S

Travis knows how to look tough, but the part of himself he cares about most is hidden: he wants to write. After a violent clash with his stepfather, he is sent away from the city to his uncle’s horse ranch in Oklahoma, a place that feels more like punishment than a fresh start. At the ranch, Travis meets Casey, a skilled horse trainer, and the Star Runner, a powerful horse no one can easily control. Their world is nothing like the streets Travis left behind, but it pushes him to face questions he cannot outrun: who he is, what kind of life he wants, and whether his talent can become a way forward. Gritty, reflective, and emotionally honest, Taming the Star Runner is a young adult novel about anger, ambition, family conflict, and the difficult work of choosing a different future.

South Orange River Middle School has a problem. The school requires every student to participate in at least one sport, which is terrible news for a specific group of seventh graders who care far more about art, music, and academics than athletics. When these unapologetic non-athletes are grouped together to form a compulsory soccer team, they are thrust into a fiercely competitive sports culture they want no part of. Dubbed the S.O.R. Losers, they take the field with zero talent and zero interest in winning. As their losing streak grows and pressure mounts from the school and their parents to secure a victory, the team must decide whether to cave to the expectations of others or stand proudly as who they really are. This highly relatable and comedic story explores the meaning of success, the pressure to conform, and the quiet triumph of simply doing your own thing, even if it means losing every single game.

Sophia Tims has searched every archive, library, and slender clue she can find, but her missing parents remain out of reach. After the dangerous journey that changed her understanding of the world, she is back in Boston with more questions than answers and a mapmaker’s determination to keep looking. Now a clue points beyond the familiar borders of New Occident and into a foreign Age, where the rules of time, history, and danger are never simple. Theo, meanwhile, is trying to build a new life, but shadows from his past threaten to pull him away from Sophia and Uncle Shadrack. Their discoveries lead toward a hidden city that cannot be found on any ordinary map. To reach it, Sophia and Theo must face plague, darkness, and the strange power of the Golden Specific in this richly imagined fantasy adventure about courage, loyalty, and the mysteries maps can only begin to reveal.

The battle for Britannia has been won, but the true fight for survival is just beginning. After successfully defending her homeland from a devastating dragon invasion and the corrupt leaders who allowed it to happen, Vivien Featherswallow now stands at the head of a fragile resistance. Her mission is no longer just about survival, but about forging a permanent peace in a shattered world. To secure a future for both humans and dragons, Vivien must step out of the shadows and navigate a treacherous web of international politics and uneasy alliances. Every decision carries monumental weight, and the trust between species is dangerously thin. As new threats emerge from unexpected places, she will be forced to push her abilities to their absolute limits and make impossible sacrifices. This sweeping finale delivers an unforgettable conclusion to a story of courage, language, and rebellion. Fans of epic fantasy will be gripped by this breathtaking journey of a young translator who risked everything to change the world, bringing the beloved trilogy to a powerful and satisfying close.

Kit, Zander, and M.K. West are finally settling into their new lives at the prestigious Academy for the Exploratory Sciences. But normal school days vanish the moment Kit uncovers another secret map left behind by their brilliant, world-famous father, who recently vanished on a dangerous mission. This new map points to a treacherous, uncharted stretch of the Caribbean known for violent storms and swallowed ships. Even worse, ruthless government agents are already hunting them down, desperate to seize the map for themselves. As two massive world powers inch closer to an all-out war, the West siblings realize their father's hidden discovery might be the only thing that can stop a global disaster. While M.K. works frantically to build a massive, top-secret contraption in her workshop, Kit and Zander must decode the clues and stay one step ahead of their enemies. Packed with high-stakes danger, brilliant inventions, and thrilling escapes, this pulse-pounding adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat as the siblings race to uncover the deadly secrets of King Triton's Lair.

