding like a novel anyway.""Thanks," I said again, reaching over to give her a hug.Leave it to a good friend like Maria to know me so well--and to choose the perfect gift! She really understands how important this trip is to me.In fact, I liked the diary idea so much, I bought one for Jess and left it on her pillow.She'll have a little surprise waiting for her when she gets back from leaving me at the airport!I still remember how excited I was when I first found out about the Rain Forest Friends and their work.It was a few weeks after school let out for the summer.I was browsing the Internet for information I could use in an article I was writing for the school newspaper.The article was about student volunteering, and I was finding tons of interesting stuff I could use.After a while I came across a link that mentioned California teen volunteers.That's when I found it--a Web site about an organization called Rain Forest Friends that sponsors teenagers to go all over Central America to help with lots of different projects.They had an urgent notice on the site, asking for volunteers ages twelve and up from southern California to join a trip to an area of Costa Rica that recently suffered heavy flood damage.The villagers in the area had lost a lot of buildings--houses, community centers, schools--that they needed help rebuilding."Wow," I whispered, staring at the computer screen.It was almost too perfect--I mean, I'm thirteen years old, I live in Sweet Valley, California, and I've even done some volunteer work with Houses for Humans, so I have a little bit of experience with building.Plus I've always believed that volunteering is really important.I've spent a lot of time working at the local homeless shelter and other places, and it always makes me feel great to help someone else.The Costa Rica project sounded like an incredible way to spend part of the summer.I quickly scanned the rest of the Web site, then took down the phone number and went to talk to my parents.I found them in the living room, reading the newspaper.They listened carefully as I told them all about the Web site and the Costa Rica project."Costa Rica?" my dad said when I finished, wrinkling his brow like he always does when he's thinking hard about something.Mom looked thoughtful too."That sounds like a very interesting and worthwhile trip, Elizabeth," she said."But Costa Rica is awfully far away.And you've never traveled that far on your own before."I could tell what they were thinking--that I was kind of young to be heading off to the rain forests of Central America all alone.I didn't blame them for being nervous.That's their job as parents.But I had to make them understand that I could handle it."I know," I said."But I wouldn't be by myself, not really.I'd be with a whole group of kids from nearby towns plus some adult supervisors."Dad was nodding."True," he said.He exchanged a glance with my mother."Give us a little time to think it over, Elizabeth.Oh, and let me have that phone number so I can call the Rain Forest Friends and check them out."I gave him the piece of paper."Thanks," I said."Whatever you two decide, I want you to know I appreciate that you're considering it."Mom smiled and patted me on the arm."You're welcome.Now could you set the table for dinner, please?""Sure, Mom." I headed toward the kitchen, humming under my breath.From the way my parents looked and sounded, I was feeling optimistic that they would say yes.Costa Rica, here I come! I thought happily.Jessica thought I was nuts, of course.I guess she overheard my parents talking about it because the first thing I knew, she was storming into the kitchen with her hands on her hips."Are you crazy, Elizabeth?" she cried."Why would you want to go to some lame rain forest where there isn't even any decent shopping?""Come on, Jess." I opened a cabinet and took out five plates."It'll be interesting.Besides, I'll be helping people who need it.It's not like I'll be bored."She rolled her eyes, opened the refrigerator, and grabbed a diet soda."Yeah, right," she said."Chopping your way through some snake-infested rain forest for the excitement of doing manual labor? Living in native huts where there probably isn't indoor plumbing or even a place to plug in your hair dryer? That sounds a little too interesting to me." She slumped down into her chair and popped the top on her soda."It's not going to be like that," I protested."The villages we'll be helping are really more like towns.There's plumbing and electricity and everything.""But I thought we were going to spend the whole summer relaxing and getting ready for our big eighth-grade year," Jessica said, pouting.This is probably a good time to mention that our school district is getting rezoned for next year--and nobody knows where they'll be going to school or with whom.I think Jessica has been feeling a little nostalgic and wanting to spend as much time as possible with her friends.She's probably worried that things will never be the same again if the Unicorns get split up.But at least she and I can be certain that we won't get split up.I shoved her soda can aside so I could set down her plate."There will still be time for that," I reminded her."The trip to Costa Rica isn't until August." I sighed."Besides, I'm not sure I'll want to spend too much time sitting around and thinking about our big eighth-grade year.Not until we know more about what's happening."Jessica just shrugged and waved her hand at that, as if she wasn't worried at all.But I know she really is, and I am too.That's another good thing about going to Costa Rica--I won't have to spend my summer worrying about whether I'll get sent to a new school or not!So I was thrilled--even if Jessica wasn't--when my parents decided that I could go to Costa Rica if I really wanted to.They said it was because I've always been so responsible and mature.That made me feel good, even though I think Jessica was sort of annoyed.She always tells me that being responsible and mature are way overrated, but I guess this time she was wrong.Once I knew I was going, the days seemed to fly by.Maria helped me do more research on the Internet and at the library so I'd be prepared for life in Costa Rica.She even found an old Spanish phrase book in her attic.Maria and I also found some information on the Net about constructing simple buildings.The most interesting Web site was called "Coco's Cost-Cutting...; Title: Elizabeth: Next Stop, Jr. High (Sweet Valley Twins) | [
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23,633 | 2 | his.She should say good-bye to Angel, the love of her life.She should say, "See ya later! Have fun at college. Don't forget me!"But it would be so much easier to say, "Stay."And maybe he would. Maybe he'd give up everything for her....But is that what she really wants?Jessica Wakefield2:24 A.M.It's really late.  For three and a half hours all I've done is stare at the glowing red numbers on my digital clock.  If I don't get to sleep soon, I'm going to be walking around school tomorrow looking like someone left me in the microwave too long.I hate hurting people.I should just go to sleep.  Tomorrow I'll straighten everything out.  There's really nothing to worry about because I haven't done anything wrong.  Jeremy has to understand.But if I haven't done anything wrong, why do I feel so guilty?Tia Ramirez2:27 A.M.When Angel didn't show up to hang out with me and Conner, I was so mad.  I'd spent the early evening on emergency baby-sitting duty, and all I wanted to do was to kick back with my best friend and my boyfriend and relax, but Angel was a no-show.I figured they'd called him to work a shift after the riot and he'd forgot to tell me.  After all, that's all he's been doing lately--work like it's the only way we can spend time together is if I buy a drink from him.Then Conner brings me to the track to look for him.  I thought he was out of his mind.  No way would Angel be hanging out there with all the lowlifes.  Not my boyfriend.But there he was.  And that wasn't the worst part.  I had no idea what I was in for.Conner McDermott2:29 A.M.Angel has that blank stare.I've seen it before, on my mother.Whenever I catch her with a drink in her hand.Angel Desmond shifted on the hard wooden bleacher, staring at a crack in the floor between his feet. His girlfriend, Tia Ramirez, hovered over him, the bright racetrack lights combining with her form to cast a shadow over his face. He couldn't even lift his chin to meet her shocked, disappointed gaze. The guilt was too heavy.Conner McDermott, the other friend who had shown up just in time to witness Angel's worst life moment, stood directly in front of Angel."When you say you lost all your money . . . what exactly do you mean by that?" Conner asked.Now Angel was staring at Conner's beat-up work boots. "I mean I've lost everything," he replied, briefly glancing up at Conner's clouded green eyes. "My entire savings account is cleaned out. I have nothing." His voice diminished into a hoarse whisper."Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke," Tia demanded. Angel flinched at the harsh tone in her voice. Her brown eyes were wide, and her beautiful, olive skin had turned pale. "Answer me, Angel! Tell me what the hell happened!"Angel fought the urge to run and hide, to streak off into the darkness as fast as his legs could propel him--faster, certainly, than any of the horses he'd bet on that night. At that moment he had no idea which was more painful: realizing the severity of his situation or seeing the devastated expression on Tia's face.For as long as they'd been a couple, Angel had never seen her look at him this way. Like he was some kind of criminal instead of her boyfriend. It tore right into his heart. He wanted to say something--anything to soften that look."Tia," he began, aI . . . I . . ." Good, he thought. Very articulate.Tia shook her head slowly. "You what?" she asked. "Say something!"Angel stared down at the grimy floor, made colorful by a mosaic of scattered betting receipts. Hundreds of scraps of paper representing hundreds of wasted hopes--not to mention thousands of wasted dollars."I . . . I was on a streak!" he blurted out, realizing how lame his reply sounded. "Everything was just fine! But then my luck just . . . turned or something."Tia let out an exasperated sigh and brought one hand to her forehead. "I don't get it," she said, glancing at Conner as if he held the answers. Conner just shook his head and looked away. "This isn't like you, Angel," Tia continued. "You would never, ever do something like this. I mean, what were you thinking? What?"He opened his mouth to reply, then immediately closed it again. What could he say anyway? He hadn't been thinking--at least not effectively. There had only been an overwhelming hope that his bets would pay off, just like they had before. But there was no way he could explain all that.Tia climbed down over the bleacher in front of Angel and stood next to Conner. "Talk to me! Make me understand!"Angel just stared back at her, letting her angry words wash over him as Conner wandered off a bit.  Angel wished she would just go away. Who told them to show up anyway? Here he was in the middle of a living nightmare, and they had to walk in uninvited."You weren't here!" he said through clenched teeth. "I had it all under control!"Tia's mouth fell open. "What does that mean? Obviously you didn't have it under control or you wouldn't be broke!""Hey, Tee," Conner said, walking over to her and placing his hand on her upper arm. Angel felt a slight sense of relief."What?" Tia snapped."Look, he already knows he screwed up royally," Conner replied calmly.Gee, thanks, Angel thought. Way to stick up for me."But this doesn't make any sense!" Tia shouted, yanking her arm away from Conner. "There must be some mistake! You didn't actually lose all of your money, right? I mean, there's gotta be some left."Angel felt as if she had shoved her hand through his chest and twisted his heart. He looked past her at the quiet racetrack. "I don't believe this!" she spat.For a moment no one spoke. Angel could only hear the pounding of his heart and the whistling of a nearby janitor. Eventually Tia grabbed his shoulder and turned him around to face her."What are you going to do now?" she asked shakily.The question reverberated through Angel's head. What could he do? Obviously turning back time was not an option. Other than that, he was fresh out of ideas.Angel sighed heavily. "I'm going to the rest room," he mumbled. Then he stood shakily and climbed the bleachers before Tia could say anything further."Hey, pal. We're closed," one of the employees called out gruffly."Don't worry," Angel answered. "Just give me two seconds and I'll be out of here." Forever, he added silently.He pushed through the squeaky door of the bathroom and took a deep breath of the foul-smelling air. Every step echoed off the tile walls as he made his way over to the line of sinks. He imagined himself a prisoner, taking his final walk to the gas chamber and certain death. Not too far off the mark, he thought. In a few hours I'll have to face Dad.Angel turned on the cold faucet and splashed his face with handfuls of icy water. He wanted to wake himself up--to somehow dissolve the nightmare around him. But it didn't work. He was still there. Still broke. Still left without a future. The nightmare was real.He turned off the tap and stood up straight, staring at his face in the mirror. His bloodshot eyes stared back, and droplets of water ran down his cheeks like heavy perspiration. He watched as they zigzagged around the thick stubble on his chin before faring into the sink below.No wonder Tia's looking at me that way, he thought. I look like a crazed asylum escapee.If only. That would make everything easier to explain. He could tells his parents he'd temporarily lost his sanity and ended up squandering his future at the track. At least then he'd have something to blame it on. Something besides his own stupidity.Angel's throat tightened as he thought about all the times he'd overheard his father bragging to his customers about how "his boy" was going to Stanford. And just a few days earlier his mother had surprised him with a Stanford University sweatshirt--a really expensive one. Now that money was squandered too."You let them down, man," he said to his reflection. "Mom and Dad believed in you, and you let them down."How in the world was he going to tell them? If Tia could freak this much, how would his folks react? Would they scream and yell? Throw knives? Banish him from the house?It doesn't matter, he thought, dabbing his face with a paper towel. Whatever they do to me, I deserve it.; Title: Broken Angel (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,634 | 2 | So Larissa didn't get the part?<br>Big deal. <br>So she's failing English and math and maybe Spanish--who cares?<br>She's having fun. She's got a life.<br>School's not the most important thing <br>in the world.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Wild Child (Sweet Valley Jr. High(TM)) | [
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23,635 | 2 | nks Conner needs help...that when his mother leaves he won't be able to take care of things. So she's having his completely useless stepfather over in while she's gone. But it's pointless. Conner has always taken care of Megan, and he can handle this situation, too. Or he could...if everyone would just get out of his face.Jessica WakefieldOkay, so I kissed Will.So? It was just a fluke, right?One harmless little kiss that lasted for five seconds, tops.But if it was nothing, why can't I stop thinking about it?I keep seeing his face, inches away from mine, with that intense look in his gorgeous blue-gray eyes--the look that had me breathing heavy before he even touched me.And then when he kissed me...wow.First it was hard, like he couldn't control himself, and then it was soft and sweet as he traced the line of my jaw with his hand.It was like he was studying my face, memorizing it.Then he slid his fingers behind my neck and up through my hair, which was just--I have to stop obsessing over this--over him.And I will.As soon as I catch my breath.Conner McDermottAP EnglishMr. CollinsQuestion #4: In communication, there is often a disparity between what a person says and how others hear it.Using the passages handed out in class or quotes of your own, show how simple messages can be interpreted in more than one way.Give at least three examples.There are two sides to every story.Even with fortune cookies.Most people take them at face value, but if you ask me, there's always a hidden meaning.You just have to look.Example #1Fortune: You are a very kind and patient person.What it really says:Wake up.Everyone's walking all over you and you don't even see it.Example #2Fortune: Your wisdom will guide you through a difficult situation.What it really says: You're on your own.Don't even bother asking for help because you won't get any.Example #3Fortune: You will soon receive a surprise in the mail.What it really says:You know that package you just got?Hold it up to your ear.If it's ticking, think twice before you open it.Angel DesmondRESIDENT ASSISTANT APPLICATIONIn the space provided below, please list five reasons you believe you would be an asset to the RA program.1. I'm very personable and easy to get along with, so other students would be comfortable talking to me about their problems and concerns.All right, that's a good one.This is going to be easy.2. I work well with others and can easily take on leadership roles or sit back and assist while someone else leads.I'm a shoo-in for this position.How could they not hire me?3. I'm responsible and trustworthy.Except for the fact that I just gambled away my entire