Senior Outlook Today Back To School Gift Guide 2020

Updated on January 28, 2023

By Christopher Cussat

September is just around the corner, which means it’s time once again to gear up with the hottest new essentials for back-to-school.

Now that your kids and grandkids are leaving the nest, give your teens what they need to spruce up their new life in college. Whether your child is going into their freshman year or starting graduate school, we have a list of recommended school supplies for their dorm or apartment.

Also, just a special thank you to those of you who also sent in your back-to-school gift ideas and suggestions for 2020. If you’re looking for a gift idea, our picks below feature a wide variety of gift ideas.


Baketivity

After a long day of draining Zoom classes, kids and parents alike will need fun, engaging activities to take them away from screens and signal the end of the school day. Luckily, Baketivity offers the perfect kid-tested, mother-approved solution!

Baketivity sends yummy baking kits loaded with colorful, kid-friendly recipe instructions, ready-to-go ingredients, and educational activity booklets right to your door for easy-peasy, hassle-free fun for the whole family. In addition to mastering tasty recipes, kids learning how to bake can: 

?enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills

?improve math and reading skills

?introduce them to scientific concepts (baking is basically chemistry, right?)

?encourage meaningful family time away from work, school, and screens


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SPONTUNEOUS—THE SONG GAME IS A GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR ALL MUSIC-LOVERSCAN’T CARRY A TUNE?! NO PROBLEM- TALENT NOT REQUIRED!The top-rated song game can be ordered for $29.99 online at www.songgame.com 

Spontuneous – The Song Game is an old fashioned, tabletop board game, with no electronics. It’s a perfect game for music-lovers and crosses all genres of music.  For anyone that is hard to buy for, the song game is a perfect gift to ensure quality time and family fun for everyone.  

Spontuneous has been a #1 Best Seller for the past 3 holiday seasons on Amazon for board games with thousands of 4.5-star reviews.  Cosmopolitan names it one of the best board games for adults.  CNN and mommy bloggers agree that the song game is great for family nights!About Spontuneous – The Song Game: The broader the tastes the better the fun!  Spontuneous’s tag line is, Sing it or Shout it…Talent NOT Required.  So even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket, this game is still for you.

HOW TO PLAY: The objective of Spontuneous is to stump your opponents from being able to sing a song containing the trigger-word you’ve chosen. The player’s race to be the first to sing a 5-word portion of a song containing that word. The first player to begin singing rolls the dice to advance on the game board. If everyone is stumped, the player who announced the word must be able to back it up with a song of their own otherwise they are penalized.

The first player to reach the finish line and complete the Spontuneous Challenge wins! 
*Great for All Ages, 8 and Up
*Multiple Award-Winning Game
*Crosses All Genres of Music
*4 – 10 Players or Teams
*Length of Play: 30-45 minutes
*Talent NOT Required

For more information, please visit www.songgame.com.

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Davidson’s Tea

Davidson’s Tea is the first certified organic, fair trade specialty tea company in the US. You can give anyone the gift of wellness and longevity with teas containing ancient herbs and an abundance of antioxidants. 

From easing anxiety to helping battle cold/flu symptoms, Davidson’s Tea provides a multitude of benefits for the Mind, Body and Soul. Benefits you can reap in more ways than simply drinking the tea, including through a natural soothing eye compress, or a relaxing tea bath to detoxify skin, reduce inflammation and soothe stressed skin. 

Davidson’s Ayurvedic Infusions include seven, dosha-balancing tea blends. Blends include: Sleep, Slim, Digest, De-Congest, Detox, Energize and Laxative. Pair it with a sheek, glass tea bottle, perfect for those on the go.


DrySee

Infections are the most common cause of follow up treatments and hospitalizations following medical procedures costing the health care industry billions of dollars yearly. Typically, if a caregiver or nurse is caring for a patient with a chronic wound or a wound from a medical procedure, instructions for follow up care will include keeping the wound site clean and dry. But the average bandage or gauze wrap has no indicator to show caregivers if the wound site has gotten wet during bathing or other activities. Which can either lead to frequent and unnecessary bandage changes or accidentally leaving on a wet bandage that can lead to infection of the wound site. 

DrySee has created the first waterproof bandage with a liquid indicator. If the seal of the bandage is broken and the wound site gets wet, the gauze at the perimeter of the bandage or the center covering the wound site will turn blue indicating it needs to be changed. 


Synctuition

As we all do our best to celebrate summer under lockdown, it’s time to look ahead to the “most wonderful time of the year.” And with the amount of pandemic-related stress we are feeling right now, we can only imagine how the holidays could heighten anxieties.

Synctuition is ranked as a top-three mindfulness app in the US. Backed by hundreds of scientific studies and infused with thousands of soothing, immersive 3D sounds that were recorded throughout the world in exotic natural settings, the gift of Synctuition is the gift of peace of mind. It’s the perfect holiday gift when people are starting to plan their New Year’s resolutions.


USB-C And Thunderbolt Docking Solutions From OWC

If you have purchased a new computer within the last few years, you likely lack something – ports. You know, places to plug in your stuff. With streamlining and consolidation, many modern computers (including the entire MacBook family) have shifted to utilizing only USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. Because of this, a dock or hub is essential when you Work Frome Home.

A dock helps expand the usable connections available to you by adding back what you may have lost. It can also be used to extend the number of ports available even if you do have more than just USB-C or Thunderbolt 3. Add Ethernet for security and speed, an SD card reader to import photos and other media, HDMI or DisplayPort for video output or to connect an external display, and audio jacks. Below are but a few of the available options depending on the dock you choose.