Janna Yusuf categorizes the people in her world into three distinct groups. There are the saints, the seemingly perfect individuals who drive the community forward. Then there are the misfits, like Janna herself, who feel entirely out of place in their own families and social circles. Finally, there are the monsters. What terrifies Janna most is that the worst monster in her life wears the flawless mask of a saint. When a highly respected, golden-boy figure at her local mosque assaults her, Janna is left completely shattered and isolated. Everyone else sees him as a pillar of their community, leaving Janna terrified that no one will believe the truth. As she navigates the confusing aftermath of sophomore year, a complex family dynamic with her divorced parents, and an unexpected connection with a non-Muslim boy named Jeremy, she must find a way to reclaim her voice. This powerful and authentic novel explores the heavy burden of carrying a painful secret. It is a deeply relatable journey of a teenager learning to confront hypocrisy, trust her own strength, and boldly unmask the monsters hiding in plain sight.

Aleasha is not an ordinary puppy. She has joined Nick’s family, but being a pet does not feel like enough. If everyone else in the house gets to be human, Aleasha decides she should become human too. Told with a playful sense of surprise, The Puppy Sister follows Aleasha as she begins changing from puppy into a girl and proudly claims Nick as her brother. For Nick and his parents, life with a new dog was already a big adjustment. Life with a dog who wants to be a daughter is something else entirely. Light, funny, and offbeat, this family fantasy blends pet mischief, sibling chaos, and a puppy’s wholehearted love into a story about belonging. It is best for readers who enjoy gentle comic adventures with an impossible idea at the center.

Sophia Tims knows maps better than she knows the world beyond Boston. Raised by her brilliant uncle Shadrack, a famous cartologer, she has grown up in a world forever changed by the Great Disruption of 1799, when continents were thrown into different time periods and ordinary geography became anything but ordinary. Then Shadrack is kidnapped, and Sophia must leave the safety of home to find him. With Theo, a resourceful refugee from the West, she follows dangerous clues across rough land and uncharted seas. Their journey brings them into contact with pirates, traders, strange landscapes, and maps that may reveal more than simple directions. For readers ready for a layered middle grade adventure, The Glass Sentence offers a bold heroine, an original alternate-history world, and a quest where observation, courage, and trust may matter as much as any map.

Six months have passed since you escaped the dark allure of the Underground, and you are determined to look only toward the future. You are pouring all your energy into your musical career and helping your younger brother find his footing in the world above. But life on the surface is unraveling. Your brother has grown cold and distant, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot forget the austere, captivating ruler you left behind beneath the earth. When terrifying signs reveal that the barrier between the human world and the realm of the Goblin King is collapsing, you are pulled back into the shadows. To save the people you love, you must return to the Underground and unravel the deepest mysteries of life, death, and the true identity of the Goblin King. Prepare to break the oldest rules of magic in this breathtaking conclusion, where you must discover what true sacrifice means before your world shatters completely.

Sophia Tims is finally on her way back to Boston with a cryptic map that may bring her closer to her missing parents. But home is no longer safe. Storm clouds gather over New Orleans, sinkholes are swallowing parts of Boston, and strange weirwinds tear across the Baldlands. Across New Occident, war is rising. A ruthless prime minister is pushing westward, and Sophia’s uncle Shadrack has been forced to create maps for battles that could send countless people, including Theo, into danger. While Sophia tries to understand what her map is telling her, Shadrack searches through layers of political intrigue, and Theo faces a future he did not choose. The final book in the Mapmakers Trilogy brings its inventive world of shifted Ages, dangerous geography, and high-stakes adventure to a tense conclusion, without losing the friendship, intelligence, and wonder that guide Sophia’s journey.

Step into the next thrilling chapter of a brave young girl's life as she leaves the only home she has ever known. You will follow the incredibly feisty Hetty Feather, who now proudly calls herself Emerald Star, on a journey filled with unexpected turns. After facing the heartbreaking loss of her mother, she sets out into the world with a fierce determination to find her real father and finally discover a place where she truly belongs. But the world outside the Foundling Hospital is vast and complicated. As you travel alongside her, you will see her transform from a simple country girl into someone who wonders if she will ever truly fit in anywhere. Even when she crosses paths with her beloved childhood friend Jem, the restless call for adventure tugs at her heart. Just when she thinks her path is clear, a mysterious and enchanting figure from her past steps back into her life. You will be completely swept away by this beautiful story of finding your own way, balancing the weight of tragedy with the bright spark of hope, and discovering exactly who you are meant to be.

