Books published by publisher Robe Communications, Inc.

An archive of weekly newspaper columns that no bathroom library should be without. This book is a a collection of (mostly) previously published editorials written by Jean Bolduc, a columnist for the Herald-Sun Newspapers in Durham, North Carolina. Nominated for the Payne Award for Ethics in Journalism from the University of Oregon, Bolduc's columns are a slice of life perspective on topics ranging from politics to the Final Four. Some provocative, some poignant, always accessible to the reader. Her blog continues at http://jeanbolduc.com

This story - "Robbie's Trail through Divorce" (ISBN: 978-1-935831-11-2) - features Robbie Rabbit, a lovable character whose parents decide to divorce. When Robbie first learns his parents are separating, he experiences sadness, anger and confusion as he comes to terms with the divorce. Eventually, he begins to find a new "normal" as things settle down and his parents adjust to their change in circumstance. *** This book should be used with "Robbie's Trail through Divorce - Activity Book" (ISBN: 978-1-935831-12-9) and "Robbie's Trail through Divorce - Adult Guide" (ISBN: 978-1-935831-13-6). *** Although the "Robbie's Trail through Divorce" story can be read without the supplemental activity book and adult guide, children are best served when you have all three books. The adult guide and activity book both relate back to the "Robbie's Trail through Divorce" story, and are used together to help children with issues such as control, feelings, communication, parental expectations (which may differ for each parent) and respect. *** The Robbie Rabbit stories and their supplemental materials, sold separately, are designed to: (1) help children adjust better to tough changes in life; (2) open dialogue between children and the important people in their lives; and (3) help parents gain insight into their child's feelings and interpretation of the world around him.

Designed for children (ages 5-10) who become eligible for adoption, "Robbie's Trail through Adoption" is part of an educational, dialogue-opening series for kids in out-of-home care. This full-color 76-pg book contains an engaging story followed by activities covering issues such as control, grief and loss, feelings, communication and self-identity. Use with "Adult Guide to Robbie's Trail through Adoption" (ISBN: 978-0-9817403-1-7), sold separately. (The adult guide is a requisite companion piece containing instructions for facilitating activities, talking points, tips and answers when applicable.) The Robbie Rabbit(TM) stories and their supplemental materials are designed specifically for adoptive parents, foster parents and/or caseworkers who want to: (1) Help a foster child and/or an adoption-eligible child adjust better to tough changes in life; (2) Promote communication between the child and the important people in his life; and (3) Gain insight into a child's feelings and interpretation of the world around him.

Designed for foster children (ages 5-10), "Robbie's Trail through Foster Care" is part of an educational, dialogue-opening series for kids in out-of-home care. *** This engaging story is about Robbie Rabbit's journey into foster care. Robbie is removed from his birthmother's home due to an unsafe environment. In kid terms, the story hints briefly of physical abuse (a caseworker checks Robbie's back and legs for "ouchies") before placing him with foster parents. Robbie meets his new foster family, learns what a foster kid is and experiences some commonplace behaviors as he adjusts to his new life. The ending is intentionally vague: Children don't know whether Robbie will end up with his mother or whether he'll ultimately be placed for adoption. *** Unlike most other books for foster children, "Robbie's Trail through Foster Care" is a 72-pg book containing a story (described above) as well as several related children's activities. Activities cover issues such as control, self-esteem, feelings, anger management & communication. Use this book with the "Adult Guide to Robbie's Trail through Foster Care" (ISBN: 978-0-9817403-3-1), sold separately. (The adult guide is a requisite companion piece containing instructions for facilitating activities, talking points, tips and answers, when applicable.) *** The Robbie Rabbit(TM) stories and their supplemental materials are designed specifically for foster parents, adoptive parents and/or caseworkers who want to: (1) Help a foster child and/or an adoption-eligible child adjust better to tough changes in life; (2) Promote communication between the child and the important people in his life; and (3) Gain insight into a child's feelings and interpretation of the world around him.