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Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock

The newest in the line, and designed for pro-creative workflows, the Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock is an on-location and post-production “mission control” featuring 10Gb Ethernet, front-side CFast and SD card readers, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, three USB 3.1 ports, and full support for eSATA devices and drives. On location, the dock is a huge asset, helping manage multiple card uploads efficiently. When back in the office or studio, the Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock has the power and ports needed to handle any workflow. The dock is compact, allowing the easy organization of peripherals and keeping workspace free of clutter. It’s 10Gb Ethernet connection allows top-speed connectivity, and with 60W of pass-through charging, the new MacBook Pro 16-inch will be ready for mobile use. MSRP: $319.75

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USB-C Travel Dock

In today’s workforce, the office is wherever the work is — that day. OWC’s USB-C Travel Dock keeps vital connections on-hand wherever needed: on-set, on location, at the studio, in a conference room, or lounging at a coffee shop. The Travel Dock transfers up to 100W of pass-through charging from a USB-C power adapter, ensuring users are powered up and ready to deliver a client presentation or download the day’s last shots. With five essential ports and just one cable, users are prepared to display, charge, connect, and import while on the move. The USB-C Travel Dock features an HDMI port for easy display connections up to 4K resolution and can be used via bus power when users don’t have access to a power outlet. Or use the MacBook Pro’s USB-C adapter to deliver up to 100W of pass-through power and use the open port on your computer to connect another device. And with its tiny size, it’s the perfect holiday stocking stuffer for every tech user.

MSRP: $54.99

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Thunderbolt 3 Dock

With its 14 ports of connectivity thoughtfully placed, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock delivers convenience while keeping desktops clutter-free. The dock’s front is designed for the easy connection of portable devices, headphones, and media cards, while the rear features a multitude of ports for your devices, so cables stay out of sight. With its single connection to the MacBook Pro, the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock makes coming and going from a desk a much quicker and easier endeavor. The carefully chosen ports and functionality bring a new world of possibilities to the desktop, but OWC also worked to ensure the Thunderbolt 3 Dock is built to last. A seamless design wrapped in a single piece of aluminum brings a rugged exterior to endure the day-to-day while maintaining a stylish design that complements any workspace.

MSRP: $294.75

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USB-C Dock

The OWC USB-C Dock’s ten ports of connectivity versatility allow users to link five USB devices, charge two power-demanding USB devices, connect to wired Gigabit Ethernet, download images and videos from the front-mounted SD card slot, listen to or capture audio via the 3.5mm audio jack, and connect to a second display, TV, or projector via Mini DisplayPort or HDMI. All that connectivity makes it easy to tap into digital needs and utilize the new MacBook Pro 16-inch to perform double-duty as a desktop workstation at home, in the office, or in the studio. Forget about messing around with dongles and adapters to connect everything. The OWC USB-C Dock makes it easy to connect an entire workflow. And leave that power adapter in the travel bag, as the USB-C Dock charges laptops as well.

MSRP: $119.00

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Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock

The OWC Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock harnesses the full potential of your laptop’s Thunderbolt 3 port—fast data transfers, dual 4K display support, and small device charging power—creating a hub of powerful connections. Built by the world’s largest producer of Thunderbolt devices, OWC follows the highest standards in engineering and manufacturing, so you can use the Thunderbolt 3 mini Dock with full confidence in its compatibility and precision performance.
MSRP: $119.00


BOOKS

Take Care of Your Kids and Yourself This School Year

We all know that this is no ordinary school year. Now, more than ever, mental health and wellness need to take the forefront of our attention. Everyone from kids to college students to parents and teachers could use some inspiration and encouragement.

Flip through pages on how to keep your head up, stay true to yourself, and appreciate your weird side. Learn the history of inspiring women and Black Americans to motivate you this upcoming school year. Encourage kids to laugh, build their confidence, and learn important skills in coping with anxiety, showing empathy, and more!

SOAR

Whether the first day of school starts as traditional in-classroom learning or in the new virtual classroom, it is natural for children to be nervous. Schiffer Kids is here to provide solutions on how to talk with children about their emotions. SOAR, with striking illustrations and a powerful message about overcoming fear and anxiety, teaches that trying new experiences is an important part of growing up.

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  • Young readers will identify with a nervous but determined hummingbird in this strikingly illustrated, powerful message about overcoming fear and never giving up
     
  • Parents and teachers can read to their young children and later transition from laptime to independent reading with this tale that encourages kids to face their anxieties
  • Readers will be transported into Ramone’s world as he faces some difficult emotions about learning how to fly
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About the Book 

Ramone, a shy, ruby-throated hummingbird, is about to leave the nest for the first time. But his anxiety and fear keep him from taking off as he contemplates all that could go wrong. Full of kind words and encouragement, Ramone’s mother gives him room to work through his emotions, building his confidence and letting him set his own pace. Ramone watches as his friends soar through the sky, realizing all he might miss out on if he doesn’t conquer his fear. Ramone’s adventure showcases the emotions, both positive and negative, that children experience as they approach new challenges. Accompanied by strikingly beautiful illustrations, this tale guides readers through Ramone’s emotional journey, showing kids that fear must be overcome in order to grow.

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 About the Author & Illustrator

Hillary Daecher has been writing short stories since she was a child. SOAR is her first published children’s book. Hillary lives in Lititz, PA. Visit her website at www.hillarydaecher.com

 Angie Hohenadel is a high school art teacher and artist in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. SOAR is her first illustrated children’s book.

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 Click on the Bird Below to Look inside the Book! 

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The Little Box of Emotions

Emotions are at the center of our everyday lives. Learning how to express them is an integral part of children’s development. 

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ISBN: 978-0-7643-5897-5 | box set | $19.99 | July 2020

  • Ages 5 to 8 years old
  • Beautifully designed and illustrated box set with booklet 
  • 24 cards expressing 8 emotions 
  • Supports SEED (social, emotional educational development of children) learning
  • Instructions for 3 fun and educational games to play!

About the Cards and Booklet

Twenty-four cards showing eight different emotions and reactions offer a valuable method for self-awareness and expression. Developing minds play and learn using three different methods, inviting dialogue and providing children with the opportunity to talk about how their bodies feel when they experience such an emotion. A guidebook offers advice and postures to get children to relax and channel their emotions, ultimately leading to a healthier outlook and better self-care.

Emotions Include: Love, Joy, Disgust, Sadness, Excitement, Surprise, Anger, Fear

Games Included: Simple Recognition, Memory & Matching, and Association and Verbalization 

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About the Author

Once a teacher, Louison Nielman studied to become a psychologist. Today, she works in a center for children, adolescents, and their families.

