Books published by publisher Darby Creek â„¢

After serving time for assault, Jada lands in foster care and a new school to try to turn her life around. She knows she has to control her bursts of anger if she wants to go home to her mom. But the Markhams' house rules are unbearable. And what makes the staff at Rondo Alternative High School any different from the teachers who've written her off before? When tensions flare, Jada is put to the test. Can she find the strength to make the right decisions and regain her mom's trust—before it's too late?

The great thing about drifting, thinks Kekoa, is that it's more about skill than expensive parts. That's good for him. Since his mom left him on the island with his grandma, his Nissan Skyline 350 is all he has to his name. Life is the opposite for Billy Cain, who can buy his way into or out of anything. But when Billy's antics threaten the few things Kekoa cares about, they'll put it to the test: does skill or money win out when it comes to wheels, winding mountain roads, honor, and love?Includes real tech specs and tuning details for the Nissan Skyline 350!

Danny and Josh were having a great day until Tarquin, the most annoying boy in the neighborhood, came over to play. He dresses like he's 55, doesn't do anything fun, and pulls the legs off of bugs. The twins thought that their day couldn't get any worse, but when they turn into ants by accident, they realize how wrong they were! Can Danny and Josh find a safe place to hide until they turn human again? And with Tarquin in the garden, will they make it out with all of their legs?

After a wild plan by his parents left Jack stranded in the Caribbean, the Berenson family decided to lay out some rules. Jack's mom and dad agreed they wouldn't take so many risks. Jack agreed he'd try to live life without worrying quite so much. Then Jack's parents thought up another get-rich-quick scheme. Now the family's driving around Kenya. An animal attack is about to send Jack up a tree—alone, with limited supplies. As Jack attempts to outsmart a ferocious honey badger and keep away from an angry elephant, he'll have plenty of time to wonder if the Berenson Family Decision-Making Rules did enough to keep him out of trouble.

Egyptian secrets take center stage in this interactive mystery where boys and girls can solve codes and puzzles right along with the multicultural cast of characters. Cody, Quinn, Luke, and M.E. love playing around with codes. In fact, they love codes so much they have their own club, with a secret hideout and passwords that change every day. After learning about steganography, the study of concealed writing, the Code Busters discover that artists have been hiding secret messages in their artwork for centuries. A clue hunt on a class trip to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum leads the Code Busters to an artifact that doesn't seem to quite fit with the rest of the collection. Could it be a forgery? The Code Busters' code-cracking skills and new knowledge of hieroglyphic messages will help them get to the bottom of this mystery, but they better think fast before the criminal tries to frame them!

DeAndre knows racing again could land him back in reform school—or this time, behind bars. But even with his Honda Civic impounded, he can't stay away. Especially when he gets the chance to go head-to-head with Ali, who stole DeAndre's girlfriend, Nikki. When others aren't playing fair, DeAndre will have to decide: How can he tell who's on his side? And is earning back his credibility worth risking his life?Includes real tech specs and tuning details for the Honda Civic

It's a new school year for Mallory and everything's perfect! She has a new computer, a pair of just-right back-to-school shoes, and her best friend, Mary Ann, is in her class. But somehow things go from perfectly good to perfectly bad. Mallory's first crush is the same boy Mary Ann likes—and Mary Ann gets all his attention. And even though she has the right shoes, Mallory somehow gets off on the wrong foot with her teacher, Mr. Knight. Can Mallory find a way to turn things around and put her best foot forward?

Jack's parents have been chased out of Tokyo, gone broke in Greece, and hosted Nairobi's least successful safari. Next they’re taking Jack on a Caribbean vacation—whether Jack wants to go or not. The Berensons are about to start a snorkeling business. It's their latest get-rich-quick scheme. With these experienced world travelers at the helm, what could go wrong? Jack's used to staying indoors and not taking chances. When his parents take him out on the water, he ends up shipwrecked. Now Jack has to survive on a tropical island…and avoid a whale shark that's swimming near the beach.

The world is a stage for Mallory McDonald! When Mallory tries out for a part in the school play and gets the lead, she is super excited. But not everyone shares her enthusiasm, especially her best friend Mary Ann. In fact, the more excited Mallory gets, the less excited Mary Ann becomes. Mallory can't understand why Mary Ann is acting so strange. Even though the lights are shining bright, is there something Mallory's not seeing? Can Mallory find a way to play the roles of leading lady and best friend?

Meet Max, explosive escapologist and master magician! He can free himself from the tightest of chains and contort himself into the tiniest of spaces. When the top secret Department for Extraordinary Activity discovers that an evil computer game character has escaped from the virtual world and is intent on causing chaos, they know the time has come for Max's first mission. There are dangerous monsters to fight, and a perilous plot to foil: does Max have the special skills needed to save the day?

Jinx looked at the bar, then back at Devon and Todd. "You may want to duck, is all I'm saying." As the words left her mouth, three glasses came shooting from the bar, straight toward the brothers. Devon and Todd ducked and the glasses shattered against a door behind them. A supernatural presence is causing chaos at the bar Todd's family owns. And the threat has a connection to Todd that's deeper than even he realizes . . .

When Rufus, Murphy, Lurena, and their pets go camping, they meet Pedro, a shy boy who seems afraid of just about everything—especially the water. One thing leads to another and the kids go into a nearby town to buy him a pet to cheer him up—a guinea pig, naturally. Yet what they bring home may look like a guinea pig, but it can swim—like an otter!Pick up the latest installment of this award-winning, hilariously funny middle-grade series!