Welcome to 609 B.C. In a world of infinite mystery, where caravans rule the sunswept deserts and mighty empires grapple for ultimate power, the lives of a young prince named Daniel and a trader's son named Nephi become entwined in an adventure that takes them along the razor's edge of danger and suspence as they struggle to save the life of a king and the fate of a nation.

Bestselling author Frank McKinney boldly enters young reader fiction in this deeply imaginative fantasy sure to race and gladden the hearts of all readers. The story was inspired by the more than one thousand walks to school the author has shared with his daughter and her friends in real life. Come along with them into the imaginative world of Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle! Thirteen-year-old Ppeekk (pronounced 'Peekie') finds a very small, very flat, very dead fish. When he comes to life in her hand, he has an amazing story to tell.In the brilliant underwater world called High Voltage, manatees talk, starfish sing, and practical-joking clownfish encourage children to launch their lunchboxes off the bridge. Now the fiendish Megalodon, a fifty-foot prehistoric shark, has laid siege to High Voltage and dethroned King Frederick the Ninth (whom Ppeekk calls "Dead Fred"). The monster reigns amphibiously under the old drawbridge with his army of crabs and blood-red remora fish, whose suckers drain victims' joy and imagination. Ppeekk hides Dead Fred in the only safe place she can think of: the usher's coat room at church. As she grows to know Fred, she learns to trust and love him. Unlike her parents, he listens to her and counsels her. Dead Fred trusts Ppeekk, too. In fact, he has a big favor to ask. Can she help him save High Voltage from the evil Megalodon?Ppeekk and her friends use everything they've got to lure the evil beast to his demise—exploding coconut bombs, strangler fig lassos, even themselves as human bait—to vanquish Megalodon and his rogue army. In the climactic scene, they fight the battle of their lives in a Category-5 hurricane . . . Will they be able to save Dead Fred and High Voltage? Read Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes, and the Good Luck Circle to find out!

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II offers more inspiring stories to help you master the game we call life. Today's teens have ever more issues and social pressures to juggle than young adults just 20 years ago. This book, like its predecessor, can be your guide - a beacon in the darkness, a safe haven in a storm, a warm hug in the cold and a respite from loneliness. There's no preaching as to what you should and shouldn't do. Instead, this book is full of teens sharing their experiences on learning to accept like, becoming the best person you can be, being happy with who you are, and loving yourself - no matter what.

In a small, rural village on Christmas Eve, 1881, a widow and her young children sit shivering in front of a small fire. With no more wood, little food, inadequate clothing, and no money to speak of, the desperate widow offers up a humble plea to heaven. Two miles away, young Matthew Miles is upset that he won't be receiving the gift he has wanted for Christmas. Even worse, his father has him doing extra chores, on Christmas Eve! What Matthew is about to learn is that the best gifts are those that are given, and that each act of service is a mission from God, an answer to a Christmas prayer.

The third volume in the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series promises more love, support and inspiration for the series' loyal teen readers. More and more, life is a struggle for teens. Not just dealing with the tragedies that seem to plague them so often, but also handling the daily pressures that pervade their lives. This book, like the first two volumes in the series, will help them, and will serve as their guide and constant companion. The original Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, a New York Times bestseller, has sold over 4.5 million copies. Its successor, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II, a #1 New York Times bestseller, has already sold over 2.2 million copies. The third volume in this blockbuster series promises to be every bit as successful as the first two, as teen readers continue to cherish and be inspired by this series. Chapters focus on love, friendship, family, tough stuff, growing up, kindness, learning lessons and making a difference. In keeping with the themes and content of the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series, teens will also find support, encouragement and understanding from their peers, as well as from caring and compassionate adults. This book is a must-read for all teens-a book they will read and reread, sharing their favorite stories with one another over and over again. It is also the perfect gift for all adults to give to the teens in their lives.