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Author Profile
Mike Hutchinson
39 Books
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One tragic death. Two bullets. Seven eyewitnesses, and seven completely different stories. When sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson is shot and killed in his own neighborhood, his community is instantly thrown into chaos. Tariq was Black. The shooter, Jack Franklin, is white. In the devastating aftermath, everyone has something to say about what happened, but no two accounts line up. As days pass, new twists and conflicting perspectives only further obscure the truth. Who is lying, and who is telling the truth? Tariq's friends, family, and neighbors are left struggling to make sense of the tragedy and cope with the massive hole left in their lives. Told through multiple gripping viewpoints, this powerful and thought-provoking novel explores race, justice, and the heavy burden of grief. Listen to the voices of a fractured community as they desperately grapple for a way to say with certainty how it all went down.
326 Pages
Turning a whole year older is exciting, but Sam quickly discovers that having a birthday does not automatically make him any taller. He is frustrated to find that he still cannot reach the light switch in his bedroom, the faucets in the bathroom sink, or the hangers in his closet. Even though he is officially a year older, the world around him still feels much too big. Thankfully, a very thoughtful birthday present from his grandfather changes everything. With his new gift, Sam suddenly has the extra boost he needs to reach all the tricky spots around the house. This relatable story perfectly captures the daily frustrations of being little and the simple solutions that help build independence.
36 Pages
Piggy the pug is back, and his latest evil plan is his most diabolical one yet. This time, he is taking his villainous schemes deep underwater with a submarine and a terrifying swarm of bugs. The city has never faced a threat quite like this, and it is going to take a massive team effort to stop him.
Dog Man and the rest of your favorite Supa Buddies must join forces to tackle this epic underwater challenge. But saving the day will not be easy when mysterious new scoundrels start popping up on the horizon, ready to sabotage the heroes at every turn. You will have to dive into the action to find out where these new bad guys are coming from and who will step forward to protect the innocent.
Packed with nonstop action, hilarious antics, and themes of true friendship, this adventure brings everything you love about the world's greatest canine superhero. Get ready to experience the Chomp-O-Rama, a brand-new song, and a monstrous Mighty Mite as Dog Man faces his wildest mission ever. It is time to see if the Supa Buddies can outsmart Piggy and keep the city safe from a completely ridiculous underwater disaster.
240 Pages
Mike’s father speaks fluent calculus. Mike does not.
Fourteen-year-old Mike wants badly to impress his brilliant mathematician dad, but math is the one place where his brain refuses to cooperate. When he is sent to rural Pennsylvania for the summer, Mike thinks he is supposed to prove himself through an engineering project. Instead, he lands in a wonderfully odd household with elderly relatives, a punk-rock girl, a homeless man, and a whole town trying to raise money to adopt a boy from Romania.
Nothing about the summer adds up the way Mike expected. The work is messy, loud, funny, and deeply human, and Mike begins to discover talents that cannot be measured by equations. This heartfelt middle grade novel is a warm story about family expectations, learning differences, community, and finding your own kind of value.
273 Pages
Mike Mulligan and his trusty red steam shovel, Mary Anne, are the best digging team around. Together, they have dug deep canals, cut through tall mountains, and created the cellars for towering city skyscrapers. You would be amazed by how much dirt Mary Anne can scoop up. But the world is changing fast. New gasoline and electric shovels are taking over, and suddenly Mike and Mary Anne find themselves out of work. Determined to prove that his beloved Mary Anne is still the best, Mike makes a daring promise to the town of Popperville. He claims they can dig the entire cellar for the new town hall in just one day. If they fail, they will not get paid at all. Join this inseparable pair as they race against the setting sun in a heartwarming adventure about loyalty, hard work, and finding clever solutions.
48 Pages
The Boxcar Children
Mike's Mystery
The Alden family is heading back to Mystery Ranch for another exciting summer, and they cannot wait to see their good friend Mike. But their happy reunion takes a terrifying turn when a massive fire breaks out and burns Mike's house straight to the ground.
Things go from bad to worse when the local townspeople start blaming Mike for starting the dangerous fire. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny know their friend is completely innocent, but they have to prove it. From chasing down a strange man in a blue hat to uncovering a plot to sabotage a nearby uranium mine, the Boxcar Children have their work cut out for them.
