by Sharon M. Draper

4.8 stars – 2,133 reviews

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Text-to-Speech: Enabled

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A biracial girl of divorced parents must navigate two different homes—and the dangers outside them—in this “timely but genuine” novel (Publishers Weekly).

For eleven-year-old Isabella, splitting her time between her parents’ homes feels like living two different lives. One week she’s Izzy, living in a modest house with her mom. The next week she’s Isabella, living with her dad in a fancy house where they are one of the only black families in the neighborhood. But Isabella is starting to realize that she’s not just switching between houses, nicknames, and backpacks. She’s also switching between identities.

When her parents both get engaged at the same time, Isabella doesn’t just feel divided, she feels ripped in two. What does it mean to be half white or half black? To belong to half mom and half dad? And if you’re only seen as half of this and half of that, how can you ever feel whole?

It seems like nothing can bring Isabella’s family together again—until the worst thing happens. Isabella and Darren are stopped by the police. A cell phone is mistaken for a gun. And shots are fired.

by Devri Walls

4.3 stars – 67 reviews

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Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled

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The dark unknown beckons three young adventurers in this“fast-paced and supernaturally entertaining” YA fantasy series debut (Addison Moore, New York Times bestselling author of the Celestra series)

When their college dorm is infiltrated by creatures from another realm, Rune Jenkins, her twin brother Ryker, and their friend Gray Malteer face otherworldly dangers beyond imagining. While Rune and Gray are able to escape, Ryker is kidnapped and taken to Eon—an alternate world where monsters and magic thrive.

With the help of a supernatural guide, Rune and Gray must now travel to Eon to save Ryker—and discover the surprising truth about their own ancestry. They are Venators: genetically enhanced protectors between Earth and this new world of fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards. But as Rune and Grey attempt to find their way through Eon, and learn to accept the responsibility of their inherited powers, they are being set up as pawns in a very dangerous game…

by Rina Deshpande

5.0 stars – 11 reviews

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For readers of Good Night Yoga and I am Peace, a kids’ sleepy-time story for winding down, tuning in, and relaxing into better, deeper, and more restorative sleep.

The orange sun begins to sink. Skies are golden. Clouds are pink. What evening colors do you see?

Skies are clear. Moonlight glows. Blankets warm your legs and toes. Can you relax your whole body, from head to toe?

Beautifully illustrated with watercolor-style collage, Yoga Nidra Lullaby brings readers a mindful, rhyming story arc and series of progressive relaxation cues that help kids fall–and stay–asleep.

By first tuning into the sounds, sights, and smells of the outside world, then inviting readers to turn inward, author-illustrator Rina Deshpande draws on the yoga nidra practices she herself learned as a child, guiding kids to wind down, letting the day fall away and slipping into a deep, restorative sleep.

With each long breath in, each slow breath out, and every mindful attunement to outer surroundings and inner being, Yoga Nidra Lullaby is a dreamy invitation for kids to discover a haven of peace and calm–to relax and let go of the pressures and stresses of the day (kiddos have them too!).

The perfect introduction to yoga nidra for kids, Yoga Nidra Lullaby teaches readers that sleep is a practice that can be learned, and is a foundational building block for deeper sleep, mindful awareness, and lifelong practice. Yoga Nidra Lullaby includes a supplement that discusses the history of yoga nidra for readers who want to ground their practice within its origins and cultural context.

Today’s Book of The Day is sponsored by this week’s Kids’ eBook of The Week:

by Devri Walls

4.3 stars – 67 reviews

Supports Us with Commissions Earned

Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

The dark unknown beckons three young adventurers in this“fast-paced and supernaturally entertaining” YA fantasy series debut (Addison Moore, New York Times bestselling author of the Celestra series)

When their college dorm is infiltrated by creatures from another realm, Rune Jenkins, her twin brother Ryker, and their friend Gray Malteer face otherworldly dangers beyond imagining. While Rune and Gray are able to escape, Ryker is kidnapped and taken to Eon—an alternate world where monsters and magic thrive.