Jimmy has not seen his father, Crab, in nine long years. When Crab suddenly shows up at Jimmy's home in Harlem, he is not there for a simple family reunion. He is on the run from the law. Crab claims he is innocent of the crime that put him in prison, and he wants his son to travel across the country with him to prove it. Swept into a sudden and uncertain road trip, Jimmy must navigate the complicated reality of a father he barely knows. As they journey from New York to Chicago and down to Arkansas, the miles bring them closer to the truth about Crab's past. Jimmy is forced to figure out who his father really is and what it means to be a man. This powerful story dives deep into the complexities of family ties and the heavy burden of discovering that parents are flawed. It explores the difficult path to understanding and the courage it takes to forgive, even when things cannot be perfectly fixed.

Skandar Smith is back at the Eyrie for his third year of training, but the danger has never been greater. The prestigious Chaos Trials are fast approaching, and Skandar and his quartet must compete against the Island's most skilled riders across a series of terrifying elemental challenges. If they fail, the consequences are unimaginable. At the same time, Skandar's sister, Kenna, has finally reached the Island, but her bond with a wild unicorn is making everyone nervous. As dark forces gather and secrets begin to unravel, Skandar realizes that surviving the trials might only be the beginning of his problems. You will be on the edge of your seat as you follow Skandar through sky battles, fierce rivalries, and the shocking discovery of what it truly means to control the spirit element. Can Skandar protect his friends, his sister, and his bonded unicorn, Scoundrel, before the Island is torn apart?

Before Santa belonged to the whole world, he was a very unusual boy growing up in Cincinnati. His first words sounded suspiciously like “ho ho ho,” he loved his stuffed reindeer, and by the time he was small, he already looked as if he might be practicing for a very special job. His parents try to give him an ordinary childhood, complete with music lessons, baseball, and chores. But Santa’s jolly habits keep shining through. Soon he is making lists, checking them carefully, and finding ways to bring joy to children near and far. Told with playful humor and a pretend “family scrapbook” feel, this picture book gives young readers a funny, warm origin story for the boy who grew into Santa Claus.

Eleven-year-old Stella has a plan. She loves living at her great-aunt Louise's cottage colony on Cape Cod, and she is just waiting for her unreliable mother to finally settle down and join her. There is only one problem standing in her way, and her name is Angel. Angel is another foster kid living with Louise, and she and Stella are complete opposites who have absolutely no intention of ever being friends. Everything changes in a single morning when Louise suddenly passes away. Terrified of being sent back into the foster care system, Stella and Angel make a drastic decision: they will not tell a single soul. Instead, they secretly take over the responsibilities of running the vacation rentals themselves. Thrust into a high-stakes situation, these two very different girls must learn to work together to keep their massive secret hidden. You will be on the edge of your seat as Stella and Angel navigate their new reality, discovering that sometimes the family you need is the one you build yourself. This moving middle grade fiction story is filled with humor, heart, and incredible courage.

Josephina Espinosa makes her living as a hacker in the fractured remnants of the United States. When a government raid leaves her and her best friend fatally wounded, Jo uses ancient magic to summon a wish-granter. She saves her friend, but the price is steep. Jo is erased from her mortal existence and bound to the mysterious Society of Wishes. Now living in a lavish but restrictive mansion with seven other members and the enigmatic leader who saved her, Jo must navigate a perilous new reality. But when she discovers her best friend is heading toward a disastrous fate, Jo defies the rules to protect him. As Jo taps into her newfound abilities, she realizes her choices carry world-shattering consequences. Tangled in the ancient magic of the Society's leader, Snow, Jo uncovers hidden threads of power. Pulling on them might save the people she loves, or it could unravel the very fabric of the world.