Can you help the clever siblings clear their friend's name? Put on your detective hat and join the search for the real criminal before it is too late.
129 Pages
Mike Fink is not the sort of river man who blends into the crowd.
In this boisterous tall tale, Steven Kellogg brings to life the legendary keelboatman of the Mississippi, a larger-than-life figure known for strength, swagger, and wild river adventures. Grizzlies, gators, and rough-and-tumble challenges are all part of the fun as Mike’s reputation grows as wide as the river itself.
This picture-book retelling uses exaggeration, humor, and frontier energy to introduce children to an American folk hero. It is best for readers who enjoy rowdy legends, impossible feats, and stories where every boast seems bigger than the last.
48 Pages
Four-year-old Robert has a favorite place in the whole city, but he does not call it the public library. To him, it is simply Mike's House. That is because his absolute favorite book, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, lives right there on the shelves. He loves visiting his friend Mike every single week.
But one snowy morning, Robert gets separated from his mother on the busy city streets. When a friendly police officer stops to help him find his way, Robert knows exactly where he wants to go. The only problem is that the officer has never heard of anyone named Mike who lives in a giant building filled with books.
Now, Robert must help the confused policeman figure out the clues to find the library. It is a funny and heartwarming city adventure that perfectly captures the magic of finding your favorite story.
32 Pages
Meet Mike. He is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He drives a big, mean car and loves his tough reputation. But one day, something terrible happens to Mike. A tiny, cute, and very fuzzy bunny suddenly shows up in his car. Then another one appears, and then another! What is a big, tough dog supposed to do with a bunch of adorable little bunnies? You will laugh out loud as Mike tries everything to get rid of his new fluffy friends so he can stay looking tough. But you might also discover that true friends come in all shapes and sizes, and that it is much more fun to be yourself than to worry about what everybody else thinks. Ride along with Mike and his fuzzy passengers in this hilarious story about self-acceptance.
41 Pages
Cleopatra in Space
Fallen Empires
By
Mike Maihack
Cleo is on the run! After a mysterious and devastating tragedy strikes Yasiro Academy, the young Queen of the Nile is forced to go into deep hiding. But she is not giving up that easily. Together with her closest allies, Cleo is absolutely determined to unmask the dangerous spy lurking within the school's own ranks.
Meanwhile, the tyrannical Xaius Octavian is ramping up his ruthless assault on the entire galaxy. As his dark, complicated past is finally revealed, you will discover exactly how Cleo's former best friend transformed into an unstoppable, galaxy-conquering dictator. Everything leads to an epic, high-stakes space battle and a deeply personal final showdown that will alter their destinies forever. Grab your blasters and buckle up for this thrilling, action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!
208 Pages
Deep in the ocean, Edgar the goofy shark and his trusty crab sidekick, Lotta, are gearing up for the ultimate underwater holiday. While humans wait for Santa Claus, Edgar is preparing for the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Shark! Lotta might not be entirely convinced, but she pitches in to help Edgar get his home into perfect festive shape. Together, they race against the clock to prepare a delicious snack, write Christmas cods to all their friends, and sing their favorite Christmas corals. Will their fin-tastic preparations be enough to make Santa Shark's big night a splashing success? This hilarious holiday adventure is packed with laugh-out-loud puns and plenty of ocean-sized cheer. Get ready to put up your Christmas reef and celebrate a totally jawsome holiday!
32 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
April Fools' Day from the Black Lagoon
Book 12
Jump in
Hubie is running out of time to plan the ultimate April Fools Day prank. The classic whoopee cushion and rubber bug just will not cut it this year, especially when he wants to surprise everyone at school.
Why it pulls you in
You know that feeling when you want to pull off the perfect joke, but you are worried someone might get you first? Hubie is feeling the pressure. He is expecting tricks at every turn, checking his seat, his lunch, and the classroom. Just when he thinks he has outsmarted everyone, the biggest joke of the day comes from the absolute last place he would ever expect. The Black Lagoon series perfectly captures the funny, exaggerated worries you might have about school events.
What you will discover
As you read this hilarious chapter book, you will follow Hubie as he navigates a day filled with suspicion and surprises. You will laugh out loud at the wild imaginations and monster sized problems that always seem to happen in his classroom. It is a lighthearted, relatable story about school life, friendship, and learning how to take a good joke when the tables are finally turned on you.