With the help of a supernatural guide, Rune and Gray must now travel to Eon to save Ryker—and discover the surprising truth about their own ancestry. They are Venators: genetically enhanced protectors between Earth and this new world of fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards. But as Rune and Grey attempt to find their way through Eon, and learn to accept the responsibility of their inherited powers, they are being set up as pawns in a very dangerous game…

by Ann M. Martin

4.5 stars – 22 reviews

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Text-to-Speech: Enabled

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Sunny’s mom has stopped her cancer treatments, leaving the hospital to spend her final days at home. Sunny has been sleep deprived and kind of all over the place. She goes to school, but not to her classes. She talks to Dawn a little, but otherwise, her mind has been hijacked by thoughts of losing her mom. When a string of visitors comes through the door to say their good-byes, she finally realizes this is it. The end.
Facing the pain allows Sunny to actually talk to her mom and learn a little more about her before she’s gone. Sunny makes it her duty to start helping and becomes obsessed with listing everything she needs to say before her mom dies. Her mother knows there isn’t enough time—there will never be enough time—to say everything that needs to be said . . . but maybe there’s something she can give her daughter that will help ease Sunny’s pain.
This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Ann M. Martin, including rare images from the author’s collection.

by Frances E. Jensen, Amy Ellis Nutt

4.6 stars – 1,809 reviews

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Text-to-Speech: Enabled

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A New York Times Bestseller

Renowned neurologist Dr. Frances E. Jensen offers a revolutionary look at the brains of teenagers, dispelling myths and offering practical advice for teens, parents and teachers.

Dr. Frances E. Jensen is chair of the department of neurology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. As a mother, teacher, researcher, clinician, and frequent lecturer to parents and teens, she is in a unique position to explain to readers the workings of the teen brain. In The Teenage Brain, Dr. Jensen brings to readers the astonishing findings that previously remained buried in academic journals.

The root myth scientists believed for years was that the adolescent brain was essentially an adult one, only with fewer miles on it. Over the last decade, however, the scientific community has learned that the teen years encompass vitally important stages of brain development.  Samples of some of the most recent findings include:

• Teens are better learners than adults because their brain cells more readily “build” memories. But this heightened adaptability can be hijacked by addiction, and the adolescent brain can become addicted more strongly and for a longer duration than the adult brain.
• Studies show that girls’ brains are a full two years more mature than boys’ brains in the mid-teens, possibly explaining differences seen in the classroom and in social behavior.
• Adolescents may not be as resilient to the effects of drugs as we thought. Recent experimental and human studies show that the occasional use of marijuana, for instance, can cause lingering memory problems even days after smoking, and that long-term use of pot impacts later adulthood IQ.
• Multi-tasking causes divided attention and has been shown to reduce learning ability in the teenage brain. Multi-tasking also has some addictive qualities, which may result in habitual short attention in teenagers.
• Emotionally stressful situations may impact the adolescent more than it would affect the adult: stress can have permanent effects on mental health and can to lead to higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression.

Dr. Jensen gathers what we’ve discovered about adolescent brain function, wiring, and capacity and explains the science in the contexts of everyday learning and multitasking, stress and memory, sleep, addiction, and decision-making.  In this groundbreaking yet accessible book, these findings also yield practical suggestions that will help adults and teenagers negotiate the mysterious world of adolescent development.

by H.A. Rey

4.8 stars – 155 reviews

Everyday price: $6.99

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Lending: Enabled

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Color Curious George amazed when he learns how science and weather turn rain into rainbows!

