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Forbidden love and fierce rivalry drive Jeff Hollister, a street-smart high school senior and gang leader of the Hurricanes, to the brink of disaster. Thinking he’s got the world in his back pocket, and the police at a safe distance, he and his scrappy gang of teenage delinquents come to discover they don’t always come out on top after all. A deadly vow by a member of the rival Tornadoes gang sets Jeff and his friends on a roller coaster of knife fray and gunplay, foot races and car chases, trust and betrayal, and murder. The death of a beloved friend serves a painful slap of reality to the Hurricanes that incites a burning desire for vengeance among the gang. With angry players going rogue, and weapons in the wrong hands, even the leaders are out of their depth. To make matters worse, Jeff is sidetracked by his budding love for Cindy, whose father just so happens to be the new police chief—the one person the Hurricane leader most wants to avoid. Yet she might also be the catalyst that can save Jeff from his own devices—if it doesn’t kill her first... -
The Crow's Nest is a tale of high adventure, as seen through the eyes of Will Anchor and his sister, Sara, ages 11 and 13, as they set out by canoe on a dangerous mission to find help for their ailing mother.
The year is 2049 and their home is in the drowned and abandoned city of New Orleans. Water levels, worldwide, have risen to unprecedented levels. Civilization, as we know it, has been brought to its knees, yet life struggles on, with promise for the future.
This story depicts an environmental disaster that some scientists predict may actually come to pass. This story is a timely, upbeat, and wholesome adventure. It is a down-to-earth odyssey that takes many twists and turns and is very exciting.
This audiobook has appeal for all ages.
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As the symphony floated above, Sora searched deep inside for a song. But nothing came. Melodies tickled across Sora’s toes, legs, and back as the little cricket searched in vain. Then a stern voice pierced the song, and the music stopped. “Someone’s not singing.” Discover one little cricket’s beautiful pursuit of inspiration. Readers are invited to stretch, balance, jump, and move along with the creatures in this delightful story of perseverance and celebrating your own unique voice. An enchanting sound-enhanced resource perfect for kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, dance teachers, and families at home. Sora Searches for a Song is ideal for ages 5-8. It features Sora (no pronouns), birds, fish, frogs, dragonflies, turtles, snakes and more. Delight your little one or class with this dance-and-move-along audio story, complete with nature and animal sounds. Track 2 includes Ballerina Konora’s suggestions for movement exploration. As kids move along with the characters, they experience head/tail connection, dynamic posture, vestibular action, balance, movement quality, partnering, and more. -
Welcome to the wonderful world of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Modern-Day Nursery Rhymes. This collection includes all the books in four magical series: The Classics, The Essentials, The Rainbow’s End, and My Name Is. This collection offers a book for each day of the month with messages about permission and encouragement. The books are designed to help children see the world in entertaining and inspiring ways. This experiential collection will become tried and true books for current and future generations. -
The Engine Woman's Light -
“THE WAY TEDDY” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Twelve of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a pet walking journey. This journey is full of surprises as the outing unfolds with the pet choosing the path. The narrator realizes that this is a fun and welcome way to spend time outside with the pet. “THE WAY TEDDY” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that spontaneous decisions can lead to fun adventures. The pet has its own ideas which allow for both freedom and adventure. Choices are a main theme that the author embraces in this light hearted story. There is playful approach to making decisions and choices in daily life that is also infused with positivity that will benefit the Child. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer an imaginary setting of pets personified. The story is illuminated by this fun and loving supporting cast of characters. There is discovery in the air as many breeds of dogs and cats interact harmoniously. “THE WAY TEDDY” models the healthy expression of needs for both the pet and the narrator. This is a example of allowing events to unfold naturally and see what positive results are realized. The Child is invited to join the narrator at any time to visit this imaginary community. Wonderful discussions and conversations will be started with this book as a topic. It is in Early Childhood that futures are under major construction. “The Way Teddy” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The author is taking the opportunity to utilize the relationship between pets and their owners as a model for interaction that is mutually beneficial. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a journey with pets where easy decisions lead to fun and spontaneous adventure. -
"The Catcher Dream" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Five of Kelly Anne Manuel's Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where self empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self assessment. "The Catcher Dream” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space. It is an example of how imperative it is to process the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that uncomfortable matters provoke. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will observe illustrations that are in alignment with the serious tone of the story. It is important that the art match the conflict presented and resolved by the narrator. The narrator shows the Child that once a boundary was encroached upon, speaking up in a firm manner provided a solution. Children learn how to handle conflict by observation. It is important for their literature to address a balanced yet firm approach to conflict resolution. The author intends this book to be a launch pad for discussions about personal space, respect, and boundaries. These are all areas that deserve to be explored frequently as the Child ages. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. "The Catcher Dream" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that self empowerment is formed during these early years is embraced by the author. The Children who read this book will be rewarded with a valuable lesson that facing fears results in the positive trait of resilience. -
A heartwarming story of gratitude, and a reminder to enjoy the journey. Travel to a mysterious island alongside Frankie to wish on a magic feather. The path to the hidden feather will only be revealed through patience, wit, and joy. But time is running out, and wishes are only granted on one special day. Dance along with the creatures in this sound-enhanced audio story with a powerful message about what’s important in life. Frankie’s Wish is ideal for children 5-8. It features Frankie (no pronouns), Auntie Duke (she), a dinosaur, a gorilla, and an eagle. Major themes include gratitude, asking for help, friendship, self-affirmation, and believing in yourself. Track 2 includes Ballerina Konora’s suggestions for movement exploration. Kids are invited to re-create the characters’ actions and explore movement fundamentals by twirling, squatting, waddling, balancing, jumping, stretching, reaching, sway, and more. Self-affirmation and gratitude are also encouraged. Frankie’s Wish is the latest Dance-It-Out! imagination journey by Once Upon a Dance, winner of over 40 book awards including Mom’s Choice Gold, Kirkus Reviews Starred Review, and Outstanding Creator Awards Top 10 Author of 2022. -
Ella’s thrilled about her new part but quickly realizes she's only filling in and won’t be performing on stage. This advanced Dance-It-Out! ballet story is ideal for dance students or kids aged 6-9 who have enjoyed other books in the series. Kids are invited to join Ashton and Ballerina Konora practicing steps such as pliés, tendus, rond de jambes, petit battements, and sautés. -
Danika loves ballet. She translates each ordinary aspect of her life into a remarkable dance performance. Ballerina Konora (a professional ballerina) joins the fun with how-to instructions for kids who want to dance along with Danika, Penelope the cat, and their animal friends.
