Books with author Jon McDonald

Hustle's personal Harlem was sorely in need of a renaissance. For him, it was the place where a scared kid named Eric Samson had been ditched by druggy parents and dismissed by frustrated teachers. Abandoned to the streets to raise himself, Eric Samson knows life won't be easy, beginning with the choices he must make. The fast cash of the streets still tempts him, but the threat of getting locked up – again – is daunting. Maybe Eric's way out is as Harlem Hustle, the rapper he dreams of being. At his side is Manley "Ride" Freeman, surrogate brother and best friend. And Jeannette Simpson, the college-bound "round-the-way" girl he hopes will be more than a friend. But does Eric have the strength to leave the familiar street life behind and the courage to reach for his dream?In her companion to Brother Hood, Janet McDonald once again captures the rhythms of Harlem in this fast, funny story of a restless teenager who uses the power of words to rise above it all.

This revolutionary new series of graphic novels re-tells classic literature for fans of the classics, comic book buffs, and reluctant readers; the fresh blend of accessible storytelling and captivating artwork ensures that students will want to return to; ; Each book is hard cover bound and attractively illustrated. Each book also includes a glossary, important quotes, character profiles, key explanations and more features that help readers experience and enjoy the classics in a new way - making these tales

Gabriel, Lydia, Alex, and Hollis are four totally different teenagers who were thrown together by accident. Or maybe they were destined to meet, for they all share emotions that unite them—loneliness, frustration, and anger. Apart they are ordinary enough, unremarkable and not much noticed. Together, in the dark of night, they are drawn to violence like moths to a flame. Gem is a girl whose path crosses theirs when she falls in love with Gabriel. Will the whirlpool of destruction swallow her, too?

Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS for Essential Tremor, Parkinson's disease and Dystonia. Sound like science fiction? It's not! When Sister and Brother are told their Grandfather is having BRAIN SURGERY for Parkinson's disease, a Movement Disorder, they are at first shocked, then very frightened—and they have lots of questions. Although this book is written and illustrated for children, it is also an excellent primer for anyone wanting to learn the basics of Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders

Owen McBride stands with his feet in two worlds. Is he a “Traveller”—the ancient class of proud but downtrodden wayward gypsies living on the side of the road—or a “Gorgio”—an average citizen with middle-class aspirations, clean fingernails, and no fear of the law. His marriage-minded Gorgio girlfriend wants to drag him into the settled post-millennium mainstream euro-life, with apartment, car, tie, and job. But that’s no place for a half-breed gypsy like him. But he doesn’t feel quite at home on the waste ground out past the edge of town eating roast hedgehog either. Every time Owen tries to make a decision on how to live his life, circumstance intercedes and sends his life further into chaos.About:John F. McDonald was born and educated in Carlow, Southern Ireland, and later moved to London. His diverse working life has included being a barman, a bouncer, a gym instructor, an analyst in the City of London, and, working with Travellers and their horses. McDonald began his writing career as a playwright, with his work produced in London and Paris. Graduating to television he has worked with the innovative UK television network Channel 4. Published in Ireland and the UK by Wolfhound Press, Tribe is his first novel.

Raven never expected to be a mother at sixteen. Is she going to be just another high school dropout, a project girl with few prospects? Could be, except Raven has ambition. Still, when is she going to find the time to finish school? Then her older sister tells her about a spelling bee that promises the winner a scholarship for college. Spelling? There isn't a subject she's worse at. But once Raven's got her mind set, nothing gets in her way...

Spunky and headstrong, Cameron blasts music, challenges adults, and cuts class when she feels like it. She lives with her single mom in Brooklyn and hangs out with best friends Amanda, P, and Crystal. Life in their working-class neighborhood is pretty cool until Cameron's mother suddenly loses her job and can no longer afford the rent. Move to public housing? YG2BK! But no one's kidding, and Cameron finds herself living in the projects. Can a white girl from across town hope to be accepted by the black girls in the projects? A revelation from the past forces Cameron to confront a startling truth that just might put things in perspective . . . that is, if Cameron can handle it. Hilarious, surprising, and defiantly candid, Off-Color is a thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining new novel from Janet McDonald. Hip and wise, the author grabs the readers and doesn't let go.

A tough and funny project girl manages to make that chill wind blow awayThe good life, according to Aisha Ingram, is easy. It's hanging with friends, dancing, listening to music, whatever . . . but it doesn't include worrying about the future. Chilling out is her mantra until she receives a sixty-day termination-of-welfare-benefits notice. Without her monthly food stamps and assistance checks and with no help from the father of her two children, Aisha's life threatens to become a little too "chilly." The clock is ticking and she doesn't have many options, but one thing she knows for sure: workfare is not for her. There's no way she's going to scrub subway cars or sweep city sidewalks. Aisha tries to come up with other ways to get money, but things don't look good. Soon another notice comes: only thirty days left. Then she sees an ad on TV for BIGMODELS, and she figures she might as well check out the agency. After all, she is pretty enough. But just when it looks like Aisha's problems might be solved, things grow crazy again. In Aisha, Janet McDonald has created a larger-than-life heroine who finds and succeeds at what is right for her.Chill Wind is the winner of the 2003 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe New Talent Award.