In this exciting new Curious George series all about discovery, George’s city friends Betsy and Steve are taking their first trip to visit him in the country. When a light rain casts a stunning rainbow in the sky, George is introduced to all the beautiful colors of the spectrum! Come along as he chases the rainbow for his pot of gold and learns all about how rainbows occur and even how to create his own. Based on the Emmy-winning PBS show, this story is filled to the brim with additional facts, real photos, experiments, activities, and more. Learning about science has never been so much fun!

by Frances E. Jensen, Amy Ellis Nutt

4.6 stars – 1,809 reviews

Supports Us with Commissions Earned

Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

A New York Times Bestseller

Renowned neurologist Dr. Frances E. Jensen offers a revolutionary look at the brains of teenagers, dispelling myths and offering practical advice for teens, parents and teachers.

Dr. Frances E. Jensen is chair of the department of neurology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. As a mother, teacher, researcher, clinician, and frequent lecturer to parents and teens, she is in a unique position to explain to readers the workings of the teen brain. In The Teenage Brain, Dr. Jensen brings to readers the astonishing findings that previously remained buried in academic journals.

The root myth scientists believed for years was that the adolescent brain was essentially an adult one, only with fewer miles on it. Over the last decade, however, the scientific community has learned that the teen years encompass vitally important stages of brain development.  Samples of some of the most recent findings include:

• Teens are better learners than adults because their brain cells more readily “build” memories. But this heightened adaptability can be hijacked by addiction, and the adolescent brain can become addicted more strongly and for a longer duration than the adult brain.
• Studies show that girls’ brains are a full two years more mature than boys’ brains in the mid-teens, possibly explaining differences seen in the classroom and in social behavior.
• Adolescents may not be as resilient to the effects of drugs as we thought. Recent experimental and human studies show that the occasional use of marijuana, for instance, can cause lingering memory problems even days after smoking, and that long-term use of pot impacts later adulthood IQ.
• Multi-tasking causes divided attention and has been shown to reduce learning ability in the teenage brain. Multi-tasking also has some addictive qualities, which may result in habitual short attention in teenagers.
• Emotionally stressful situations may impact the adolescent more than it would affect the adult: stress can have permanent effects on mental health and can to lead to higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression.

Dr. Jensen gathers what we’ve discovered about adolescent brain function, wiring, and capacity and explains the science in the contexts of everyday learning and multitasking, stress and memory, sleep, addiction, and decision-making.  In this groundbreaking yet accessible book, these findings also yield practical suggestions that will help adults and teenagers negotiate the mysterious world of adolescent development.

by A.A. Milne

4.7 stars – 3,849 reviews

Supports Us with Commissions Earned

Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

Since 1926, A. A. Milne has written two books about Pooh’s adventures for his son, Christopher Robin, and Ernest H. Shepard has lovingly given them shape through his iconic and stunning illustrations. Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends—Piglet, Owl, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, and the ever depressed Eeyore—have endured as the unforgettable creations of these two authors.

These characters and their tales are classic childhood treasures that still speak to us now with the kind of vitality and warmth that makes true storytelling so special.

by Frances E. Jensen, Amy Ellis Nutt

4.6 stars – 1,809 reviews

Supports Us with Commissions Earned

Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

A New York Times Bestseller

Renowned neurologist Dr. Frances E. Jensen offers a revolutionary look at the brains of teenagers, dispelling myths and offering practical advice for teens, parents and teachers.

Dr. Frances E. Jensen is chair of the department of neurology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. As a mother, teacher, researcher, clinician, and frequent lecturer to parents and teens, she is in a unique position to explain to readers the workings of the teen brain. In The Teenage Brain, Dr. Jensen brings to readers the astonishing findings that previously remained buried in academic journals.

