Featured Reads

A unique exploration of opening lines from classic literature to modern music.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. In that spirit, Famous First Impressions: The Power of Perfect Opening Lines revels in the greatest openings from novels, plays, poems, songs, films, speeches, and more. Bestselling author Paul Volponi examines how talented writers and artists instantly gain our attention, often in just a few words, and dissects each line's style, value, and impact. Exploring themes such as crime and punishment, dystopian landscapes, identity, science fiction, and the natural world, Volponi reveals the interconnectedness of opening lines ranging from Emily Dickinson's I'm Nobody! Who are You? to Taylor Swift's Blank Space.

Famous First Impressions features individuals as diverse as Toni Morrison, Adele, Edgar Allan Poe, Don McLean, Maya Angelou, William Shakespeare, Dr. Seuss, Anne Frank, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., introducing readers to new genres and writers while also providing fascinating insight into those they already love. And with science fiction and drama discussed in the same breath as classic rock and poetry, this book is sure to inspire less-than-enthusiastic readers and booklovers alike.

For ten years, Shout Mouse Press has championed the voices of young writers, publishing their authentic and necessary stories. Now, this landmark anthology of youth writing celebrates a decade of storytelling-and invites readers to pick up their pens and write the path ahead. Spanning memoir, poetry, fiction, comics, and children's literature, Bright Before Us, Like a Flame is more than a retrospective-it's a creative writing resource and a call to action. Taking its title from Langston Hughes' poem "Youth," this collection ignites both hope for the future and the power to shape it. Through stories of immigration, identity, social justice, and resilience, young authors confront today's most urgent topics with insight and empathy. Their words challenge, inspire, and invite readers to add their own voices to the conversation. What's Inside: ¿ A diverse collection of youth-authored memoirs, poetry, fiction, comics, and children's literature, featuring underrepresented voices. ¿ Creative writing prompts and behind-the-scenes insights to inspire students and emerging writers to tell their own stories. ¿ Intergenerational conversations with award-winning guest authors, exploring the role of storytelling in social change. ¿ Discussion questions for middle and high school classrooms, book clubs, and creative writing workshops. At a time of uncertainty and urgent global challenges, these young authors remind us: Words have power. Stories create change. And the future is yours to write. Perfect for: ¿ Aspiring young writers looking for inspiration, mentorship, and creative guidance. ¿ Educators and librarians seeking an engaging, diverse, and inclusive classroom writing resource for middle and high school students. ¿ Readers who believe in the power of storytelling to spark dialogue and transform communities. "Compelling voices share their truths and invite teens to answer back." -- Kirkus Reviews "Powerhouse anthology highlighting the works of diverse young writers." -- Booklife "This book is a gift! Bright Before Us Like a Flame is a celebration of the autonomy of youth. The anthology serves as both an examination of young people's interior lives and an invitation to readers interested in knowing the awe of self-expression." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds

Activism. Art. Community care. Education. These are the hallmarks of the work done by the youth highlighted in this collection featuring LGBTQ+ leaders working to make our world more inclusive.

Civil Rights activist Marian Wright Edelman once said, "You can't be what you can't see."

In this collection of short biographies, readers will see the example of thirty young trailblazers representative of a generation that values intersectional, collaborative social justice and who are working to build a world that values everyone.

Meet leaders who founded organizations for their liberation as teenagers, leaders who brought Black transgender representation to people's television screens, and leaders who successfully advocated for access to restrooms for transgender students. Meet the first transgender athlete to compete in Division I sports, and artists advocating for inclusiveness through poetry, film, fashion, and other mediums.

Whether their work involves protesting, working with policymakers for change, or just existing in the world as their creative selves, each of these young leaders shares what brings them joy and keeps them motivated to do the work they do-- even when it's hard--and their hope for better things to come.

What every teen needs to feel great in their own skin - now a Sunday Times bestseller! 

 

Being a teenager is hard - add in hormones, breakouts and an avalanche of dubious TikTok 'hacks', and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

In Teen Skincare, world-renowned skincare expert Caroline Hirons cuts through the noise to deliver the straight-talking, no-nonsense guide every teen - and their parents - have been waiting for. Forget filters, fads and viral gimmicks; this book is all about real, effective advice that genuinely works.