Starting a new school is always tough, but it is especially tricky when your teacher is Master Yoda. Victor Starspeeder is thrilled to finally begin his training at the legendary Jedi Academy. His excitement is off the charts, even if his older sister is less than thrilled to have him around. Victor is ready to master the Force and learn lightsaber skills, but Jedi training is nothing like he expected. Instead of purely epic space battles, Victor finds himself tackling surprisingly normal middle school problems with a galactic twist. From figuring out where to sit in the cafeteria to handling Master Yoda's unusual class assignments, everyday life is an adventure. Yoda even makes him join the drama club to channel his boundless energy. Whether you are navigating your own middle school hallways or dreaming of a galaxy far, far away, this hilarious graphic novel perfectly captures the ups and downs of growing up. Discover the funny, awkward, and action-packed life of a Jedi-in-training.

Do you love basketball more than anything? Rusty certainly does! He dreams of swishing shots and making big plays on the court. But after getting sick, playing basketball feels like a dream that might never come true. Instead of dribbling and shooting, Rusty finds himself on the sidelines, helping out as a referee. He worries he won't ever get to play the game he loves again. Then, something exciting happens! A new person comes to town with a great idea: to organize a brand-new basketball team. Could this be Rusty's chance to step back onto the court? With a new coach guiding him, Rusty starts to wonder if he can find a way to play again, even with his challenges. Join Rusty as he learns about teamwork, determination, and never giving up on your biggest dreams. Will Rusty be able to make those baskets and sink it for his new team?

Who is in charge of your face? You are! Who is in charge of your space? You are! Get ready to discover the power of your own voice in this energetic and fun book all about setting boundaries. From your nose down to your toes, you get to decide what happens with your own body. When you turn these pages, you will find a joyful celebration of confidence and choice. The bouncy rhymes make it incredibly easy to shout out the answers to important questions about who gets to say yes or no. You will see kids just like you learning how to speak up loud and clear. This empowering read is perfect for building confidence and understanding your rights. It gives you the exact words you need to take charge of your personal space and celebrate exactly who you are, every single day.

Welcome to second grade with Amber Brown! She thinks second grade is pretty awesome, but there's one tricky rule: keeping your desk super clean. Amber really wants the Desk Fairy, Deskarina, to visit her messy desk and leave a special prize. Will she be able to keep her pens, papers, and treasures tidy enough to get a reward? Join Amber as she tries her best to follow the rules, even when it's hard, and discover if a little bit of magic (and a lot of tidying!) can help her win over the Desk Fairy. This funny story will make you laugh as Amber learns about keeping things neat and tidy in her own unique way.

Step back in time to an important period in history with Jed's Boy! This classic adventure story takes you into the world of World War I through the eyes of a brave young character. What was life like for people during such a big event? You'll follow a boy named Jed as he experiences the challenges and changes happening all around him. Discover how courage, loyalty, and determination helped people face difficult times. This book will show you what it was like to live during a war that changed the world, and how even young people found their place. Get ready for a captivating journey filled with historical details and the spirit of a young boy facing extraordinary circumstances.

Your fourth year of unicorn training at the Eyrie is supposed to be thrilling, but for Skandar and his friends, it is about to become a desperate fight for survival. A devastating curse is sweeping across the Island, infecting the warrior unicorns and threatening to change everything you know about elemental magic. With the relentless Commodore determined to wipe out the spirit element completely, and Skandar's own sister seeking revenge, the quartet is surrounded by enemies on all sides. You must race against time alongside Skandar as the curse spreads faster each day. Nowhere on the Island is safe, and the stakes have never been higher. Prepare for breathtaking sky battles, terrifying new magic, and fierce loyalty as Skandar pushes his abilities to the absolute limit. Will you be able to help uncover the ancient secrets needed to stop the curse before the Island, and the unicorns themselves, are lost forever?

Maya has the best view of the wedding: right in the middle of the celebration, camera ready. As flower girl at a lively Mexican American family wedding, she notices everything, from the procession to the altar to the small, funny moments grown-ups might miss. Each snapshot catches a piece of the day: fancy clothes, music, food, teasing cousins, children making their own fun, and a family gathered for something joyful. Spanish words and playful details give the story warmth and rhythm, while Maya’s bright point of view makes the wedding feel close enough to step into. Snapshots from the Wedding is a funny, affectionate picture book about family traditions, celebration, and the memories that stay after the party ends.