college tuition in one night at the racetrack.4. I'm a hard worker and a good problem solver.I've held down a job fixing cars at my father's garage ever since I was old enough to buy a screwdriver.Although he did fire me because of the whole gambling thing.5. I'm ready to face the challenges of being a good RA, and I believe I could enforce university policies in a fair and effective manner.Besides, if you don't hire me, I won't be able to afford college at all, so I'd pretty much do anything you asked me to at this point.Elizabeth WakefieldOnce, when I was in fifth grade, I crossed the road without waiting for my bus driver to flag me on.She made me write "I will not cross the road without waiting for the signal from Lucille" one hundred times as a punishment, and I never forgot to look up at her again.So here goes:1. I will not think about Conner McDermott.2. I will not think about Conner McDermott.3. I will not think about Conner McDermott.Ugh!4. I will think about Conner McDermott whenever something Conner-related passes in front of my eyes.Like a guitar.Or a Monopoly game.Or a Mustang.5. I will think about Conner McDermott even when something not remotely Conner-related passes in front of my eyes.Like crab cakes.Or a gum wad.Or a ministapler.6. I will mope around thinking about Conner until he begs me to come back.I don't need to write that one a hundred times.It's already etched in my brain."God, Jess. What's in here? Wet towels?" Steven Wakefield asked, groaning as he loaded a large box marked Jessica's Room into the back of his tan Explorer.Jessica glanced at the crate her brother was carrying and squinted."No, I think that's the one I packed with all of the silver from the Fowlers' kitchen," she said, throwing a saccharine smile at Lila Fowler. Steven chuckled, but Lila didn't look amused. She had been hovering around the entrance to her family's mansion all morning, watching Steven, Jessica, and Elizabeth as they packed their belongings into their cars."Very funny," Lila said, glaring at Jessica. She took a long sip of ice water from her crystal glass. "Not that I'm totally convinced you're kidding," she added, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back against the white stucco archway that led into the main foyer. Jessica watched as her sister, Elizabeth, squeezed past Lila with another load. Lila didn't budge."Next time I'll go through her," Elizabeth muttered to her sister."Oh, please, let me," Jessica whispered back. It was bad enough that she'd had to live with the Fowlers the entire time Lila and Melissa Fox were collaborating to make life hell for Jessica, but did Lila really have to be there on the day that the Wakefields were finally moving out?It doesn't matter, Jessica decided. We're getting out of here and into our new house. Not even Lila can ruin this day."What are you doing out here anyway?" Jessica asked, running a hand through her fine blond hair as she headed back toward the house. "Don't you have riding lessons or something?"Lila smiled tightly. "Let's just say I'm making sure that you don't accidentally leave with any of my clothes. I know how easy it is to get my designer labels mixed up with--well, whatever it is you wear these days," she said, gesturing at the plastic-wrapped garments Elizabeth was carrying.Jessica sighed. Lila was such a snob that her comment was almost funny. Almost. "As if I'd steal anything from your overpriced, overrated wardrobe," she said, walking back toward the foyer for another load."Well, you didn't seem to have any problem with stealing Melissa's boyfriend," Lila said.Jessica stopped in her tracks and closed her eyes, determined to keep her cool despite the fact that she could feel her cheeks flaring."Come on, Lila. Everyone knows that was a lie," Jessica said. "Why don't you get some new material?"Lila's eyes widened. "You mean that wasn't true?"Jessica groaned. "You know it wasn't," she said, clenching her fists at her sides."Then what's he doing here?" Lila asked, all innocence.Jessica's brow furrowed. "What are you--"Her voice trailed off as she followed Lila's gaze. A blue Blazer had just pulled up, and Jessica was fairly certain she knew who was behind the wheel. Oh God, not now, she thought, her heart skipping a beat. Will Simmons jumped out of the Blazer and began walking toward her even as she wished him away.Jessica exchanged a nervous glance with Elizabeth and then focused what she hoped was a bland expression on Will. Bland equals not interested equals go away, Jessica thought. She only hoped he would get the hint."Hey," Will said, smiling warmly at Jessica. The hint had obviously mixfired, and unfortunately Jessica could never keep herself from grinning like an idiot when he smiled at her. "Lila," he said, nodding stiffly in her direction. Lila glared at him and walked inside. Will smirked. "I don't think she likes me.""Join the club," Jessica said. She sounded normal. Odd, considering the fact that her heart was doing distinctly abnormal dance moves. "I think I'm number one on her most hated list.""Tell me you left something behind for her," Will said, his eyes sparkling. "You know, like blue dye in her shampoo or shaving cream in her shoes."Jessica laughed in spite of herself. "Where were you two days ago when I had time to plan something like that?""I would have been here." Will shrugged and looked her directly in the eyes. "All you had to do was ask," he said quietly.Jessica's stomach flopped, and she wrapped her arms around her waist. This was not good. She could not let herself fall for this guy all over again. Not after everything he'd done."Um, Will?" she began, narrowing her eyes. "I don't mean to be rude or anything, but . . . what are you doing here?"Will took a step back. "Oh, I . . . uh . . ." He hesitated. "I wanted to thank you for helping out with the kidnap breakfast earlier. I think it went really well."Jessica tried not to think about the part that had gone really well."Like when we picked up Josh," Will continued.That would be the part, Jessica thought. A shiver passed through her as she remembered the lip lock in Josh Radinsky's bedroom. Lying on the floor with Will's body pressed against hers--stop."What do you mean?" she asked, startled at how panicked her voice sounded.Will smiled again. "Just that everyone was really having a good time by then. What did you think I meant?" he asked. She could tell he was trying hard not to laugh....; Title: Take Me On (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,636 | 2 | estion #1: Its time to choose where youre going to college. Ending up in the same place as your guy is:<br><br>a. Not an issue. Youre more concerned with the quality of the cafeteria food and whether or not the dorms have big <br>windows.<br><br>b. So important that youre willing to compromise your dreams.<br><br>c. A factor in your decision, but not the make-or-break one.<br><br>What will Jessica choose?Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Close to You (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 30) | [
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23,637 | 1 | Praise for Pine Hollow #1, The Long Ride:"Because of its exciting plot and true-to-life characters, this book insures the author a wide following for the Pine Hollow series." --Kliattationships could beso tough?Stevie Lake, ace reporter! She's joined the Fenton Hall school paper and she's ready to go undercover and break big stories, but her editor has other ideas. Stevie's first assignment is to cover the junior class on marriage. It's not her idea of a hard-hitting investigative piece--especially since her own "marriage" is headed for divorce court faster than you can say "cavalletti." However, Callie Forester and her "husband" are having a blast planning for the future. In fact, as far as someone is concerned, they're having too much fun. Meanwhile, Carole Hanson is still trying to figure out what the future holds for her and Ben, while Lisa Atwood just wonders whether she and Alex have a future.; Title: Back in the Saddle (Pine Hollow, Book 12) | [
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23,638 | 2 | y, three's a crowd, but four can be a nightmare!<br><br>If Conner spends times with Tia, Elizabeth gets jealous.<br><br>If he spends time with Elizabeth, Tia gets jealous.<br><br>Then they both tell Maria what an evil guy he is, and Maria feels the need to tell HIM everything they say.<br><br>Maybe he should spend more time with his guy friends.Uncomfortable VibesKen Matthews woke up on Saturday morning in a seriously grumpy mood. Which was funny, considering that last night should have been one of the best nights of his life. Should have been were the operative words here, however. Although Ken did receive a special spirit award from the Sweet Valley Tribune, his father had neglected to show up for the big moment. And that had put more than a slight damper on the evening.I can't believe he bailed out on me for some woman, Ken thought, throwing off his plaid comforter and grabbing his gray SVH-football sweatpants from the shag-carpeted- floor. Sure, Ken understood that his father needed to date. But did that have to mean that Ken was now delegated to the very bottom of his father's priority list--somewhere below going to the dentist and cleaning out the garage?Ken sighed. Normally he didn't tell his father when things were bothering him. It seemed too hard and too pointless to have that type of a conversation with the guy. But this time was going to be different. Ken wasn't going to let him off easy.I guess I'll have to wait until this afternoon for that, he thought as he walked out of his room. Ken hadn't heard his father come home last night, so he figured that he must have slept at Asha's. Man. I wouldn't be surprised if he moved in with her altogether and left me here alone.But as Ken headed down the staircase, he heard his father's voice, followed by a woman's laughter.Ken stopped in place. Part of him wanted to run back up the stairs and stay in his room until she left.But he wasn't a child, and he wasn't going to hide out in his own home.Still, as he rounded the corner and walked into the kitchen, he sort of wished he had. It was just so...weird, seeing his father and this strange woman sitting and eating in his little breakfast nook, Asha looking perfectly at home in Ken's father's dark blue bathrobe, the Sweet Valley Tribune laid out before her on the square, black Formica table. And they were so busy drinking their coffee and eating their bagels that they didn't even notice Ken when he walked in. Ken's father reached out to massage Asha's slender shoulder."Uh, hey, guys," Ken mumbled.Asha immediately broke away from Mr. Matthews, closing the bathrobe tighter around her body. "Morning," she said, pushing her red-framed glasses up on her face. A dark tendril of hair slipped out of the bun on top of her head, and a flush jumped to both of her cheeks. She forced a smile.Ken's own cheeks felt like they were flaming up, which really annoyed him. She was the one who should be embarrassed, not him.Ken's father was the only one who acted like nothing was out of the ordinary. He ran a hand through his thinning blond hair, gulped down his last drop of coffee, and said, "Morning, Ken."Ken blinked. Was his dad even going to apologize for last night? Did he even remember?"Would you like a bagel?" Asha asked, standing up. "Some coffee?"Okay, this was completely screwed up. She was acting like she lived here now."No," Ken said, walking over to the refrigerator. "Thanks." He pulled out the orange juice, then shot another glance at his father. Nothing.Ken put the juice container down on the counter. He couldn't take this anymore. "Dad?" he began. "Did you just completely forget about last night or what?"Mr. Matthews looked up from the paper. His blue eyes opened wide. "Last night?" Asha put down her own bagel midbite and watched Ken's father warily."You know, the awards dinner?" Ken reminded him, even though he was fairly certain his dad knew exactly what he was talking about. "You promised me you'd come. I looked all over for you like an idiot."Ken's father put down the paper, leaning forward. "Now's not the time, Ken. Let's talk about this when we're alone."Now's not the time to what? Apologize? Ken thought, fuming. He grabbed a glass out of the overhead cabinet and slammed it down on the counter, sloppily pouring some juice into it and almost causing the glass to overflow. "Yeah, whatever," he muttered, taking a sip."No, Ken, we're sorry," Asha suddenly put in, surprising both Ken and, by the looks of his expression, Ken's father.Mr. Matthews placed a hand on Asha's wrist. "Asha, you don't have to--""No, no." She took off her glasses and regarded Ken with apologetic brown eyes. "We had these reservations at Le Bon Coin. A friend got them for us. They would've been a big deal to cancel."Ken traced the rim of his glass with his finger, trying not to explode. What was with all this "we" crap? Fine, so they were going out, but since when did Asha become his father's official spokesperson? And since when was keeping a reservation at a trendy restaurant more important than showing up for your son's awards dinner? Ken deserved a real apology. From his father.Ken glanced over at him now. His dad was folding the newspaper and standing up, as if everything had been neatly explained."You could have at least called to tell me that," Ken said.Mr. Matthews's round cheeks tinged with pink. He rolled up the newspaper like a poster, wrapping both of his big hands around it. "Ken, Asha just apologized," he warned. "Watch your tone."Yeah, Ken thought, that's just the problem. Asha apologized. Not you."No, Ken's right," Asha said, clearing the table. She carried the two black ceramic mugs arid plates over to where Ken was standing, then put them in the sink. "We should've called. I don't know what we were thinking." She turned to Ken, placing one hand on her hip. "I'm really sorry. It won't happen again."All Ken could do was stare down at his glass of orange juice. But he was thinking about his mom. And how she never would have let this happen in the first place."I'm just used to being alone," Asha continued as she turned on the water at the sink and began to rinse off the plates and mugs. "But I know that's gotta change if I'm going to be a part of your lives. I'm going to have to start considering your feelings as well as your father's."Ken watched Asha silently as she opened the dishwasher and loaded it up. Who was this woman? And in what way did she think she was going to be a part of Ken's life?Asha closed the dishwasher and looked at Ken, wiping her hands dry with a dishrag. "So. Apology accepted?"Ken fidgeted with the edge of the counter. "Uh, yeah."Asha smiled an enormous, toothy smile. Then she leaned against the counter, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hey, you know what I'd like to do?" she asked, glancing from Ken to his father.Ken's father tapped the rolled-up newspaper against the table. "What?""Make dinner for you two guys on Monday night. I'm a killer cook, and that way Ken and I could get to know each other better."At that moment Ken felt like he'd rather eat glass.Ken's father walked over and kissed Asha's delicate cheek. His big, ex-football-player's body dwarfed Asha's narrow frame. "You really don't need to do that.""I know," Asha responded, her eyes lighting up with amusement. "I don't have to do anything. But it would be fun."Ken's father shrugged. "Okay. Whatever you want."They both looked at Ken for his response. Ken was still pissed off, but what was the point of telling them? His opinion didn't seem to matter anyway."Sure," he told them. "Whatever."; Title: Three Girls and a Guy (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,639 | 2 | happy.His friends are freaked out about the way he handles his life.So it's "Let's get in Conner's face" time."Let's HELP him. He NEEDS us. He'll THANK us one day."But Conner's not interested in what his friends have to say.He can handle things, just like he always has.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: It's My Life (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 19) | [
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23,640 | 2 | alous.Why would Jeremy spend so much time with Jade?Come on. Jade? And he's walking around like . . .Like he's in love with her.He's supposed to love Jessica. Did he forget that?Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: As If I Care (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 18) | [
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23,641 | 1 | ne makes mistakes!Carole Hanson is back at Pine Hollow full-time, so she can spend as many hours as she wants with the horses she loves. And that's perfect, because it's a great way to mend a broken heart. Who knew Cam would turn out to be a total rat? Carole sure didn't. For now, she's sticking with horses. While she may not be able to change the past, Carole's determined not to make the same mistake again.Bonnie Bryant is the author of The Saddle Club and Pine Hollow series and numerous novelizations for young people.; Title: Track Record (Pine Hollow No. 16) (Pine Hollow(TM)) | [
