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Flunked (Fairy Tale Reform School Book 1)
Gilly wouldn’t call herself wicked, exactly. But when you have five little brothers and sisters and live in a run-down boot, you have to get creative to make ends meet. Gilly’s a pretty good thief (if she does say so herself).
Until she gets caught.
Gilly’s sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother. Harsh. But when she meets fellow students Jax and Kayla, she learns there’s more to this school than its heroic mission.
There’s a battle brewing and Gilly has to wonder…just how good these bad guys really are?
From author Jen Calonita for Readers 9-12.
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Life on Mars—A Journey to the Red Planet!
Greetings, future astronauts, and scientists! Are you ready to embark on an out-of-this-world adventure as we delve into the captivating realm of life on Mars? Joint us as we explore the mysteries of the Red Planet, envisioning a future where humans might one day call Mars their home. So, strap on your spacesuits, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s launch into a thrilling exploration of finding life on the mysterious and captivating planet of Mars!
We all know that NASA’s rovers have been searching for signs of ancient life on the Red Planet. They analyze rocks by looking at closeups of tiny segments of rock surfaces that might show evidence of past microbial activity. Early closeups have already yielded a trove of data from Martian rocks—such as a variety of colors, sizes of grains in the sediment, and even the presence of “cement” between the grains. Such details can provide important clues about formation history, water flow, and ancient, potentially habitable Martian environments.
A key objective for the current mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The current rovers will characterize the planet’s geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, and be the first missions to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust).
Astrobiology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of life on earth and in space.
Subsequent NASA missions, in cooperation with ESA (European Space Agency), would send spacecraft to Mars to collect these sealed samples from the surface and return them to Earth for in-depth analysis.
The possibility of life on Mars is a subject of interest in astrobiology because of the planet’s proximity and similarities to Earth. Scientists have found no proof of past or present life on Mars yet. Cumulative evidence suggests that in the past, the surface environment of Mars had liquid water and may have been habitable for microorganisms, but habitable conditions do not necessarily indicate life.
Mars is of particular interest for the study of the presence of early life because of its similarity to the early Earth. This is especially true since Mars has a cold climate and lacks plate tectonics or continental drift, so it has remained almost unchanged since the end of the Hesperian period. At least two-thirds of Mars’ surface is over 3.5 billion years old, and it could have been habitable since 4.48 billions of years ago, 500 million years before the earliest known Earth lifeforms. Mars may thus hold the best record of the prebiotic conditions leading to life, even if life does not or has never existed there.
The Hesperian is a geologic system and time period on the planet Mars characterized by widespread volcanic activity and catastrophic flooding that carved immense outflow channels across the surface. During the Hesperian, Mars changed from the wetter and perhaps warmer world of the Noachian to the dry, cold, and dusty planet seen today. The Hesperian Period is roughly coincident with the Earth’s early Archean Eon (4,000 to 2,500 million years ago).
The Noachian is a geologic system and early time period on Mars, characterized by high rates of meteorite and asteroid impacts and the possible presence of abundant surface water. The absolute age of the Noachian period is uncertain but probably corresponds to the lunar Pre-Nectarian to Early Imbrian periods of 4100 to 3700 million years ago, during the interval known as the Late Heavy Bombardment.
Many of the large impact basins on the Moon and Mars formed at this time. The Noachian Period is roughly equivalent to the Earth’s Hadean and early Archean eons when the first life forms likely arose. It spans 400 million years, from the end of the Hadean Eon 4 billion years ago.
While we have not found life on Mars so far, that does not mean it did not exist. Who knows? Maybe someday in the future you just might be a scientist or engineer or computer expert who helps solve that mystery.
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BODY SWAP: Catastrophe!!!
Swapping bodies might be fun for some, but when 12-year-old Jack Stevenson wakes up from a freak accident one day and finds himself in his dad’s body, his life abruptly becomes one huge disaster after another. When he realizes that his dad will have to go to school in his place, things instantly get much, much worse. Will he be able to remain captain of the school football team, and what will happen to Holly, the prettiest girl at school? She is also the girl he has a huge crush on and is hoping to be his girlfriend. What will all his friends think of his strange behavior, and how will he ever cope with the sudden catastrophe he’s been faced with?
This hilarious book for girls and boys of all ages with have you laughing from start to finish and keep you wondering what is going to happen next.
From author Katrina Kahler for Readers 8-13.
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Cat Behavior—Decoded
Wish you had a secret decoder that explained strange cat behavior? Get ready to decode their body language, understand their instincts, and discover the hidden messages behind those mesmerizing eyes. So, put on your detective hats, sharpen your observation skills, and let’s embark on a purr-fect journey into the captivating realm of cat behavior!