Step into a one-of-a-kind museum where a friendly horse is your guide to the wonderful world of art! In Dr. Seuss's Horse Museum, you'll embark on an exciting journey to discover how different artists, from famous painters to sculptors, have imagined and created horses throughout history. You'll see real art masterpieces featuring horses by artists like Picasso and Rosa Bonheur, alongside whimsical illustrations inspired by Dr. Seuss's own sketches. This special book, based on a newly discovered manuscript by Dr. Seuss, encourages you to look closely, think creatively, and find new ways to appreciate art. With fun cameo appearances by beloved Seuss characters, it’s a playful and engaging way to explore museums, learn about art, and spark your own imagination. Get ready to gallop through a gallery of amazing art!

Living on the world's first moon base might sound amazing, but for twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson, it is packed with problems. Moon Base Alpha is only the size of a soccer field, meaning there is absolutely nowhere to hide. So when the base commander mysteriously vanishes without a trace, the residents are thrown into total panic. How can someone just disappear in a tiny, locked facility in outer space? Dash is already dealing with the nasty Sjoberg twins and a massive secret of his own. He has accidentally made telepathic contact with an alien named Zan. Now, Dash must step up as the best detective on the moon to solve this mind-boggling case. With the fate of the entire human race potentially hanging in the balance, Dash faces his most confusing and dangerous challenge yet. You will be on the edge of your seat as you join Dash on a thrilling, hilarious investigation to uncover the truth before it is too late.

Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of your favorite toys are back for a brand new road trip. When Bonnie creates a brand new toy out of a simple spork and some crafts, Forky is completely convinced he belongs in the trash. It is up to Woody to show Forky just how much he means to Bonnie, but keeping the anxious little craft project safe turns out to be a massive challenge. As the toys set off on a family RV vacation, Woody gets separated from the group and stumbles into an unexpected reunion with his long lost friend Bo Peep. The world outside the toy box is much bigger and more unpredictable than they ever realized. Old friends and hilarious new faces must team up to navigate antique shops, carnivals, and daring rescue missions. This complete story retelling lets you experience all the humor, heart, and high stakes adventure of the hit movie. Join the gang as they discover that a toy's true purpose can take many different forms, and that loyalty and friendship are always worth fighting for.

Imagine looking up at the sky and seeing no birds at all. That is exactly what Ming-Li fears when her country's leader decides that sparrows are the enemy. He declares a great Sparrow War, blaming the little birds for eating too much of the farmers' grain. Soon, the people in Ming-Li's village are using firecrackers and crashing loud gongs to chase all the birds away. The loud noises frighten the birds so much that they begin falling from the sky. Ming-Li knows she cannot just stand by and watch. Even though she is only one person and cannot stop the loud noises of the whole village, she makes a brave promise to herself. She will save as many sparrows as she possibly can, one tiny bird at a time. Step into a beautiful and moving story about courage and standing up for what you believe is right. You will follow Ming-Li as she figures out how to help the innocent creatures around her. This thoughtful historical tale shows that no matter how small you feel, your kindness can make a massive difference in the world.

When your wealthy and powerful father passes away, inheriting a private island off the coast of California might sound like a dream. For Lucinda, becoming the richest girl in the world and taking ownership of the Isla del Oro quickly turns into a gilded nightmare. The island remains exactly as her grandfather discovered it a century ago, isolated and full of secrets. Instead of enjoying her new fortune, Lucinda finds herself a prisoner. Her strict guardian absolutely forbids her from leaving the island's shores. Soon, the isolation gives way to chilling, unexplained events that push Lucinda to a terrifying realization: someone is actively trying to end her life. Trapped on the Isla del Oro, she must figure out who is orchestrating these deadly accidents before her time runs out. Could it be her controlling guardian, her handsome but mysterious fiance, or the seemingly helpful island doctor? In this suspenseful mystery, you will have to look past the wealth and glamour to uncover the dark truth hiding within the castle in the sea.

