Clarion Books – serie

In these hilarious stories by some of the top authors of middle grade fiction today, each young character is coping with a minor superpower—while also discovering their power to change themselves and their community, find their voice, and celebrate what makes them unique.Everyone knows that superheroes are supposed to have awesome powers like strength or invisibility or flight. But what happens when you’re a mostly regular kid . . . who’s just a little bit super?In these hilarious and thought-provoking stories from today’s top middle grade authors, a group of kids are each coping with a recently discovered minor superpower. One can shape-shift—but only part of her body, and only on Mondays. Another can always tell when an avocado is perfectly ripe. One can even hear the thoughts of animals in the pet store—which can be about as heart-tugging as you might imagine. It’s hard enough to be in middle school even without some weird ability, but these kids not only find their way to owning their unique powers and potential, they use them to change things for the better . . . and getting there with them is half the fun!These playful tales prompt readers to consider what their own superpower might be, and how they can use it."Award-winning contributors keep delightfully inclusive and accomplished company in this emotionally grounded, compassionate collection. . . . These are not your run-of-the-mill, cape-and-tights-clad superheroes. These are kids with relatable struggles learning to embrace that quirky bit of themselves that makes them unique." —ALA Booklist (starred review)Written by Pablo Cartaya, Nikki Grimes, Leah Henderson, Jarrett Krosoczka, Remy Lai, Kyle Lukoff, Meg Medina, Daniel Nayeri, Linda Sue Park, Mitali Perkins, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Gary D. Schmidt, Brian Young, and Ibi Zoboi; coedited by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt.

The go-to guide to the stars for beginners and experts alike.With clear, readable text, easy-to-follow diagrams, and a sprinkling of H. A. Rey's irrepressible humor, The Stars: A New Way to See Them gives sparkle to the constellations and makes the mechanics of the universe intelligible to even the novice astronomer.This updated version of the classic text includes revised facts and figures for planets and new scientific details,This is a clear, vivid astronomy reference book. As Learning Through Literature puts it: "The Stars: A New Way to See Them is a great introduction to astronomy. It’s readable and easy to understand. But don’t assume it’s light on details. Not a bit! This reference book has 100+ pages packed with information. It’s filled with illustrations of the constellations, our solar system, and the universe. You could easily use it as a spine for an astronomy study or as a reference throughout the year when questions come up."

Hands On! is a joyful board book celebration of a baby’s journey from crawling to taking their very first steps. The perfect board book for babies and their parents to share!A great gift for expecting and new parents, Hands On! sweetly encapsulates this special time in a baby’s development.Plus don't miss Anne Wynter and Alea Marley's One Big Day, a celebration of baby’s first birthday and a wonderful companion gift for showers and other celebrations of milestone toddler events.Hand in handLeft, right, leftHands out wideStep, step, step...

Big Dog and Little Dog are canine companions who stick together through thick and thin. In this, their first adventure, Big Dog and Little Dog are hungry! And as any good dog knows, friends who chow down together nap together.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of our greatest writers.But before that, she was just an ordinary girl.In fact, young Jane was a bit quiet and shy; if you had met her back then, you might not have noticed her at all. But she would have noticed you. Jane watched and listened to all the things people around her did and said and locked those observations away for safekeeping.Jane also loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library, and before long she began creating her own stories. In her time, the most popular books were grand adventures and romances, but Jane wanted to go her own way . . . and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel.Deborah Hopkinson and Qin Leng have collaborated on a gorgeous tribute to an independent thinker who turned ordinary life into extraordinary stories and created a body of work that has delighted and inspired readers for generations.

This is a comprehensive and accessible picture book biography of Marie Curie, the groundbreaking scientist and two-time Nobel Prize winner, from an acclaimed author and illustrator duo.Before Marie Curie was the first woman in France to earn the highest degree in physics,before she discovered two new radioactive elements,and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (and then the first person to win two!)—she was a little girl named Marie Sklodowska who dreamed of being a scientist—and was determined to make that dream come true.This is an accessible and compelling homage to Marie Curie, whose life and legacy continue to inspire to this very day.