Packed with easy-to-follow routines, myth-busting insights and budget-friendly product recommendations, Teen Skincare helps teens take control of their skin with confidence. Inclusive, practical and relatable, with advice from a dermatologist, nutritionist and psychologist, this book goes beyond the surface, offering a holistic approach to self-care and well-being.

No unrealistic promises, no pressure to be perfect. Just the tools, tips and truths every teen needs to feel great in their own skin and build habits that last a lifetime.

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to confidence.

Caroline Hirons's book Teen Skincare was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-06-21.

Interweaving science and storytelling, spirituality and art, a neuroscientist and an artist guide us toward a deeper understanding of how radically interconnected all of life is.

A Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview selection!
Selected for The New Yorker Holiday Gift Guide!

Starting from science, while reaching for spiritual truth, The Forgotten Teachers charts the evolution of life on Earth under the mentorship of six teachers: Ocean, Air, Theia (through collision with this planet, Earth was set on its tilt), Sun, Plants, and Symbionts. Ideas from the field of evolutionary biology, accompanied by watercolor illustrations, guide this factual yet mytho-poetic exploration of life.

Motivated by their shared concern over the severance of science from the sacred, and humans from their place within nature, Isett and Biçen set out to write a scientific wonder story for our times--to enchant readers with the strangeness and beauty of evolutionary biology, while reintegrating us into the natural world.

As Rachel Carson did in her time and as Wendell Berry has done as a poet and essayist across the years, Isett writes with precision and urgency to remind us that we participate in a story that is far larger than ourselves, and that to see ourselves more truly would be to see the many ways in which we belong to the molecules and mysteries of the living world.

Discover how the players’ approach, use of equipment, and even salaries and schedules have changed over time. Learn the origin of team and player nicknames, fun facts about the All-Star Game and World Series, and so much more.

For Yankee and Red Sox fans, for Dodger and Giant fans, for Cubs and Cardinal fans, for every baseball fan, The New Baseball Bible serves as the perfect gift for fans of America’s pastime. 

For fans of baseball trivia, the third edition of The New Baseball Bible, first published as The Baseball Catalog in 1980 and now fully up to date, is sure to provide something for everyone, regardless of team allegiance. The book covers the following topics: beginnings of baseball, rules and records, umpires, how to play the game (i.e., strategy), equipment, ballparks, famous faces (i.e., Hank Aaron vs. Babe Ruth), managers, executives, trades, the media, big moments in history, the language of baseball, superstitions and traditions, spring training, today’s game, and much more. 

Veteran sportswriter Dan Schlossberg weaves in facts, figures, and famous quotes, discusses strategy, and provides stats and images—many of them never previously published elsewhere.

New from TOGETHXR--the sports media company that set the sports world on fire with their defining statement "EVERYONE WATCHES WOMEN'S SPORTS"--this inspiring collection of stories shines a light on the grit, smarts, and determination of record-setting and boundary-breaking female athletes around the world and across sports.

Play It Forward features twenty-five inspirational stories of badass women from all corners of the sports universe, curated by TOGETHXR, a sports media companyfounded by legends Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim. From profiles of professional athletes and Olympians at the top of their game to everyday women putting in the work without a crowd, these are true tales of fierce competitors, dedicated teammates, and passionate advocates who are all too accustomed to hearing the word "no." Each story highlights an inspiring athlete or team who is defying expectations and rebelling against inequality in big and small ways, including:

• Indigenous women forming a softball team in Mexico
• Older women finding friendship and purpose through competitive swimming
• A woman mountain-climbing her way out of oppression in Afghanistan
• WNBA players developing a voice for social justice and influencing a pivotal election
•  

For sports fans of all ages, Play it Forward celebrates and elevates the gutsy true stories of activists and dreamers who are changing the game, and the world of sports, for the better.

WORLD'S GREATEST ATHLETES: A foreword and afterword by world-class athletes and Olympians Alex Morgan and Sue Bird set the stage and offer key context for this inspirational collection of stories of women who are defying the odds and breaking the rules.