Two years after his time at Camp Green Lake, Armpit is back home in Austin, Texas, ready to start fresh. But it’s not easy when everyone knows your past, and they’re always expecting you to mess up. All Armpit wants is a quiet life, a job, and a chance to prove he’s changed. His best chance comes in the friendship of Ginny, his 10-year-old neighbor who uses a wheelchair. With Ginny, Armpit is learning to take "small steps" toward a better future, focusing on what’s important and trying to stay on the right track. But then, an old friend from Camp Green Lake, X-Ray, appears with a plan for getting rich quick. This scheme unexpectedly throws Armpit into the world of pop music and introduces him to teen singing sensation Kaira DeLeon. Suddenly, Armpit’s life takes a wild turn, making it harder than ever to stick to his new path. Can Armpit make the right choices when everything around him seems to be spinning out of control? Join him on an unforgettable journey as he tries to build a new life, navigate tricky friendships, and discover who he truly wants to be.

Meet James Castle. Born on a farm in Idaho in 1899, James faced extraordinary challenges from the very beginning. He was deaf, autistic, and unable to speak, read, write, or even use sign language. He did not take his first steps until he was four years old. But James found his own unique way to communicate with the world around him. He discovered a deep passion for art. Through striking illustrations and an engaging story, you will step into James's childhood and see the world through his eyes. You will witness his remarkable journey as he emerges as a talented artist despite the overwhelming obstacles in his path. Today, his incredible artwork hangs in major museums across the globe. This inspiring biography shows how creativity can shine through even the most difficult circumstances, proving that there is always more than one way to share your voice.

Bernice is not your average best friend. For one thing she is a squash. While other kids might play with dolls or action figures Sophie prefers the company of her favorite vegetable picked straight from the farmers market. The two of you will go everywhere together from the library to the playroom. But as the leaves start falling and winter approaches Sophie notices something is happening to Bernice. Her parents warn her that squash are not meant to last forever. What do you do when your very best friend in the whole world starts to get soft and spotty. You will have to read to find out how Sophie solves her squash sized problem in this funny and heartwarming story about friendship love and the changing seasons.

Step right up for a spectacular show featuring the one and only Great Houndini. Snoopy has traded his doghouse for a magician's cape, and he is ready to amaze the neighborhood with his incredible tricks. But when his grand finale goes a little too well, Charlie Brown finds himself in a truly invisible predicament. Being unseen might seem like a fun trick at first, but Charlie Brown quickly discovers that fading into the background brings a whole new set of problems. How can he kick the winning football or talk to his friends when no one can even see he is there? You will laugh out loud as the Peanuts gang tries to figure out how to bring their favorite blockhead back into plain sight. This hilarious adventure captures all the classic humor and charm of your favorite characters. Get ready to join the audience for a magic act that will leave you wondering just what Snoopy might pull out of his hat next.

Moving to a brand new place is never easy, especially when you are a dog leaving your home in Baltimore for the busy, loud streets of New York City. Pepper feels completely overwhelmed and homesick in the giant metropolis. Everything is different, and nothing feels right. That changes when Pepper bumps into a friendly neighborhood dog who knows exactly how to navigate the concrete jungle. This savvy new friend takes Pepper on a grand tour to prove that the biggest city in the world is also the greatest playground a dog could ever want. From exciting new smells to fascinating sights, Pepper discovers that New York is packed with wonderful surprises. You will love following along on this big city adventure to see how a little friendship can make an unfamiliar town feel just like home.

Step into a magical place where the extraordinary happens every day. When you arrive at William Blake's imaginary inn, you will meet a fascinating collection of guests. A powerful dragon brews the morning tea, two patient angels wash the dishes, and the King of Cats roams the halls. This enchanting collection of poems invites you to explore rooms filled with wonders and step outside to see a rabbit dancing in the garden. As you wander through the charming inn, you will discover whimsical characters and quiet moments of magic waiting around every corner. Pack your bags for a journey into a world where anything is possible, and the beauty of imagination shines bright.