Blood, Bullets, and Bones provides young readers with a fresh and fascinating look at the ever-evolving science of forensics.Since the introduction of DNA testing, forensic science has been in the forefront of the public’s imagination, thanks especially to popular television shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. But forensic analysis has been practiced for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese detectives studied dead bodies for signs of foul play, and in Victorian England, officials used crime scene photography and criminal profiling to investigate the Jack the Ripper murders. In the intervening decades, forensic science has evolved to use the most cutting-edge, innovative techniques and technologies.In this book, acclaimed author Bridget Heos uses real-life cases to tell the history of modern forensic science, from the first test for arsenic poisoning to fingerprinting, firearm and blood spatter analysis, DNA evidence, and all the important milestones in between. By turns captivating and shocking, Blood, Bullets, and Bones demonstrates the essential role forensic science has played in our criminal justice system.

An action-packed and hilarious animal fantasy adventure from New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer, “this new series stunner” (Kirkus starred review) will thrill fans of Warriors and Spirit Animals. Includes a stunning full-color poster!Caldera has forever been divided into the animals who walk by night and those who walk by day. Nightwalker panthers, like young Mez and her sister, have always feared daywalkers as creatures of myth and legend.Then Mez discovers that she can enter the daylight world, and she rushes to discover what it means to cross the Veil—and the extent of her newly uncovered magical powers—before a reawakened evil threatens everything she’s ever known.Now, with an unlikely group of animal friends—including a courageous bat, a scholarly tree frog, and an anxious monkey—Mez must unravel an ancient mystery and face her greatest fears, if they are to have any hope of saving their endangered rainforest home.A panther who can walk in daylight is an abomination. What happens when she’s also the rainforest’s only hope?Magical Abilities: Mez is a shadowwalker, born during an eclipse with the rare power to cross the Veil. But discovering her magic might be the most dangerous thing she’s ever done.An Epic Quest: To save her rainforest home of Caldera, Mez must unravel an ancient mystery and confront the reawakened evil of the legendary Ant Queen.Talking Animals: This action-packed animal fantasy is perfect for middle grade readers and fans of series like Warriors and Spirit Animals.Unlikely Friendship: She can’t do it alone. Mez joins forces with a courageous bat, a brainy tree frog, and a very anxious monkey to face her greatest fears.

“At once fresh, at once classic, Onyx and Ivory is a page-turning blend of monsters, magic, and romance.” —Susan Dennard, New York Times bestselling author of TruthwitchAcclaimed author Mindee Arnett thrusts readers into a beautiful, dangerous, and magical world in this stunningly epic and romantic fantasy for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah Raasch.They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king of Rime.Cast out of the nobility, Kate now works for the royal courier service. Only the most skilled ride for the Relay and only the fastest survive, for when night falls, the drakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: She is a wilder, born with forbidden magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals. And it’s this magic that leads her to a caravan massacred by drakes in broad daylight—the only survivor Corwin Tormaine, the son of the king. Her first love, the boy she swore to forget after he condemned her father to death.With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin must put the past behind them to face this new threat and an even darker menace stirring in the kingdom.

This charming picture book celebrates all our differences while questioning the idea that there is only one way to be “normal.”Pip is a normal pig who does normal stuff: cooking, painting, and dreaming of what she’ll be when she grows up.But one day a new pig comes to school and starts pointing out all the ways in which Pip is different. Suddenly she doesn’t like any of the same things she used to...the things that made her Pip.A wonderful springboard for conversations with children, at home and in the classroom, about diversity and difference.

William C. Morris YA Debut Award Winner!A hilarious YA contemporary realistic novel about a witty Black French Canadian teen who moves to Austin, Texas, and experiences the joys, clichés, and awkward humiliations of the American high school experience—including falling in love. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon, When Dimple Met Rishi, and John Green. Norris Kaplan is clever, cynical, and quite possibly too smart for his own good. A Black French Canadian, he knows from watching American sitcoms that those three things don’t bode well when you are moving to Austin, Texas.Plunked into a new high school and sweating a ridiculous amount from the oppressive Texas heat, Norris finds himself cataloging everyone he meets: the Cheerleaders, the Jocks, the Loners, and even the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Making a ton of friends has never been a priority for him, and this way he can at least amuse himself until it’s time to go back to Canada, where he belongs.Yet against all odds, those labels soon become actual people to Norris…like loner Liam, who makes it his mission to befriend Norris, or Madison the beta cheerleader, who is so nice that it has to be a trap. Not to mention Aarti the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, who might, in fact, be a real love interest in the making. But the night of the prom, Norris screws everything up royally. As he tries to pick up the pieces, he realizes it might be time to stop hiding behind his snarky opinions and start living his life—along with the people who have found their way into his heart.