STORIES FROM ACROSS WOMEN'S SPORTS: TOGETHXR created the viral sensation "Everyone Watches Women Sports" that caught fire during the record-breaking NCAA 2024 Women's Basketball Tournament. Their ongoing mission is to elevate women's sports coverage in a space where culture, activism, lifestyle, and sports converge. In this powerhouse book, TOGETHXR gathers celebrity and everyday stories to create a breadth of inspiration from powerful women across a range of sports, from basketball, soccer, and hockey to swimming, gymnastics, rowing, and professional bowling.

CELEBRATION OF ATHLETES AT ALL AGES: These stories will appeal to generations of sports fans--from those who fought the early battles of Title IX to young women just lacing up their sneakers, ready to take on the world.

ENGAGING JOURNALISM: The stories are contemporary and underreported features covering athletes and teams that will be new to many readers. ULTIMATE GIFT FOR WOMEN: This is a perfect present for women to give women: mom to daughter, daughter to mom, grandmother to granddaughter, friend to friend, and many more.

Perfect for:

• Athletes and sports enthusiasts
• Parents, coaches, teachers, mentors
• Viewers of college and pro sports, the Women's World Cup, and the Olympics
• Fans of books about current events, feminism, or strong women
• Readers of Strong is the New Pretty and the Rebel Girls series
• Birthday, Mother's Day, holiday, or graduation gifts for teens and adults
• Resource for celebrating International Women's Day and International Women in Sports Day

Adapted from Clint Smith's #1 New York Times bestselling and universally acclaimed How the Word Is Passed, this must-read narrative takes readers to historical sites across America, exploring the legacy of slavery to help readers make sense of our nation's past and present, and be better stewards of their own future.



Beginning in his own hometown of New Orleans, Clint Smith leads young readers through an unforgettable tour of monuments and landmarks--those that are honest about the past and those that are not--offering an intergenerational story of how slavery has been central in shaping our nation's collective history, and ourselves.



How the Word Is Passed illustrates how some of our country's most essential stories are hidden in plain view--whether in places we might drive by on our way to school, holidays such as Juneteenth, or entire neighborhoods (like downtown Manhattan) on which the brutal history of the trade in enslaved people has been deeply imprinted.



Informed by scholarship and brought alive by the story of people living today, this adaptation of Clint Smith's #1 bestselling, award-winning work of nonfiction offers kids a new understanding of the hopeful role that memory and history can play in making sense of our country, and shows how they can reckon with the past and present to become better stewards of their future.

Chappell Roan is a 2025 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist. The queer queen’s meteoric rise from small-town girl to pop icon is a story of self-discovery, resilience, and triumph. With a back-and-forth journey that resulted in your favorite artists’ favorite artist and a TikTok sensation hit after hit, there is much to discuss about how this Midwesterner paved her own path and made her voice loud in Hollywood. Chappell Roan captures the star’s personal and professional journey, celebrating her talent, fierce creativity, and commitment to self-expression and LGBTQ+ representation. Find glimpses into her songwriting process as this book unveils how Roan stays true to her individuality in an industry often demanding conformity. 

From overcoming challenges as an emerging artist to crafting a distinct image and voice, Chappell Roan’s story of self-acceptance and resilience has inspired her fans to embrace their own identities without compromise. Filled with emotional depth, candid stories, and stunning visuals, this book is a celebration of how one artist is reshaping the pop world, and perfect for fans of Chappell Roan and music lovers alike.

Her journey from portraying the main character’s best friend to Grammy Award winner, Sabrina Carpenter won two Grammys in 2025 for Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n’ Sweet and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso.” With a number of catchy singles featuring tongue-in-cheek lyricism, it is no surprise that Sabrina Carpenter has made a name for herself as a modern pop princess. But did you know, before her rise on the music charts, Carpenter was also an actress on the Disney Channel? With a rocket ship rise to fame, Sabrina Carpenter is a visually dynamic biography of the star, documenting her first recording contract and her famous friends and relationships, and detailing one of the most talked about talents who has left “quite an impression” on Hollywood. 

More than four centuries ago in India, a Muslim woman ruled a magnificent empire: Nur Jahan, whose name means 'light of the world.' Nur led troops into battle atop an elephant, hunted tigers, designed public buildings, and issued coinage and royal decrees in her own name. In a world dominated by men, her astute handling of court politics and affairs of state propelled her to the position of co-sovereign of the vast Mughal empire--and made her mighty enemies who would plot to bring about her downfall.