What is normal cat behavior? Stick with us and we will tell you—beginning with purring. Cats often purr when they’re feeling relaxed, but they may also purr to self-soothe if they are feeling stressed or are injured. When kittens are born, mama cats purr, creating a vibration to guide kittens to mom’s nipple to nurse. Cats will also purr to socialize with other cats and communicate with their owners that they want something.
When cats expose their bellies to us, they are saying they trust us. But when we take them up on this ‘offer’ by rubbing their bellies, they may retract it with a bite or a scratch, as it was only meant as communication.
Wagging its tail doesn’t mean the same thing that when a happy dog wags its tail. With a cat, the thrashing tail means ‘stop what you are doing or I am going to get angry and might bite you.’ Or else your cat is in hunting mode. Then you need to stay out of his way while he zeroes in on his prey.
You might have noticed that your cat loves napping and seemingly sleeps all the time. This trait has developed so that they can conserve energy for hunting.
Besides purring and meowing, another common cat noise is chirping. You might find your cat chirping as it stares out the window from the perch at a bird or when it greets a fellow feline. A cat’s chirp tends to mean one of two things: Its hunting instincts are activated as it spies a bird, bug, mouse, or toy. As it chirps, the cat’s tail twitches back and forth and its pupils dilate. Or, a cat may also chirp when it’s excited to see someone, be it a fellow cat…or you.
If you’ve spent any amount of time with a cat, you’ve likely seen them bat at something on a table until it falls off. This could be because of boredom, attention-seeking, hunting, or playfulness. They respond to the outcomes, too. If something rolls, it may become prey ‘running away’ and they will chase it. When you suddenly stop what you’re doing to run to your cat, your cat receives a reward that it can test over and over and over again.
Scratching—is a deeply ingrained behavior in cats. Cats have scent glands on their paws, and releasing the odor allows them to “mark” objects as their own. Other reasons include releasing energy or excitement, sharpening their claws, and simply because scratching is fun and feels good.
A cat will lick their humans to show care and affection. When your cat licks you, they are creating a special social bond with you. This licking behavior stems from kittenhood when a mama cat licks her kittens to groom and show affection. Along with licking you, cats tend to lick themselves—a lot! This is because they’re self-cleaning creatures, and their grooming habits are quite impressive. This means you don’t need to worry about routine baths and grooming in the same way you do for a dog.
You’re sitting there minding your own business, and here comes your kitty making all sorts of weird noises and carrying an object in her mouth. If you’re lucky, it’s one of her favorite toys, but cats are also known to bring their humans dead bugs, rodents, and birds. Your cat may bring you a prey item—such as a toy or mouse—presenting it to you as a gift. This is your cat saying you are part of their pack and they want to make sure you are well fed. They may also do this to repay you for feeding them, mimic their mother, or give you a gift.
Kittens use meows to communicate with their moms, but grown cats employ them solely to communicate with humans. Some cat breeds are chattier than others, but if your cat goes from not-that-frequent to frequent talking, it could be a sign that something’s off. A vet visit can help you figure out the issue.
Okay cat detective, now that you can decode your cat’s behavior—what is your cat saying to you?
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Anyone Can Draw Anime: Easy Step-by-Step Drawing Tutorial for Kids, Teens, and Beginners.
This is a great how to draw book for kids!
In this beginner’s drawing book, every mini drawing lesson is broken down into easy-to-follow step by step instructions.
This How to Draw Anime: Step by Step beginners drawing for kids is the only sketch book you’ll need to turn your creativity into artistic confidence, by learning how to draw cool stuff!
From author Robby Bishop for Readers 8-18.
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Volcanoes—Nature’s Fireworks
Hey there, curious minds! Let’s embark on an exciting journey to discover the amazing world of volcanoes. Strap on your adventure boots and get ready to be amazed! Volcanoes are majestic mountains with a fiery secret. Deep beneath the Earth’s surface, molten rock called magma builds up over time. When the pressure becomes too intense, the magma bursts out, creating a volcanic eruption. It’s like a natural firework show!
What is a volcano?
A volcano is an opening in a planet or moon’s crust through which molten rock, volcanic ash, and gases trapped under the surface erupt, often forming a hill or mountain.
Volcanic eruptions are partly driven by pressure from dissolved gases. Beneath a volcano, liquid magma containing dissolved gases rises through cracks in the Earth’s crust. As the magma rises, pressure decreases, allowing the gases to form bubbles. How the magma (lava) behaves when it reaches the surface depends on both its gas content and chemical composition. Lavas with low silica contents have low viscosities and flow freely, allowing any gas bubbles to escape readily. While lavas with high silica contents are more viscous (resistant to flow), so that any trapped gases escape gradually.
What is silica? Think of beach sand.
