Joel Ross debuts a thrilling adventure series in which living in the sky is the new reality and a few determined slum kids just might become heroes. This Texas Bluebonnet selection—a fantasy filled with daring and hope and a wonderfully imaginative world—is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull.

Once the Fog started rising, the earth was covered with a deadly white mist until nothing remained but the mountaintops. Now humanity clings to its highest peaks, called the Rooftop, where the wealthy Five Families rule over the lower slopes and floating junkyards.

Thirteen-year-old Chess and his friends Hazel, Bea, and Swedish sail their rickety air raft over the deadly Fog, scavenging the ruins for anything they can sell to survive. But now survival isn't enough. They must risk everything to get to the miraculous city of Port Oro, the only place where their beloved Mrs. E can be cured of fogsickness. Yet the ruthless Lord Kodoc is hot on their trail, for Chess has a precious secret, one that Kodoc is desperate to use against him. Now Chess will face any danger to protect his friends, even if it means confronting what he fears the most.

“A solid fantasy adventure with several laugh-out-loud moments.” —School Library Journal

A thrilling new middle grade fantasy from Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Joel Ross. Packed with adventure and humor and filled with goblins, royals, and magic, this is a tale of unlikely heroes who embark on a daring quest.

Boot boy Ji is tired of scrubbing soles and untangling shoelaces. He doesn’t want to bow and scrape. All he wants is freedom—for himself and his friends.

He decides to risk everything for a chance to accompany a young nobleman to the Diadem Rite, a magical ritual that chooses the heir to the Summer Crown. Ji doesn’t care about crowns or ceremonies, but he vows that this trip will grant him and his friends new lives, far away from boots and bowing.

What Ji doesn’t know is that he and his friends have a dangerous part to play in the Diadem Rite. One that will change them forever.

From Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Joel Ross, author of The Fog Diver, comes the second book in his sweeping fantasy duology.

Ji and his friends Roz, Sally, and Chibo have gone into hiding following the disastrous Diadem Rite, where they were transformed from humans into half-beasts. It’s their hope that they will survive the epic journey to the Ice Witch to be restored to humans again before they run out of time.

But they know the evil Summer Queen’s soldiers are tracking them and fear that she is hot on their (at times abnormally large and fluffy) tails…

With the help of goblins, ogres, trolls, and a few mermaids along the way, Ji and his band of unlikely heroes must save their world from being eternally divided.

Ross’s smart and fast-paced writing, paired with an addictive, suspenseful, and funny storyline, will leave readers hanging on every word. Fans will cheer for this endearing crew of servants, led by the amazing and dynamic Ji, who are changed forever and must fight for their freedom.

The Foundational Hands-On Skills You Need to Dive into Data Science

“Freeman and Ross have created the definitive resource for new and aspiring data scientists to learn foundational programming skills.”

–From the foreword by Jared Lander, series editor

Using data science techniques, you can transform raw data into actionable insights for domains ranging from urban planning to precision medicine. Programming Skills for Data Science brings together all the foundational skills you need to get started, even if you have no programming or data science experience.

Leading instructors Michael Freeman and Joel Ross guide you through installing and configuring the tools you need to solve professional-level data science problems, including the widely used R language and Git version-control system. They explain how to wrangle your data into a form where it can be easily used, analyzed, and visualized so others can see the patterns you’ve uncovered. Step by step, you’ll master powerful R programming techniques and troubleshooting skills for probing data in new ways, and at larger scales.

Freeman and Ross teach through practical examples and exercises that can be combined into complete data science projects. Everything’s focused on real-world application, so you can quickly start analyzing your own data and getting answers you can act upon. Learn to

Register your book for convenient access to downloads, updates, and/or corrections as they become available. See inside book for details.

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!

One of Children Book Council''s Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!

"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."—Youth Services Book Review

"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."—School Library Journal

"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews

Daniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?

Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?

Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.

From the world''s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Sail across sanddunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Islandseries!

Finding themselvestransported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge froma mysterious cave to see blue waters—they’re by the beach! And in the neardistance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower.There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions…if they ever reach the tower in time.

Using items stashedaround the cave, the friends must build themselves a blowcart and use windpower to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast andsturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store forthe three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure!

Included at the back ofthe book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAMactivities you can do at home, like how to build your own blowcart and makepirate treasure slime.

From the world’s #1 STEAM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichmentprogram, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curiouskids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.

For fans of The Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House, new friendships, mysterious forces, and an island adventure awaits in The Bridge to Sharktooth Island as you delve into the mechanics of bridge-building fun!

"This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff''s clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci–inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library."—School Library Journal

"[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological ''design and build'' problem-solving."—Primary Science

One minute Daniel and his cousin Joy are playing in the snow—and the next they are stranded on a mysterious island surrounded by sharks!

Where are they now and how did they get here? And how will they get back home?

With new friend Kimani, the kids find clues to these and other mysteries. To escape the island, they have to work together and build a bridge to safety!

This thrilling adventure is packed with fun STEAM activities you can do at home: build your own bridge, mix up a blue slime ocean, and design ferocious paper sharks.