For Teachers and Parents:

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Parenting the New Teen in The Age of Anxiety: Raising Happy, Healthy Humans Ages 8 to 24 by Dr. John Duffy

Kids are growing up with nearly unlimited access to social media and the world wide web. Starting as early as eight years old, children are exposed to information, thought, and emotion that they are developmentally unprepared to process. Because of the exposure they face, kids are emotionally overwhelmed at a young age, and they are often continuing to search for a sense of self well into their twenties. Dr. John Duffy’s parenting book is a new and necessary guide that addresses this hidden phenomenon of the changing teenage brain. Dr. Duffy, a nationally recognized expert in parenting for nearly twenty-five years, seeks to be a guide for parents raising children who are growing up quickly and, as a result, dealing with unresolved adolescent issues that can lead to anxiety and depression. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!

How to Survive Change . . . You Didn’t Ask For: Bounce Back, Find Calm in Chaos, and Reinvent Yourself by M.J. Ryan

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These are challenging times. Chances are, at this moment, you’re confronting some change you never asked for—perhaps a life crisis, like a loss of a job or the failure of a dream. Maybe you have to learn to work in new ways or find a new place to live. Bestselling author, thought leader, and change expert M.J. Ryan is here to help. Within the pages of How to Survive Change…You Didn’t Ask For, you’ll find the support and practices you need to adapt successfully and ride the wave of this change, whatever it may be. In this book, the New York Times bestselling author of Attitudes of Gratitude provides strategies to retrain your brain and optimize your response to life change, step-by-step. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon! 


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The Gift of Crisis: How I Used Meditation to Go From Financial Failure to a Life of Purpose by Bridgitte Jackson Buckley

During the 2008 Recession, Bridgitte Jackson Buckley was one of the millions affected by job loss and foreclosure. In The Gift of Crisis, Bridgitte shows you how to explore crisis as a tool for courageous change, regaining your self-esteem with self-love and self-compassion. It was through experiences of prolonged financial crisis that Bridgitte realized she subconsciously co-created experiences that felt so bad that the only place she could go was within―exactly where she needed to go. In The Gift of Crisis, you will discover how helpful going within and retaking control can be for you, too. For those who are sincerely interested in spiritual growth, yet find it difficult to make “mental room” to dedicate to such growth due to personal distractions, this inspirational book will demonstrate the practical manner in which meditation and prayer can assist during any type of crisis as a means of reaching for a calmer, clearer, more courageous and purposeful life. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!

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This Is Not the Life I Ordered: 60 Ways to Keep Your Head Above Water When Life Keeps Dragging You Down by Deborah Collins Stephens, Michealene Cristini Risley, Jan Yanehiro, and Jackie Speier

Overcome adversity, embrace change, and discover your power―together. With this book, you can learn how to turn any unfortunate event into a joy-filled opportunity. In addition to stories and advice, This Is Not the Life I Ordered will teach you how to put together your own gathering of kitchen-table friends. At the end of each section, you will find tools that you can work with as a group to help each other grow, learn, and thrive. Part autobiography, part self-help book, and all useful and actionable content, the authors and friends pulled from their experiences supporting one another to help you do the same. If you are struggling with work, family, love, or just life in general, This Is Not the Life I Ordered is for you. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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The Sudden Loss Survival Guide: Seven Essential Practices for Healing Grief by Chelsea Hanson 

When a loved one passes unexpectedly, the person left behind can lose their bearings. After the sudden loss of her mother, Chelsea Hanson, a nationally-recognized grief educator and founder of With Sympathy Gifts and Keepsakes, didn’t know where to turn for help, what to do next, or how to put the pieces of her life back together. Hanson’s The Sudden Loss Survival Guide gathers everything that she learned during her own recovery process and provides an indispensable road map to aid those who’ve experienced a life-changing loss. Through the application of simple, proactive practices, The Sudden Loss Survival Guide will empower you to overcome the darkness and anxiety of grief with heart-lifting prompts and action steps that guide you towards re-engaging in life and discovering deeper meaning. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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Positive Thoughts for Troubling Times: A Renew-Your-Spirit Guide by Allen Klein 

Rarely before in history has the United States―and the world at large―been so divided. With each new Tweet, falsehood, or upsetting news headline, the things we once took for granted and believed in have become upended and, in the process, have crushed our spirit. The inspired ideas and power thoughts in Positive Thoughts for Troubling Times will provide you with hope, a renewed spirit, and a new perspective for viewing our worrisome times. Author Allen Klein, the world’s only Jollytologist, knows how the right thought at the right time can change your day for the better. In this incredible book, he offers a lifetime of positive change. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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Little Indulgences: More Than 400 Ways to Be Good to Yourself by Cynthia MacGregor

In Little Indulgences, Cynthia MacGregor has gathered a bouquet of ways to treat yourself every day. Included in this arrangement are “Instant Indulgences,” indulgences that can be done in less than five minutes; “All-Day Indulgences;” and “Rewards Over Time.” Some are simple, free, and spontaneous. Others include decadent suggestions for spoiling yourself rotten. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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Everyday Energy Boosters: 365 Tips and Tricks to Help You Feel Like a Million Bucks by Sondra Kornblatt, Susannah Seton 

Need an energy boost to get through that long afternoon meeting? Put down that cup of caffeine and pick up Everyday Energy Boosters with 365 quick and easy tips to feel more energized all day every day! Bestselling health writers Sondra Kornblatt and Susannah Seton offer energy-boosting tips that can be used anytime or anywhere: Deep breathing techniques, how to track your natural energy cycles, tips for getting more sleep, and more. This daily guide helps readers boost their energy and create a calmer, more positive, and energized life. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


 For Teens:

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Be True to Yourself: A Daily Guide for Teenage Girls By Amanda Ford

In this book of short daily meditations and essays, Amanda Ford, a young adult herself, offers stories, information, and advice on all the important issues facing young women today: boys, dating, drinking, self-respect, self-love, fights with friends, dealing with parents, and more. When Amanda Ford emerged from her tumultuous teenage years, she saw the need for a guide to help girls learn to listen to their inner voices and think for themselves. Your daughter, granddaughter, niece, or young friend will learn to listen to her heart with this coming-of-age guide. Girls will find comfort, encouragement, and insight in these pages, along with suggestions for articulating and confiding their feelings, fears, and frustrations. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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Badass Black Girl: Questions, Quotes, and Affirmations for Teens By M.J. Fievre

