Wonder World Book Cafe'

Set in 1987, 12 year old Annie's future aspirations include playing in the NBA and performing on the big stage. When she  gets a part in her school's production of The King and I, she overhears others saying she only got a part because it's an Asian play, and she's Asian. Annie wonders if this is the end of her acting dream as she thinks people will never see her for her talent or hard work. 

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Set in modern Ghana, twelve year-old Ato and his two best friends are inspired when they learn of an opportunity to visit Nnoma, a precious bird sanctuary that Ato's late father helped create. Visiting this bird island is all Ato has ever wanted; now he and his friends set out to create their project, a prerequisite for entry to Nnoma. They're sure they can use organic pesticides to grow vegetables which would ultimately benefit their community, but when their plants and hopes for getting to Nnoma start to die, Ato is convinced their project is being sabotaged. 

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Jo and Ronny each have their own dilemmas: Jo is trying to overcome stage fright for her upcoming cello audition while Ronny's entrepreneurial spirit is awakened when he decides to earn enough money to save the family car from being repossessed by the bank. Come along on their journey— just in time for the holiday season, where each of their predicaments is lessened when Jo and Ronny become an important part of their community's home for senior citizens. Throughout this story friendship, kindness, and generosity of the human spirit shine through.

💗The Road to After. Full of heart and hope AND equally important, the reality of trauma and steps toward healing. You’ll want to meet resilient and creative 11 year-old Lacey and learn how nature is so closely connected to her healing from a lifetime of abuse from her father. 

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(⏰10 minutes) Two 6th grade best friends, Isaac and Marco, couldn't be more different. But, they have commonality: dads who don't follow through on their promises. Each has a goal. Marco's is to become more responsible with school work which he believes will keep his family together and help his dad stop drinking. Isaac's is to finally do something that will make his dad proud. On these pages, find humor, basketball (even granny shots), authentic middle school experiences, and family dynamics. 

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(⏰10 minutes) 

WWII. Liesl's family must flee East Prussia in 1944. Through Liesl's story of survival, we learn about Wolfskinder, or wolf children. These were the countless, real children who were orphaned by the war and left to survive on their own, often in forests for long periods. Be inspired by Liesl, her maturity, and ways of finding hope and joy in the darkest moments. 

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(⏰10 minutes)   🌟Celebrating episode 30! 

Middle schooler Mac and his friends are shocked when they discover the book, The Devil's Arithmetic, about the Holocaust they've selected for their reading group has sections blacked out. Explore the idea of censorship with assertive Mac as he's ready to stand up for his beliefs. 

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⏰Listening commitment: 9 minutes

When 12 year old Addie's step dad proposes the idea of adopting her, Addie sets off to find her biological dad. With no help from the adults in her life, Mom included, she finds him and learns she comes from a long line of Mexican wrestlers. She meets Manny (her dad, but she can't get herself to call him that) and loves spending time with her new found abuela, abuelo, cousins, and uncles. Addie loves her new family and all of their special traditions, except that Manny remains distant. Enjoy this multi-generational story filled with love, hope, and big decisions. 

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⏰Listening commitment: 9 minutes 

Written in verse, What about Will brings light to a dangerous society issue: opioid addiction. After a football injury sends Will into a coma, the aftermath of physical and emotional pain follows. His younger brother Trace, 12, takes on all of his family's problems including Will's frightening mood swings, his stealing, his lying, and his pills. Trace hides all of this to protect his brother and keep peace in his home. 

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⏰Fun sized and fewer than 10 minutes. 

With one comedic event after another, come onboard The Oceania II with 12 year-old JB and his accidental stowaway, Sidney. Readers will laugh often at their escapades while learning about the threats to our oceans especially Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Learning through story is the best way to learn! Welcome aboard!

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