A 2025 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Awards Gold Winner
Hiroshima survivor Setsuko Thurlow shares her memories of that horrific event and her resulting lifelong commitment to activism to ban nuclear arms.

When Setsuko Thurlow was thirteen, she witnessed one of history's most horrific events. She experienced--and survived--the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to educate people about the catastrophe and to ensure that it never happens again. As a leading member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), she gave the acceptance speech when the organization won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.

Never Silent recounts Setsuko's earliest memories of her happy life in Hiroshima, followed by the devastating firsthand impact she witnesses after the dropping of the atomic bomb, and finally traces the steps she takes to rebuild a life in the aftermath of her experiences. With informational text scattered throughout the book to give historical context for the places and events, readers are given a full and profoundly affecting picture of what it was like after the bomb dropped, the struggle to return to normalcy, and the plea for activism to ban nuclear weapons.
 

Zendaya has been called a triple threat as a talented actor, dancer, and singer. This book looks at her early life, breakout television roles, rise to the silver screen, love of fashion, and charity work.

An empowering and practical guide to help teens and kids build a healthier relationships with their phones, Do Not Disturb is from psychologists Brad Marshall and Lindsay Hassock.



In Do Not Disturb, Brad Marshall and Lindsay Hassock share cutting-edge insights on how young people can unplug from their phones. Readers will discover the effects that their phone has on their brain and body.



They'll find out how to create a relationship with their phone on their terms. They'll even establish simple, healthy screen time habits that stick.



This is a must-have resource that includes:

• Ten practical steps to help teens and children unplug from their phones
• A toolkit at the end of each step, providing accessible, practical techniques
• Advice from trusted psychologists who have spent two decades working with young people
• Full-color illustrations by Lauriane Bohémier
• Additional resources at the back of the book

Practical, insightful, and never preachy, this book will help readers stop doomscrolling and start unplugging!

Did you know that Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Or that the first accounts of a Black samurai in Japan date back almost 500 years ago? Written by historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and his siblings, professor Yinka Olusoga and artist Kemi Olusoga, Black History for Every Day of the Year is an illuminating overview of consequential people, places, and events in Black history. Accompanied by photos, quotes, and illustrations, these 366 entries will take you on a journey across global history, from the ancient Kingdom of Kush to the Black Lives Matter movement.

You'll learn about unsung heroes from history, as well as contemporary figures and events.

• Activists: Toussaint L'Ouverture, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X
• Athletes: Jackie Robinson, Venus and Serena Williams, Simone Biles
• Authors and Poets: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Amanda Gorman
• Musicians: Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé
• Public Figures: Kofi Annan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Kamala Harris
• Scientists: Alice Ball, Katherine Johnson, Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Movies and Art: the Benin Bronzes, Hamilton, Black Panther
• Events: the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Selma to Montgomery Marches

With accounts of triumph and celebration, ingenuity and creativity, alongside tales of racism and oppression, hope and resistance, Black History for Every Day of the Year gives you something new to learn every day--a rich history that is relevant to us all.

As seen on CNN's Amanpour, CBS Mornings, and MSNBC's Morning Joe!

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde is no stranger to bravery in the face of bullies. In this adaptation of her New York Times bestselling How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, Bishop Budde and acclaimed novelist Bryan Bliss share lessons in how to learn to be brave in life’s hardest moments.

The decisive moments in life—even in the life of a young person—are those pivot points when we’re called on to push past our fears and act courageously in the face of injustice and bullying. In How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Mariann Budde shows readers examples of how to respond even in the toughest times. Bravery is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day and it begins when we're young.

Budde explores the range of decisive moments people of all ages encounter, from the most visible and dramatic (the decision to go), to the internal and personal (the decision to stay), to brave choices made with an eye toward the future (the decision to start), those born of suffering (the decision to accept that which we did not choose), and those that come as surprises (the decision to step up to the plate). Drawing on examples relevant to young readers ranging from Harry Potter to Martin Luther King Jr., she weaves together personal experiences with stories from scripture, history, and pop culture of how adults and kids throughout history have faced these moments and heeded the call to be brave in challenging times.