MJ Fievre tackles topics such as family and friends, school and careers, body image, and stereotypes in this journal designed for teenage girls. By reflecting on these topics, readers confront the issues that can hold them back from living their lives. Finding the courage to live as you are is not easy, so here’s a journal designed to help readers nurture their creativity, self-motivation, and positive self-awareness. This journal celebrates girl power and honors the strength and spirit of Black girls. This journal provides words of encouragement that seek not just to inspire, but to ignite discussion and debate about the world. Girls, especially, are growing up in a world that tries to tell them how to look and act. MJ Fievre encourages readers to fight the flow and determine for themselves who they want to be. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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The Book of Awesome Women Writers: Medieval Mystics, Pioneering Poets, Fierce Feminists and First Ladies of Literature by Becca Anderson

From the first recorded writer to current bestsellers, Becca Anderson, author of The Book of Awesome Women and Badass Affirmations, takes us through time and highlights women who have left their mark on the literary world. This expansive compilation of women writers is a chance to delve deeper into the lives and works of renowned authors and learn about some lesser-known greats, as well. Some of the many women writers you will love learning about include Maya Angelou, Jane Austen, Judy Blume, Rachel Carson, Nadine Gordimer, Margaret Mead, Joyce Carol Oates, and many, many more. With the help of writers, editors, librarians, booksellers, and more, Anderson has crafted a must-read book for women everywhere. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon! 


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The Book of Awesome Black Americans: Scientific Pioneers, Trailblazing Entrepreneurs, Barrier-Breaking Activists and Afro-Futurists by Monique Jones

We are familiar with a handful of African Americans who are mentioned in American history books, but there are also countless others who do not get recognized in mainstream media. The achievements of the Black Americans included in this book range from athletic to artistic, literary to scientific. Their biographies vary greatly, but each one contributes to the course of Black history and its influence on the greater world. Their stories encourage readers, especially teenage boys and girls, to find their own path to change. Monique L. Jones’s The Book of Awesome Black Americans is more than a Black history book. It’s a celebration of Black people. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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The Book of Awesome Women by Becca Anderson

Women hold up half the sky and, most days, do even more of the heavy lifting including childbearing and child-rearing. All after a long day at the office. Women have always been strong, true heroes ─ sheroes, oftentimes unacknowledged. As we shake off the last traces of a major patriarchal hangover, women are coming into their own. From the foremothers who blazed trails and broke barriers, to today’s women warriors from sports, science, cyberspace, city hall, the lecture hall, and the silver screen, The Book of Awesome Women paints 200 portraits of powerful and inspiring role models for women and girls poised to become super women of the future. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon! 


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Victory For the Vote: The Fight for Women’s Suffrage and the Century That Followed by Doris Weatherford

In her book Victory for the Vote, Women’s history expert Doris Weatherford offers an engaging and detailed narrative history of women’s seven-decade fight for the vote—and the continuing current-day struggle for human rights and equality. Victory for the Vote puts the fight for suffrage into a contemporary context, discussing key challenges and issues for women in the decades that followed 1920, such as reproductive rights, the Equal Rights Amendment, and political power. It will also help readers to take pride in the struggles and accomplishments of strong women, celebrate feminism, and recognize the challenges that still remain on the road to human rights for all. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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The College Bound Organizer: The Ultimate Guide to Successful College Applications by Anna Costaras and Gail Liss

The College Bound Organizer is your step-by-step comprehensive guide to organize every step of the college application process from college search through college admission. The College Bound Organizer helps students understand what admission officers are looking for in an applicant, build a personal profile, plan an individualized testing schedule, and research colleges to identify a balanced list of schools. After preparing for their application, students learn how to secure letters of recommendation, develop the college application essay, prevent common mistakes students make on their applications, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and ace interviews. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


For Kids: 

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Squeaky Clean Super Funny Jokes for Kidz by Craig Yoe

Squeaky Clean Super Funny Jokes for Kidz is from Craig Yoe, the former Creative Director, Vice President, and General Manager of Jim Henson’s Muppets─and former Creative Director at Nickelodeon and Disney. Craig, a retired pastor, believes that there is nothing better in life than making kids laugh and feel happy. He has been collecting jokes for years, and now he is releasing his hand-picked jokes for kids in the “Squeaky Clean” series. It’s packed with wholesome, edifying, LOL funny jokes to encourage reading and entertain children for hours. No boogers, ghosts, witches, scary monsters, insults, or put-downs─all giggle-filled good clean fun for young and old alike. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


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Dino Dana: Dino Field Guide by J.J. Johnson, Colleen Russo Johnson, and Christin Simms

Did you know that the brachiosaurus was the tallest dinosaur that we know of today? That the kosmoceratops had fifteen horns and hooks on its head? That the spinosaurus is the only known dinosaur to spend most of its time swimming? Discover this and much more in Dino Dana: Dino Field Guide. Fans of the Amazon Prime TV show Dino Dana will be so excited to have a Dino Field Guide of their own, put together by the incredible show’s creator and executive producer, J. J. Johnson. Full of colorful illustrations and fascinating science facts, this dinosaur book is sure to amaze any young dino enthusiast. This book for children is perfect for any kid who likes history and science. View this book on Bookshop and Amazon!


A Year at Brandywine Cottage: Six Seasons of Beauty, Bounty, and Blooms, By David Culp, $35.00, Hardcover.A sign on the screen

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David Culp has spent more than 30 years creating Brandywine Cottage—a sensational year-round garden that provides an abundance of joy, both indoors and out. In his new book, he urges home gardeners everywhere to do the same in their own space. Organized by the garden’s six natural season, A Year at Brandywine Cottage is packed with fresh ideas and trusted advice, whether it’s choosing plants for twelve months of interest, weaving edibles into the mix, or bringing the bounty indoors with simple arrangements and homegrown recipes. 

Packed with glorious images and practical tips, A Year at Brandywine Cottage is an inspirational gift that will help readers live a life enriched by nature every day of the year.


