Books with author James Howe

"If thirteen is supposed to be an unlucky number...you would think a civilized society could come up with a way for us to skip it." -- from "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" by Bruce Coville No one will want to skip any of the twelve short stories and one poem that make up this collection by some of the most celebrated contemporary writers of teen fiction. The big bar mitzvah that goes suddenly, wildly, hilariously out of control. A first kiss -- and a realization about one's sexual orientation. A crush on a girl that ends up putting the boy who likes her in the hospital. A pair of sneakers a kid has to have. By turns funny and sad, wrenching and poignant, the moments large and small described in these stories capture perfectly the agony and ecstasy of being thirteen.

In this “artfully crafted” (Publishers Weekly) companion to the bestselling The Misfits and Totally Joe, Addie Carle confronts labels, loss, and what it means to grow up.The Gang of Five is back in this third story from Paintbrush Falls. Addie Carle, the only girl in the group of friends is outspoken, opinionated, and sometimes…just a bit obnoxious. But as seventh grade progresses, Addie’s not so sure anymore about who she is. It seems her tough exterior is just a little too tough and that doesn’t help her deal with the turmoil she feels on the inside as she faces the pains of growing up. Told in elegant, accessible verse, ADDIE ON THE INSIDE gives readers a look at a strong, smart, and sensitive girl struggling with the box society wants to put her in. Addie confronts experiences many readers will relate to: the loss of a beloved pet, first heartbreak, teasing…but also, friendship, love, and a growing confidence in one’s self. You Are Who They Say You Are They say in the seventh grade you are who they say you are, but how can that be true? How can I be a /Godzilla-girl /lezzie loser /know-it-all/ big-mouth /beanpole /string bean/ freaky tall/ fall-down /spaz attack /brainiac /maniac/ hopeless nerd /*bad word*/brown-nosing /teacher’s pet/ showing off /just to get attention – oh, and did I mention: flat-chested… How can I be all that? It’s too many things to be. How can I be all that and still be true to the real me while everyone is saying: This is who you are.

The Time is Near.The last thing Special Forces operator John Sunday expected to find taped to the body of a dead terrorist was a woman's portrait.The last thing Kat Devier expected to find beneath the paint was a lost gospel claiming the body of Jesus Christ is in a cave in Jordan.The clues lead to a cold, clay jar sealed in mud and kept hidden in the darkness for thousands of years. But what’s inside?And why does a man who cannot die walk the earth in search of it? The Last Disciple is a terrifying hunt across the sands of time for the hidden plans of gods and devils. Once revealed, John Sunday’s demons, and yours, will become real.And the great day of wrath shall come.For us all.Sometimes darkness is better than the light.

Maria Tirone is frightened. She's in the hospital, about to undergo open heart surgery. And no one -- not her friends, not her family, not even her doctors -- can tell her what to expect.Then she meets Donald, badly disfigured in a fire years before.The other kids in the hospital call him Monster Man, and tell Maria to stay away from him. But Maria sees the human being hidden behind Donald's scars and his bitterness, and finds in him what she needs most of all -- answers to her questions, and a friend.

"Everybody says you and Colin were kissing." "What? That's ridiculous!" "For heaven's sake, Joe, if you and Colin want to kiss, you have every right to." "We did not kiss," I told her. Addie shrugged. "Whatever." What was it with my friends? From the creator of The Misfits, the book that inspired NATIONAL NO NAME-CALLING WEEK, comes the story of Joe Bunch....

It's Halloween night and spooky things are going on at the Monroe house. The wind is howling. The walls are creaking. Howie, the little dachshund, is scared silly. And Chester, of course, is sure the vampire bunny, Bunnicula, is up to something. Harold would just as soon sleep through the whole scary night, but then a witch sneaks into the Monroes' kitchen and starts stirring up a witch's brew. Will Bunnicula be its main ingredient? Before you say BOO! it's Harold, Chester, and Howie to the rescue.

Skeezie Tookis navigates a pivotal summer of first crushes and tough choices in this conclusion to the bestselling and acclaimed quartet that began with The Misfits.Skeezie Tookis, also known as Elvis, isn’t looking forward to this summer in Paintbrush Falls. While his best friends Bobby, Joe, and Addie are off on exciting adventures, he’s stuck at home, taking care of his sisters and working five days a week to help out his mom. True, he gets to hang out at the Candy Kitchen with the awesome HellomynameisSteffi, but he also has to contend with Kevin Hennessey’s never-ending bullying. And then there’s the confusing world of girls, especially hot-and-cold Becca, his maybe-crush. And the dog that he misses terribly. And the dad who left two years before, whom Skeezie is convinced is the cause of all his troubles. In the words of the King, Skeezie Tookis is All Shook Up. Skeezie’s got the leather jacket of a tough guy, but a heart of gold—and his story, the fourth and final chapter of the beloved Misfits series, is brimming with life’s tough choices, love in all directions, and enough sweet potato fries to go around.