Welcome to The Puppy Place, where every puppy dreams of finding a loving forever home! In this sweet story, you'll meet Charles, who instantly falls for a tiny miniature poodle named Sweetie. Sweetie is not only adorable, but she's also super clever and quick to learn amazing tricks! But there's a little problem: Charles's own dog, Buddy, starts feeling a bit left out and jealous whenever Sweetie is around. Can Charles help this cuddly little pup find the perfect family without making Buddy feel sad? Join Charles as he tries to solve this puppy predicament and make sure both Sweetie and Buddy are happy!

The balance of power on Starland rests on Gemma's shoulders as she departs for her final, critical mission to Wishworld in the dead of night. Unbeknownst to Gemma, her Wisher has made a deeply negative wish fueled by a desperate desire for popularity. If this bad wish is granted, the consequences for their beloved planet could be disastrous and irreversible. Back at Starling Academy, the remaining Star Darlings realize the terrifying danger Gemma is facing. With no shooting stars in sight to transport them, their chances of helping seem completely lost. A sudden, miraculous meteor shower provides the perfect opportunity for the girls to travel down to Wishworld. Now, they must race against the clock to reunite with Gemma, turn the negative wish energy into a positive force, and save their home before it is too late.

Ten years ago, a mysterious burst in the sky known as Calamity gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public called them Epics. But with incredible gifts came the ultimate desire to rule, and these superpowered beings quickly proved they were no friends of humanity. Now, in what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor. He possesses the strength of ten men and can control the elements. No bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him. He is completely invincible. Nobody dares to fight back except the Reckoners, a shadowy group of ordinary humans who spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and assassinating them. David wants to join their ranks. When Steelheart first came to the city, he murdered David's father. For years, David has been obsessively studying the Epics and planning his revenge. He does not have super strength or magical weapons to offer the resistance, but he has something far more valuable. He has an experience. David is the only person alive who has seen the invincible Steelheart bleed, and he is ready to help the Reckoners take him down.

Meet Sunny, the chillest, friendliest guy on the Defenders track team. He always has a smile ready, but inside, Sunny carries a heavy secret. He believes he's to blame for his mother's death, and his dad, who won't even let Sunny call him 'Dad,' seems to agree. The only thing his dad wants him to do is run track, just like his mom did, but Sunny secretly hates it. What happens when you stop doing the one thing everyone expects of you? For Sunny, it means stopping right in the middle of a race. With his relationship with his dad at an all-time low, Sunny feels lost. But his amazing coach sees something special in him and asks what he truly wants to do. The answer? Dance! Can dancing help Sunny find his place on a track team? Maybe, if he can find an event that combines the power of dance with the release of letting go. Follow Sunny as he discovers the discus throw, an event where strength, rhythm, and the perfect release combine, much like a powerful dance. As he learns to spin and throw, Sunny might just find a way to throw off the heavy feelings he’s been carrying too. Can he find his own rhythm and finally shine, not just on the track, but in his own life?

Joe is having a tough start to fifth grade. His best friends moved away, and now he feels all alone, wishing things would just go back to normal. Meanwhile, Ravi has just moved all the way from India to America, and everything feels new and confusing. He's used to being top of his class, but in his new school, he's struggling to understand the rules and make new friends. Joe and Ravi couldn't be more different, and they don't think they have anything in common. But when a big bully in their class starts making trouble for both of them, they realize they might need each other more than they think. Can these two unlikely fifth graders team up to face their challenges and make this crazy week at school a little better? Join Joe and Ravi as they navigate new beginnings, unexpected friendship, and the journey of finding their place.

Soccer is Owen Foote's favorite sport, and joining the town league feels like the best thing ever until practice starts. The other kids on the Aliens seem bigger, faster, and more confident, and one teammate is not exactly friendly. Even worse, Owen's best friend Joseph, the person Owen talked into playing, is not having fun and may not be very good at soccer at all. Owen wants to be a loyal friend and a real player, but doing both is harder than he expected. This funny early chapter book follows Owen through team jitters, friendship bumps, and the awkward feeling of wanting to win without leaving someone behind. Young sports fans will recognize the nerves, the muddy mistakes, and the big questions that come with being part of a team.