Windcliff: A Story of People, Plants, and Gardens, By Daniel J. Hinkley, photography by Claire Takacs, $35.00, Hardcover.A sign on the screen

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“This is a wonderful book by someone who loves the world and finds it centered in the garden, be it in the wilds of the Himalayas or on a bluff looking out to the city of Seattle, Washington.” —Jamaica Kincaid, novelist, essayist, gardener

Recognized as one the foremost modern plant explorers and as a leading plant collector worldwide, Daniel Hinkley has created two of the world’s most fabled private gardens: Heronswood and Windcliff. These iconic gardens, and the story of how one gave rise to the other, are celebrated in Hinkley’s deeply personal release, Windcliff. In a lively style that mingles audacious opinions on garden design with cautionary tales of planting missteps, Hinkley shares his infectious passion for plants. 

This inspiring saga, brought beautifully to life by Claire Takacs’s stunning photography, will enchant anyone for whom gardens and life are inseparable. Spectacular for both its physical beauty and the quality of information it contains, Windcliff is a must-have gift for every explorer and gardener this season.


Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals
As the country starts to reopen, author/goal coach Debra Eckerling says, “July is the new January.” It has been a tumultuous 2020, and finally we can look toward the future. There is no better time for people to reset their New Year’s Resolutions.Eckerling, the author of, Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning, and Achieving Your Goals, is here to help. 

Your Goal Guide was released by Mango Publishing on January 14, 2020. Less than two months later, the world shut down. As everyone emerges from isolation and adjusts to the new normal, they can use all the support they can get.Whereas most goal-setting books tell readers how to achieve the goals they set, Your Goal Guide starts with that pivotal first step: Helping people figure out what it is they actually want, and then guiding them through creating a plan to achieve it. Part 1 of the book goes through Eckerling’s brainstorming and task-based system, the D*E*B METHOD®.

DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. It gives readers exercises, tools, and examples to hone in on their new destination, whether it’s related to their career, business, expertise, or work-life balance. Part 2 of Your Goal Guide is filled with strategies for success, which range from staying motivated and productive to dealing with roadblocks and sidetracks.Part 3 has a variety of websites and communities to support readers on their journey. This includes recommended expert resources, as well as Eckerling’s dedicated Your Goal Guide Facebook group, her weekly #GoalChat Twitter chat on Sundays, and #GoalChatLive each Monday on Facebook.Ready for a fresh start? Your Goal Guide is the roadmap everyone needs as they make new plans for the rest of 2020. 7dc6d9bc-9557-44a9-a48c-66600f5e17ad.jpg 


THE STILLNESS OF WINTER: Sacred Blessings of the Season

From the front pages of The Chicago Tribune and her revered page-two columns to her intimate writing in her sought-after blog, Pull Up a Chair, Barbara Mahany has shared stories of her family’s life that have drawn in thousands of readers for decades. In THE STILLNESS OF WINTER: Sacred Blessings of the Season (Abingdon Press Hardcover; October 6, 2020; $19.99), Mahany ponders why we are drawn to the season of winter and what wisdoms can be gleaned from this season of the longest night.

Says Mahany, “Consider this a field guide to wonder, certainly, and wisdom, perhaps. It borrows, in spirit, from the almanac, the scrapbook, scribbled field notes, assorted jottings, and, on occasion, the banged-up recipe file that’s tucked on my kitchen shelf. It’s a book I hope you come to know as something of a friend, a gentle-souled companion you might choose to cozy up with.”

In THE STILLNESS OF WINTER, readers discover:

*A potpourri of meditative essays, prayers, count-your-blessings monthly calendars, and winter’s wonder lists.

*Tried-and-true family recipes, with whimsical and inviting headnotes.

*Evocative illustrations by the acclaimed designer of Ann Voskamp’s New York Times bestselling One Thousand Gifts.

*Suggestions for carving out quietude amid the bustle and endless to-do’s of the holiday season.

*The author’s personal experience in an interfaith Catholic and Jewish household, and how her family honors both Christmas and Hanukkah.

THE STILLNESS OF WINTER is a treasure, inviting the reader’s own interactivity, all in the hopes of awakening readers to the astonishments and wonder of the newborn year.


Touching Tomorrow

Touching Tomorrow offers art and poetry into the dialogue concerning what life will be like tomorrow, and how nature, spirituality, death and life, may change how we meet what’s next. It’s part of who we are as humans to wonder about the future.

Touching Tomorrow takes some of the issues many ponder about, especially since our lives were turned upside down with the pandemic. It invites contemplation about humanity, about living in a time of crisis, about whether our current situation could be a wake-up call. It ponders about what sort of inner world we want to see that can contribute to a collective turnaround. Are we a victim or a co-creator? Survivor or volunteer? Do we rush outside ourselves to try to change the world, or first put our own facemask on before helping others? 

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Touching Tomorrow is a book of paintings and poetry in consideration of life, the now, the future and evolution. Each poem and painting speak to us about different facets of being human at this time. It offers contemplation, meditation, inner reflection and for quiet dialogue with friends.

Early in 2020 the world as we knew it changed. Something entered our lives causing a stop. Over half the world found themselves contained at home. Millions started searching for how they could contribute to the situation we found ourselves in, instigated by something we call COVID-19. The idea of bringing together art and poetry in this way seemed timely. Perhaps a contribution into what could happen now if enough of us want it. Perhaps part of a process, a movement, that is happening at this time. 

Touching Tomorrow can be purchased at: US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C7KJ9SZ 

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08C7KJ9SZ 

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08C7KJ9SZ 

Europe: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08C7KJ9SZ


Tyndale House Publishers Filament Bible Collection

LEADING THE WAY INTO THE FUTURE OF BIBLE READING:
 NEW BIBLE APP TECHNOLOGY PAIRS PRINT BIBLES AND DIGITAL CONTENT

Tyndale House Publishers Filament Bible Collection, Available Sept. 8, Makes In-Depth Scripture Study Accessible to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere

The times they are a-changin’, and that includes the way that people read and study the Bible. A recent survey (American Bible Society, 2020) found that the group with the highest level of Scripture engagement is the Millennial generation (ages 21-35), and that they read the Bible just about equally in print (48%) and digital (52%) formats. With a growing number of people incorporating digital content into their study of Scripture, Tyndale House Publishers has announced the September launch of a new collection of Bibles featuring a game-changing app technology designed to take Bible accessibility to a whole new level. 