68 Pages
Talent like yours only comes around once in a generation. Everyone on the court calls Drew Robinson by his well-earned nickname, True. When you have unparalleled basketball skills, the perks come fast and the expectations are sky-high. But unmatched athletic talent can also bring a whole new set of complicated problems. As True starts to believe his own towering hype, his focus begins to drift from the game he loves. His mother desperately tries to keep him grounded, but trouble always seems to find him off the court. Just as everything threatens to completely unravel, a forgotten former playground legend steps out of the shadows. This unexpected mentor takes True under his wing, showing him that raw talent is never enough without the right mindset. You will experience the intense pressure of the spotlight and the hard lessons learned on the blacktop as True fights to save his basketball future before it even begins.
321 Pages
Black Lagoon
The Music Teacher from the Black Lagoon
Jump in
It is the first day of music class, and Hubie is already terrified. He has heard the wild rumors about the new music teacher, Miss Rhoda LaNote, and his imagination is working overtime picturing a terrifying instructor armed with a laser baton.
Why it pulls you in
Have you ever been nervous about meeting a new teacher because of crazy stories you heard from other kids? Hubie expects the absolute worst. He imagines Miss LaNote making students memorize a million songs, forcing them to sing through their toes, or locking them in a prison if they hit the wrong note. It is incredibly funny to watch Hubie stress out over these unbelievable myths, knowing that the reality is probably completely different. His over the top fears make the actual first day of class that much more entertaining.
What you will discover
You will giggle your way through this amusing story as Hubie finally faces the music. By the end, you will see how easy it is to let rumors turn an ordinary teacher into a scary monster. It is a wonderful, silly tale that reminds you not to believe everything you hear and shows that trying new things at school can actually be a lot of fun.
36 Pages
Home Team
The Extra Yard
By
Mike Lupica
You have pushed yourself to the absolute limit all summer long. Teddy has spent every spare moment training alongside his good friends Jack and Gus, determined to secure a spot on the elite new travel football team in Walton. The grueling workouts and endless drills are tough, but Teddy is ready to prove he has what it takes to compete at the next level. Then, just as he zeroes in on his goal, his long-absent father unexpectedly returns to town. Suddenly, the pressure on the field feels entirely different from the heavy emotional challenges waiting for him at home. You will navigate the complicated playbook of family dynamics and the intense physical demands of competitive football. Teddy must figure out how to handle his father's sudden reappearance while staying fully focused on the championship season ahead, learning exactly what it means to go the extra yard.
320 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
The Snow Day from the Black Lagoon
Book 11
Jump in
A massive blizzard has completely buried the town, and school is officially canceled. But for Hubie, a snow day does not sound like a fun winter adventure, it just sounds like a boring day where nothing happens and nobody moves.
Why it pulls you in
If you have ever had to put on a dozen layers of winter clothes just to step outside, you will completely understand Hubie. Before he can even look at the snow, he has to spend the entire afternoon zipping zippers, snapping snaps, and buckling buckles until he is so bundled up he can barely walk. You will laugh out loud as Hubie turns a simple trip outside into a dramatic, exhausting struggle against the cold. His grumpy attitude about winter makes the story incredibly relatable and hilarious.
What you will discover
As you read, you will find out if Hubie can push past his winter worries and actually enjoy the freezing weather. This entertaining chapter book takes you on a snowy journey filled with hot chocolate, scary snowman stories, and plenty of laughs. It is a fantastic reminder that even when things seem cold and miserable at first, a little imagination and some good friends can turn a boring day into a spectacular winter wonderland.
68 Pages
Everything Awesome
Everything Awesome About Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts!
By
Mike Lowery
Dig into the past
Get ready to uncover the ultimate collection of wild, wacky, and weird facts about prehistoric beasts. This madcap field guide takes you on a hilarious journey through the age of dinosaurs, packed with energetic comics, timeline adventures, and laugh-out-loud jokes.
Why it pulls you in
If you obsess over massive monsters and ancient history, this guide bridges the gap between a dense encyclopedia and a fun comic book. The bright artwork and fresh framing devices make learning about fossils and massive reptiles feel like a playground adventure.
What you will discover
You will find absolutely everything you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs. From tiny prehistoric creatures to towering giants, pack this guide in your backpack and become the ultimate dinosaur expert.
