New Titles

The salt thief : Gandhi's heroic march to freedom /

Bascomb, Neal,


The dramatic story of Gandhi and India's long march to freedom by award-winning author Neal Bascomb.Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future.In 1930, the Indian people, long ruled by their British occupiers, were at a breaking point. No more could many stand the terrible demands of colonial rule. At this pivotal moment, Mohandas Gandhi, who had suffered firsthand for decades the cruelty of his oppressors, saw an opportunity to win his people's freedom. And so, Gandhi led a small band of his followers on a grueling march from his ashram in western India to the Arabian Sea. After 24 days and 241 miles under a withering sun, the marchers arrived on the Dandi seashore. There, Gandhi scooped up a handful of salt to protest the much-hated British salt tax, demonstrating to the world the injustice of Britain's yoke and setting the stage for a popular national uprising.In the dramatic months that followed, Gandhi led acts of nonviolent resistance against the British Raj across the country that would eventually culminate in a brutal crackdown. But Gandhi and those who bravely stood with him faced arrest, beatings, and even bullets without ever raising a hand in retaliation.These events inspired India to demand its liberty from Britain, awakened the world to a movement that would forever change the course of history, and inspired generations of freedom fighters all over the globe.Award-winning author Neal Bascomb chronicles what was arguably Gandhi's most notable campaign in his struggle for India's independence. His focus on nonviolent protest and revolutionary action introduces young readers to a pivotal historical moment with timely implications for today's world.
Date Published:2024

The dramatic story of Gandhi and India's long march to freedom by award-winning author Neal Bascomb.Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future.In 1930, the Indian people, long ruled by their British occupiers, were at a breaking point. No more could many stand the terrible demands of colonial rule. At this pivotal moment, Mohandas Gandhi, who had suffered firsthand for decades the cruelty of his oppressors, saw an opportunity to win his people's freedom. And so, Gandhi led a small band of his followers on a grueling march from his ashram in western India to the Arabian Sea. After 24 days and 241 miles under a withering sun, the marchers arrived on the Dandi seashore. There, Gandhi scooped up a handful of salt to protest the much-hated British salt tax, demonstrating to the world the injustice of Britain's yoke and setting the stage for a popular national uprising.In the dramatic months that followed, Gandhi led acts of nonviolent resistance against the British Raj across the country that would eventually culminate in a brutal crackdown. But Gandhi and those who bravely stood with him faced arrest, beatings, and even bullets without ever raising a hand in retaliation.These events inspired India to demand its liberty from Britain, awakened the world to a movement that would forever change the course of history, and inspired generations of freedom fighters all over the globe.Award-winning author Neal Bascomb chronicles what was arguably Gandhi's most notable campaign in his struggle for India's independence. His focus on nonviolent protest and revolutionary action introduces young readers to a pivotal historical moment with timely implications for today's world.

Date Published:2024

The hybrid prince

Sutherland, Tui, 1978-


A section of unnumbered pages following the title page & the dedication includes "A guide to the dragons of Pyrrhia and Pantala" as well as a prologue. "Umber followed the clawmarks (if that's what they were), finding one every few trees until he reached what seemed to be the halfway point of the beach. To his left, the island curved away out of sight, and to his right, a stretch of craggy rocks trailed into the ocean and cut off the view beyond... And here, at the midpoint, the clawmarks changed. Umber felt a chill run through his scales. There were words carved into the trees. Not safe here, the jagged letters read. Keep going."-- The #1 New York Times best-selling series is back with a brand new tale! Discover what happens next in this thrilling addition to the Wings of Fire saga, where one of its biggest secrets will be revealed. In the and highly-anticipated sixteenth book, beloved author Tui T. Sutherland will answer the question her fans have been asking her for years.
Date Published:2026

A section of unnumbered pages following the title page & the dedication includes "A guide to the dragons of Pyrrhia and Pantala" as well as a prologue. "Umber followed the clawmarks (if that's what they were), finding one every few trees until he reached what seemed to be the halfway point of the beach. To his left, the island curved away out of sight, and to his right, a stretch of craggy rocks trailed into the ocean and cut off the view beyond... And here, at the midpoint, the clawmarks changed. Umber felt a chill run through his scales. There were words carved into the trees. Not safe here, the jagged letters read. Keep going."-- The #1 New York Times best-selling series is back with a brand new tale! Discover what happens next in this thrilling addition to the Wings of Fire saga, where one of its biggest secrets will be revealed. In the and highly-anticipated sixteenth book, beloved author Tui T. Sutherland will answer the question her fans have been asking her for years.

