Social Pressure

Teased by their friends that "No one will ever know", Johnny and Janie ignore their parents' warnings about the big, bad wolf. Wanting big, delicious acorns, they lie to their parents and sneak out one night to Mr. Smith's farm. Their delightful meal suddenly ends by being chased by a very hungry wolf.

To grow up to be big, little lions have to learn survival skills, but the cub Sangu doesn’t want to listen to Papa and Mama’s lessons - he just wants to play. Getting lost while escaping a charging rhino, Sangu learned how unprepared he really was to be out on his own. Befriended by some kind gazelles, Sangu didn’t have the slightest idea as to what a lion should be. After being taunted by his friends, Sangu finally learned to be assertive, to value learning, to listen to his parents, and to respect himself.

Eighth grade inventor Natalie Edwards doesn’t mind that her classmates cringe at her inspirational sayings and monochromatic outfits. Her parent’s love and the support of her three best friends make it easy to ignore the eye rolls and head shakes. But after her invention, the Texty-Talky, goes nationwide, the media considers her the new “IT” girl and it changes everything at school, at home, and with her friends. Then a reporter prints a story about Natalie’s unfortunate graffiti incident and even her squeaky clean reputation is shattered.

Devin wants to hit it big on the Internet by pulling a stunt at an NBA game - one the entire nation will be watching. Addison can't turn Devin down, but he can barely manage talking to his teachers without freezing up. How's he supposed to handle the possibility of being a viral sensation? Addi's not sure why Devin is bent on pulling off this almost-impossible feat. It's risky for both of them, and when the big day finally comes, Devin's plan threatens more than just their friendship.

Charlie Lewis is really good at math. So good that he’s approached by a mysterious woman who needs his help. The woman is carrying an incredible item: An actual moon rock, one of the most valuable objects on Earth, and she’s investigating the theft of a box of moon rocks from NASA’s vault at the Johnson Space Center and believes the stolen rocks are now in the possession of a former astronaut. Although she claims to work at NASA, Charlie suspects she is something else.

Charlie Lewis is a nerd. All he’s ever been good at is math - and he’s really good at math. So good that he’s recruited by a group of kids determined to game the system at the biggest theme park in the world - and win the grand prize. Soon Charlie is caught up in the excitement and thrill of using his math skills for awesomeness, but what’s at stake may be more than he’s willing to risk. How far will Charlie go for a chance at the ultimate reward?

Seventh grade was supposed to be Alli's breakout year, only her big debut ends up being a big disaster. Then queen bee Rachel Delaney takes Alli under her wing, and Alli finds herself in the inner circle of seventh-grade cool. But the inner circle is nothing like Alli expected, and ugliness lurks behind the prettiest faces. Can Alli figure out where she fits in, or will she get caught up in the glamour of running with the in-crowd?

The Johnsons are becoming country music stars. They're on TV and the radio - and it's all because of James. His voice and his guitar playing bring the songs to life, and make the audiences beg for more. Most kids would love it. Not James. He's had to change his name to "Jimmy Jo", dress in clothes he hates, and turn into someone else. Will he ever be able to cope with the fame?

Eleven-year-old Kieran wants to be part of the in-group at school. He wants to be on the soccer team. He wants to fit in. But then his weird cousin Bon turns up, both at school and at home. Bon's mom hasn't taken good care of him, and he knows nothing about fitting in, with his long blond braid, babyish hand-knit hat, and funny, precise voice. Bon doesn't play sports and likes to draw imaginary maps with stories about "Bon the Crusader" and "Kieran the Brave." No wonder the boys call him Rapunzel and throw his stuff around!

Every student feels stress and anxiety in school at one time or another. It can present itself in a strict teacher's classroom, while trying to complete a test or assignment, or when having to make a speech or presentation. This title examines the causes, signs, and symptoms of academic anxiety and describes how to manage it, as well as how to help a friend or sibling who is struggling with the pressures of academic life.

Jane wants the life of a dolphin. Wild. Graceful. Free. But these days her life is nothing like that. Between her mother's strict rules and the cliques at school, she feels strapped in a child-sized life vest. It's not until Jane gets a tattoo and befriends popular Sam Rojas, a star on the school's swim team, that her life feels freer. She begins to wonder: Is there a way to be myself and not be alone?

Thirteen-year-old Aaron was chosen to save their world, but it might come at the cost of losing his own... Breaking into an old lady's basement was supposed to reward Aaron with new friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another world - one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft and invited to a bonfire - where he's the main attraction. If that's not bad enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town... literally.

Oy lives in America now, but she loves to go to the back room of Pak's auto shop on Saturdays to learn traditional Thai dances. She loves it almost as much as being a member of the Quail Club - five friends who gather after school to hatch and care for baby quail. When the teacher announces a talent show, Oy knows how proud her family and Pak would be to see her step onstage in her beautiful gold-threaded dress from Thailand. But bossy Liliandra vows to kick her out of the Quail Club....

The third volume in the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series gives more love, support, and inspiration for the series' loyal teen readers. More and more, life is a struggle for teens. Not just dealing with the tragedies that seem to plague them so often, but also handling the daily pressures that pervade their lives. This book, like the first two volumes in the series, will help them, and will serve as their guide and constant companion.

School baseball hero Kurt Kelton immediately befriends the new girl in town...and soon develops a crush on her. But Annie isn’t interested in crushes, or boys for that matter. She’s an amazing athlete. So amazing that Kurt invites her to try out for the boy’s school baseball team. Well, the boys are in for a rude awakening. Annie is good. So good that she’s better than all of them. So what’s a school to do when their best athlete is a girl? Easy. They make her captain.

So you think your mom is embarrassing? You won’t after you meet mine. She’s the co-host of a morning television show and her host chat has covered everything I’ve done from puking on my piano teacher’s shoes to gluing antlers on my head. But I’ve got the microphone now and I’m doing weekly commentaries on my school’s broadcast/podcast. Don’t get me wrong - mom’s awesome, and I’d never really want to freak her out. But if viewers get to hear about my private life, why can’t I dish about Mom’s new boyfriend, or how dorky she is as a school volunteer?

Augie Boretski knows how to get by. If you're a scrawny loser in the destitute city of Camden, New Jersey, you keep your head down, avoid the drug dealers and thugs, and try your best to be invisible. Augie used to be good at that, but suddenly his life is changing....

After Massie Block gets kicked off her high horse and out of her ultra exclusive Westchester riding camp, her parents force her to do the unthinkable-find a summer job. Not one for dog-walking or brat-sitting, Massie comes up with the ah-bvious solution: She'll be a sales rep for the cosmetics brand Be Pretty. Massie fully hearts her new role as fairy gawdmother of makeup-until she discovers transforming LBRs into glam-girls takes more than a swish of her royal purple mascara wand.

The Fish That Got Away! by award-winning author B. E. Bacon is a fun, best-selling book about a little boy named Jack. Jack is going fishing for the first time with his two older brothers. Jack has a dream of catching a big fish and he wants to prove to his older brothers that he can do it. Jack's brothers tease him in his early attempts but Jack is not discouraged and keeps trying.

When Lisa walks home from school with two new girls, they break an elderly couple's window. Lisa feels bad about the act of vandalism and takes steps to remedy the situation. Window Pains is a short story that was originally published in WINNER, a scholastic magazine endorsed by former Presidents and First Ladies. The aim of the periodical was to teach children preventative measures and instill positive behaviors that contribute to success in life.