128 Pages
Black Lagoon
The Librarian from the Black Lagoon
Jump in
It is time for the class to visit the school library, but Hubie is convinced it is a terrible idea. He has heard horrifying rumors about Mrs. Beamster, the school librarian, and he is sure she is a strict monster.
Why it pulls you in
Kids at school call her the Laminator. They say that if you get caught whispering among the bookshelves, she will laminate you on the spot! It is so funny to see how Hubie lets these silly rumors run completely out of control. He pictures a terrifying library where all the books are bolted directly to the shelves and reading is a dangerous mission.
What you will discover
You will laugh as Hubie nervously steps into the library to face his fears. This clever story proves that rumors are usually wrong and shows just how wonderful and welcoming a real library can be.
32 Pages
Edgar the shark and his best crab friend, Lotta, are throwing the greatest underwater party of all time. It is a pizza party, but Edgar made one gigantic mistake. He completely forgot the pizza! Now, these two sea creatures must scramble to save their fin-tastic feast before their hungry guests arrive. Thankfully, Lotta comes up with a brilliant plan. Together, they swim through the ocean to gather the most sea-licious ingredients and create the perfect pizza from scratch. As their underwater friends arrive carrying their favorite toppings, everyone pitches in to help. This hilarious, pun-filled adventure proves that the best meals are the ones you make with your friends. Grab your chef hat and get ready for a much-kneaded journey full of cheesy jokes and tasty teamwork.
32 Pages
Llama loves spending her lovely day making things. She does not care if the items are practical, as long as they are special and beautiful. Beaver also loves making things, but he believes everything you create must be useful. While Llama happily crafts delightful gifts to share with all her friends, her creative spirit begins to spread across the meadow. Soon, everyone is joining in the crafting fun. But Beaver watches the busy animals and wonders what he can possibly build that will be useful for the group. You will see how Llama and Beaver discover that something beautiful can also be incredibly useful, and that creating things together is the greatest reward. Grab your own crafting supplies and join the animals for a joyful celebration of friendship and creativity.
33 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
The New Year's Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon
Book 14
Jump in
Eric is hosting a massive New Years Eve sleepover, but there is one giant problem for Hubie. He has never spent the entire night away from his own home, and his imagination is already spinning out of control.
Why it pulls you in
Sleeping over at a friends house can be exciting, but it can also be a little scary when you are not used to it. Hubie is stressed about sleeping in a strange bed, waking up in an unfamiliar room, and dealing with Erics famously cheesy jokes all night long. He is even confused about the holiday traditions, worrying about what it means to make a New Years Revolution. His dramatic, over the top fears perfectly capture the anxiety of trying something completely new, and you will find yourself chuckling at every wild scenario he dreams up.
What you will discover
You will join Hubie as he packs his bags and bravely faces the ultimate sleepover challenge. Along the way, you will discover a hilarious and heartwarming story about stepping out of your comfort zone, laughing with friends, and ringing in the new year. It is a fantastic chapter book about turning an anxious night into a memorable, fun filled celebration.
68 Pages
Comeback Kids
Hot Hand
By
Mike Lupica
When the ball leaves your hands, you know exactly where it is going. Ten-year-old Billy Raynor possesses the sharpest shooting touch in his entire basketball league. But lately, sinking a clean three-pointer is the only thing in his life that makes sense. His parents have recently separated, and his father, who also happens to be his demanding coach, is constantly riding him about becoming a better team player. Meanwhile, his mother is always traveling for work, and his younger brother Ben, a brilliant piano prodigy, has stopped speaking almost entirely. As the pressure mounts both at home and in the gym, Billy notices his brother struggling more than anyone else. The ultimate clash arrives when Ben's highly anticipated piano recital is scheduled for the exact same day as the basketball championship game. You will stand at the free-throw line of a major family crossroads, watching Billy teach his father a crucial lesson about what it truly means to show up for your team.
164 Pages
A Collection of Curious, Weird, and Totally Not Boring Things to Know
By
Mike Lowery
Jump right in
Did you know that Napoleon was once attacked by a swarm of rabbits? Or that the Mars Rover actually sang itself Happy Birthday? Prepare to have your mind blown by a massive collection of the most obscure, fascinating, and totally weird trivia on the planet.
