The online world has real dangers, but girls around the world are using social media to create positive change and practice good digital citizenship. You've probably seen media stories about the ways girls interact online, with headlines like "Depression in Girls Linked to Higher Use of Social Media," or "Half of Girls Are Bullied on Social Media." Better Connected focuses on the less-recognized and positive aspects of the online experiences of girls. From environmental activism to gun control, immigration policy to education access, girls are leading the way. They're showing up, teaming up and speaking up. With profiles of real changemakers and practical tools for getting started, Better Connected is an inspiring look at the amazing things girls can accomplish online.
Jack’s a star player on an elite soccer team along with his brother, Alex. The Lancers are on top of the league, even favored to win the National Championship. But the game’s about to change. A slick bookie wins Jack’s friendship and introduces him to illegal betting. Before long, Jack is hooked on the adrenaline rush, and early wins convince him that gambling could make him rich. Meanwhile, an ever-widening rift is forming between the two brothers. Suddenly, Jack’s “system” fails and his luck runs out. How could a few losses pile up to a gut-kicking ten grand? When he can’t pay, the bookie gives Jack one way out - throw the National Championship. But can he betray his brother, his team and himself?
Gerri waits outside all night to audition for Big Time, her favorite TV singing competition. She believes she has a shot at success, but when she’s insulted by one of the judges and kicked out of the competition, she thinks she’ll probably never sing again. After a teacher at her school asks her to join a choral club, Gerri reluctantly gets involved. Even though she can’t read music and she doesn’t know the other kids, she finds herself enjoying the group and learning a lot about music. A cute guy she met at the Big Time auditions joins the group, and when they perform their unique mashups at an open-mic night, Gerri realizes there’s more than one way to be a successful—and happy—singer!
Moving between science and culture, After Life: Ways We Think About Death takes a straightforward look at these and other questions long taboo in our society. By showing the fascinating, diverse ways in which we understand death, both today and throughout our history, the book also shines a light on what it is to be human. Each chapter includes a brief telling of a death legend, myth or history from a different culture or tradition, from Adam and Eve to Wolf and Coyote, and ends with a section on a common theme in our thinking about death, such as rivers and birds in the afterlife, the colors that different cultures use to symbolize death, and, of course, ghosts. The final chapter is about grief, which is both a universal human experience and unique to each person. The text offers suggestions for ways to think about our grief, when to ask for help and how to talk to friends who are grieving.
On the last day of high school, Sophie's boyfriend breaks up with her. It turns out he thinks she is too predictable, too responsible, too mature...too boring. When Sophie turns to her best friend, Ella, for comfort and reassurance, Ella just confirms what her boyfriend has said. And that hurts even more. Then Ella comes up with a plan to help Sophie find her wilder side. In the 90 days between the end of high school and the start of university, she is going to arrange for Sophie to do amazing, new, different and sometimes scary things. The deal is Sophie has to agree to everything, no matter what. And she has to share her adventures through social media. Can 90 days of different create a different life? Can stepping outside your comfort zone help you find yourself?
When things don't go as planned, do you throw in the towel and call it quits, or do you give it another try? Part of the Driven to Succeed book series, the nonfiction book Scientists & Inventors Who Never Gave Up tells the stories of exceptional scientists and inventors who overcame challenges to discover or invent something that changed the world.
Does failing at something mean it's time to throw in the towel and give up? Part of the Driven to Succeed nonfiction book series, Artists & Entertainers Who Never Gave Up takes a look at the lives of some of the most famous and well-loved creators and entertainers who had to overcome challenges and obstacles to achieve their success.
What does it take to run for office and win? Learn about the different types of public positions that you can run for and how each one impacts the community, as well as successful strategies for winning. This book takes students on a civic journey to help them identify problems in their community that matter and identify the steps they can take to solve them from a public position.
What are some of the best ways to volunteer and become involved in your local community? Learn tips on how to become an active community member through volunteering for different social causes. This book takes students on a civic journey to teach them about the importance of volunteering and getting involved in their community.
You are valuable! How to Deal: Feeling Good About You explores the ways that positive thoughts and a healthy body can make students feel good about themselves and discusses how excelling in school and volunteering can boost self-confidence. Common scenarios and practical advice will help readers embrace their talents and improve self-esteem.
Friends make life joyful! How to Deal: Understanding Friendship offers practical advice for meeting friends and creating close friendships. Readers will learn what makes a good friend, how to avoid common problems with friends, and how modern technology fits into friendship.
Have you ever lost someone you love? Does it seem impossible on some days to feel happy? You are not alone! After reading How to Deal: Coping with Loss and Grief, readers will learn what to expect as they journey through grief, including various coping strategies to help navigate through this difficult and confusing time
Do you see bullying at school? Do you have a “frenemy”? Want to do something to stop bullying or keep it from starting? In How to Deal: Bully Busters, readers will explore how they can shine a light on the way bullies think and work, understand the role of bystanders, and learn what everyone can do to shut bullying down.
Do you ever wonder if you are doing the right thing? Do your peers pressure you to do the wrong things? Maybe you get caught in dilemmas where it’s not clear what’s right. In How to Deal: Doing the Right Thing, readers will explore information that will help them understand all of these situations and make the best decisions for health and happiness.
Have you ever been so angry that you felt out of control? It’s difficult to remain calm and think rationally when you are really mad! In How to Deal: Anger Danger, readers will learn helpful techniques for controlling anger so it doesn’t control them.
The worst snowstorm in years. They were trapped in a farmhouse. The owners seemed innocent enough. Quiet. Stoic. But something was not quite right.
Troy was over foster homes. He decided to run away. It wasn't easy living on the streets. Then he met Justin.
Troy and Justin have been through a lot together. But Troy has had enough of street life. He cleans up his act. Finds a job. Takes classes at night. Justin is the same fun-loving guy he's always been. He hops from job to job. But he prefers mooching off his girlfriend. About to get dumped, Justin is glum. Then Troy suggests a road trip.
Never in his wildest dreams could he imagine his best day turning into his worst. Chad and Marcus ruled the school. Smart. Athletic. Popular. A looming wrestle off for their weight class made Chad jumpy. Marcus told him to chill. But with one slam to the mat, Marcus would be dead.
Will has left his troubled teen years behind. He's stayed out of trouble. Traveled. Worked odd jobs. Matured. Now he's coming home. No one could be more thrilled than his mother, Nia. But old family secrets keep them apart. And one shattering event may destroy their relationship for good and ruin everyone's shot at happiness.
Follow along with Josh as he practices day and night for the tournament.
Li is trying to pay off a car. It takes her many months of careful saving to make good progress. Right before her last payment is due, something happens that changes things. How can Li follow through on her commitment?
Students who fail to turn in their assignments on time will get a zero, Mr. Lee has decreed. Tyler and Malik had fun all weekend. Now they have to stay up all night to write their papers. Their classmate, Darcie, finished her paper days ago. And she agrees with Mr. Li's "no exception" policy. But now she can't find her paper...