Appealing to anyone who uses a mobile phone or tablet, the Filament Bible Collection (Tyndale House Publishers, Sept. 8, 2020) is a line of lightweight print Bibles featuring a first-in-market app that connects readers to extensive content related to any page they are reading. Readers simply scan a page number of the Filament Bible with their mobile device and the simple-to-use free Filament app instantly provides access to study notes, devotionals from authors such as Chris Tiegreen, Nancy Guthrie, Colin S. Smith, and Harold Myra;  interactive maps, articles, teaching videos (The Bible Project), and worship music (The Worship Initiative) that relate to the verse or passage of Scripture being read.

One of the most notable aspects of the way the Filament Bible app works is how easily it is able to deliver accurate, curated content for four different Bibles in two significantly different English translations (New Living Translation and King James Version). Through a simple one-time connection by scanning the title page of the physical Bible, the app adapts to that particular print edition to deliver the right content on each page.

The first Filament Bibles to be released in September include a selection of 18 Thinline Reference editions in the New Living Translation and the King James Version, with and without indexing. The Bibles are available in standard and large print editions and each edition includes access to the free companion Filament Bible app available from the App Store or Google Play.


IN FOCUS NUMEROLOGY AND REFLEXOLOGY

Your go-to references to understanding and using mind, body, and spirit practices.

Your Personal Guides

The In Focus series from Wellfleet Press applies a modern approach to teaching the classic body, mind, and spirit subjects, using expert authors in their respective fields and featuring relevant visual material to smartly and purposely illustrate key topics within each subject. As a bonusillustrated cards or posters are also included. Publishing August 4, 2020 are two new books in the series: In Focus Numerology and In Focus Reflexology.

All numbers have an intrinsic energy, from the date of your birth to the number of your home. With In Focus Numerology, author Sasha Fenton gives the information you need to understand the significance of numbers in your life, including how to use them to forecast outcomes and take advantage of opportunities. Beautiful illustrations and a frameable poster combined with expert information make this your go-to numerology guide.In Focus Numerology


Topics covered include the history of numerology, predictive numerology, a daily oracle, an hourly oracle, The Mystic Pyramid, The Oracle of Napoleon, and more.

In In Focus Reflexology Tina Chantrey teaches everything you need to know about reflexology to get your life in balance and alleviate common health problems. Beautiful illustrations and a frameable poster of key information combined with easy-to-follow instruction make this the perfect go-to reference.In Focus Reflexology


Combining multiple areas of bodywork, reflexology involves applying pressure to the hands and feet to produce beneficial changes in the body. The underlying principle behind reflexology is that there are “reflex points” on the feet and hands that are connected to organs and body parts by energy. When pressure is applied to these areas, energy blockages are removed and better health results. Learn reflexology to relieve back pain, previous injuries, insomnia, headaches and migraines, digestive disorders, arthritis, hormone imbalances, and more.


Live for a New Day

Written by international best selling author, speaker, and life coach Annie Evans, Live for a New Day is an easy-to-read, page-turner filled with actionable tips to live life with reason and purpose after life’s challenging journeys. One of the most anticipated books of 2020, this true to life narrative provides hope, joy, and triumph for a better tomorrow. 





BUILD UP YOUR BOUNCE-BACK MUSCLES & PREPARE FOR CHANGE“Live for a New Day”Compelling New Book Paints a Vivid Picture of Transcending Obstacles & Triumph over Tragedies  Transitioning to adulthood, searching for a job, or starting (or re-starting) a career requires endurance, fortitude, and hard work. From everyday challenges to traumatic events, we all face anguish, adversity, and other stresses. In the post-COVID era, there are even more obstacles. College graduates and those who have been recently laid off are entering the toughest job market since the recession in 2008.

Transcending these obstacles has everything to do with mindset and luckily the new book Live for a New Day, can help.ABOUT THE BOOK:Annie Evans uses her extensive life experience and adventures to guide others in realizing their passion and purpose in Live for a New Day. Starting over ‘from scratch’ many times, she developed and continues to use a process that helped her to retrain her brain, replace subconscious limiting beliefs with positive ones. She learned how to control her disruptive feelings which enables her to live a productive, grateful happy life, despite some astonishing circumstances. Annie wants us all to be able to transcend challenges and live the lives we want and deserve. Besides her extensive world travel and adventures, she has worked with Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins, Greg Reid and others on her continuing journey to be her best self and to help others.  -Release Date: August 1st, 2020
-Publisher: The Legacy Project, LLC
-ISBN: 9798653485060Live for a New Day is Available for pre-order in the Kindle Store HERE. 


For More Information Visit: https://liveforanewday.com/ 
 


Who Are You…When You Are BIG?

Who are you when you are BIG? It is a simple but essential question that can change your life and the way you lead. In her new book Who Are You…When You Are BIG? executive coach Kimberly Roush and her co-author Allan Milham ask more than 1,500 leaders to answer that question and deliver their results. They find that being big  isn’t about ego, titles or money. It is about accessing your core inner values and strengths. When you are big, work becomes easy and effortless, even in the face of great challenges.

About The Author

Kimberly Roush (www.allstarexecutivecoaching.com) is the Founder of All-Star Executive Coaching, which specializes in coaching C-Level and VP level executives from Fortune 100 companies to solo-entrepreneurs. As a former national partner with a ‘Big 4’ public accounting firm Kimberly brings over 30 years of business experience to her coaching including extensive work with C-Suite executives, Boards of Directors and Audit Committees. Through working with an executive coach herself, she realized that the part of her job she loved the most was all about coaching, motivating developing, challenging and inspiring others. In 2007 she hung up her hat as national partner at KPMG, LLP and took the bold move to start her own business.