From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to theNorth American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfectfor fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han. Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone.He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, thedutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for hiswealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition toattend his dream college, Columbia University.There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense”classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honestdog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image atschool. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself.Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something moresurprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . . This is a sharply funny and insightful novel about the countlesshustles we have to keep from doing the hardest thing: being ourselves.

From the award-winning creator of My Dad Used to Be So Cool and Tough Guys Have Feelings Too comes a charming picture book inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing 19th-century doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants.Once upon a time (but not that long ago), girls only wore dresses. And only boys wore pants.Until one day, a young girl named Mary had an idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants! This bold, original picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.

A fresh, urban take on bedtime stories in the spirit of The House That Jack Built and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, from debut author Anne Wynter and Caldecott Honoree Oge Mora.Everybody in the red brick building was asleep. Until . . .WaaaAAH!Rraak! Wake up!Pitter patter STOMP!Pssheew!A chain reaction of noises wakes up several children (and a cat) living in an apartment building. But it’s late in the night, so despite the disturbances, one by one, the building’s inhabitants return to their beds—this time with a new set of sounds to lull them to sleep.

This gorgeous picture book shows how one little girl’s careful tending of a pecan tree creates the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family. For Earth Day and every day! Perfect for fans of Matt de la Peña and Oge Mora.Before her grandchildren climbed the towering tree,explored its secret nests,raced to its sturdy trunk,read in its cool shade,or made pies with its pecans…Nell buried a seed.And just as Nell’s tree grows and thrives with her love and care, so do generations of her close-knit family.Inspired by the pecan trees of the creators' own childhoods, Anne Wynter’s lyrical picture book, brought to life with breathtaking illustrations by Daniel Miyares, brims with wonder and love.

This joyful ode to the everyday moments in a child’s life is a child-friendly reimagining of the classic poem “Pippa’s Song” by poet Robert Browning. Perfect for Poetry Month and for fans of Liz Garton Scanlon and Cynthia Rylant.Waffles for breakfast, walking to school with a friend, playing in the park, making dinner, getting tucked into bed…these moments shape the familiar rhythms of a child’s life.This lyrical celebration of the everyday, with the comforting refrain “all’s right with the world,” is the perfect read-aloud for bedtime or anytime.The year’s at the spring,and day’s at the morn.Morning’s at seven.All’s right with the world.

New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste and acclaimed illustrator Amber Ren take readers on a fun, creepy, storytime-ready romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore.I’m looking for a jumbie, I’m going to find a scary one.But Mama says jumbies exist only in stories. So Naya sets out on a nighttime adventure to find out for herself.No such thing, say the friends she makes along the way. But Naya is sure that jumbies are real. Some have big mouths. Or thick fur. Or glowing skin. Or sharp teeth. Kind of like her new friends.…Looking for a Jumbie is a gentle, bouncy, and creepily fun read-aloud inspired by traditional Caribbean tales.

From New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer comes an exuberant YA historical coming-of-age novel about a rising star French pianist, navigating his way into high society as he explores his sexuality. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue.They say Léon Delafosse will be France’s next great pianist. But despite his being the youngest student ever accepted into the prestigious Paris Conservatory, there’s no way an impoverished musician can make his way in 1890s Paris without an outside patron.Young gossip columnist Marcel Proust takes Léon under his wing, and the boys game their way through an extravagant new world. When the larger-than-life Count Robert de Montesquiou-Fézensac offers his patronage, Léon’s dreams are made real. But the closer he gets to becoming France’s next great thing, the further he strays from his old country life he shared with his family and his best friend, Félix . . . a boy he might love.With each choice Léon makes, he must navigate a fine line between two worlds—or risk losing them both.

Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book AwardNamed a best book of the year by the Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, SLJ, ALA Booklist, the Horn Book, and moreRecipient of five starred reviewsFrom Michael L. Printz honoree & National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold comes the harrowing story of a young girl's struggle to survive the Holocaust in Romania.Frederieke Teitler and her older sister, Astra, live in a house, in a city, in a world divided. Their father ran out on them when Rieke was only six, leaving their mother a wreck and their grandfather as their only stable family. He’s done his best to provide for them and shield them from antisemitism, but now, seven years later, being a Jew has become increasingly dangerous, even in their beloved home of Czernowitz, long considered a safe haven for Jewish people. And when Astra falls in love and starts pulling away from her, Rieke wonders if there’s anything in her life she can count on—and, if so, if she has the power to hold on to it.Then—war breaks out in Europe. First the Russians, then the Germans, invade Czernowitz. Almost overnight, Rieke and Astra’s world changes, and every day becomes a struggle: to keep their grandfather’s business, to keep their home, to keep their lives. Rieke has long known that she exists in a world defined by those who have power and those who do not, and as those powers close in around her, she must decide whether holding on to her life might mean letting go of everything that has ever mattered to her—and if that’s a choice she will even have the chance to make.Based on the true experiences of her grandmother’s childhood in Holocaust-era Romania, award-winning author Elana K. Arnold weaves an unforgettable tale of love and loss in the darkest days of the twentieth century—and one young woman’s will to survive them.But as her world is torn apart by war, what will survival cost?Based on a True Story: Inspired by the author’s grandmother’s harrowing experiences as a young Jewish girl in Holocaust-era Romania.World War II Historical Fiction: Witness the lesser-known history of Czernowitz as it’s invaded first by the Russians and then by the Nazis, changing life for Rieke and her family overnight.A Powerful Sister Story: Navigates the intense, shifting bond between pragmatic Rieke and her passionate older sister, Astra, as war tests their loyalty to each other and to themselves.A Story of Resilience: Follow one young woman’s struggle to hold on to her family, her home, and her own humanity in the face of unspeakable loss and the ever-present threat of antisemitism.

Author-illustrator Marc Majewski delivers a gorgeously painted, tender story about a young child who loves dressing up as a butterfly. A joyful celebration of creativity, self-expression, and family—perfect for fans of Jessica Love and Beatrice Alemagna.I am a butterfly.I spin and swirl, twist and twirl, flutter and flap, and when I open my wings, I fly!A young child loves the spots and patterns found on butterflies, and fashions bold orange wings to become a butterfly child. But when other kids shun the child for the clothes they don’t understand, it takes a father’s encouragement for the kid to stay true to what they love and find joy in the butterfly wings once more.* A Junior Library Guild Selection * Kids' Indie Next List Pick *

A story of pluck and determination inspired by the real events of 1815-17, when a young man named Karl Drais invented the very first bicycle.Before there were trains, or cars, or planes, people rode horses to travel from place to place.Then came the Year without a Summer, when a cloud of volcanic ash blocked the sun and crops withered across half the world. With no oats to eat, horses grew too weak to walk. Everyone despaired—how would they get around?But one day, a young forester had a bright idea in the darkness...Inspired by true events, The Running Machine shows how resilience in the face of adversity can lead to something wondrous.

From the acclaimed creator of Mary Wears What She Wants and Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) comes a silly and sly investigation of what happens when one girl dares to do her own thing.Who is the Upside Down Girl?How did she get up there?Most importantly . . . Why is she upside down?This cheeky, charming tale about seeing things from a different perspective is perfect for readers who march to their own kazoo. Perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett!Perfect for:Classroom and at-home storytimeBuilding confidence and independent-thinkingReaders who like to laugh!Conversations about mindfulness and slowing down