The root myth scientists believed for years was that the adolescent brain was essentially an adult one, only with fewer miles on it. Over the last decade, however, the scientific community has learned that the teen years encompass vitally important stages of brain development.  Samples of some of the most recent findings include:

• Teens are better learners than adults because their brain cells more readily “build” memories. But this heightened adaptability can be hijacked by addiction, and the adolescent brain can become addicted more strongly and for a longer duration than the adult brain.
• Studies show that girls’ brains are a full two years more mature than boys’ brains in the mid-teens, possibly explaining differences seen in the classroom and in social behavior.
• Adolescents may not be as resilient to the effects of drugs as we thought. Recent experimental and human studies show that the occasional use of marijuana, for instance, can cause lingering memory problems even days after smoking, and that long-term use of pot impacts later adulthood IQ.
• Multi-tasking causes divided attention and has been shown to reduce learning ability in the teenage brain. Multi-tasking also has some addictive qualities, which may result in habitual short attention in teenagers.
• Emotionally stressful situations may impact the adolescent more than it would affect the adult: stress can have permanent effects on mental health and can to lead to higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression.

Dr. Jensen gathers what we’ve discovered about adolescent brain function, wiring, and capacity and explains the science in the contexts of everyday learning and multitasking, stress and memory, sleep, addiction, and decision-making.  In this groundbreaking yet accessible book, these findings also yield practical suggestions that will help adults and teenagers negotiate the mysterious world of adolescent development.

by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu

4.6 stars – 315 reviews

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Text-to-Speech: Enabled

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Award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor’s speculative fiction novel Zahrah the Windseeker is an African cultural story about a young girl’s heroic journey.

Winner of the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature

“A consistently compelling and provocative tale.Locus

In the Ooni Kingdom, children born dada—with vines growing in their hair—are rumored to have special powers. Zahrah Tsami doesn’t know anything about that. She feels normal. Others think she’s different—they fear her. Only Dari, her best friend, isn’t afraid of her.

But then something begins to happen—something that definitely marks Zahrah as different—and the only person she can tell is Dari. He pushes her to investigate, edging them both closer and closer to danger. Until Dari’s life is on the line. Only Zahrah can save him, but to do so she’ll have to face her worst fears alone, including the very thing that makes her different.

by Frances E. Jensen, Amy Ellis Nutt

4.6 stars – 1,809 reviews

Supports Us with Commissions Earned

Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

A New York Times Bestseller

Renowned neurologist Dr. Frances E. Jensen offers a revolutionary look at the brains of teenagers, dispelling myths and offering practical advice for teens, parents and teachers.

Dr. Frances E. Jensen is chair of the department of neurology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. As a mother, teacher, researcher, clinician, and frequent lecturer to parents and teens, she is in a unique position to explain to readers the workings of the teen brain. In The Teenage Brain, Dr. Jensen brings to readers the astonishing findings that previously remained buried in academic journals.

The root myth scientists believed for years was that the adolescent brain was essentially an adult one, only with fewer miles on it. Over the last decade, however, the scientific community has learned that the teen years encompass vitally important stages of brain development.  Samples of some of the most recent findings include:

• Teens are better learners than adults because their brain cells more readily “build” memories. But this heightened adaptability can be hijacked by addiction, and the adolescent brain can become addicted more strongly and for a longer duration than the adult brain.
• Studies show that girls’ brains are a full two years more mature than boys’ brains in the mid-teens, possibly explaining differences seen in the classroom and in social behavior.
• Adolescents may not be as resilient to the effects of drugs as we thought. Recent experimental and human studies show that the occasional use of marijuana, for instance, can cause lingering memory problems even days after smoking, and that long-term use of pot impacts later adulthood IQ.
• Multi-tasking causes divided attention and has been shown to reduce learning ability in the teenage brain. Multi-tasking also has some addictive qualities, which may result in habitual short attention in teenagers.
• Emotionally stressful situations may impact the adolescent more than it would affect the adult: stress can have permanent effects on mental health and can to lead to higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression.

Dr. Jensen gathers what we’ve discovered about adolescent brain function, wiring, and capacity and explains the science in the contexts of everyday learning and multitasking, stress and memory, sleep, addiction, and decision-making.  In this groundbreaking yet accessible book, these findings also yield practical suggestions that will help adults and teenagers negotiate the mysterious world of adolescent development.