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23,642 | 1 | "Hey there," Lisa Atwood said softly as she opened the stall door and slipped inside. "How's my favorite mommy-to-be?"The resident of the stall, a long-legged Thoroughbred mare, snorted and took a step toward her. Lisa smiled as the horse snuffled at her jeans pockets and then moved her big, velvety nose up and down the front of her shirt."Sorry, Prancer. No treats today." Lisa reached up to smooth back her hair as the horse ran her nose over it experimentally, obviously still hoping to discover a stray carrot or slice of apple. "Just wanted to come for a little visit with you and the babies."She shook her head slightly as she said it, automatically running her eyes over the mare's glossy bay flanks. Prancer was almost three months pregnant, but a stranger would have had trouble spotting the slight swelling of her belly. Even Lisa, who had ridden Prancer for years, had trouble seeing it.She also had a little trouble believing it. Lisa had fallen in love with Prancer, a former racehorse, when the mare had first come to Pine Hollow Stables years before. Since then she had rarely ridden another horse--at least until a few months earlier, when she had left her home in Willow Creek, Virginia, to spend the summer with her father in California. When she'd returned just before the start of her senior year, everything had changed. Prancer had been bred with the Pine hollow stallion, Geronimo, and was pregnant--with twins, no less. The mare couldn't be ridden until her foals were weaned, by which time Lisa would have departed for college.Lisa had been trying to reconcile herself to that fact when she had found out that her father was planning a surprise for her: He wanted to buy Prancer for her once the foaling process was finished. That news had been almost as unsettling as the news about the pregnancy itself. Knowing that the sweet, willing, beautiful Thoroughbred would someday be hers had made it both easier and harder for Lisa to deal with the mare's pregnancy. Easier because she knew that her days of riding Prancer wouldn't be over, even if she went far away to college the next year. Harder because it made her worry more than ever about all the things that could go wrong in the coming months, especially since Prancer was carrying twins, which was very rare and risky in horses. In her seventeen years, Lisa had rarely felt as many conflicting emotions about anything--happiness, terror, anticipation, and worry tumbled through her every time she thought about the tiny foals growing inside Prancer."It doesn't seem to bother you one bit, though, does it, girl?" Lisa murmured, gazing at the mare's calm, wise, gentle face. Without thinking, she stretched her arms around Prancer's neck and stood on tiptoes to plant a kiss squarely on the horse's smooth, soft cheek.; Title: Penalty Points (Pine Hollow No. 7) | [
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23,643 | 2 | ssica hide her past?</b><br><br>Jeremy Aames is the perfect guy for Jessica Wakefield.He's cute, smart--and he doesn't know any of the terrible rumors that are flying around about her.But will she be able to keep this great new guy from meeting anyone she's ever known before and hearing the horrible stories? Doubtful.Elizabeth WakefieldWhen did everything get so complicated? One minute I was living with my family, sharing a bathroom with my fun-loving sister, hanging out with Maria and Enid, and involved in a serious, loving relationship with Todd.Now I'm living with people I barely know. The authority figure in the house, Mrs. Sanborn, is out almost all the time. I've got this little-sister-type girl looking up to me when I don't feel worthy of being looked up to. I'm sharing a bathroom with a guy I can't stop obsessing about--a guy who just broke Maria's heart, by the way. I haven't even talked to Enid in over a week, and my sister has become a mood-swinging recluse.And the weirdest thing about the whole thing is, I feel like I've just been watching it all happen.Like I'm unable to take an active part in anything because my brain is always somewhere else than where it should be.I have to do something.I have to take back my life.Jessica WakefieldTia was the only person who still treated me like a human being. She asked me how I was doing and cared when I didn't show up for practice. I was beginning to think she was my only friend.But then she lied to me. She gave me the wrong information about the pep rally and I missed it. And now I'll probably get thrown off the squad. She is the most fake, manipulative person I've ever known. All this time she was on Melissa's side.And Elizabeth is friends with her.My own sister. I really thought she'd be different from everybody else.Chapter 1: Fair is a Relative Term"I think you know why I called you in here today, Jessica."Jessica Wakefield stared directly at Coach Laufeld's nose, unable to meet the woman's eye. She had to play this right or get booted from the cheerleading squad. It was Monday afternoon. The week had just begun, and already she was hanging on by a thread."Because I missed the pep rally," Jessica stated. She made the mistake of looking up at her coach's eyes and saw the concerned yet stern expression there. Jessica shifted in her seat and focused on the Don't Drink and Drive poster on the wall behind Laufeld's head. She was feeling caged in. The athletic office was tiny, and the walls were covered with fake wood paneling. Jessica had no idea how the coaches and gym teachers spent so much time in here without getting claustrophobic."Not only did you miss the pep rally, but you didn't even call and let me know you wouldn't be there," Coach said, leaning back in her creaking, wood-and-vinyl chair.Jessica nervously pushed her blond hair behind her ears and opened her mouth to regurgitate her rehearsed I-had-a-stomach-flu response, but the coach cut her off."If one of your teammates hadn't told me you were sick, I would have had the police out looking for you."Jessica's eyebrows popped up. "What?"Coach Laufeld laughed. "I know it sounds extreme, but you've never missed an event," she said. "I thought you might have been in an accident or something."Jessica could hardly process what her coach was saying. She was too busy wondering who on the squad had made up an excuse for her. All nine of them hated her. They had set her up with the wrong information so that she'd miss the rally. Why would they then provide a good excuse for her? It didn't make sense."I'm glad to see you're feeling better." Coach Laufeld placed her elbows on her desk and leaned forward. Her tightly curled brown hair was so long, it grazed the surface of the desk."Much better," Jessica said with a smile. Was she really going to get out of this? "Can I go to practice now?" She started to get up from the uncomfortable metal chair."Hold on a second, Wakefield."Uh-oh. She slammed back into her seat and turned what she hoped was a pity-me expression on her coach."Is there anything you want to talk to me about?" Laufeld asked, her gaze focused squarely on Jessica's face. "Anything going on among the squad members?"Jessica's heart was pounding uncomfortably, and she felt her cheeks go red. How much did Laufeld know? Or was she just following a hunch? Jessica slumped slightly in her chair and made an effort to sit up straight. She couldn't tell on her teammates. Then she'd really be fried."No, Coach," Jessica said with a completely straight face she hoped. "Not that I can think of."Coach Laufeld narrowed her eyes for a moment, but then she just leaned back in her chair and sighed."Okay, Jessica. I know I don't have to tell you this, but I'm going to anyway." She took a deep breath. "If this happens again, there are going to be serious consequences.""Don't worry," Jessica said. "It's not going to happen again." Not if I stop trusting people and learn to watch my back."Okay. Go change your clothes and get warmed up." Coach Laufeld managed a pinched smile as she dismissed Jessica. "And Wakefield, you can always come to me if you want to talk.""Thanks, Coach," Jessica said. She practically floated into the locker room. After she'd dreaded the encounter all weekend, that little meeting had been a cakewalk."Maybe my luck is changing," Jessica said under her breath.The locker room was already deserted, which was just the way Jessica liked it lately. She grabbed her duffel bag and started to change. But as she tied the laces on her red-and-white cheerleading sneakers, all she could think about was who might have bailed her out. Maybe when she joined the squad in the gym, she'd be able to read the sympathy on someone's face. Jessica sighed as she tossed her things inside a locker. Whoever had made up her excuse, it was just nice to know that she had at least one friend on the squad.Melissa Fox was having a hard time controlling the psychotic butterflies in her stomach. She smoothed down the front of her new, red SVH T-shirt and pulled her long, brown hair back over her shoulders.Today was the day. Coach Laufeld had said she was going to pick a captain after the pep rally."Do you think she'll tell us before practice or after?" Gina Cho asked."She has to do it before," Melissa said, staring at the door to the athletic office and willing Laufeld to walk through it. "Waiting until later would be undue torture.""Whatever, Liss," Cherie Reese said, pulling the band out of her ponytail. She bent at the waist and flipped down her long, red curls. "You know it's you. Jessica didn't even show up for the pep rally.""You made sure of that," Gina said with a laugh.Melissa couldn't believe Gina had just said that out loud. She glared at her friend until she blushed."What?" Gina said. "Everyone knows."Melissa looked pointedly toward the front of the room, where Annie Whitman and Jade Wu were stretching out with Tia Ramirez. "Not everyone," she said.Gina shrugged. "They can't hear me."Melissa rolled her eyes and was about to retort when Cherie stood up."Wait! Here's Coach!" Cherie said, retying her hair.Melissa's heart was in her mouth. Coach Laufeld walked across the gym, holding her clipboard against her chest. Jessica was walking right next to her, and she wasn't staring at the floor like she usually did. Melissa didn't know what to make of that. Had Laufeld named Jessica captain? Was that what they were talking about in the athletic office?"You don't think--""No way," Cherie said. "You can't miss a pep rally and be made captain."Melissa's stomach turned. Just knowing Cherie had interpreted the situation the same way made her doubly nervous."That would be total favoritism," Gina put in."I'd like everyone's attention," Coach Laufeld said when she reached the front of the gym. Her voice echoed across the huge room. Melissa clasped her sweaty hands behind her back. "Have a seat."The squad members dropped to the floor, and Melissa followed but kept her gaze focused on the coach. Laufeld's eyes roamed the room, and Melissa saw them rest momentarily on herself.Was that a good sign?"I know you're all expecting me to announce a captain today--"Melissa closed her eyes and crossed her fingers."But I'm not ready to make that decision just yet."What? Melissa could barely contain herself from screeching the word aloud. She looked at Cherie, whose confused expression probably mirrored her own. Only I'm about ten shades paler, Melissa thought, having felt the blood rush from her face. The squad had been working long enough without a leader. It just made practices more disorganized than they had to be."I just feel that I don't know the new girls well enough yet to make an informed decision, and it's important that the squad leader be the right person for the job. I promise you I'll make an announcement before the game on Saturday," Laufeld said."This is insane," Cherie whispered. "What else does she want to see?" Gina shrugged."Who wants to lead drills?" Coach Laufeld asked.Melissa's arm shot up, and the coach motioned for her to come forward.As she jogged to the front of the room, Melissa made a mental checklist of all the things she'd done for the squad so far.She'd let everyone use her house to paint banners for the rally, she'd planned where and when they would meet beforehand, and they'd all allowed her to call the cheers.She was obviously the squad's choice for captain except for maybe one member. Melissa took her place in front of...; Title: I've Got a Secret (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,644 | 2 | :<br><br>Okay, Elizabeth, its a new semester your last one at Sweet Valley High. Last chance to pull yourself together. Last chance to figure out exactly what you want.<br><br>And then go after it.<br>; Title: Me, Me, Me (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,645 | 2 | friends forever.<br>They've been there for each other through everything.<br>Tia always knew she loved Conner as a friend.<br>She just didn't know she loved him.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Backstabber (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,646 | 2 | o move forward...Olivia Davidson is dead.Friends and relatives lie in the hospital, homes have been reduced to rubble, and Elizabeth Wakefield and Ken Matthews must lay Olivia to rest.Will they have the strength to pull together and pay tribute to Olivia's memory?Enid Rollins is sure Devon Whitelaw saved her life, and will do anything to repay the debt.But Enid has the wrong guy...and only Devon knows who the real hero is.How far will Devon go to keep the shocking truth from coming out?Jessica Wakefield's shoulder felt as if it were going to pop out of its socket.Forcing herself to ignore the pain, Jessica stretched her arm even farther over the edge down into the deep fissure the earthquake had split open in the ground.But still she couldn't reach the white-knuckled fingers of Alyssa Hewitt.In any other circumstances Alyssa would have appeared to be a pretty twelve-year-old with curly red hair, but right now she didn't look pretty at all.The girl looked absolutely terrified, her chin shaking, her mouth gaping, her eyes wide with horror.Of course she looks terrified, Jessica thought as she tried to give Alyssa a calm, reassuring smile.I feel really close to screaming hysterically myself! Alyssa was clinging to a small, thin ledge a few feet down the fissure.Below her dangling feet was nothing but sheer drop."Hold on," Jessica told the girl, gritting her teeth as she renewed her efforts to grasp Alyssa's fingers."I'll get you out of there, I promise!"But Alyssa's fingers were starting to slip."Help!" she squealed."Help me!""Hold on!" Jessica ordered Alyssa again.Alyssa let out a tiny, shrill screech as one of her hands detached from the ledge."No!" Jessica screamed.She scooted forward on her stomach until her head and shoulders were over the edge, but Jessica couldn't reach Alyssa's remaining five clinging fingers.Alyssa wailed again as her fingers slipped loose one by one.Four ...three ...two ...For a split second just Alyssa's index finger held her from her death.This isn't happening, Jessica thought wildly.Something will save her! She can't die!But Alyssa's last finger let go.Her wide eyes bored directly into Jessica's, filled with horror and ...Understanding, Jessica thought.That was the worst part.Alyssa knew exactly what was happening to her.She was falling to her death.As she plummeted, the little girl's huge eyes remained locked onto Jessica's.Alyssa shrieked in terror.The piercing sound ripped through Jessica like an eagle's talon.Jessica screamed and screamed--until her lungs ran out of air.Then she sat up in bed, covered in sweat.It had been a dream.A nightmare.Jessica took a deep breath, trying to calm her frantic heartbeat.She stared out into the darkness of the room, feeling cold waves of despair wash over her.Of course she was having nightmares--after the earthquake Jessica feared she would never sleep in peace again.Maybe ..., Jessica thought with a spark of hope, maybe if Alyssa was just a nightmare, then the whole earthquake never happened.Maybe it was all an incredibly awful dream!Jessica reached over to the nearby end table and fumbled around until she managed to find the switch on the lamp.As soon as she turned on the light, though, her tiny flicker of hope was extinguished.She was in an ornate, opulent guest bedroom of Fowler Crest.The walls were paneled in rich mahogany, with antique brass fixtures.Across from the enormous canopy bed a giant smoky mirror covered nearly the whole wall.The carpet on the floor was the color of red wine.It was a beautiful room, but as she peered around Jessica felt misery settle in her stomach in a heavy lump.The earthquake had really happened, or she wouldn't be having nightmares in this deluxe feather bed.She'd be sleeping soundly in her own bed, in her own home.But the Wakefields' house had been completely wrecked. And Mr.and Mrs.Fowler had kindly offered to let Jessica, her parents, and her twin sister, Elizabeth, stay at Fowler Crest until their house could be rebuilt.Whenever that would be.Jessica had to sniffle hard to avoid being overwhelmed by tears.The earthquake had struck during her seventeenth birthday party and had flattened most of Sweet Valley.Elizabeth and her best friend, Enid Rollins, had almost been killed by downed power lines in the Wakefield backyard. Olivia Davidson and Ronnie Edwards had both died.And despite how hard Jessica and Bryan, Alyssa's older brother, had tried to save the poor girl, there was no denying the horrible fact that Jessica had watched as Alyssa tumbled to her death.As much as she wished it were all a bad dream, Jessica knew from the pain in her aching, bruised heart that all the horror had really happened.Jessica turned over onto her side, curling into a ball, racked with sorrow.Worst of all was the guilt.There must have been something I could've done to save Alyssa, Jessica told herself.I didn't try hard enough! I failed, and now a girl is dead.Tears began to trail down Jessica's cheeks.At that moment what Jessica wanted to do was run into the guest bedroom where Elizabeth was sleeping and hug her sister until all the guilt and misery faded away.As much as she sometimes fought with her twin, Jessica realized that nobody could make her