Why it pulls you in
This is not your average, boring encyclopedia. Hundreds of amazing infographic webs connect facts in the most surprising ways imaginable. You can trace the delightful link between dancing goats and the discovery of coffee, or find out exactly why pirates wore eye patches.
What to expect
Packed with incredible illustrations and engaging details, this guide delivers endless delight for curious minds. You will never look at history, science, or everyday objects the same way again.
208 Pages
Jump in
Meet Hippo and his wonderful group of animal friends as they spend their day getting into all sorts of fun and gentle adventures together.
Why it pulls you in
This charming book is broken down into easily readable stories that are perfect for younger kids building their reading skills. You get to follow along as Hippo and his buddies try to set up a lemonade stand, share silly moments, make special wishes, and even tell each other spooky stories. The friendship between the animals is warm and highly relatable.
What you will discover
You will enjoy a collection of lighthearted moments that celebrate teamwork and imagination. Whether they are figuring out how to sell lemonade or just enjoying each others company, these animals show that every normal day can be an adventure when you spend it with your best friends.
68 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
The School Carnival from the Black Lagoon
Book 7
Jump in
The annual school carnival is finally here, and every class has to come up with a brilliant idea for a booth. Unfortunately for Hubie, his class has decided on a dunking booth, and they want him to be the main target!
Why it pulls you in
Being the star of the carnival sounds great, unless you are the one getting dunked into a giant tank of water. Hubie is absolutely panicking because he does not even know how to swim! Naturally, his imagination kicks into high gear, and he starts to worry that there might be actual sharks swimming around at the bottom of the dunk tank waiting for him to fall in.
What you will discover
You will laugh through every page as Hubie tries to figure out how to survive the splash zone. It is a wildly funny story about facing your silliest fears during the best school event of the year.
64 Pages
Comeback Kids
Shoot-Out
By
Mike Lupica
Winning used to come effortlessly for you on the field. Twelve-year-old Jake has always been a champion, starring on a top-tier soccer squad where victory was practically guaranteed. But when his family moves to a neighboring town, everything changes overnight. Jake finds himself forced to join a team with an abysmal losing record, where almost every match ends in a frustrating defeat. Going from a celebrated star to a constant loser tests his sportsmanship and pushes him to the brink of quitting the game he loves. Just as Jake strongly considers walking away entirely, his new teammate Kevin steps up to offer a completely different perspective. You will lace up your cleats and hit the grass to discover that true leadership is not just about scoring goals. Jake must learn how to inspire his struggling squad, realizing that assisting his teammates off the field is just as critical as finding the back of the net.
210 Pages
When a mysterious ancient tablet zaps a young Cleopatra thousands of years into the far future, she discovers a universe unlike anything she ever imagined. Instead of ruling the sands of ancient Egypt, she is now an ordinary student at a highly advanced academy in outer space!
As she tries to master complex alien technology, advanced combat techniques, and the tricky social rules of her strange new school, Cleo learns of a massive, ancient prophecy. It claims she is the only hero destined to save the entire galaxy from the evil dictator Xaius Octavian. She might be a brilliant queen in her own time, but does she have what it takes to be a cosmic savior? Jump into this hilarious, fast-paced adventure where ancient history collides with futuristic thrills.
167 Pages
Black Lagoon
The Bully from the Black Lagoon
Jump in
There is a brand new kid transferring to the school, and his name alone is enough to strike fear into everyones heart: Butch Pounder. Hubie has heard the terrifying rumors, and he is convinced that a giant, mean bully is coming to town.
Why it pulls you in
We have all been a little nervous about someone new, but Hubie takes it to a whole new level. He has heard unbelievable stories about Butch, like how he beat up an entire football team all by himself. Hubie is absolutely certain that their first meeting will end with him sitting in the school nurses office. The way his imagination runs wild makes the story incredibly funny, especially because you know the rumors are probably completely ridiculous.
What you will discover
You will smile as Hubie eventually crosses paths with the dreaded new kid. It turns out that a scary reputation does not always match reality. This entertaining and heartwarming story shows that instead of a terrifying monster, the new kid might just be someone looking for a friendly tour guide and a great new friend.
36 Pages
Everything Awesome
Everything Awesome About Space and Other Galactic Facts!