Date Published:2026

Lightfall. 4, A place between

Probert, Tim,


"Bea, Cad, and their friends continue their quest to restore light on their dark world. After surviving a shipwreck on the Fuerre Sea, Cad washes ashore on the shores of Pellidyr. There, he searches for Lorgon, the Water Spirit, but instead finds the other spirits of Irpa who question if their planet can be saved. One of them offers to help Cad and transports him to A Place Between, a strange liminal realm between the living and the dead, where Cad works to uncover the reason Lorgon summoned them to Pellidyr in the first place. Meanwhile, Bea awakens within the walls of the capital city. While Pellidyr's leader has heard the tales of Bea's derring-do and believes her to be a hero with all the answers, she's never felt more uncertain about the future. What she does know is that she can't accomplish anything without her crew. When Bea's escape plan also brings her to A Place Between, she makes a shocking discovery that changes her understanding of everything that came before her...and what could soon follow"--
Date Published:2026

"Bea, Cad, and their friends continue their quest to restore light on their dark world. After surviving a shipwreck on the Fuerre Sea, Cad washes ashore on the shores of Pellidyr. There, he searches for Lorgon, the Water Spirit, but instead finds the other spirits of Irpa who question if their planet can be saved. One of them offers to help Cad and transports him to A Place Between, a strange liminal realm between the living and the dead, where Cad works to uncover the reason Lorgon summoned them to Pellidyr in the first place. Meanwhile, Bea awakens within the walls of the capital city. While Pellidyr's leader has heard the tales of Bea's derring-do and believes her to be a hero with all the answers, she's never felt more uncertain about the future. What she does know is that she can't accomplish anything without her crew. When Bea's escape plan also brings her to A Place Between, she makes a shocking discovery that changes her understanding of everything that came before her...and what could soon follow"--

Date Published:2026

The portal keeper

Robertson, David, 1977-


Eli and Morgan experience life-changing revelations in this adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
Date Published:2023

The sleeping giant

Robertson, David, 1977-


A title in the Indigenous Collection at VPL. To save the animal beings of Ministik, Eli joins forces with the leader of the Bird Warriors, and journeying across the North Country, Eli must fight for his life and the lives of his friends and family-- and come to terms with only being part human.
Date Published:2024

Demon slayer = Kimetsu no yaiba. 2, It was you

Gotoge, Koyoharu, 1988-


Translated from the Japanese. During final selection for the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro faces a disfigured demon and uses the techniques taught by his master, Urokodaki! As Tanjiro begins to walk the path of the Demon Slayer, his search for the demon who murdered his family leads him to investigate the disappearances of young girls in a nearby town.
Date Published:2018

Demon slayer = Kimetsu no yaiba. 3, Believe in yourself

Gotoge, Koyoharu, 1988-


Translated from Japanese. In Taisho-era Japan, Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who makes a living selling charcoal. But his peaceful life is shattered when a demon slaughters his entire family. His little sister Nezuko is the only survivor, but she has been transformed into a demon herself! Tanjiro sets out on a dangerous journey to find a way to return his sister to normal and destroy the demon who ruined his life. Tanjiro and Nezuko cross paths with two powerful demons who fight with magical weapons. Even help from Tamayo and Yushiro may not be enough to defeat these demons who claim to belong to the Twelve Kizuki that directly serve Kibutsuji, the demon responsible for all of Tanjiro's woes! But if these demons can be defeated, what secrets can they reveal about Kibutsuji?
Date Published:2018

Translated from Japanese. In Taisho-era Japan, Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who makes a living selling charcoal. But his peaceful life is shattered when a demon slaughters his entire family. His little sister Nezuko is the only survivor, but she has been transformed into a demon herself! Tanjiro sets out on a dangerous journey to find a way to return his sister to normal and destroy the demon who ruined his life. Tanjiro and Nezuko cross paths with two powerful demons who fight with magical weapons. Even help from Tamayo and Yushiro may not be enough to defeat these demons who claim to belong to the Twelve Kizuki that directly serve Kibutsuji, the demon responsible for all of Tanjiro's woes! But if these demons can be defeated, what secrets can they reveal about Kibutsuji?

Date Published:2018

Zion unmatched

Clark, Zion,


This stunning photographic essay showcases Zion Clark's ferocious athleticism and undaunted spirit. It features striking, visually arresting images and an approachable and engaging text cowritten by New York Times best-selling journalist James S. Hirsch, including pieces of advice that have motivated Zion toward excellence and passages from Zion himself. The book explores Zion's journey from a childhood lost in the foster care system to his hard-fought rise as a high school wrestler to his current rigorous training to prepare as an elite athlete on the world stage. Included are a biography and a note from Zion.
Date Published:2021

This stunning photographic essay showcases Zion Clark's ferocious athleticism and undaunted spirit. It features striking, visually arresting images and an approachable and engaging text cowritten by New York Times best-selling journalist James S. Hirsch, including pieces of advice that have motivated Zion toward excellence and passages from Zion himself. The book explores Zion's journey from a childhood lost in the foster care system to his hard-fought rise as a high school wrestler to his current rigorous training to prepare as an elite athlete on the world stage. Included are a biography and a note from Zion.