feel better than Ehzabeth.That was part of the special bond they shared, a bond that went deeper than their extremely different personalities.Even though Jessica and Elizabeth looked incredibly similar on the outside, with their shoulder-length golden hair, eyes the color of the Pacific Ocean, and trim, athletic figures, inside they were as unlike each other as sisters could be.Elizabeth was usually far more serious, which the twins chalked up to Elizabeth being four minutes older.She's always taken care of me, Jessica thought.I can count on her no matter what.And Elizabeth always knew the right words to say.Best of all, she knew how to listen.There was only one problem--Elizabeth had just been in a near fatal accident.After the earthquake Jessica had arrived at the ruined Wakefield house just as Elizabeth was regaining consciousness from her near-electrocution by downed power lines.The memory seemed blurry as Jessica thought back, as though she were remembering it through gauze.Jessica had left Bryan Hewitt with two police officers after Alyssa had fallen to her death and had raced home to check on Elizabeth.But Jessica's senses had been numbed by shock.She vaguely recalled the tearful reunion with her parents, Elizabeth, and her brother, Steven, in the front yard, but most of her memories of that reunion seemed far away, almost as though they were happening to someone else.Even the joy of learning that Ehzabeth would be OK had been muted by the misery Jessica had felt at being so much a part of Alyssa's terrible death.Elizabeth had been taken to the hospital but quickly released--Joshua Fowler Memorial had been jam-packed with casualties from the earthquake, and Elizabeth's injuries had turned out to be minor.The doctor had just warned Elizabeth to get lots of rest in order to allow herself to recover properly.Which was why Jessica couldn't bother her twin now.But she needed to talk to someone.Jessica slid out of bed.Lila's bedroom was down the hall, at the opposite end from the guest suites.Although Jessica and Lila were best friends, they didn't really have the kind of relationship where they discussed their problems ...not really personal problems anyway.Jessica's friendship with Lila was based more on shopping, talking about guys, and gossiping about their friends at school.But Jessica was desperate.She and Lila had been through a lot together.Maybe Lila would see how much Jessica needed her now.The wooden hallway floor felt cool and slick under Jessica's bare feet.Dim, dark yellow lights behind the baseboards came on automatically as Jessica crept down the hall, illuminating her way.When she reached Lila's room, Jessica eased open the door and slipped inside.Lila was snoring rhythmically and actually quite loudly.As Jessica got closer to Lila's vast sleigh bed she almost allowed herself a small smile--Lila looked messier than Jessica had ever seen her.With the help of a rectangle of bright moonlight that fell over the bed, Jessica could see that Lila's usually coifed long brown hair was scrunched up and splayed across her pillow.She also had a dainty pool of drool by her mouth."Lila," Jessica whispered.With a ladylike snort Lila shifted, but she didn't wake up."Lila!" Jessica hissed again, more urgently.She reached out and shook her friend's shoulder.With a small gasp Lila awoke.Her big brown eyes shone like gold in the moonlight."Jessica," she murmured sleepily, "what's the matter? What time is it?"It was sometime after 1:30 A.M., but Lila didn't need to know that."It's late," Jessica replied, taking a seat on the edge of Lila's soft feather bed."I'm ...I'm really sorry I woke you, but ...I'm just way too messed up to sleep."Lila sat up against the backboard of her bed and wiped her eyes."Can this wait until morning?""No," Jessica repined, looking down at her hands in her lap....; Title: Aftershock (Sweet Valley High Special #2) | [
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23,647 | 2 | d never ask Jeremy to choose between his family and her.<br><br>His family would never ask him to choose between them and school.<br><br>Nobodys asking him to make a choicebut if his familys moving to Arizona, then he still has to make one.<br><br>And he has to do it soon.<br><br>; Title: Stay or Go (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 31) | [
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23,648 | 2 | Jeremy wants to get his family settled in their new town.Conner wants to get over Alanna.And Evan? He just wants to get as far away from Sweet Valley as possible.; Title: Road Trip (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 32) | [
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23,649 | 2 | What Ken had before: Maria.<br><br>What Ken has now: The starting quarterback position; girls falling all over him; athletic glory; girls begging to dance with him at parties; scholarship offers for schools three thousand miles away; girls throwing their phone numbers at him. Girls, girls, girls, girls, girls . . . Oh, and Maria.<br><br>Is she the only one who sees a problem?Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: The It Guy (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 21) | [
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23,650 | 2 | McDaniel deserves a special award for her inspirational and gripping book.Kliatt16-year-old Melissa Austin has always worked hard to get what she wants. As the school year begins, her work is paying off: Her grades are up and she's landed a coveted spot on the Brain Bowl team. She and her best friend, Jory Delaney, are determined to have the best junior year ever. Then Melissa receives devastating news about her health. At first she refuses to accept the doctor's diagnosis, but as her illness gets worse, she cannot deny the truth. Only with the loving support of her family, and especially Jory, can Melissa come to terms with the mysteries of living . . . and dying.; Title: Always and Forever: Two novels: Too Young to Die & Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever | [
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23,651 | 2 | is no pushover. . . . </b><br><br>Ken did a few stupid things.<br><br>Okay, really stupid.<br><br>But Marias not a bitter person.<br><br>Now that hes realized he messed up, shell forgive him.<br><br>She has to.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Where We Belong (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 29) | [
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23,652 | 2 | In first grade, twins Alexis and Adam wrote down what they wanted to be when they grew up and put it in their teachers time capsule. Now entering their senior year in high school, they are surprised to find out what they wrote: Alexis wanted to help people and Adam wanted to be a fireman. But that was before Adam got sick and their family fell apart. Adams leukemia is now in remission but, sadly, so is the twins family. Their mother and father are always workingnot only dont they have time for Alexis and Adam, they dont have time for each other. Alexis cant even convince them to take a weekend off for one last family vacation to Disney World.No one is prepared when Adam gets sick again, but this time Alexis is not alone. Adams illness reunites the family. And Alexis discovers that the time capsule predictions werent so far off the mark.From the Hardcover edition.Lurlene McDaniel has written more than 30 inspirational novels. Her books have received acclaim from teachers, parents, young adults, and reviewers.From the Hardcover edition.; Title: The Time Capsule (Lurlene McDaniel (Mass Market)) | [
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23,653 | 2 | nd Jessica--together at last!</b><br><br>First Jessica really wanted Will.<br><br>Then she really hated him.<br><br>Then she kind of liked him.<br><br>And then she fell in love with him.<br><br>Wonder how long that'll last?Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: All About Love (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 13) | [
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23,654 | 1 | Praise for Pine Hollow #1, The Long Ride:"Because of its exciting plot and true-to-life characters, this book insures the author a wide following for the Pine Hollow series." --Kliattat stake, the sky's the limit!Just when Carole Hanson thinks she knows where things stand with Ben Marlow, an old boyfriend reappears and sweeps her off her feet. Suddenly everything is roses and candlelight, and it's perfect. Lisa Atwood's romance isn't perfect anymore. She and Alex Lake have put their relationship on hold for a while and have agreed to see other people. Lisa knows Alex isn't sitting at home, so neither should she. She should go out with someone, but who? The answer is a real surprise to everyone.Callie Forester isn't worrying about romance. She's back in training and determined to be a winner--no matter what. But Callie isn't the only one on the trails around Pine Hollow. Someone else is out there--someone who's very interested in what Callie is doing.; Title: High Stakes (Pine Hollow No. 13) | [
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23,655 | 2 | <b><i>Once a cheater, always a cheater . . .</i></b><br><br>Wills burned Melissa six times.<br><br>Melissas burned Will seven times.<br><br>Time to call it even?Best Known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articcles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: It Takes Two (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,656 | 11 | DENNIS SHEALY is an editorial director at Random House Childrens Books and a prolific author of books for children, including the popular Little Golden Books Im a Truck and Im a T. Rex!; Title: I'm a Bulldozer (Little Golden Book) | [
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23,657 | 16 | ALISON JAY is a graduate of the London College of Printing and is the acclaimed illustrator of many picture books, including The Cloud Spinner, written by Michael Catchpool, and A Gift for Mama, by Linda Ravin Lodding. Alisons signature style is created using alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with a crackle varnish, giving an aged effect.; Title: The Twelve Days of Christmas | [
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23,658 | 2 | eth is not going to be perfect anymore.She will not obey her parents' every word.She will not get all A's in school.She will not stay home on school nights.She will have a life.And she will make Conner want to share it.Conner McDermott closed his eyes as the hot water pounded against his back. He ran a hand through his dark, wet hair, feeling the steam rise around him.It was Sunday night, and Conner was normally a morning-shower person. But nothing about Conner's life had been normal lately."Or ever," he muttered, turning off the water and stepping out of the shower. He pulled a ratty navy blue towel around his waist, thinking how his lame attempt at relaxing himself had been a total failure. He was still completely keyed up. Which was a familiar feeling for Conner these days.Sure, he'd managed to escape a little this weekend--by staying far away from his house and his ex-stepfather. He'd practically lived at Tia's, telling her that he wanted to keep her company since Angel had left for Stanford. Tia had probably seen right through him, but Conner didn't care. He just wanted his sanity. Which, at the moment, was nowhere to be found.Knowing that Gary was in the same house as him made Conner's entire body tense up. The guy made him sick. If it wasn't for Megan, Conner would have hit the road as soon as Gary moved in.Megan. Conner's stomach turned. He had barely seen her this weekend. He'd been too busy avoiding home. Meanwhile she was the one who was going to get her heart trampled.He leaned over the sink, turned on the faucet, and splashed some cold water on his face. Things were going to change. As much as Conner hated to, he had to stick around the house for Megan's sake. She needed him.Conner picked his faded Levi's off the floor and pulled them on. He scrubbed his face and hair dry, then walked out of the bathroom, heading straight for Megan's bedroom. No time like the present to stick to his resolution. Her door was already open a crack, so he just opened it wider, stepping inside."Hey, Megan," he said.She was sitting cross-legged on the unpolished wooden floor, drawing on a large piece of poster board, felt-tip markers strewn all around her. "Hey!" she said, smiling, her green eyes bright.Conner knew that Gary was the reason for Megan's smile, but he tried not to think about that. He dropped down onto her iron-frame bed and glanced at the poster board, lifting his head off her ridiculously large array of pillows. "Are you trying to score extra points for an oral presentation or something?""No!" Megan laughed, pulling her strawberry blond ponytail tighter. "I'm not that much of a kiss butt!" She lifted the poster board up off the floor so Conner could see. "I'm making a welcome-home sign for Mom.""A what?" Conner sat up straight. In bright, perfect letters Megan had carefully stenciled Welcome H and half of a green o.Oh, man. What did she think was going to happen when their mom got home? That their lives were magically going to become better? "That's nice, Sandy," Conner said, using his nickname for her. "But Mom's not coming back for another three weeks.""I know," Megan responded, placing the poster board back down. "But I can't wait! And I was thinking . . . maybe we could have a little party for her."Conner moved to the edge of the bed. "A party?"Megan sat up on her knees, beaming. "Yeah! Just the four of us."Just the four of us? Right. Of course. Megan didn't know about her loving father's mysterious girlfriend--the one Gary was planning on moving into their house.Conner had always hated Gary. They had done nothing but fight the entire time Gary was married to Conner's mother. And after Gary left, Conner really hated him for deserting Megan completely. But a few days ago Conner had learned that Gary had actually fought for custody of Megan--something even Megan herself wasn't aware of. Unfortunately, just when Conner had started thinking his ax-stepfather might be a semiokay guy, he'd overheard Gary inviting his girlfriend to stay. Here. In Conner and Megan's house. While Megan was harboring delusions that her parents would reunite. What a guy.Shaking his head, Conner stood and walked over to Megan's old wooden bureau. He fiddled with one of the drawer's loose knobs, trying to maintain his cool."We could have a nice dinner or something," Megan went on excitedly, oblivious to Conner's reaction. "You know, really make it into a celebration."Clenching his fists, Conner walked over to her window, swearing that if Gary came in at that moment, he would knock the guy out. Conner narrowed his eyes at the pitch-black sky. Gary had no right to waltz into their life and do this. Get Megan's hopes up. Pretend that he was actually capable of acting like her father."Conner?" Megan said. "Is there a reason you're totally spacing?"Conner sighed and sat down on her white, wooden desk chair. He knew he had to be careful to take the right tone. Otherwise she would just get defensive. She always did when it came to her father. "You gotta realize something, Sandy.""What's that, O Wise One?" Megan leaned her back against the bottom of her bed, pulling her knees up to her chest.She looked so happy. Conner took a deep breath. "When Mom gets home, Gary is not going to stay. The four of us are not going to be a family."Megan's eyes became watery in a millisecond. So much for taking the right tone."This again!" she snapped. "You're only saying that because you don't want it to happen.""That's not true," Conner argued."It is," Megan insisted, standing up, an angry edge to her voice. In quick, jerky movements she began to gather her markers up from the floor. "You hate my father."Conner looked at the floor. This was going exactly not as planned. Not that he'd had a plan.He walked over to his sister, picked up a purple marker, and handed it to her. "Megan, this has nothing to do with me. It has to do with Gary."Megan snatched the marker from him. "Don't, Conner." She shook her head, her cheeks turning pink as they always did when she got upset. "Don't even start with that."Conner took a step back. "Start with what?"She walked over and threw the markers on her small, white desk, turning her back on him. "Blaming my father. He is my father, you know."Conner sighed, his frustration mounting. "Yes, Megan. I'm aware of that. But I also know that he--""God!" Megan exclaimed, whipping around. "You hate everyone, don't you?"Conner stared back at her, speechless. He had never seen Megan like this. So full of rage. And at him. "What are you talking about?" he finally managed.Megan grabbed her Nike cross trainers off the floor. She pulled a pair of socks from inside them and stuffed them into her overflowing wicker hamper, then threw the worn-out sneakers onto her closet floor. "I mean, you kicked Liz out of the house--""Oh, come on," Conner cut in immediately, his insides contracting at the mention of Elizabeth's name. "We've been over this. That's totally different.""No, it's not!" Megan picked up her brown teddy bear and tossed it onto her bed. Then she looked at Conner, her eyes narrowed, her cheeks a blotchy red. "You can't get along with anyone, Conner! You're the reason my dad left in the first place."Conner blinked, feeling like he'd just been slapped. For a moment he simply watched his sister blankly, processing the fact that she had actually just uttered those words to him.Megan stormed back over to her desk, picking up the markers one by one and shoving them into their box. "If you didn't make things so hard for him, if you weren't always cutting school and stealing from the Circle K with Brett and Spencer and all those other losers, he never would've left."If Conner's body was any tenser, he would have snapped in two. He couldn't believe he was getting blamed for this. Gary deserts his family, but Conner is the villain because he ran with the wrong crowd like four years ago? He shook his head. "Is that what he told you?" he asked tersely.Megan was silent for a moment. She focused on the box of markers. "He didn't have to tell me....I was here," she said quietly.Conner's head throbbed. He opened his mouth, ready to explode at his sister--but then something made him hesitate.It was the way she looked as she stood there in her pale blue cotton pajamas, loose strands of knotted red hair faring all around her face. Conner watched as she picked up her stencil and fidgeted with it, her watery eyes cast downward, her lips formed into a pout.In that instant she looked so vulnerable.Conner knew that she didn't mean the things she said. She was just sad. And hurt. The person that he should blow up at was downstairs--most likely on the phone to his girlfriend.Without saying another word Conner walked out of her room, closing the door behind him. As he trudged down the hallway, he realized that he'd never felt so hopeless in his life. And it wasn't because Megan's words had stung him--although even he had to admit they had--it was because for the first time in his life, his sister wouldn't listen to him. She was never going to hear what he had to say when it came to her father.Conner reached his bedroom door and was hit by a fresh wave of hopelessness. Because he realized that there was one person out there who Megan would listen to. One person she looked up to unconditionally. Elizabeth.Conner walked into his room, slamming the door behind him.But hell would freeze over before he'd ask Elizabeth Wakefield for help.; Title: Bad Girl (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 12) | [
