Books with author Deborah Hale

Everyone in Muessa Junction hates Monalisa Kent. After all, she was the thickwit who blowtorched the futon factory—the town's heart, soul, and bread and butter. So what if she was just six at the time? Junctioners don't forgive and forget.And now it's the 10th anniversary of the blaze that fried Mona's supposed life. In the past 10 years, her bitter town resurrected itself through the divine intervention of the fast food industry. But there is no absolution for Mona—they still hate the sorry sight of her. And Mona doesn't like them either.At 16 she's dyed her hair blue, found her place at the local tattoo parlor, and taken to memorizing bumper sticker sayings instead of dealing with people. But disappearing is never that easy, especially with blue hair. And in her efforts to retreat, Mona has forgotten the oldest bumper sticker in the book: "No matter how deep you bury the past, it always climbs out to bite you in the butt."

Inspiring true stories about champions of climate change action—12 ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things to help save the planet for future generations. Guarding Eden tells the personal stories of 12 ordinary people who were so concerned about climate change that they altered their lives to do something about it. Some did quiet backroom work in research, drafted submissions, or wrote to politicians; others decided to go public, really public—one was part of the team occupying a 196-foot power-plant chimney, one went on a hunger strike publicized around the world, another started the Lock the Gate Alliance. They come from all walks of life: there's a nurse, a musician, an insurance broker, a teacher, a lawyer, a vet. Surprisingly touching, Guarding Eden makes an issue as complex and controversial as climate change feel human and deeply real.

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD SHERMIE THUFF is a Big Guy with a Big Dream— to become the most famous competitive eater in the world. But every big dream has to start somewhere, and Shermie’s determined to start his in the spotlight. If he can take first place in Nathan’s World Famous International hot dog eating competition, fame will be his. The catch? The current record is 53-1/2 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes. Shermie’s personal best? Seven. Clearly, Shermie has some training to do. . . . Only, no matter how hard he tries, he can’t get past nine measly wieners. Then, just when Shermie’s about to crack under the pressure, he gets his biggest shake-up of all: news that the 53-1/2 record holder is an itty-bitty, 130-pound guy. So Shermie vows to lose his restrictive Fat Belt the only way he knows how—with the help of Gardo, a weight-cutting fanatic determined to turn Big Shermie into a lean, mean eating-machine.From the Trade Paperback edition.

In 2004 Tasha, a German Shepherd Dog, entered the training program with Summit Assistance Dogs of Anacortes, Washington, a nonprofit organization that trains dogs to help people with disabilities. At the same time Cecily, a six-year-old with Cerebral Palsy, began her search for a canine pal and helpmate. This non-fiction book is the story of Tasha's training and eventual partnership with Cecily, and it both educates and entertains. This book is part of The Rainbow Series: Dogs who Help and is illustrated by color photographs of the actual people and animals involved. It is aimed at grades K-3.

Eddie Goes to Kindergarten is a children's book designed to help young students learn to read and to help educate them about dogs with jobs. While Eddie, a real life Standard Poodle, was in training to be a service dog with Summit Assistance Dogs he visited a kindergarten class to learn about many different careers he might consider if he didn't find service dog work to his liking. This book is part of The Rainbow Series: Dogs who Help and is illustrated by color photographs of the actual people and animals involved. It is aimed at grades K-3.