Silica, also called silicon dioxide, is a compound of the two most abundant elements in Earth’s crust, silicon and oxygen. The mass of Earth’s crust is 59 percent silica, the principal component of over 95 percent of the known rocks. Silica has three main crystalline varieties, with quartz being, by far, the most abundant variety. Silica sand is used in buildings and roads in the form of portland cement, concrete, and mortar. It also forms sandstone. Silica also is used in grinding and polishing glass and stone; and in the manufacture of glass and ceramics.
Volcanic eruptions are violent and can create colorful and dramatic displays. Volcanoes often form a hill or mountain as layers of rock and ash build up from repeated eruptions.
Volcanoes are classified as active, dormant, or extinct. Active volcanoes have a recent history of eruptions—like Hawaii’s volcanoes; they are likely to erupt again. Dormant volcanoes—like the Cascade Mountains in Washington state—have not erupted for a very long time, but may erupt at a future time. Extinct volcanoes are not expected to erupt in the future.
Inside an active volcano is a chamber in which molten rock, called magma, collects. Pressure builds up inside the magma chamber, causing the magma to move through channels in the rock and escape onto the planet’s surface. Once it flows onto the surface, the magma is known as lava.
Some volcanic eruptions are explosive, while others occur as a slow lava flow. Eruptions can occur through a main opening at the top of the volcano or through vents that form on the sides. The rate and intensity of eruptions, as well as the composition of the magma, determine the shape of the volcano.
Volcanoes are found on both land and the ocean floor. When volcanoes erupt on the ocean floor, they often create underwater mountains and mountain ranges as the released lava cools and hardens. Volcanoes on the ocean floor become islands when the mountains become so large they rise above the surface of the ocean. Like the Hawaiian Islands.
Hawaii’s Kilauea (pronounced kil-a-way-ah) volcano, one of the most active on Earth, has been erupting continuously, beginning Jan. 3, 1983. Kilauea erupted 200 years ago, sending speeding lava flows down its peaks and killing over 400 people, including Hawaiian warriors. It was the deadliest volcanic eruption on record in what is now the United States.
Kilauea means “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian. Which is a perfect name for one of Hawaii’s most awe-inspiring volcanoes.
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Disaster Diaries: Aliens!
So, Aliens have invaded your planet? Bummer.
You could pretend you can’t see them and hope they go away.
Or wear camouflage, pretend they can’t see you and hope they go away!Sam, Arty and Emmie have just barely survived a recent zombie infestation when their sleepy little town of Sitting Duck finds itself the victim of an alien invasion!
But unlike what you often see on television, the aliens are very small and very cute. How dangerous can they be?
SPOILER ALERT: they’re very dangerous. And when they disintegrate the mayor with their ray guns, it’s a complete disaster. It’s up to Sam, Arty and Emmie to save the day! Again. Let the total domination of the planet begin!
This series from author R. McGeddon is a must for young readers who plan on surviving the highly probable alien invasion that should be happening somewhat soon-ish. Disaster Diaries: Aliens! offers helpful tips to survive this encounter. (Hint: Pretend you can’t see the alien and hope it goes away). In fact, your very life may depend on experiencing the laugh-out-loud hijinks and catastrophic escapades that can only be found in the town of Sitting Duck.
For readers 8-12.
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Unlocking the Power of Words—Keeping a Journal
Today we are diving into the world of journaling, where the blank pages become a canvas for your thoughts, dreams, hopes, fears, and experiences. Keeping a journal isn’t just about writing. It’s a magical portal that allows you to explore your innermost thoughts, express your emotions, and capture the important moments of your life. So, grab your favorite pen, find a cozy nook, and join us as we unveil the joys of journaling and how it can become your trusted companion in this exciting journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Let’s unlock the power of words and embrace the joy of keeping a journal!
First, what is a journal?
A journal is just a notebook or writing pad where you write about your inner thoughts, hopes, fears, concerns, worries, and excitement.
Journaling, quite simply, is a written record of your thoughts, feelings, or observations about the world. It can include short sentences, long paragraphs, or even single words. In a nutshell, a journal is whatever you want it to be.
The prospect of beginning a new journal for the first time can seem overwhelming. Luckily, the first rule of journal writing is that there’s no wrong way to do it. You can free write, jot down bullet points, or make a to-do list. It’s important to start and keep writing, whatever your style.
When things are going on in your life—write it down: Keeping a journal can be a productive way to cope with what is going on in your life.
Journaling helps you sleep, helps you understand yourself better, and helps you face what is going on in your life.
Writing all your anxious thoughts in your journal will really help you process those thoughts and help you prepare for the next day.
Journaling can help you figure out how to deal with conflict at school or home. And it helps you perform better on tests because you are not distracted by thinking or worrying about other things.
Keeping a journal allows you to understand your thoughts, become a better writer, and build better writing habits.