Date Published:2021

Sisters

Telgemeier, Raina.


"Three weeks. Two sisters. One car. A true story. Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years. But when a baby brother enters the picture, and later, when something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all."--Publisher information
Date Published:2014

"Three weeks. Two sisters. One car. A true story. Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years. But when a baby brother enters the picture, and later, when something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all."--Publisher information

Date Published:2014

The journey

Taylor, J.


The road ahead stretches for hundreds of kilometres, and this time Charlotte and Anna will need more than luck to survive-they will need to summon all the resilience, determination and willpower they possess. Every ounce of strength will be tested as they struggle through a land they have never encountered, a vast and unforgiving place where the cold bites hard and the paths seem endless. Behind them lurk shadows-pursuers who will drag them back if given the chance. Or worse, silence them. What began as a desperate escape has become a journey driven by the pull of home, and although every step is haunted with uncertainty, even in their bleakest moments, the will to go on pushes Charlotte and Anna forward. For beyond the mountains and frozen fields lay their country, where men and women of the Resistance stand against the enemy-unyielding, determined to defend what is theirs.
Date Published:2025

The road ahead stretches for hundreds of kilometres, and this time Charlotte and Anna will need more than luck to survive-they will need to summon all the resilience, determination and willpower they possess. Every ounce of strength will be tested as they struggle through a land they have never encountered, a vast and unforgiving place where the cold bites hard and the paths seem endless. Behind them lurk shadows-pursuers who will drag them back if given the chance. Or worse, silence them. What began as a desperate escape has become a journey driven by the pull of home, and although every step is haunted with uncertainty, even in their bleakest moments, the will to go on pushes Charlotte and Anna forward. For beyond the mountains and frozen fields lay their country, where men and women of the Resistance stand against the enemy-unyielding, determined to defend what is theirs.

Date Published:2025

Discovering first peoples and first contacts

Francis, Daniel


Cover title.
Date Published:2000

Cabot : John Cabot and the journey to North America

Doak, Robin S. 1963-.


Man of mystery -- A life on the sea -- In King Henry's service -- Setting sail for Asia -- The New Founde Land -- A hero's welcome -- To sea for the last time.
Date Published:2003

Everybody's different on everybody street

Fitch, Sheree.


Produced to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Trees in support of the Nova Scotia Hospital. "If ever you go traveling - On EveryBody Street - You'll see EveryBody's - Different - Than EveryOne you meet..." Sheree Fitch's playful words lead you into this beautiful children's book and invite you to celebrate our gifts, our weaknesses, our differences, and our sameness. Fitch displays her wit and mastery of words in quick, rollicking rhymes that are complimented by Laura Jolicoeur's lively illustrations.
Date Published:2001

Produced to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Trees in support of the Nova Scotia Hospital. "If ever you go traveling - On EveryBody Street - You'll see EveryBody's - Different - Than EveryOne you meet..." Sheree Fitch's playful words lead you into this beautiful children's book and invite you to celebrate our gifts, our weaknesses, our differences, and our sameness. Fitch displays her wit and mastery of words in quick, rollicking rhymes that are complimented by Laura Jolicoeur's lively illustrations.

Date Published:2001

Guts

Telgemeier, Raina,


Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on? Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face--and conquer--her fears.
Date Published:2019

Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on? Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face--and conquer--her fears.

Date Published:2019

Drama

Telgemeier, Raina.


Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier! Following the success of SMILE, Raina Telgemeier brings us another graphic novel featuring a diverse set of characters that humorously explores friendship, crushes, and all-around drama!
Date Published:2012

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier! Following the success of SMILE, Raina Telgemeier brings us another graphic novel featuring a diverse set of characters that humorously explores friendship, crushes, and all-around drama!

Date Published:2012

Nat for nothing

Scrivan, Maria,


Natalie is having a rough start to the school year. Each student has been asked to join an extracurricular activity, and Nat's two best friends have no trouble finding activities that interest them. So now Zoe and Lily are always together, and Nat's over it! Nat's feeling betrayed, and she still hasn't found a club to join. But when Nat meets a new student who's having the same difficulty choosing a club, they decide to create one together. Could this be the solution to her problem?
Date Published:2023

Natalie is having a rough start to the school year. Each student has been asked to join an extracurricular activity, and Nat's two best friends have no trouble finding activities that interest them. So now Zoe and Lily are always together, and Nat's over it! Nat's feeling betrayed, and she still hasn't found a club to join. But when Nat meets a new student who's having the same difficulty choosing a club, they decide to create one together. Could this be the solution to her problem?