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23,659 | 2 | out, Ken. <br>Will wants his life back.</i><br><br>Maybe Ken thinks Will Simmons wasn't paying attention when he took his position on the football team, his college scholarship, his girlfriend . . . <br><br>His whole, entire life.<br><br>Guess what, Ken? He was.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Playing Dirty (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,660 | 2 | In the early 1940s, a loving father crafted a small blue wooden engine for his son, Christopher. The stories that this father, Reverend W. Awdry, made up to accompany this wonderful toy were first published in 1945. He continued to create new adventures and characters until 1972, when he retired from writing. Reverend Awdry died in 1997 at the age of 85.Richard Courtneyis a published illustrator known for his colorful work in the childrens book seriesThomas & Friends.Tommy Stubbs is an illustrator. His works include The Birthday Express!, A Crack in the Track, and Blue Mountain Mystery. ; Title: Thomas & Friends Story Time Collection (Thomas & Friends) | [
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23,661 | 2 | <b><i>. . . or is Alanna the one whos really on his mind?</i></b><br><br>Alanna wants Conner back.<br><br>He says he wants her back.<br><br>But they say people like them shouldnt date each other . . . and shes starting to wonder if theyre right.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Touch and Go (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,662 | 2 | Gr 9 UpVancouver teenager Petula de Wilde is aware that her personality is the very opposite of her last name. Since her sister died two years earlier, Petula constantly washes her hands, avoids construction sites (lest she get killed by falling stray metal), and scours the Internet for articles on random and accidental deaths to add to her scrapbook. She no longer pursues her many (more optimistic) craft projects, nor does she speak to her former best friend. Things begin to change after a new boy with a prosthetic arm shows up in her mandated art therapy classes. Jacob is gregarious, confident, and determined to make Petula come out of her shell. His enthusiasm for life and his ability with a camera pull them together and allow them both to heal, but is Jacob all that he seems? Will Petula and the other art therapy students be able to help Jacob as much as he has helped them? Nielsen has created a compelling, precociously paranoid protagonist and a bevy of wisecracking, heartwarming characters. But perhaps the novel's greatest strength is its handling of the characters' very real burdens with sympathy, wit, and not an ounce of melodrama. Nielsen excels at depicting troubled, clever teenagers in familiar environments. VERDICT Readers who are looking for a darker, more urban, but similarly hopeful Sarah Dessen novel will find it in this poignant book.Evelyn Khoo Schwartz, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DCNielsen writes with sensitivity, empathy, and humor. Kirkus Reviews, Starred Nielsen excels at depicting troubled, clever teenagers in familiar environments.School Library Journal, StarredGrief and guilt permeate Nielsens (We Are All Made of Molecules) empathic and deeply moving story, balanced by sharply funny narration and dialogue.Publishers Weekly, StarredThe dialogue is effortless, the plot moves at a fast pace, and the scenes come alive. . . . a poignant exploration into the nuances of healing. Quill and Quire, StarredHeartbreaking and hopeful, this is a solid choice for readers looking for a book to make them cry and laugh at the same time.BooklistSusin Nielsen once more brings readers a story that is infused with light-hearted humour, even as it touches on numerous weighty issues. Canadian Children's Book News"Here, as in Nielsens previous award-winning novels, her use of first-person narration is compellingly believable. The short chapters sprint by with sitcom pacing and snappy dialogue . . . This novel is about how good people can make mistakes and then learn to accept them."--Vancouver Sun; Title: Optimists Die First | [
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23,663 | 2 | Gary Paulsen is the distinguished author of many critically acclaimed books for young people, including three Newbery Honor Books: The Winter Room, Hatchet, and Dogsong. He won the Margaret A. Edwards Award given by the ALA for his lifetime achievement in young adult literature. Among his Random House books are Road Trip (written with his son, Jim Paulsen); Family Ties; Vote; Crush; Flat Broke; Liar, Liar; Paintings from the Cave; Woods Runner; Masters of Disaster; Lawn Boy; Lawn Boy Returns; Notes from the Dog; Mudshark; The Legend of Bass Reeves; The Amazing Life of Birds; Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day; How Angel Peterson Got His Name; Guts: The True Stories Behind Hatchet and the Brian Books; The Beet Fields; Soldiers Heart; Brians Return, Brians Winter, and Brians Hunt (companions to Hatchet); Father Water, Mother Woods; and five books about Francis Tuckets adventures in the Old West. Gary Paulsen has also published fiction and nonfiction for adults. He divides his time between his home in Alaska, his ranch in New Mexico, and his sailboat on the Pacific Ocean. You can visit him on the Web at GaryPaulsen.com.Gary Paulsen is available for select speaking engagements. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau at speakers@penguinrandomhouse.com.Jim Paulsen is a sculptor and former elementary school teacher. He lives with his wife and two children in Minnesota.; Title: Field Trip | [
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23,664 | 0 | Fact: Micol Ostow can totally save the day, once she's had her coffee. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York, where she reads books and tries her hardest to be a real live grown-up. (Sometimes it even works!) Micol is the author of numerous acclaimed books for young adults and children, but Louise Trapeze is her first chapter book series. Learn more about Micol and Louise at micolostow.com.   Brigette Barrager is an artist, illustrator, designer, and writer of children’s books, including Uni the Unicorn. She resides in Los Angeles with her handsome husband, cute doggy, and terrible cat. Visit Brigette at brigetteb.com.From the Hardcover edition.; Title: Louise Trapeze Can SO Save the Day | [
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23,665 | 13 | SUE FLIESSis the author of numerous engaging stories for preschoolers. Her Little Golden Books includeRobots, Robots Everywhere!,How to Be a Superhero,How to Be a Pirate,How to Be a Princess,I'm a Ballerina, andThe Hug Book. She lives in Northern Virginia. JOEY CHOU is an animation artist and childrens book illustrator. He illustrated the Little Golden books I'm a Unicorn, I'm a Narwhal, I'm a Ballerina, and Olaf's Frozen Adventure. See more of his work online at Joeyart.com.; Title: I'm a Ballerina! (Little Golden Book) | [
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23,666 | 2 | MARY POPE OSBORNE and NATALIE POPE BOYCE are sisters who grew up on army posts all over the world. Mary is the author of over 50 acclaimed books for children. Natalie has worked as a children's librarian and as a teacher of English and ESL.SAL MURDOCCA has illustrated more than 200 childrens trade books and textbooks. He is also a librettist for childrens opera, a video artist, an avid runner, a hiker, a bicyclist, and a teacher of childrens illustration at the Parsons School of Design. Sal lives and works in New York with his wife, Nancy.; Title: Magic Tree House Survival Guide (Magic Tree House (R)) | [
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23,667 | 2 | PreSSmall Elephant likes jumping in puddles and drinking water through his curly straw, but he doesn't like water when it's in the bathtub. His mom tries several incentives such as toys and bubbles to get her son into the bath, but nothing works as Small Elephant "disappears" behind the curtain. His mother tries one more trick, and it works: seeing his large Daddy looking silly in the tiny tub finally coaxes Small Elephant into the water, and he is reluctant to get out. Simple line drawings with touches of red, white, and blue against ample white space and minimal text add to the charm of this story that captures the experience of a toddler tantrum with humor and good nature.Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OHCharming, brilliant in color and execution, and funny to even the most indignant foot stompersKirkus Reviewsstarred review; Title: Small Elephant's Bathtime | [
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23,668 | 1 | In 1942, the launch ofLittle Golden Booksrevolutionized childrens book publishing by making high-quality picture books available at affordable prices. More than 60 years later, many of the original Golden Book titles are still wildly popular, with The Poky Little Puppy topping the list of ten bestselling childrens books of all time.Golden Books backlist is teeming with classics such as Dorothy Kunhardts Pat the Bunny, and features the stories and artwork of childrens book legends Mary Blair, Margaret Wise Brown, Richard Scarry, Eloise Wilkins, Garth Williams, and many more.Today, the Golden Books imprint includes an array of storybooks, novelty books, and coloring and activity books featuring all of the most popular licenses, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, The Cat in the Hat, Sesame Street, Marvel Super Heroes, and DC Super Friends. Golden Bookscontinues to reissue the best of its backlist in a variety of formats, including ebooks and apps, as well as bringing out brand-new books in these evolving new formats.Caleb Meurer is an artist and illustrator living in Los Angeles. He is best known for his work as a storyboard artist for theSpongeBob SquarePants movies and television series. He is the illustrator for the Golden Books Star Wars series, including A New Hope and The Force Awakens. His other works include Dont Rock the Boat, Dont Pencil Me In, and Pest of the West. ; Title: Krabby Patty Caper (SpongeBob SquarePants) (Little Golden Book) | [
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23,669 | 16 | Established in July 2013 in a merger between Penguin and Random House, Penguin Random House, with nearly 250 independent imprints and brands on five continents, more than 15,000 new titles published each year, and close to 800 million print, audio, and eBooks sold annually, is the worlds leading trade book publisher. Like its predecessor companies, Penguin Random House is committed to publishing adult and childrens fiction and nonfiction print editions and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Its publishing lists include more than 60 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the worlds most widely read authors.Patrick Spazianteis an Americancomic book artistknown for his work forArchie Comics, in particular his interior pencil andcover workforSonic the Hedgehog,Sonic XandSonic Universe.; Title: Show Your Colors! (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Half-Shell Heroes) (Board Book) | [
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23,670 | 0 | Gr 24Louise, a child member of the Sweet Potato Traveling Circus Troupe, wants to take on responsibility for some jobs of her own around the circus, but she must prove to her parents that she's ready. When she gets the chance to watch Chuck Cluck's juggling chickens, she is careful to take care of them just right, but mistakes still happen. This is a great book for kids beginning to take on responsibility of their own or anyone who is afraid to make mistakes. Black-and-white illustrations interspersed throughout the text illuminate circus life. Louise is Fancy Nancy meets Clementine and fans of either won't want to miss this series.Fact: Micol Ostow has never seen a juggling chicken in her entire lifelong timeyet. But she does have a French bulldog, who is excellent at sleeping under the covers like an actual human person. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York, where she reads books, drinks coffee, and otherwise tries her hardest to be a real live grown-up. (Sometimes it even works!)Micol is the author of numerous acclaimed books for young adults and children, but Louise Trapeze is her first chapter book series. Learn more about Micol and Louise at micolostow.com. Brigette Barrager is an artist, illustrator, designer, and writer of childrens books, including Uni the Unicorn. She resides in Los Angeles with her handsome husband, cute doggy, and terrible cat. Visit Brigette at brigetteb.com.; Title: Louise Trapeze Did NOT Lose the Juggling Chickens | [
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23,671 | 13 | KATE KLIMO is the author of the hit middle-grade Dragon Keepers series and the YA Centauriad series. She lives in New Paltz, New York, with her husband and two horses, Fancy and Harry. For over two decades, Kate Klimo led the Dr. Seuss publishing program at Random House, including the development of the Cat in the Hat Learning Library books and the production of the PBS Kids TV showThe Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!The husband-and-wife team of STEVE JOHNSON and LOU FANCHER has illustrated over thirty books, includingJim Henson: The Guy Who Played with Puppetsby Kathleen Krull;The Boy on Fairfield Street, also by Kathleen Krull;My Many Colored Daysby Dr. Seuss;New Yorks Bravestby Mary Pope Osborne; andAmazing Peaceby Maya Angelou. Their book with Lois Duncan,I Walk at Night, was aNew York TimesBest Illustrated Book. They are also the recipients of a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal.; Title: Dr. Seuss: The Great Doodler (Step into Reading) | [
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23,672 | 0 | TISH RABE is the author of countless books for young readers, among them thirteen Cat in the Hats Learning Library books. To learn more about her and her work, visit tishrabe.com.; Title: Planet Name Game (Dr. Seuss/Cat in the Hat) (Step into Reading) | [