By
Mike Lowery
Blast off into the vast universe to discover everything you ever wanted to know about outer space! Have you ever wondered why the surface of the sun is hot enough to make diamonds boil, or why one year on Neptune takes 165 Earth years? You might even be surprised to learn that space is thought to smell exactly like burnt steak. This comprehensive and hilarious guide takes you on an out-of-this-world adventure through the cosmos. Packed with weird, wacky, and wild facts, it covers everything from orbiting planets to exploding supernovas. The bright comic-style artwork and laugh-out-loud jokes make complex space travel and astronomy easy to understand and totally thrilling. Pack this madcap field guide in your backpack and become the ultimate galaxy expert!
125 Pages
Bug Scouts
Camp Out!
By
Mike Lowery
Jump into the woods
Bug Scouts Doug, Abby, Josh, and Luna are hitting the trail for a massive camping trip to earn their highly coveted camping Bug Badge. Everyone is incredibly excited for a fun night of roasting gooey s'mores, singing loud campfire songs, and sharing spooky ghost stories. Everyone except Josh, that is!
Why it pulls you in
Just as the bugs settle in for the night, they start hearing very eerie noises echoing through the dark trees. The hilarious panic sets in as the scouts wonder if a scary monster is lurking right outside their tent.
What to expect
Filled with laugh-out-loud puns, dynamic comic panels, and tons of heart, this outdoor adventure is perfect for young readers looking for big laughs and unforgettable bug characters.
64 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
The Spring Dance from the Black Lagoon
Book 15
Jump in!
Get ready for some serious giggles with Hubie and his friends at the Black Lagoon School! This time, a big event is coming up: the Spring Dance. Everyone has to go, and everyone has to dance... even if they'd rather hide under their desks!
What's the problem?
Poor Hubie is in a big pickle! He thinks he has two left feet and all the wrong moves. Plus, his dance teacher is HUGE! How can he possibly learn to glide and twirl without tripping over himself? Will he embarrass himself in front of the whole class?
Why you'll love it!
If you love funny school stories with silly monsters and relatable problems, you'll laugh out loud at Hubie's attempts to master the dance floor. Join Hubie as he tries his best to sweep his partner off her feet – or at least stay on his own! It's a hilarious adventure from the Black Lagoon that will have you giggling from start to finish.
64 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
The Class Trip from the Black Lagoon
Book 1
Jump in
It is time for the big class trip, but the students have absolutely no idea where they are going. Left in the dark, Hubie and his friends imagine they are heading straight into a day of terrifying danger.
Why it pulls you in
Not knowing the destination is the perfect recipe for a wild imagination. Hubie pictures a trip filled with maniacal monsters, ferocious beasts, and dangerous aerial acrobatics. To make matters worse, he expects their strict teacher, Mrs. Green, to give them a pop quiz on every scary thing they encounter. His dramatic expectations are incredibly funny to read.
What you will discover
You will laugh as the kids finally arrive and realize they are just visiting a very cool, normal zoo. It is a fantastic, silly story that proves letting your imagination run wild is fun, but sometimes the real world is an awesome adventure too.
64 Pages
Stepping into the glittering world of professional basketball is the last thing you ever expected. Twelve-year-old Molly Parker has just lost her mother to cancer, but she was left with one massive, unbelievable secret. Her father is none other than Josh Cameron, the most celebrated superstar on the Boston Celtics. Josh has a spotless reputation, a massive fortune, and absolutely no idea that Molly exists. When she bravely steps into his fast-paced life, the celebrity athlete is immediately suspicious, convinced she is simply running a clever scam. Yet, there is something undeniably familiar about Molly's spirit that stops him from turning her away. As Molly gets a rare glimpse behind the carefully curated media spotlight, she discovers a man whose heart only has room for himself and the game. You will experience a deeply emotional journey as two complete strangers cautiously navigate their shared grief, realizing that sometimes the most important victories require throwing up a desperate prayer at the final buzzer.
264 Pages
By
Mike Lupica
Your world shatters the moment you discover your family has been living a massive lie. Fourteen-year-old Zach Harriman always knew his father was an important man, a trusted advisor who solved complex international crises for the president. But when his father dies under highly suspicious circumstances, strange things begin happening to Zach. His senses sharpen to an impossible degree. He develops the speed to move like lightning and the terrifying strength to fend off grown men with ease. Soon, mysterious strangers arrive with unbelievable news. His father was actually a superhero locked in a generations-long battle against global evil. Now, sinister forces known as the Bads have emerged from the shadows, violently targeting Zach and his best friend. You will race through the darkened paths of Central Park as Zach embraces his newfound abilities and terrifying responsibilities. He must step into the extraordinary shoes of the father he barely knew, proving that he is truly a hero in his own right.