From the world''s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Joel Ross debuts a thrilling adventure series in which living in the sky is the new reality and a few determined slum kids just might become heroes. This Texas Bluebonnet selection—a fantasy filled with daring and hope and a wonderfully imaginative world—is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull.

Once the Fog started rising, the earth was covered with a deadly white mist until nothing remained but the mountaintops. Now humanity clings to its highest peaks, called the Rooftop, where the wealthy Five Families rule over the lower slopes and floating junkyards.

Thirteen-year-old Chess and his friends Hazel, Bea, and Swedish sail their rickety air raft over the deadly Fog, scavenging the ruins for anything they can sell to survive. But now survival isn't enough. They must risk everything to get to the miraculous city of Port Oro, the only place where their beloved Mrs. E can be cured of fogsickness. Yet the ruthless Lord Kodoc is hot on their trail, for Chess has a precious secret, one that Kodoc is desperate to use against him. Now Chess will face any danger to protect his friends, even if it means confronting what he fears the most.

“A solid fantasy adventure with several laugh-out-loud moments.” —School Library Journal

A thrilling new middle grade fantasy from Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Joel Ross. Packed with adventure and humor and filled with goblins, royals, and magic, this is a tale of unlikely heroes who embark on a daring quest.

Boot boy Ji is tired of scrubbing soles and untangling shoelaces. He doesn’t want to bow and scrape. All he wants is freedom—for himself and his friends.

He decides to risk everything for a chance to accompany a young nobleman to the Diadem Rite, a magical ritual that chooses the heir to the Summer Crown. Ji doesn’t care about crowns or ceremonies, but he vows that this trip will grant him and his friends new lives, far away from boots and bowing.

What Ji doesn’t know is that he and his friends have a dangerous part to play in the Diadem Rite. One that will change them forever.

From Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Joel Ross, author of The Fog Diver, comes the second book in his sweeping fantasy duology.

Ji and his friends Roz, Sally, and Chibo have gone into hiding following the disastrous Diadem Rite, where they were transformed from humans into half-beasts. It’s their hope that they will survive the epic journey to the Ice Witch to be restored to humans again before they run out of time.

But they know the evil Summer Queen’s soldiers are tracking them and fear that she is hot on their (at times abnormally large and fluffy) tails…

With the help of goblins, ogres, trolls, and a few mermaids along the way, Ji and his band of unlikely heroes must save their world from being eternally divided.

Ross’s smart and fast-paced writing, paired with an addictive, suspenseful, and funny storyline, will leave readers hanging on every word. Fans will cheer for this endearing crew of servants, led by the amazing and dynamic Ji, who are changed forever and must fight for their freedom.

The Foundational Hands-On Skills You Need to Dive into Data Science

“Freeman and Ross have created the definitive resource for new and aspiring data scientists to learn foundational programming skills.”

–From the foreword by Jared Lander, series editor

Using data science techniques, you can transform raw data into actionable insights for domains ranging from urban planning to precision medicine. Programming Skills for Data Science brings together all the foundational skills you need to get started, even if you have no programming or data science experience.

Leading instructors Michael Freeman and Joel Ross guide you through installing and configuring the tools you need to solve professional-level data science problems, including the widely used R language and Git version-control system. They explain how to wrangle your data into a form where it can be easily used, analyzed, and visualized so others can see the patterns you’ve uncovered. Step by step, you’ll master powerful R programming techniques and troubleshooting skills for probing data in new ways, and at larger scales.

Freeman and Ross teach through practical examples and exercises that can be combined into complete data science projects. Everything’s focused on real-world application, so you can quickly start analyzing your own data and getting answers you can act upon. Learn to

Register your book for convenient access to downloads, updates, and/or corrections as they become available. See inside book for details.

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!

One of Children Book Council''s Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!

"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."—Youth Services Book Review

"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."—School Library Journal

"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews

Daniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?

Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?

Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.

From the world''s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Sail across sanddunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Islandseries!

Finding themselvestransported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge froma mysterious cave to see blue waters—they’re by the beach! And in the neardistance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower.There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions…if they ever reach the tower in time.

Using items stashedaround the cave, the friends must build themselves a blowcart and use windpower to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast andsturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store forthe three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure!

Included at the back ofthe book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAMactivities you can do at home, like how to build your own blowcart and makepirate treasure slime.

From the world’s #1 STEAM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichmentprogram, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curiouskids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.

For fans of The Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House, new friendships, mysterious forces, and an island adventure awaits in The Bridge to Sharktooth Island as you delve into the mechanics of bridge-building fun!

"This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff''s clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci–inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library."—School Library Journal

"[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological ''design and build'' problem-solving."—Primary Science

One minute Daniel and his cousin Joy are playing in the snow—and the next they are stranded on a mysterious island surrounded by sharks!

Where are they now and how did they get here? And how will they get back home?

With new friend Kimani, the kids find clues to these and other mysteries. To escape the island, they have to work together and build a bridge to safety!

This thrilling adventure is packed with fun STEAM activities you can do at home: build your own bridge, mix up a blue slime ocean, and design ferocious paper sharks.

From the world''s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.