The inspiring story of Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin. His historic contributions to the medical field, and selfless sale of his patent for just one dollar, changed the course of patients managing diabetes forever. Ideal for diabetic children and their families, readers who love biography and science, and fans of Digestion! The Musical.Frederick Banting was a shy boy who loved to care for the animals on his family farm. When they were sick, he searched for ways to make them better.When Frederick grew up, he remained curious about how to treat and cure illnesses, so he became a doctor and a teacher. After teaching his medical students about diabetes, his curiosity led him to discover insulin, which saves millions of lives worldwide today. Frederick could have gotten rich from his discovery, but he sold his formula for only a dollar, saying, “Insulin does not belong to me. It belongs to the world.”With bright, cheerful illustrations and informative back matter about insulin and diabetes, It Belongs to the World is an inspiring story of a curious boy who grew up to change medicine and countless lives for the better.

Based on the true story of a girl and the crows in her backyard, this adventure explores the mysteries of friendship across species. Creative nonfiction at its best by bestselling creators Gideon Sterer and Shadra Strickland.Every day, Gabi left gifts.Seeds. Bits of toast. Peanuts.Every day, the crows noticed.Soon, they left their own gifts in return . . . and what began with a breadcrumb became a friendship.This is the true and astonishing story of a young girl, a flock of clever crows, and the tiny treasures they traded—gleaming beads, polished sea-glass, andthe most precious of all: trust.Perfect for:Classroom and at-home storytimeAnimal loversBackyard birders of all agesDon't miss Gideon Sterer's and Shadra Strickland's other books, including:If You Make a Call on a Banana PhoneTreehouse TownI Will Read to YouJump In!BirdEliza's Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary

*SIX STARRED REVIEWS!*Award-winning creators Anne Wynter and Micha Archer share a mother-daughter tale about delighting in small pleasures throughout the city. Perfect for fans of Oge Mora and Sophie Blackall. Anne Wynter perfectly captures the hurry and hustle of a busy day. But when plans change and a girl and her mother slow down to savor small pleasures, the real celebration begins.Dazzling, kaleidoscopic cut paper artwork from Caldecott Honor artist Micha Archer highlights each special moment in this sweet tribute to time spent together.

An exuberant and affirming picture book about self-expression, allyship, and celebrating differences.Daniel is obsessed with his favorite pop star Fabulina and can’t wait to show off his signature shimmy-kick to her biggest hit “Strong, Brave, Free” at the school talent show. After winning the talent show, Daniel feels euphoric. But Daniel soon realizes that not everyone loves his shimmy-kick. The Mean notices with persistent jokes, whispering, and harmful words. Daniel begins to feel small, never wanting to shimmy-kick again. He hides. But with the help of his friends and his fans, Daniel emerges—all eyes on him—dancing in the face of the Mean, in solidarity with his classmates. Strong. Brave. Free.

With a focus on overcoming fails and pivoting to new ideas, this hilarious story stars a young boy who dreams of baking extraordinary cakes but struggles with perfectionism in the midst of competition from fellow Baker Makers.Naveen loves baking. In fact, he’s sure he’s practically a master baker. So he is excited when his maker class tackles creative cakes at Baker Makers Lab!He is positive his cake will be the most astonishing and extraordinary one of all. But the mismatch between his fertile imagination and his actual skills leads to disaster!Will he find a way to embrace the unexpected? Find out in this delicious and delightful STEAM-centered picture book about letting go of perfection from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kim Smith, creator of Boxitects.

The grit of How to Solve a Problem meets the lyricism of Drum Dream Girl in Anita Yasuda’s evocative picture book biography about Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Everest. Illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Yuko Shimizu.Junko Tabei dreamed of a life climbing mountains. But men refused to climb with her. Sponsors told her to stay home. And gloves were not made to fit her hands. Junko, eager and unstoppable, wouldn’t let these obstacles get in her way.Instead, she planned an expedition to summit Mount Everest with an all-women team. Battling icy peaks, deep crevasses, and even an avalanche, Junko refused to give up. She climbed step by step . . . up, up, ever up!After summiting the world’s tallest peak, Junko took on a new challenge: protecting the wild spaces she loved for future generations.This gorgeously illustrated celebration of a trailblazing climber who shattered gender stereotypes invites us to dare to reach our dreams—no matter how big.