Here are five reasons you should keep a journal:
- Your journal has the potential to be a trusted friend who listens without judging or interrupting and is open 24 hours a day. You can tell your journal things you wouldn’t dare say to someone else. Writing it down lessens the impact of negative emotions and helps you figure out what your next steps should be.
- Reviewing your journals can help you reach your goals and respond to challenges. You’re also able to see the patterns that get in the way of personal growth, and healthy relationships with yourself and others. By becoming mindful of what you are discovering, you can move yourself from knowing into a doing state.
- 3. Journaling is easy and fun.
- Journals are creative portals. Because you’re in dialogue with your inner life when you write in a journal, you solve problems and get creative. Keeping a journal allows you to unleash your creativity and ideas.
- You give yourself permission to be your true self. Journals give voice to your dreams and aspirations but are also safe spaces to release negative feelings, hurts and disappointments that could get in the way of those dreams and aspirations being realized.
So, grab a pen or pencil and some paper—and start journaling!
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Unlegendary Dragon: The Magical Kids of Lore
Percy Jackson meets Wings of Fire in this hilarious, action-packed new series about a misfit kid who is destined to protect the world as a mighty, legendary dragon!
12-year-old Connor Pendridge is moving… again. This time, his mom thinks their lives will be better in Lore, a sleepy island town off the coast of New England. Connor doesn’t want to start over at yet another new school, especially in a place as boring as Lore. But as he quickly learns, Lore isn’t as boring as it seems.
That’s because fantastic creatures appear that only he can see—from fairies at school to goblins in his front yard. Connor thinks he’s going crazy until a mysterious woman reveals his true destiny and hands him a dragon amulet containing the magic of Excalibur, the legendary sword of King Arthur. Now Connor must use the amulet to transform into a mighty dragon in order to stop an ancient, evil sorceress from conquering the world! Connor doesn’t know the first thing about being a dragon. Luckily, he has the help of Merlin, his magical mentor, and his new friends, Gabby, who has a unicorn amulet, and Wade, who has a griffin amulet. Will Connor take flight as the legendary dragon of his destiny—or will he flame out as the most unlegendary dragon of all time?
From author R.L. Ullman for Readers 8-12.
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Tortilla Time—A Tasty Treat
Hola, young culinary artists and aspiring chefs! Today, we invite you to join us on a mouthwatering journey as we learn the age-old craft of making tortillas from scratch. We will roll up our sleeves, dust our hands with flour, and unlock the secrets to creating these delectable, versatile flatbreads that have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries.
Making tortillas isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s a delightful process that combines tradition, skill, and a pinch of love. So, grab your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the delightful world of tortillas.
Get ready to knead, press, and savor the satisfaction of creating homemade tortillas that will elevate your meals to new heights. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure as we learn the art of making tortillas together, one delicious batch at a time.
Tortillas (pronounced tor-tea-yas, tor-tea-ya sing.) are easy to make and they taste good. You can cook them in a dry skillet, bake them in the oven at 350⁰, or on an open flame. Whichever way you cook them, for safety reasons always make sure you have an adult, or other grown up, in the kitchen with you during the cooking stage.
When you are done, you want your tortilla to be soft and tender, with just a little bit of “chew.” You can make and serve them in under one hour. And the more you practice making them, the faster you will become getting them onto your plate and into your stomach.
If you want, you can make the dough the day before and allow it to rest in the fridge overnight. Just make sure you take it out of the refrigerator the next day to warm up some. The dough is easier to flatten when it isn’t ice cold.
You make tortillas with five simple ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, a fat (butter, lard, shortening, or vegetable oil), and hot water. Usually you just use unbleached, all-purpose flour. However, you can use half a mixture of white whole wheat flour and all-purpose white flour; or all gluten-free flour if you prefer. If you are a vegan, you will want to use the vegetable oil for your fat.
It only takes about fifteen minutes to prepare the dough and a few minutes to cook the flattened patties in the skillet. If you decide to bake them in the oven, then bake them for twenty to twenty-five minutes.
To make 8 tortillas, you need:
2 ½ cups of unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup of fat (lard, shortening, or butter) [Note: if using oil, add the ¼ cup of oil to the hot water]
¾ cup of hot water (110⁰ – 120⁰)—add more water if needed
- Add the dry ingredients together and crumble the fat into the dry mixture.
- Add the liquid (hot water; or hot water and vegetable oil.)
- Use a fork, mixer with a dough hook, or a dough whisk to bring the dough together into a shaggy mass.
- Add additional water by the tablespoon until there are no dry powdery bits in the bottom of the bowl. The dough should hold together when squeezed.
- Knead gently. (Roll it gently into a ball until it looks smooth.)
- Let the dough rest for ½ hour.
- Divide into 8 balls and flatten with your hand or a tortilla press.
- Cook until done.
And there you have it! Eight delicious and tasty tortillas to enjoy!
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