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23,673 | 2 | Gr 14A tender picture book with graphic novel elements about a young girl's escape from loneliness through her imagination. Left home alone one day, a cherubic toddler-size child quickly becomes bored and decides to visit her grandmother. Dressing for the snowy day, she boards a city bus with good intentions. However, she eventually grows drowsy, falls asleep, and doesn't wake up until the bus is at its last stop. This is where the story gets magical. The last stop is at the edge of a strange wooded area filled with magical creatures. Much like Lewis Caroll's Alice, the girl wanders through the woods in hopes of eventually finding her way back home. Although this is a wordless picture book, there is no lack of story. Illustrated with pencil in softly shaded tones of gray and white, the girl's subtle expressions are captured simply but acutely. The style is cartoony; however, the black-and-white palette gives it a sophisticated tone. With the exception of several dramatic spreads, most pages are organized into graphic novel-style panels. The apparent age of the protagonist may deter some older readers. Luckily, the heartwarming and enchanting story, paired with such beautiful artwork is reason enough to purchase this title. VERDICT Part picture book, part graphic novel, this book is a solid addition that will spark discussion and inspire budding artists.Jaclyn Anderson, Madison County Library System, MS"A gorgeous, quiet book, deserving of multiple reads." Gene Yang, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, author of American Born Chinese, winner of the Michael L. Printz Award"A beautifully drawn adventure that slips effortlessly between dream and memory, as if these two worlds are actually one and the same: that distant place where the heart and mind must always travel before returning home, to know what it means to be lonely before knowing what it means to be loved." Shaun Tan, creator of The Arrival and The Lost Thing"The Only Childevocatively, and without a single word, reminds us that we all are hopelessly lost and then joyously found, again and again, throughout our lives." Marla Frazee, two-time Caldecott Honor winner for All the World and A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever"Guojing's luminous pencil drawings create a world of such sensory presence that now I know what it feels like to run my hand across the snout of a great stag, swing by an antler onto its back and soar through the air; or to watch in awe as a giant sky-whale dives down into a sea of clouds. A wonderfully dizzying journey." Paul O. Zelinsky, Caldecott Medalist for Rapunzel, and three-time Caldecott Honor recipient for Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Swamp AngelRare is the book containing great emotional depth that truly resonates across a span of ages: this is one such. Kirkus Reviews,StarredFine draftsmanship, deft pacing, and striking imaginative power distinguish this debut.Publishers Weekly, StarredEach arresting, softly penciled panel is surprisingly luminous in spite of its monochromatic palette, and in those gentle scenes, Guojing evokes a wide range of feeling, especially the lonesomeness of the little girl, who never quite seems at ease alone. Reminiscent of Raymond Briggs classic, The Snowman (1978), this is quiet, moving, playful, and bittersweet all at once.Booklist,Starred"In Guojing's beautiful, wordless storybook, a little Chinese girl left home alone wanders off into the snow and has magical cloud adventures with a benevolent stag."Shelf Awareness,Starred; Title: The Only Child | [
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23,674 | 0 | Gr 13Louise Trapeze is the exuberant daughter of trapeze artist parents, and her best friend, Stella Dee Saxophone, helps her parents train and perform with an elephant named Clementine. They are all part of the Sweet Potato Traveling Circus Troupe. Louise has been training on a Louise-size trapeze and a tight rope low to the ground as she waits to be old enough to perform with her parents. It is the eve of her birthday, which means that she will finally get the chance to perform. However, when she prepares to practice her routine in front of Stella and the ringmaster's son Fernando (her sworn enemy whom she calls Ferret-breath), something goes wrong. Louise doesn't want to climb high or fall to the net after she does the splits on the trapeze. Later that night when Louise and Stella are having a sleepover, Stella tells Louise that she doesn't have to be 100% fearless. This upsets Louise, who refuses to admit to anyone that she is afraid. The protagonist runs off and hides her brand-new tutu for her performance, and then believing she really has lost it, the rest of the troupe spread out to help her find it. Misadventure and revelations ensue. Louise is an adorable character with a genuine personality and larger-than-life emotions. Her fascination with knowing, using, and explaining big words is reminiscent of Fancy Nancy. The charming two-color illustrations throughout will help young readers interpret the story in this early chapter book. VERDICT A first purchase and dazzling readalike for "Ivy and Bean" (Chronicle) fans.Nancy Jo Lambert, McSpedden Elementary Frisco, TXFact: Micol Ostow is only about 63% fearless. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, her daughter, and a small French Bbulldog that is actually a gigantic 'fraidy-cat. Micol is the author of numerous books for young adults and children, but LOUISE TRAPEZE is her first chapter book series. Micolostow.com; Title: Louise Trapeze Is Totally 100% Fearless | [
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23,675 | 1 | Established in July 2013 in a merger between Penguin and Random House, Penguin Random House, with nearly 250 independent imprints and brands on five continents, more than 15,000 new titles published each year, and close to 800 million print, audio, and eBooks sold annually, is the worlds leading trade book publisher. Like its predecessor companies, Penguin Random House is committed to publishing adult and childrens fiction and nonfiction print editions and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Its publishing lists include more than 60 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the worlds most widely read authors.; Title: Team Colors (Paw Patrol) (Board Book) | [
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23,676 | 0 | A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARINGA BANK STREET BEST BOOKA KIDS INDIE NEXT PICKA JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION“Written in a homespun style that reflects the simple components of the artwork, the story guides readers along with Arthur to an understanding of the most important things in life. Luminescent, just like the artwork it celebrates.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Pearsall has struck just the right tone by imbuing her well-rounded, interesting characters with authentic voices and pacing the action perfectly. Excellent.” —School Library Journal, starred review"A moving exploration of how there is often so much more than meets the eye." —Booklist,starred review"There are so many things to love about this book. Remarkable." —Christian Science Monitor"...interweaves the power and purpose of art with an exploration of a boy’s grief and redemption." —The Bulletin "Pearsall shows us that hope isn’t somewhere “out there”—it’s quite literally in our own two hands." —Jen Bryant, author of A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace PippinA former teacher and museum historian, Shelley Pearsall is now a full-time author. Her first novel, Trouble Don’t Last, won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. The idea for The Seventh Most Important Thing began many years ago when she first saw outsider artist James Hampton’s amazing work. She was disappointed that so little is known about Hampton and was intrigued that his work was brought to light by anonymous sources. It was the perfect foundation for this remarkable, inspiring novel. To learn more about the author and her work, visit ShelleyPearsall.com and follow her at @ShelleyPearsall.; Title: The Seventh Most Important Thing | [
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23,677 | 2 | messed up. Big time. And he knows he should just let her go. He should let Jessica be happy with her new boyfriend. But he can't stop thinking about her. He knows he could make her happy--if she would only let him try.Jeremy AamesFor the first time, I have a real girlfriend.I mean, I've dated girls before, but Jessica is everything a girlfriend is supposed to be. She's changed my entire life. I smile more. I laugh more. And not only when she's around. Just in general. Like knowing she's out there, being my girlfriend, makes everything easier.I don't know how I would have gotten through all this stuff without her. And right now, I don't know how I would get through a regular day without her.I hope I never have to find out.Will SimmonsI feel like my life is mine again.I never realized how much I was tiptoeing around Melissa, censoring everything I did so I wouldn't upset her, down to what kind of pizza to order.I don't even remember what kind of pizza I like.It's been so long since anybody asked.Most people would think I'm insane for wanting to start up another relationship right away.I probably am insane, but with Jessica, I can't help myself.Jessica is not Melissa.Jessica is very, very different.Jessica WakefieldGetting crushed, dissed, and generally humiliated by Will Simmons taught me a lesson.It made me appreciate a really nice guy like Jeremy Aames.Okay.The fact that Jeremy is drop-dead gorgeous doesn't exactly hurt. But that's not why I'm with him.Really.It's because he's a wonderful person who really cares about me.The resemblance to Tom Cruise is purely coincidental. When I was so sure I was in love with Will Simmons, I didn't know a thing about him except that he was cool, cocky, and good-looking.And look where it got me.Well, I'm done with acting on impulse.My relationship with Jeremy is perfect.And I'm not doing anything to screw it up."Surprise," Will Simmons said softly. He tried to smile, but he was too nervous. A light mist was turning into a heavy drizzle. The coliseum lights shone on Jessica Wakefield's rain-slicked features, highlighting her perfect cheekbones, blue-green eyes, and glossy blond hair, and he took a step closer. Only then did he notice the look on her face.He had been prepared for her to be angry at him. He had hoped she'd be excited. But he hadn't expected disgusted horror. He also hadn't counted on an audience. Jessica's twin sister, Elizabeth, and their friend Tia Ramirez were standing right behind Jessica. They glanced at each other, their eyes wide with wary surprise.Well, there's no turning back now, Will thought. He took a deep breath and pulled a bunch of red roses from behind his back.Jessica took a step back, as if he were holding out a knife. "You're kidding me, right?""No," Will said. "These are for you.""I don't want them," Jessica answered evenly. "I don't want anything from you." Her narrow-eyed look of anger left him speechless."You're the one who's been leaving me all those presents?" she demanded. "Is this your idea of some sick joke? Haven't you done enough to me already?" Jessica glared at him, ignoring the rain dripping down her face like angry tears."No! It's not like that. I just wanted to . . . talk to you." He glanced at Tia and Elizabeth, and they looked away."I should have known it was you!" she said bitterly. "It's like messing with my head is one of your favorite pastimes.""Jess--""I can't believe you," she continued. "You said you just wanted to be friends! And the whole time you were leaving me notes, setting me up to meet you here . . . and then what? Have a good laugh with your friends because I fell for it?" She tossed her head, causing a spray of droplets to flash in the harsh fluorescent lights.Will gave her a second to make sure she was done. She just stood there and glared at him."Okay," Will said. "Can I just say something?" He stood stiffly, the roses hanging at his side."No. You can't," Jessica said. "Just stay away from me. I've had it with you and your psycho girlfriend.""She's not my girlfriend," Will said numbly."Right. For how long?" Jessica said sarcastically."Wait. You know what? It doesn't matter. Because I don't care.""You don't understand," Will said, clenching his teeth. "I broke up with her because of you.""So, now you're blaming me?" Jessica held up her hand. "I'm not getting in the middle again."He swallowed hard and looked down at his soggy sneakers. "What I'm trying to say is . . ." He paused. He hated doing this in front of all of them, but if he didn't say it now, he might never get another chance. "Ever since I met you, I knew I had to be with you." He looked up and saw three mouths gaping at him. "Give me another chance?""Are you out of your mind?" Jessica looked like she was ready to spit flames. "After what you two did to me, you expect me to go out with you? Do you really think a few presents and some cheesy poetry are going to make me forget the whole school was calling me a slut?""I told you I'm sorry about all that," Will said, trying to stay calm."And you know I have a boyfriend!" Jessica continued as if he hadn't spoken. "What did you think I was going to do--sneak around behind his back? Just because you cheat on your girlfriend doesn't mean I'm the same way!""What are you doing here, then?" Will demanded, unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice. "Where's your boyfriend now?"Jessica's eyes clouded."I came here," she said in a low voice, "to tell my secret admirer thanks but no thanks. I thought I owed him that much. If I had known it was you, I would never have come." She spun around and headed for her Jeep, which was parked by the curb with its hazards on.Will watched, stunned, as Jessica yanked open the car door and climbed in, slamming it behind her. Tia and Elizabeth scrambled in the passenger side, and they tore off, spattering Will with muddy water. All Will could do was stare after them, too stunned to move.Jeremy plopped the bag of groceries on the kitchen counter and sank into a chair, rubbing his temples. At least he'd made it home. His car had been running on empty, but he hadn't had enough money for gas after picking up the groceries. If his mom couldn't come up with a few bucks, he wasn't sure his car would make it to school tomorrow.Oh, well, tomorrow was tomorrow. All he could do was take one day at a time. At least now there was hope.He forced himself to get up, put away the groceries, and start boiling some water on the stove."Jeremy." His six-year-old sister, Trisha, ran up to him. He bent down, and she gave him a sloppy kiss."How you doin', squirt?" he said.She beamed at him. "Look what I drew!" she said proudly, thrusting a messy drawing at him."Wow! Hey, I'm putting that right on the refrigerator," he said, giving her a hug. He opened a kitchen drawer and tore two tiny pieces of tape off a slim roll."Are you hungry?" Jeremy asked. "I'm making your favorite, macaroni and cheese.""Surprise, surprise." Jeremy looked up to see his twelve-year-old sister, Emma, standing in the doorway with her arms crossed. "What does that make, the third time this week? Are we going for a world record or something?""Hey, we've got a case of the stuff. We might as well use it, right?" Jeremy answered."Why can't we eat something good?" Emma demanded. "I'm sick of eating the same thing all the time. Oatmeal for breakfast. Peanut butter for lunch. Mac-'n'-cheese for dinner. I can't remember the last time we had steak.""Funny you should say that," Jeremy said, breaking out into a grin. He opened the refrigerator and whipped out a large, shrink-wrapped package. "You just guessed course number two!" With his other hand he held out a bottle of sparkling cider. "Anyone care for a little champagne first?""What's going on?" Emma asked suspiciously."We're celebrating," Jeremy said. He popped the top off the cider bottle and filled three glasses."Here's to Dad's new job!" He clicked the plastic rim of his glass against the top of his sisters' cups, and they both giggled."Are we having cake for dessert too?" Trisha asked, clapping."No. But how about if we bake some cookies?" Jeremy said."Yippee! Chocolate-chip cookies!" shouted Trisha.Jeremy opened the cupboard and examined the barren shelves. Except for the bread and peanut butter he had just bought, there wasn't much there. Splurging on steak had cleaned him out. "Hmmm. We seem to be out of chocolate chips right now," he said."We're out of everything," Emma grumbled."I know," Jeremy said. "How about peanut-butter cookies?""Yay!" Trisha cheered."Cool. We can surprise Mom when she gets home." Jeremy handed Emma the cookbook, and to his relief, after a brief hesitation she opened it.Jeremy felt his shoulders untense. Now, assuming they had enough flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, he would be able to keep his sisters happy and occupied until his mother got home. Then maybe he could finally do a little homework before crashing.He rubbed his hands over his face and sighed. It was getting harder and harder to keep the whole happy-family thing going. But if his dad's new job pa...; Title: The One That Got Away (Sweet Valley High Senior Year No. 9) | [
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23,678 | 2 | K-Gr 3When a brother and sister want to become super dad surprisers, they must first keep their father in the dark. They disguise this useful how-to guide and hide it among books their dad will not read. He must not see the bright digital artwork showing surprises they can make (pink hearts, a snow-dad, and amazing inventions) and do (reorganizing his stuff, going grocery shopping, and making him laugh) or the especially fine woodland spread with the kids showing him wonders he might not notice (a hidden squirrel, a busy anthill, and high flying geese). Having mastered any day surprises, they advance to special day surprises. They decorate a cake to look like their dad (with chocolate chip cookie ears and crooked candles in the chocolate icing hair) and make him presents (a treasure map, a paper airplane, and coupons for things they can do together). They enlist their mom's help getting everything together and, when necessary, distract their dad with a crazy dance. Then the three of them surprise dad with a birthday party. Young readers wanting their dads to read this book should have him sign a pledge not to remember the surprises. This intimate, humorous book will have children thinking of ways they can pleasantly surprise their own dads.Mary Jean Smith, formerly at Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TNJEAN REAGAN was born in Alabama but spent most of her childhood in Japan. She now lives in Salt Lake City, UT, with her husband. To learn more about Jean and her work, please visit jeanreagan.com and jeanreaganbooks.com. LEE WILDISH has illustrated a number of children’s books, including Twosomes by Marilyn Singer. To learn more about Lee and his work, visit wildishillustration.com.Together, Jean and Lee are the creators of the New York Times bestselling HOW TO... series, including How to Babysit a Grandpa, How to Babysit a Grandma, and How to Surprise a Dad.  ; Title: How to Surprise a Dad (How To...relationships) | [