General Information

Title: Who Are You When You Are Big?
Author: Allan Milham & Kimberly Roush
Genre: Business / Self Help
ISBN:  978-1599324555
Pages: 188
Price: $15.99
Publisher: Advantage Media Group



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How to Spot an Artist by Danielle Krysa (9/1/2020; ISBN: 9783791374406; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 5+) is a vividly illustrated, funny, and endlessly encouraging picture book “about being an artist, even when someone tells you not to be.” 

With over 200,000 Instagram followers, Danielle Krysa has helped a lot of people overcome the fear that they “aren’t creative,” and in How to Spot an Aritist, Krysa wants to reach readers as kids before their inner critics arrived on the scene, using her characteristic playfulness, lively illustrations, and humor to help kids overcome negativity about their artistic endeavors–and to help them redefine what being an artist means. Every page delivers encouragement to the kid who thinks artists all live in cities, or that art has to look like something familiar, or that painting and drawing are the only way to make art. In a world that drastically undervalues creative freedom, Krysa’s whimsical paintings and collages joyfully proclaim that art is essential and that artists are everywhere. Additionally, a page at the back of the book includes ideas for art projects–because who wants fewer art projects? Nobody!


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The Magic Doll by Adrienne Yabouza and illustrated by Élodie Nouhen (9/8/2020; ISBN: 9783791374468; Hardcover $14.95; Ages 4+) is a simple tale of love and longing, motherhood and magic.

In a small village in West Africa, a young girl explains the special way she was born. Her mother had difficulty getting pregnant, so she seeks help in the form of a doll which she treats like a human baby, carrying it on her back and covering it with kisses. Months go by and finally the woman’s belly begins to grow! This beautiful story explores the Akua-Ba fertility figures of the Akan people of Ghana, while also depicting the deep love a mother has for her children. Élodie Nouhen’s subtle, gorgeous illustrations combine collage and prints that are reminiscent of traditional African art, while remaining uniquely contemporary. Each spread communicates the look and feel of West Africa–the blazing yellow of the sun, the deep blue of the sky, the richly patterned textiles, and vibrant flora and fauna. Adrienne Yabouza’s text echoes the rhythms of life in her homeland–the Central African Republic. The book closes with a short introduction to African art and the importance of fertility statues in African cultures.


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School by Britta Teckentrup (9/15/2020; ISBN: 9783791374420; Hardcover $19.95; Ages 8+) takes readers inside a busy school to follow different students through their day–in class, during free time, at lunch, and through swimming lessons. 

We come across a variety of faces and expressions that reflect the enormous range of emotions and experiences that each school day brings. There are arguments and hurt feelings, encouraging hugs and deeply felt smiles. The gentle text explores issues that we’ve all encountered–bullying and loneliness as well as friendship and achievement. While the school in this book could exist anywhere, young readers will recognize themselves in this beautifully and compassionately wrought story by bestselling author Britta Teckentrup, whose warm and wonderfully detailed illustrations are a marvelous portal to feelings, facts, and fun. 


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The House of Happy Spirits by Geraldine Elschner and illustrated by Lucie Vandevelde (9/15/2020; ISBN: 9783791374543; Hardcover $14.95; Ages 4+) is filled with color-saturated illustrations that echo Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s bold style, introducing young readers to the idea of environmentally conscious and playful architecture. 

When construction starts on a new building in Lea’s neighborhood, she fears that her favorite tree will be chopped down. For days she watches anxiously as the tree is covered up and surrounded by bricks. Finally, she learns that the tree has been spared and made the centerpiece of a fantastic new building, where it will live a long and healthy life. Lucie Vandevelde’s joyful drawings convey a kid’s-eye view of city life, complete with people, pets, automobiles, and machinery. As the new building emerges, readers will come to learn about some of Hundertwasser’s celebrated and offbeat principles–such as the rights of tenants to paint the walls outside of their windows, that trees should be given their own rooms, and that “straight lines lead to the downfall of humanity.” A brief biography of Hundertwasser at the end of the book fills readers in on the work of this pioneering artist whose ideas were once radical but are now integrated into many architectural concepts.


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The Scary Book by Thierry Dedieu (9/15/2020; ISBN: 9783791374642; Hardcover $12.95; Ages 3+) is an oversized lift-the-flap board book that shows children what’s hiding inside some creepy creatures. 

Snakes, bats, and spiders aren’t that frightening–but just wait till you see what they’re like on the inside! This delightfully ghoulish book is filled to the brim with creatures perfect for some Halloween fun. Whether it’s a big bad wolf or a skeletal ghost, each monster is hiding its really horrible side beneath a foldable flap. Lift the foldout on the crab to reveal sharp teeth and tentacle tongues or pull down the flap on the spider to discover its recently caught snacks. Thierry Dedieu’s colorful illustrations bring humor and lightheartedness to many spine-chilling creatures. A perfect blend of silly and scary, this big board book helps kids overcome their worries with laughter. Encourage your children to embrace their spooky side with this Halloween treat!


The Little Dancer by Geraldine Elschner and illustrated by Olivier Desvaux 

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One of Degas’s most celebrated works comes to life in The Little Dancer by Geraldine Elschner and illustrated by Olivier Desvaux (9/22/2020; ISBN: 9783791374499; Hardcover $14.95; Ages 4+), a vibrantly illustrated story of the young ballerina who inspired the artist. 

This book tells the fictional story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. Jeanne auditions at the Opera Garnier and moves with her mother, a laundress, to Montmartre where life becomes consumed by rehearsals and classes. One day she meets Mr. D, an artist who asks Jeanne to be his model. As Mr. D works on his sculpture, Jeanne prepares tirelessly for an important performance. The book culminates with Jeanne triumphing at the Opera–and Mr. D completing his sculpture with her help. Olivier Desvaux’s gorgeous illustrations, which recall Degas paintings, bring readers into Jeanne’s world–the studio where she spends her days, the tiny apartment where she sleeps with her mother, and Mr. D’s atelier, where he preserves her story forever. Readers will learn about the life of a young dancer in 19th-century Paris, and at the end of the book they will learn even more about one Degas’s most intriguing works: Little Dancer Aged Fourteen, the only sculpture he exhibited in his lifetime, particularly beloved for capturing the essence of a ballerina.


