Social Life

The Origin of Species sold out on the first day of its publication in 1859. It is the major book of the 19th century and one of the most readable and accessible of the great revolutionary works of the scientific imagination. Though, in fact, little read, most people know what it says—at least they think they do. The Origin of Species was the first mature and persuasive work to explain how species change through the process of natural selection. Upon its publication, the book began to transform attitudes about society and religion.

Do you feel awkward when you are around people? You don’t really know what to say or how to start a conversation on a networking event? Having problems with your boss or employees and don’t know how to convince them to follow your lead? Do you want to improve the relationships with your spouse, confidants, or friends? Or would you just like to improve your people skills and your ability to create powerfully, lasting impressions on everyone you get in touch with from this day on?

Ella lives in a magical world full of unicorns and adventure, but when she misses the Big Goal in the Big Game, her friends join together to cheer her up. Join Noah, Sophia, Caden, and Ella as they learn that Big Magic starts with small acts of kindness. If someone needs a cleaning helper, be a cleaning helper. If someone needs a lunch buddy, be a lunch buddy. And if someone needs a taco. . .

Aidan is living in the court of King Darrow. He has become best friends with Darrow's son Steren, and he enjoys great favor among the courtiers. But King Darrow's suspicion is growing, and his insecurity causes him to hate the young man who saved his kingdom. Concerned about his king's spiral into ever-darker moods, Aidan asks what he can do to help. Darrow sends him on an impossible adventure to the recesses of Feechiefen Swamp, thinking he is sending Aidan to his death. After all, no Corenwalder has ever returned from Feechiefen alive.

Elizabeth Ann is being carefully brought up by her Aunt Frances. Aunt Frances shares in all Elizabeth Ann's fears and slights, walks her to and from school each day, and conscientiously follows the most modern theories on child-rearing. She is the original helicopter parent. Not surprisingly, at nine years old Elizabeth Ann is timid and shy, friendless, and completely dependent on her doting aunt. Then an emergency occurs, and the fearful little girl is temporarily sent to other relatives who live on a farm in Vermont.

In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming, lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret - until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don't get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave listeners wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.

Amelia Jones has always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to create musical magic. Unfortunately, Amelia botches her audition and her dream comes crashing down—until the school agrees to give her a second chance. Amelia vows to do whatever it takes to make her dream come true.

Fun sound effects and whimsical music help tell the funny story when Montague Morton Meriwether Smith arrives at a new school. What will happen during show and tell when one student’s pet snake gets out of the box? Follow along through each day of the week, and discover how this cool kid makes a special new friend.

Can the Wildcats' quarterback lead his team to victory against their football rivals? The Huskies are the biggest and best team in the conference. The Wildcats lose to them every year. But with their new quarterback, Carlos, the coach thinks they have a chance this year.

My friend Darius has a disability called dyslexia. But that doesn’t matter to us. We make our own comics, help each other with our homework, and volunteer at a nearby animal shelter. I’m glad Marius is my friend!

My friend Zack has a disability called autism. But that doesn’t matter to us. We talk about airplanes, build models, and enjoy hanging out at each other’s house. I’m glad Zack is my friend!

Jason never turns down a dare, which has gotten him in trouble more than once. After he gives some classmates a hard time, they challenge him to a BMX competition. Jason can't say no. But BMX is way harder than he thought. If he can't learn to ride before the competition, this dare will be his last.

Julia just changed schools. Luckily, her best friend, Ava, goes to her new school. Ava’s been on the cheerleading squad for two years, and she promised to help Julia make the team. But if Julia is a better cheerleader than Ava, will they still be able to be best friends?

There are five guys on the Wildcats who always start, and forward Daniel Friedland isn't one of them. But when the star forward goes on vacation, Daniel gets his chance at the spotlight. It's his turn to shine.

Fiona's new school doesn't have an ice hockey team, just field hockey! She decides to try out for field hockey anyway, but the sports have different rules. Will Fiona be able to stay on the team if she doesn't learn the rules?

Ramona loves sand volleyball but has a hard time being a team player. When she learns that the court will be destroyed by a plastic company, she must learn the importance of being part of a team.

Jeff has an anger problem. He doesn't know how to control his temper. One day, when his anger has almost gotten out of hand, he meets Logan, one of the captains of his school's wrestling team. Logan thinks Jeff would be a great wrestler. But can Jeff control his anger long enough to win a match?

Emily Starr had never known what it was to be lonely - until her beloved father died. In this, the first of the Emily novels, young Emily is orphaned and goes to live with her mother's snobbish relatives at New Moon Farm. Sure that she'll never be happy there, Emily endures her stern Aunt Elizabeth and malicious classmates by holding her head high and using her quick wit.

As the newest member of the BSC, Dawn is eager to prove herself. So when a big job comes along, she jumps at the chance to show everyone what she's made of. The Barretts are even more challenging than Dawn expected. The house is a mess, Mrs. Barrett is unreliable, and the kids are out of control. Dawn knows she's a great baby-sitter, but this is impossible! She only knows one thing for sure - a member of the BSC never gives up!

Mary Anne has never been a leader of the BSC. So when a fight breaks out among the club's four members, Mary Anne feels a little lost, unable to depend on Kristy, Stacey, or Claudia anymore. Sitting by herself in the cafeteria is bad enough; when Mary Anne has to baby-sit a sick child without any help from the club, she knows someone has to take action. It's time for Mary Anne to step in and save the day!