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23,679 | 2 | Gr 10 UpFrom the first page, Madeline Whittier is a sympathetic character who has had to watch the world from the inside of a bubbleliterally. Her diagnosed condition of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency is a life sentence that limits her to a world of two people: her mother, who is a doctor, and her nurse. Everything changes when Olly and his family move into the house next door. Olly is the kind of inventive guy who figures out a way to communicate with Madeline, and over the course of the next few months Madeline becomes Maddy, a young woman who takes potentially deadly risks to protect Olly emotionally, if not physically. Maddy's and Olly's hastily planned trip to Maui and their tastefully described liaison while there suggests a mature teen audience, but readers of Cammie McGovern's Say What You Will (HarperCollins, 2014) and Wendy Mills's Positively Beautiful (Bloomsbury, 2015) will fall in love with this humorously engaging story of a girl who discovers life, love, and forgiveness in new places. VERDICT Everything, Everything is wonderful, wonderful.Jodeana Kruse, R. A. Long High School, Longview, WAGorgeous and lyrical. --The New York Times Book Review"[A] fresh, moving debut."--Entertainment Weekly, A-"YA book lovers, your newest obsession is here."--MTV.com"This heartwarming story transcends the ordinary by exploring the hopes, dreams, and inherent risks of love in all of its forms." Kirkus Reviews,Starred Review"Everything, Everything is wonderful, wonderful."SLJ,Starred ReviewI give all the stars in the sky to Nicola Yoon's sparkling debut. Everything, Everything is everything, everythingpowerful, lovely, heart-wrenching, and so absorbing I devoured it in one sitting. Its a wonder. The rare novel that lifts and shatters and fills you all at once. Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright PlacesWith her stunning debut, Everything, Everything, Nicola Yoon has constructed an entirely unique and beautiful reading experience. Gorgeous writing meshes with original artwork to tell a love story like no other. Youve never read a book like this. David Arnold, author of MosquitolandEverything, Everything has everything . . . romance, heart, and intelligence. Nicola Yoon's book and voice stayed with me long after I finished reading. Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of Dorothy Must DieThere's a quiet beauty about Everything, Everything that kept me captivated from start to finish. Olly and Madeline's love story stole my heart.--Katie McGarry, author of Nowhere But Here"This extraordinary first novel about love so strong it might kill us is too good to feel like a debut. Tender, creative, beautifully written, and with a great twist, Everything, Everything is one of the best books I've read this year." --Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Leaving Time"A do-not-miss for fans of John Green and Rainbow Rowell (aka everyone)."--Justine Magazine"A vibrant, thrilling, and, ultimately, wholly original tale that's bound to be an instant hit."--Bustle.com"This is an easy romance to get caught up in."--Publishers Weekly"Deeply satisfying."--The Bulletin"Nicola Yoons first novel will give you butterflies."--SeventeenNot only was I totally hooked . . . by the end I was totally blown away.Arun Rath, NPR Weekends All Things ConsideredHeartwarming and inventive.Mashable.comReaders will root for the precocious Maddy as she falls hard for the boy next door . . . teens in search of a swoonworthy read will devour.--BooklistIts tempting to drop everything everything once youve begun . . . its hard not to be consumed by this tale of doomed love. The Times, London"I just couldn't put it down . . . If youre a fan of The Fault in Our Stars, If I Stay or Before I Die, then this book is for you."--TheGuardian.com**Named one of the Best Books of the Year by:AmazonB&N Teen BlogHudson BooksellersThe Miami HeraldSchool Library JournalA #1 New York Times bestsellerA #1 Publishers Weekly bestsellerA #1 Indie bestsellerA USA Today bestsellerA Wall Street Journal bestsellerA New York Public Library Best Book for TeensAnIndies Introduce selectionSelected as one of the Best Multicultural Books of the Year by the Center for the Study Multicultural Childrens LiteraturePraise for theEverything, Everythingmovie!This tearjerker gives you feels you havent experienced sinceThe Fault in Our Stars.Cosmopolitan#RELATIONSHIPGOALSJustine MagazineSweetly romantic.Crystal Bell /MTV NewsA love story that will span all ages!Maria Salas /America TeVeWatch out world, a star is born with Amandla Stenberg.Shawn Edwards /FOX-TVA very sweet and tender teen romance.Mose Persico /CTV MontrealIt is EVERYTHING . . . and then some!Ojinika Obiekwe /WPIX Morning NewsAmandla Stenberg is lovely and compelling, a definite star to watch.Rachel Simon /BustleThe chemistry between Amandla Stenberg and Nick Robinson flies off the screen and has you rooting for them from beginning to end.Erin Gross /FangirlishEverything, Everythingwill make you cry tears of happiness and sadness.Mehera Booner /MarieClaire.comIf you're not already crushing on Nick Robinson, you will be after this.Kelsie Gibson /PopSugarEverything, Everythingis literally EVERYTHING!Matthew Hoffman /Regal CinemasAmandla Stenberg is brilliant.Lindsey Smith /Teen.comThe sweet and undeniable chemistry between breakout stars Amandla Stenberg and Nick Robinson makesEverything, Everythinga must-see.Sharon Tharp /JustJaredEverything, Everythingwill make you clutch your heart. Kerensa Cadenas /ComplexEverything, Everythingis the best teen drama to come around in a long time.Avery Thompson /HollywoodLife.comA vivid and ambitious adaptation of the beloved novel.Kate Erbland /IndieWireEverything, Everythingis everything times two.Xilla Valentine /GlobalGrind.comA fantastic film about love that takes your breath away.Jasmine Simpkins /HipHollywood.comAmandla and Nick's performance is a great reminder that it's worth taking big risks for love.Nina Hajian /92.3 AMP Radios Shoboy In The MorningEverything, Everythingwill leave you feeling happy.Shaylee Henning /KCKC-FMIt makes you reflect on the relationships in your life.Tight Pants /KSLZ-FM/iHeartRadio; Title: Everything, Everything | [
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23,680 | 16 | Established in July 2013 in a merger between Penguin and Random House, Penguin Random House, with nearly 250 independent imprints and brands on five continents, more than 15,000 new titles published each year, and close to 800 million print, audio, and eBooks sold annually, is the worlds leading trade book publisher. Like its predecessor companies, Penguin Random House is committed to publishing adult and childrens fiction and nonfiction print editions and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Its publishing lists include more than 60 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the worlds most widely read authors.Patrick Spazianteis an Americancomic book artistknown for his work forArchie Comics, in particular his interior pencil andcover workforSonic the Hedgehog,Sonic XandSonic Universe.; Title: Strength in Numbers! (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Half-Shell Heroes) (Board Book) | [
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23,681 | 4 | Mary Tillworth has written more than 100 licensed books for children, including Colors Everywhere!and I Am Buzz Lightyear. She resides in Brooklyn with a long-haired calico cat whom she occasionally shaves, and she is especially proud of her excellent spice rack.Eren Unten is an illustrator whose works include I Love Pink!,The Doctor Is In! and MeetBubble Kitty!; Title: Triple-Track Train Race! (Bubble Guppies) (Little Golden Book) | [
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23,682 | 1 | In 1942, the launch of Little Golden Books revolutionized children’s book publishing by making high-quality picture books available at affordable prices. More than 60 years later, many of the original Golden Book titles are still wildly popular, with The Poky Little Puppy topping the list of ten bestselling children’s books of all time. Golden Books’ backlist is teeming with classics such as Dorothy Kunhardt’s Pat the Bunny, and features the stories and artwork of children’s book legends Mary Blair, Margaret Wise Brown, Richard Scarry, Eloise Wilkins, Garth Williams, and many more. Today, the Golden Books imprint includes an array of storybooks, novelty books, and coloring and activity books featuring all of the most popular licenses, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, The Cat in the Hat, Sesame Street, Marvel Super Heroes, and DC Super Friends. Golden Books continues to reissue the best of its backlist in a variety of formats, including ebooks and apps, as well as bringing out brand-new books in these evolving new formats.Thomas Lapadula is an illustrator known for books in the Thomas the Tank Engine series, True-Life Treasure Hunts, The Truck Book, and many more.; Title: Thomas and the Dinosaur (Thomas & Friends) (Little Golden Book) | [
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23,683 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2From the team behind How to Babysit a Grandpa (2012) comes this similar guide with a glitterized cover. It's packed with tongue-in-cheek advice on how to catch Santa and then what to do with him. You can't keep him longhe's busy! Questions to ask and things to tell him must be thought of in advance. Techniques for his capture will require some effort, as illustrated by several humorous scenarios. Don't be too disappointed if you don't catch himthere's always next year! VERDICT Clever, chuckle-worthy fare in a nonreligious context.Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public LibraryJean Reagan was born in Alabama but spent most of her childhood in Japan. She now lives in Salt Lake City with her husband. In the summers, they serve as backcountry volunteers in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. To learn more about Jean and her books, please visit JeanReagan.com. Lee Wildish became interested in art at a very young age. He is the illustrator of many acclaimed childrens books, and he has also worked in advertising and greeting card design. Lee lives in Nottinghamshire, England. Visit him on the Web at WildishIllustration.com.Together, Jean and Lee are the creators of theNew York TimesbestsellingHOW TO...series, includingHow to Babysit a Grandpa,How to Babysit a Grandma,andHow to Surprise a Dad. ; Title: How to Catch Santa (How To...relationships) | [
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23,684 | 1 | ndings to new beginnings.Carole Hanson's work with a problem horse is really paying off, and with Pine Hollow expanding, her future's set -- isn't it? Stevie Lake is stretching herself to the limit, but so far she's making it all work -- isn't she? Callie Forester has confronted her fears; problem solved -- right? Lisa Atwood's falling for a gorgeous guy who feels the same -- doesn't he?One night changes all the questions -- but the new answers aren't any easier to find.Bonnie Bryant is the author of The Saddle Club and Pine Hollow series and numerous novelizations for young people.; Title: Full Gallop (Pine Hollow No. 17) (Pine Hollow(TM)) | [
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23,685 | 2 | Kristen L. Depken has been writing and editing childrens books for more than 10 years. She is the author of scores of titles, including Barbie and the Diamond Castle, All About the Trolls, and We Love to Dance!. She lives in the New York City area with her rescue dog, Ellie.Sue DiCicco is the author-illustrator of many beloved storybooks for children. Born in Southern California, she attended Cal Arts, then worked for Disney and other studios as an animator before opening her own studio. She illustrated the Little Golden Books The Poky Little Puppy's Wonderful Winter Day and The Poky Little Puppy and the Pumpkin Patch as well as Random House's Step into Reading titles The Poky Little Puppy, The Shy LIttle Kitten, Scuffy the Tugboat, The Little Red Caboose, Tootle, Tawny Scrawny LIon, and The Shy Little Kitten's Christmas. She lives in Santa Barbara, California.; Title: The Shy Little Kitten (Step into Reading) | [
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23,686 | 2 | "Skillfully blending humor, pathos, and warmth with an atmospheric setting, Potter has created an honest, empathic slice-of-life story, laced with a touch of magic. Piper has a winning combination of stubbornness, loyalty, and independence, which Leng ably portrays in her loosely inked, gently humorous artwork." --Publishers Weekly,starred review "With its intriguing setting, sympathetic characters, and hint of magic, this new chapter-book series should charm fledgling readers." --Kirkus Reviews"Potter puts her own stamp on the spunky-quirky-stubborn girl story. . . . A satisfying, accessible, funny early chapter book." --The Horn Book"Piper is brave and tough on the surface, and her sense of loss lies at the heart of the conflict. Written with humor as well as pathos, the first-person text shows her confused emotions and her resiliency as well. An appealing debut for the series." --Booklist Although she doesnt ride a lobster boat to work, Ellen Potter can look out her window and see islands, just like the one Piper lives on. Ellen is the author of ten books for children, including the award-winning Olivia Kidney series, Slob, and The Kneebone Boy. She lives in Maine with her family and an assortment of badly behaved creatures. Learn more about Ellen at ellenpotter.com. Qin Leng was born in Shanghai and lived in France and Montreal, where she studied at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. She has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork, and has published numerous picture books. Qin currently lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto.; Title: Piper Green and the Fairy Tree: Too Much Good Luck | [
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23,687 | 0 | "Shank's narration is crafted with such delicacy and precision..."In 1861 Frank "Shanks" Russell wishes he was old enough to fight for the South alongside his pa and big brother. But Frank is too young, skinny, and weak, and is left behind with his mother and grandparents. Life in Mississippi was simple before the war between North and South. Now Frank's boyhood is gone forever, along with his dreams of heroic battles. The shortages and horrors of war reach his home as he scrounges for food and water, and sees both Confederate and enemy soldiers at their worst. As time goes by and Frank's friendship with Buck, the family slave, grows, he questions more and more who is the enemy and why the terrible war is being fought.; Title: How I Found the Strong | [
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23,688 | 7 | "The longer format lends itself to the complex subject matter, and the cheer and humor with which Jack and Annie face obstacles, along with their thoughtful contemplation of what they have learned, prevent the story from being too scary for its audience. Fans of the series will be delighted." ---BooklistMARY POPE OSBORNE is the author of the New York Times number one bestselling Magic Tree House series as well as coauthor of the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series, along with her husband, Will, and her sister, Natalie Pope Boyce. SAL MURDOCCA has illustrated more than 200 childrens trade books and textbooks. He is also a librettist for childrens opera, a video artist, an avid runner, a hiker, a bicyclist, and a teacher of childrens illustration at the Parsons School of Design. Sal lives and works in New York with his wife, Nancy.; Title: Danger in the Darkest Hour (Magic Tree House Super Edition) | [
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23,689 | 2 | PreSOn a fall evening after dinner, a mother and son put their coats on over pajamas and head out into their city neighborhood in search of the moon. A game of hide-and-seek ensues with the moon dipping behind clouds and tall buildings. "We crane our necks up to the sky, but it's hiding. Where is it? Ohthere it is! The moon! We stop and look, but as we walk, it hides again." The two continue on their walk with the sights and sound of the city as a backdrop. The moon is spotted a couple of times before finally reaching home. "I climb into bed and see the moon. 'Can we keep the curtain open?' Mama says yes, and whispers good night." The text is spare yet effective. Gmez's full-spread illustrations are gorgeous and set the tone with a soft, muted palette. Children will love poring over all the details in the cityscapesthe people and animals on the street and inside the lit-up apartments as mother and son stroll through the community. While the mother and son are red-haired and white, there is a diverse array of people in the background. VERDICT A quiet, soothing bedtime offering that works as a small group read-aloud and one-on-one. An additional purchase for most collections.Megan Kilgallen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklynwill ease young readers into a restful mood. The New York TimesWonder-filled and delightful.Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review; Title: City Moon | [