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This Thing Called Life by Christian Borstlap (10/6/2020; ISBN: 9783791374437; Hardcover $17.95; Ages 5+) shows the many shapes and forms life takes all around us, from the smallest specks of life to the largest creatures.

What is life? It’s constantly moving, growing, reproducing, and dying. It’s happening now, all the time, and it’s everywhere around us. From little helicopter seed pods that float through the air to blue whales in the ocean, the world is filled with all different types of odd and familiar kinds of life. This whimsical picture book helps young readers see the connections between all living things. Author and illustrator Christian Borstlap’s furry, feathery, smooth, and spiky creatures crawl, eat, growl, fly, and interact with one another. While most of his creations are imaginary animals, they all depict real things that organisms must do to survive and thrive. Bold and quirky illustrations tug at kids’ imaginations and help demonstrate complex concepts that can be hard to put into words. The book leaves lots of room for discussion and for new discoveries with each reading.


The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story

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The imprint’s inaugural title is The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story by Rabbis Kerry Olitzky and Jesse Olitzky and illustrated by Jen Kostman (9/1/2020; ISBN: 978-0-9988527-5-1; Hardcover $17.99; Ages 4-11; 32 pages). A new perspective on an ancient tradition, this picture book introduces kids to Little Flicker, the smallest Hanukkah candle. As all the candles vie to be the first lit, the wisest of them, Waxy, tells the history of Hanukkah and the significance of each candle in the menorah. However, Little Flicker cares more about supporting his friends than being the first chosen. Because of this selflessness and compassion, Waxy gives Little Flicker the important task and honor of being his helper – the Shamash — which lights all the other candles and takes the highest and central place on the menorah.

This uplifting tale is a perfect Hanukkah gift for families to treasure year after year, showing young readers – in the true spirit of the season — that no matter how small they are, with the right attitude and a kind heart, they can make a big difference.

Four more titles are planned for March 2021: A Snake, a Flood, a Hidden Baby: Bible Stories for Children by Meir Shalev, illustrated by Emanuele Luzzati, and translated by Ilana Kurshan (978-0-9988527-9-9); Not So Fast, Max: A Rosh Hashanah Visit with Grandma by Annettee Schottenfeld and illustrated by Jennifer Kirkham (978-1-7350875-1-1); Sarah’s Solo by Tracy Brown and illustrated by Paula Wegman (978-1-7350875-0-4); and Soosie, The Horse that Saved Shabbat by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt (978-0-9988527-7-5).


My Life in the Fish Tank 

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This Fall, from acclaimed author Barbara Dee comes a powerful and moving story of learning how to grow, change, and survive: My Life in the Fish Tank (Aladdin; 9/15/20; ISBN: 978-1534432338; Hardcover $17.99; Ages 9-13; 320 pages).

An early morning phone call during Thanksgiving break turns twelve-year-old Zinny’s world upside-down. Her older brother Gabriel has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, after his erratic behavior at college culminated in a car accident. Her parents ask Zinny and her siblings to keep Gabriel’s diagnosis private, a request Zinny doesn’t really understand but tries to follow. Unfortunately, this leaves her without a support system to help process her confusing feelings and cope with the changes at home. 

Struggling with her family’s secret, Zinny begins to push her best friends away and keeps quiet during “Lunch Club,” run by the school counselor. The only place she truly feels comfortable is science class, where the students are doing experiments with crayfish and her teacher Ms. Molina encourages her interests and curiosity. When Zinny is offered the chance to attend her dream summer camp on marine biology, she doesn’t know what to do. How can she go when her family still needs her help?

My Life in the Fish Tank gives young readers a language and frame of reference to talk about mental health, in an empathetic and accessible way. Dee brings her trademark nuance, insight, and authentic tween voice to a topic that has likely touched many middle graders’ lives, but which is often stigmatized. Zinny’s uncertainty and loneliness ring true, as she learns how helpful – and often necessary – it is to share her feelings and fears with the people she trusts, and that there is no shame in mental illness or in reaching out for help.


The Ninth Night of Hanukkah 

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The Ninth Night of Hanukkah is a joyful tale offering a special perspective on Hanukkah traditions as it shows children and reminds parents that, like the shamash, individual people have the power to spark change and brighten the lives of those around them. Its celebration of unsung helpers is particularly timely, as we honor the healthcare and other essential workers who are risking their lives during this unprecedented time.

It’s Hanukkah, and Max and Rachel are excited to light the menorah in their family’s new apartment. But, unfortunately, their Hanukkah box is missing. So now they have no menorah, candles, dreidels, or, well, anything! Luckily, their neighbors are happy to help, offering thoughtful and often humorous stand-in items each night. And then, just as Hanukkah is about to end, Max and Rachel, inspired by the shamash (“helper”) candle, have a brilliant idea: they’re going to celebrate the Ninth Night of Hanukkah as a way to say thanks to everyone who’s helped them!

This is not only a heartwarming and fun story, it’s also an invitation to join in a beautiful new Hanukkah tradition: celebrating a ninth night with new neighbors and friends! The book includes a guide to celebrate your own “Shamash night” – even if you’re not Jewish.

Perl was inspired to write The Ninth Night of Hanukkah (Sterling Children’s Books; 9/15/20; ISBN: 978-1454940883; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3+; 40 pages) by a conversation with her daughters in which they questioned why the shamash wasn’t given its own (ninth) night of honor after spending eight nights helping the other candles. Hanukkah is the perfect time to show appreciation for those who help others and the world at large, and if it means keeping the menorah and the latke pan out for one more night to do so — well, who can argue with that?

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Christopher holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from Duquesne University and has been acting and writing for over 20 years. His articles have appeared in many publications including Advantage, American Builders Quarterly, Anchorage Daily News, Canadian Builders Quarterly, Canadian Executive Quarterly, Chartiers Valley Magazine, Cranberry Magazine, Energy International Quarterly, Focus Magazine, Green Business Quarterly, Hispanic Executive Quarterly, Northern Connection Magazine, North Hills Monthly Magazine, Observer-Reporter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Profile, Recovery Solutions, Standard-Speaker, The Strip Magazine, and Western Pennsylvania Healthcare News.