Degas - Painter of Ballerinas by Susan Goldman Rubin shares the story of Degas's life and work through photos of his paintings, descriptions and direct quotes from Degas himself. Degas strayed from the expectations of his family. Instead of taking the path to become a lawyer to please his father, he embraced the challenges of a career as an artist. He was infatuated by the world of dance and spent the greater part of his life around dancers. His connection with the dancers centered around the respect that he had for artists in general.
Returning to Normal is a wonderfully insightful book that addresses real-life problems faced by teenagers whose parents are in, or returning from, prison. Xavier has a pretty good life. He and his girlfriend get along really well. His baseball coach is hopeful for Xavier's career, and his dad is coming home soon. What he doesn't expect is that his dad will be a totally different person who might ruin everything. His dad is always angry with him when he isn't drinking or lecturing Xavier. Things go downhill from there.
Prince Jasper of Thisley and his father are fighting. Jasper is punished and hopes for a way out of his duties. However, as he works in the stables, he sees his punishment in a different perspective. Meanwhile, on the other side of the mountains, Jasper's sister is giving birth. Jasper's mom decides to visit her, after her daughter pleads for her to come to Concordia. To keep her husband and Jasper from fighting, she insists that Jasper tag along. Jasper doesn't like this idea but decides that it it's for the best.
Rachel has just returned to Riverside Academy from her Easter vacation. One day a mysterious man comes for a tour of her school. When he sees her wearing her bracelet, he returns to his car and speeds away. The next day he comes for a tour again. The day after that, Rachel and her friend Benjamin walk to the post office. While Benjamin runs in to mail some things, Rachel stays outside enjoying the view. All of a sudden, a paper note comes flying and hits her on the head. Rachel unfolds the note, and it reads, “Meet me at one o’clock tonight at the gates to the school.
Seventeen-year-old Sherman Andrews wants nothing more than to be a great journalist. The Missouri Scholars' Academy accepts him, and he is determined to find the ultimate story. As a high school kid on a college campus, Sherman must face growing up quickly. He becomes involved with Charlie, a chubby yet cute librarian, and his journey to journalism begins.
Albert Einstein Chaudhury, also known as Al, has his twelfth birthday and gets two presents that lead to so much drama. He got a hamster and a letter from his dad, who died four years ago. The letter revealed a time machine, which is a zinc tub and a computer.
LaLa wakes up in a mood. A bad mood. She doesn’t know why, and she doesn’t care. Mom doesn’t let LaLa’s bad mood take her down. Instead, she seems cheerful, but why? Will Mom’s advice change LaLa’s day from horrible to wonderful?