306 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
Black Lagoon Adventures Set 4
By
Mike Thaler
Jump in
Get ready to dive back into the hilarious world of Hubie and his wild imagination with this fantastic set of chapter books from the famous Black Lagoon series!
Why it pulls you in
If you love funny stories where everyday school situations turn into monster sized adventures, this collection is perfect for you. Hubie has a habit of taking ordinary school days and letting his imagination spin them into terrifyingly funny myths. From meeting new teachers to surviving school events, you get to experience all of his ridiculous worries and laugh as the rumors are proven wrong time and time again.
What you will discover
This exciting set brings together some of the best adventures from the Black Lagoon. You will enjoy multiple funny stories packed with crazy misunderstandings, relatable school moments, and the comforting reminder that things are rarely as scary as they seem.
64 Pages
Comeback Kids
Two-minute Drill
By
Mike Lupica
Sometimes your biggest weaknesses are exactly what connect you to the perfect teammate. Scott is exceptionally bright and possesses a booming leg that makes him a highly dependable field goal kicker, but he deeply struggles to grasp the rest of the rough-and-tumble game of football. On the other side of the locker room is Chris, the star quarterback who can throw a perfect spiral under heavy pressure but quietly battles severe dyslexia every time he opens a textbook. When their vastly different worlds collide, these two teammates realize they hold the exact skills the other one desperately needs. You will hit the books and the gridiron alongside Scott and Chris as they forge an unbreakable alliance. They must dedicate themselves to intense tutoring sessions and grueling passing drills, discovering that true success requires asking for help when the clock is ticking down.
196 Pages
Black Lagoon Adventures
Valentine's Day from the Black Lagoon
Jump in
Cupid has officially invaded the classroom, and Hubie is not happy about it. Everyone has to make a Valentines Day card, and the worst part is that he actually has to give it to someone in his class.
Why it pulls you in
School holiday parties can be tricky, but Hubie makes them hilarious. He is frustrated because he is not allowed to draw something cool like a green square or a giant dinosaur. Instead, he is forced to draw pink hearts and little cupids. Hubie would honestly rather eat a pile of dirt than participate in this mushy holiday. His biggest fear? He worries that if he hands a girl a valentine, the next thing he knows, they will be married! His exaggerated panic over a simple piece of folded paper is laugh out loud funny.
What you will discover
You will giggle your way through this chapter book as Hubie navigates the stressful, pink filled world of classroom valentines. It is a fantastic, relatable story about the awkwardness of school holidays and discovering that giving a nice card to a friend is really not the end of the world after all.
64 Pages
The epic battle for the galaxy has finally arrived! Cleo has spent her time in the far future training, fighting, and running from her destiny. Now, she must face the ancient prophecy that calls her a savior and a hero, no matter how much she wishes she could ignore it.
With the evil Xaius Octavian threatening to destroy absolutely everything she loves, Cleo gathers her oldest and newest friends for one massive, ultimate stand. Defending her new galactic home will take every ounce of courage, skill, and leadership she has within her. Can the Queen of the Nile defeat her greatest enemy and keep her friends safe? Experience the spectacular, heart-pounding conclusion to this beloved futuristic adventure series.
243 Pages
Shortstop has always been your undisputed territory. For fourteen-year-old Hutch, standing between second and third base is the only place he feels truly alive. It is the exact position his father once played professionally before career-ending injuries turned him into a distant, silent spectator. But Hutch's secure world shatters with the arrival of Darryl Williams, the most hyped baseball prospect to come out of Florida in years. Suddenly, Hutch is forced out of his beloved position and pushed over to second base. The demotion stings, but the real heartbreak comes when Hutch sees his aloof father eagerly giving fielding tips to his new rival. You will step onto the diamond and feel the intense sting of betrayal and the burning desire to reclaim your spot. With the summer league championship hanging in the balance, Hutch must figure out how to navigate his difficult family dynamics while deciding what he is willing to sacrifice for the ultimate victory.
268 Pages