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23,690 | 1 | PreS-Gr 1"Soar/Glide/Swoop/Swoosh." A young owlet leaves his nest one night for a solo adventureand, by the light of the moon, sees his reflection in the water. "Owl/Sees/Owl." Startled, he makes his way back home, where he finds safety in the comfort of his nest. "Sister/Brother/Mama/Home." With only a few words per page, this poetic picture book is inspired by reverso poetry. Words that lead up to Owl seeing himself in the water are rearranged as he returns home. The mirroring of repetitive, rearranged text, coupled with tranquil, mostly blue watercolor and mixed-media illustrations, makes for a meditative and soothing experience for all readers. This is an ideal storytime choice for very young children because of the large print and thoughtful placement of text; basic words and concepts make this an obvious selection for early literacy enthusiasts. Fans of the author's previous work One Moon, Two Cats will once again appreciate her introspective yet economical use of words to convey exploration and peacefulness. Fans of Jane Yolen's Owl Moon and Martin Waddell's Owl Babies will also love this calming story about an owl's first adventure. VERDICT Those who enjoy poetry and picture books will find quiet contemplation in this obvious choice that will appeal to any audience.Natalie Braham, Denver Public Library"Those who enjoy poetry and picture books will find quiet contemplation in this obvious choice that will appeal to any audience."— School Library Journal starred review "A perfectly paced, holistically rendered home-away-home story."— Kirkus Reviews starred review"Luminous blue-and-black-toned multimedia illustrations, rendered in soft shapes and rich colors, convey the quiet, dark beauty of an autumn night. Simple yet stirring, this is perfect for preschooler bedtimes."— Booklist starred review"The moonlit nighttime scenes are luminous and peaceful, with the endearing little white owl shown against a neverfrightening night sky dotted with stars." — Horn Book starred review; Title: Owl Sees Owl | [
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23,691 | 2 | "Vega (Grandmother, Have the Angels Come?) makes fine use of tried-and-true comic elements...Readers will be too busy giggling to go to sleep." - Publishers Weekly"Vega's incorporation of alliteration and wordplay, when woven with Ohora's bold acrylic art, creates a humorous discourse ideal for storytelling...VERDICT A superb example of picture book collaboration, this appealing title will be popular in most collections." - School Library JournalIn tongue-in-cheek direct-address text, Vega provides children with an entertaining manual for putting unruly monsters to sleep..." - The Horn Book"Do you have a kid who loves monsters? Then this brightlyillustrated book is for you. A funny twist on the parentgetting-the-kid-to-bedstory, this cute retelling guideskids through ways to get their unruly monster under thebed to go to sleep. From slime balls to monster danceoffs,sheep eating to bug juicesmoothies, every page will havekids giggling about all the gross,noisy, icky things monsters like todo before they sleep." - Colorado Country LifeDENISE VEGA is the author of several books for young readers, including Click Here (To Find Out How I Survived Seventh Grade), Fact of Life #31, Build a Burrito, Access Denied, and Rock On. She lives in Colorado with her family. Find her online at denisevega.com. ZACHARIAH OHORA is an award-winning illustrator and childrens book author. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Atlantic, and Bloomberg Businessweek, as well as on NPR. He is the author-illustrator of My Cousin Momo; No Fits, Nilson!; and Stop Snoring, Bernard! and is the illustrator of Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman and The Pet Project by Lisa Wheeler. Find out more at zohora.com and @ZachariahOHora.; Title: If Your Monster Won't Go To Bed | [
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... | Test |
23,692 | 2 | Praise for WONDER:#1New York TimesbestsellerASchool Library JournalBest of Children's BooksAPublishers WeeklyBest of Children's BooksAKirkus ReviewsBest of Children's BooksABooklistBest of Children's Books"Wonderis essentially ... a wonder. It's well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that,Wondertouches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever.Do yourself a favor and read this book your life will be better for it." -Nicholas Sparks, #1New York Timesbestselling authorSlate.com:"Wonderis the best kids' book of the year."Entertainment Weekly:"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for."The New York Times:"Rich and memorable...It's Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of 'Wonder,' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill."The Wall Street Journal:"What makes R.J. Palacio's debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie's storyThe result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation.The Huffington Post:"It's in the bigger themes that Palacio's writing shines. This book is a glorious exploration of the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and most importantly, kindness.""Full of heart, full of truth,Wonderis a book about seeing the beauty that's all around us.I dare you not to fall in love with Auggie Pullman."-Rebecca Stead, Newbery award-winning author ofWhen You Reach Me"It is the deceptive simplicity andhonesty of the work that makeWonderso memorable.Every single character seems real and well drawn and oh-so human...This book is beautiful." -Christopher Paul Curtis, Newbery award-winning author ofBud, Not Buddy"A beautiful story of kindness and courage.There are many real and well-developed characters, and they each have their shining moments. Of course, Auggie shines the brightest." -Clare Vanderpool, Newbery award-winning author ofMoon Over Manifest"Wonderisa beautifully told story about heartache, love, and the value of human life. One comes away from it wanting to be a better person." -Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery honor-winning author ofLily's CrossingandPictures of Hollis Woods"Wonderis a shining jewel ofa storythatcannot help but encouragereadersof all ages to do better, to be better,in how they treat others in life.I'm totally in love with this novel." -Trudy Ludwig, anti-bullying advocate and author ofMy Secret Bully,Confessions of a Former Bully,Better Than You, andJust KiddingStarred Review,Publishers Weekly:Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes--and hearts--to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd.Starred Review,Booklist:Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community.Starred Review,School Library Journal:"Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters...A well-written, thought-provoking book."Starred Review,Kirkus Reviews:A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder.R. J. PALACIO lives in NYC with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. For more than twenty years, she was an art director and graphic designer, designing book jackets for other people while waiting for the perfect time in her life to start writing her own novel. But one day several years ago, a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store made R. J. realize that the perfect time to write that novel had finally come.Wonderis her first novel. She did not design the cover, but she sure does love it.Learn more about R.J. Palacio and the world ofWonderat wonderthebook.com.; Title: The Wonder Journal | [
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23,693 | 2 | Ellen Potter is the author of ten books including the bestselling Olivia Kidney series, as well as award winning novels, SLOB, The Kneebone Boy, and The Humming Room. Her most recent series for boys, Otis Dooda: Strange But True, is a Cybils nominee. Learn more about Ellen at ellenpotter.com Qin Leng was born in Shanghai and lived in France and Montreal, where she studied at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. She has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork, and has published numerous picture books. Qin currently lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto.; Title: Piper Green and the Fairy Tree: The Sea Pony | [
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5201... | Train |
23,694 | 16 | PreS-Gr 2In a picture book that demands to be read aloud, a greyhound and a groundhog spin in visual and verbal circles. A limited gray and brown watercolor paletteand an equally limited selection of consonant and vowel soundscharacterize this phonologically clever, fundamentally joyful, and subtly unified picture book. Words, text, and creatures begin in simple lines (the words "A hound. A round hound" are printed in a straight line above a sleeping greyhound on the first page), but all three increasingly start to rotate (the sentence, "The ground and a hog and some grey and a dog" later curves around the page, accompanied by a whirling, tongue-lolling canine). Just as readers grow accustomed to the muted colors and tongue twisters ("Around, round hound/Around, groundhog!"), both begin to change: "around and around" becomes "and astound" as the greyhoundfully facing readers for the first timenotices one butterfly, and then more, come into the visual field, bringing with them the latent pinks, blues, and purples that an observant viewer will have seen hiding in the grays all along. The butterflies soon fly off the edge of the page, but the amazement lingers as the eponymous animals, finally worn out, settle in for a napaccompanied by newly restraightened, resimplified text. VERDICT A lovely, lyrical paean to the natural order, with an element of wonder and grace. Perfect for one-on-one and group sharing.Jill Ratzan, Congregation Kol Emet, Yardley, PA"But what Emily Jenkins and Chris Appelhans lyrical collaboration is really about is the intoxicating thrill of friendship, and boundless joy of play..." The New York TimesA merry read-aloud. The Wall Street Journal"This delightful story is a feast for the eyes and ears, and it will hold up well to repeated demands from eager young listeners."Kirkus, starred review"Dedicated to picture book icon Ruth Krauss, this elegant pas de deux between two unlikely creatures recalls the sense of uninhibited play that Krauss brought to her own work."Publishers Weekly, starred review"A lovely, lyrical paean to the natural order, with an element of wonder and grace. Perfect for one-on-one and group sharing." School Library Journal, starred review"Appelhans's watercolor illustrations are both adorable and artful, and the fluid style beautifully complements Jenkins's story of unlikely friendship, joyful rambunctiousness and wordplay."Shelf Awareness, starred review"This unusual duo will make a heartwarming addition to any read-aloud collection."Booklist, starred review; Title: A Greyhound, a Groundhog | [
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23,695 | 2 | Gr 46Debut author Bell introduces Ivy Sparrow, 11, and her older brother, Seb. The children are staying with their grandmother, who is rushed to the hospital after a fall. Within hours, events start to spiral out of control, with kidnappings, death threats, creepy figures, and a race against time to solve an old mystery. Ivy and Seb are swept into a world of adventure, magic, and intrigue. As the story progresses, they discover that their grandmother is from a secret underground world called Lundinor, under the city of London. The city is filled with magical people and common objects used in uncommon ways. The characters are well-rounded and likable. The language is rich and detailed and helps illuminate the setting. Students will dive right into this journey and not want to come up for air. The illustrations add to the dark and scary tone. VERDICT Fans of classic fantasy with a dash of horror will enjoy this new series starter.Megan McGinnis, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NYLondoner Jennifer Bell began working in childrens books as a specialist bookseller at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, one of the worlds most famous bookstores. After having the privilege of listening to children talk about their favorite books for many years, she started writing a book of her own on her lunch breaks. You can follow Jennifer on Twitter at @jenrosebell.; Title: The Uncommoners #1: The Crooked Sixpence | [
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... | Validation |
23,696 | 13 | Mary Tillworth has written more than 100 licensed books for children, including Colors Everywhere! and I Am Buzz Lightyear. She resides in Brooklyn with a long-haired calico cat whom she occasionally shaves, and she is especially proud of her excellent spice rack.; Title: Cupcake Challenge! (Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse) (Step into Reading) | [
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... | Train |
23,697 | 2 | "With its intriguing setting, sympathetic characters, and hint of magic, this new chapter-book series should charm fledgling readers." --Kirkus Reviews"Skillfully blending humor, pathos, and warmth with an atmospheric setting, Potter has created an honest, empathic slice-of-life story, laced with a touch of magic. Piper has a winning combination of stubbornness, loyalty, and independence, which Leng ably portrays in her loosely inked, gently humorous artwork."--Publishers Weekly,starred review"Piper is brave and tough on the surface, and her sense of loss lies at the heart of the conflict. Written with humor as well as pathos, the first-person text shows her confused emotions and her resiliency as well. An appealing debut for the series." --Booklist"Potter puts her own stamp on the spunky-quirky-stubborn girl story. . . . A satisfying, accessible, funny early chapter book." --The Horn Book"As a character, Piper is an every girl - smart and sensitive, silly and mischievous. The story is told in first person, and her voice is straightforward and honest . . .A bit weird. A bit wonderful. And there's more on the way. Good."--Travis Jonker,School Library Journal blog 100 Scope NotesAlthough she doesnt ride a lobster boat to work, Ellen Potter can look out her window and see islands, just like the one Piper lives on. Ellen is the author of ten books for children, including the award-winning Olivia Kidney series, Slob, and The Kneebone Boy. She lives in Maine with her family and an assortment of badly behaved creatures. Learn more about Ellen at ellenpotter.com. Qin Leng was born in Shanghai and lived in France and Montreal, where she studied at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. She has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork, and has published numerous picture books. Qin currently lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto.; Title: Piper Green and the Fairy Tree | [
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45738,... | Test |
23,698 | 2 | t believe this is happening.<br>She and Will had plans. <br>They had a future.<br>They had everything.<br>And now it's gone.<br>Forever.Best known for creating Sweet Valley, Francine Pascal has also written magazine articles, TV scripts, novels, and a Broadway musical.; Title: Nothing Is Forever (Sweet Valley High Sr. Year(TM)) | [
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23,699 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2Mrs. Goldman is a knitter, and she uses her talents to show love and affection for everyone in her neighborhood by making them all hats. Sophia receives her first hat from Mrs. Goldman when she is a tiny baby, and she grows up to spend time helping Mrs. Goldman add the finishing touches to her knitted hats by making pom-poms. During a cold prewinter walk, Sophia notices that Mrs. Goldman's head is bare because she spends all of her time knitting for others. Sophia makes it her mitzvah (good deed, as Mrs. Goldman taught her) to use her limited knitting skills to make Mrs. Goldman a hat. Sophia works hard but finds that her finished product has a few holes in it. Feeling discouraged for a moment, the child remembers Mrs. Goldman's praise of her pom-poms, and she adds red pom-poms to any areas that are bare; Mrs. Goldman is delighted. Mixed-media illustrations showcase the research the illustrator put into learning how to knit to faithfully execute the artwork. Soft lines and muted color choices give the illustrations a look that perfectly complements the art form. Back matter includes a pattern for making a knitted hat and instructions for making pom-poms. The hat pattern does require adult assistance and a basic working knowledge of knitting, though the pom-poms could easily be accomplished by a novice. VERDICT This heartwarming offering achieves its emotional impact through the loving actions of its main characters and makes for a great read-aloud whether shared one-on-one or with a group in storytime.Samantha Lumetta, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OHEdwards' story radiates warmth and coziness and is a delight to share.Kirkus Reviews,starred review"This heartwarming offering achieves its emotional impact through the loving actions of its main characters and makes for a great read-aloud whether shared one-on-one or with a group in storytime." School Library Journal, starred review"Its a supremely lovely story, a tribute to the rewards of grit and selflessness; Edwardss (Max Makes a Cake) unadorned, emotionally genuine text is as winning as the pictures." Publishers Weekly, starred review"Alovely book to share and discuss, and the hat pattern is included!" Kirkus Reviews, starred review; Title: A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love | [
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279... | Validation |
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