Date Published:2023

The superteacher project

Korman, Gordon,


It's the start of a new school year and Oliver is looking forward to a seventh-grade year full of spitballs, jokes and pranks with his friend Nathan. And their new homeroom teacher, Mr. Aidact, looks like a prime target. He's an odd duck -- with a weird, stilted vocabulary, an unusual way of looking at things, and a strangely old student teacher constantly in tow. He also has a seemingly superhuman ability to detect and defuse almost every one of Oliver's schemes. But that's not all of it. Mr. Aidact seems to be teaching pretty much every subject. He's willing to take over jobs no other teacher will, like supervising detention and coaching the field hockey team. Oliver and Nathan are determined to find out what is up with this guy. What they uncover is out of this world! Mr. Aidact is, in fact, superhuman -- he's an android, a secret project of the Department of Education. And when the secret leaks out, the school and the PTA are in an uproar, and calls for his "deactivation" are loud and clear. Can Oliver and his friends turn this plan around and save the teacher they've grown to love and appreciate?
Date Published:2023

It's the start of a new school year and Oliver is looking forward to a seventh-grade year full of spitballs, jokes and pranks with his friend Nathan. And their new homeroom teacher, Mr. Aidact, looks like a prime target. He's an odd duck -- with a weird, stilted vocabulary, an unusual way of looking at things, and a strangely old student teacher constantly in tow. He also has a seemingly superhuman ability to detect and defuse almost every one of Oliver's schemes. But that's not all of it. Mr. Aidact seems to be teaching pretty much every subject. He's willing to take over jobs no other teacher will, like supervising detention and coaching the field hockey team. Oliver and Nathan are determined to find out what is up with this guy. What they uncover is out of this world! Mr. Aidact is, in fact, superhuman -- he's an android, a secret project of the Department of Education. And when the secret leaks out, the school and the PTA are in an uproar, and calls for his "deactivation" are loud and clear. Can Oliver and his friends turn this plan around and save the teacher they've grown to love and appreciate?

Date Published:2023

Rick Hansen : man in motion

Hansen, Rick, 1957-



Date Published:1988

Lightfall. 1, The girl & the Galdurian

Probert, Tim.


For fans of Amulet and middle grade readers who love sweeping worlds like Star Wars, the first book of the Lightfall series introduces Bea and Cad, two unlikely friends who get swept up in an epic quest to save their world from falling into eternal darkness.
Date Published:2020

Impossible escape : a true story of survival and heroism in Nazi Europe

Sheinkin, Steve,


Prologue: leaving home -- Part I: Capture -- Part II: Survival -- Part III: Escape -- Epilogue: The story is the thing. It is 1944. A teenager named Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba has made up his mind. After barely surviving nearly two years in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, he knows he must escape. Even if death is more likely. Rudi has learned the terrible secret hidden behind the heavily guarded fences of concentration camps across Nazi-occupied Europe: the methodical mass killing of Jewish prisoners. As trains full of people arrive daily, Rudi knows that the murders won't stop until he reveals the truth to the world--and that each day that passes means more lives are lost. Lives like Rudi's schoolmate Gerta Sidonoáv. Gerta's family fled from Slovakia to Hungary, where they live under assumed names to hide their Jewish identity. But Hungary is beginning to cave under pressure from German Nazis. Her chances of survival become slimmer by the day. The clock is ticking. As Gerta inches closer to capture, Rudi and his friend Alfred Wetzler begin their crucial steps towards an impossible escape. This is the true story of one of the most famous whistleblowers in the world, and how his death-defying escape helped save over 100,000 lives.
Date Published:2023

Prologue: leaving home -- Part I: Capture -- Part II: Survival -- Part III: Escape -- Epilogue: The story is the thing. It is 1944. A teenager named Rudolph (Rudi) Vrba has made up his mind. After barely surviving nearly two years in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, he knows he must escape. Even if death is more likely. Rudi has learned the terrible secret hidden behind the heavily guarded fences of concentration camps across Nazi-occupied Europe: the methodical mass killing of Jewish prisoners. As trains full of people arrive daily, Rudi knows that the murders won't stop until he reveals the truth to the world--and that each day that passes means more lives are lost. Lives like Rudi's schoolmate Gerta Sidonoáv. Gerta's family fled from Slovakia to Hungary, where they live under assumed names to hide their Jewish identity. But Hungary is beginning to cave under pressure from German Nazis. Her chances of survival become slimmer by the day. The clock is ticking. As Gerta inches closer to capture, Rudi and his friend Alfred Wetzler begin their crucial steps towards an impossible escape. This is the true story of one of the most famous whistleblowers in the world, and how his death-defying escape helped save over 100,000 lives.

Date Published:2023