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Books published by publisher Yellow Jacket

  • Midsummer's Mayhem

    Rajani LaRocca

    Hardcover (Yellow Jacket, June 11, 2019)
    Handpicked by Amazon kids’ books editor, Seira Wilson, for Prime Book Box – a children’s subscription that inspires a love of reading.A Kirkus Best Book of 2019!An Indies Introduce Selection for 2019!A Indie Next Pick for Summer 2019!"A delectable treat for food and literary connoisseurs alike." Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"What a wonderful, intriguing, and magical book. And wow, did it ever get my tastebuds going! Each time I picked it up, I felt the urge to head to my kitchen. . . . What I loved most was the smartness of it. It never once doubted its young readers." Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor and National Book Award Nominated author"Midsummer's Mayhem is an enchantment of a novel, bursting with magic, mystery, and mouth-watering baked goods. Readers who have their own baking-show dreams will be cheering for Mimi until the very last page." Kate Messner, award-winning author of Breakout, The Seventh Wish, and All the AnswersCan Mimi undo the mayhem caused by her baking in this contemporary-fantasy retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream?Eleven-year-old Mimi Mackson comes from a big Indian American family: Dad's a renowned food writer, Mom's a successful businesswoman, and her three older siblings all have their own respective accomplishments. It's easy to feel invisible in such an impressive family, but Mimi's dream of proving she's not the least-talented member of her family seems possible when she discovers a contest at the new bakery in town. Plus, it'll start her on the path to becoming a celebrity chef like her culinary idol, Puffy Fay. But when Mimi's dad returns from a business trip, he's mysteriously lost his highly honed sense of taste. Without his help, Mimi will never be able to bake something impressive enough to propel her to gastronomic fame.Drawn into the woods behind her house by a strangely familiar song, Mimi meets Vik, a boy who brings her to parts of the forest she's never seen. Who knew there were banyan trees and wild boars in Massachusetts? Together they discover exotic ingredients and bake them into delectable and enchanting treats.But as her dad acts stranger every day, and her siblings' romantic entanglements cause trouble in their town, Mimi begins to wonder whether the ingredients she and Vik found are somehow the cause of it all. She needs to use her skills, deductive and epicurean, to uncover what's happened. In the process, she learns that in life, as in baking, not everything is sweet. . . .
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  • The Boy Who Grew Dragons

    Andy Shepherd

    Hardcover (Yellow Jacket, Feb. 4, 2020)
    "'The Boy Who Grew Dragons' is good-hearted fantasy fun."-New York Times Book Review"This gently funny title is a must-purchase for public libraries, and a great recommendation for readers of all ages"-School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "Never has so much toilet humor been so charming."-Kirkus Reviews"Readers will be eager for more."-BooklistThis hilarious middle-grade novel with illustrations throughout sees Tomas discover that he can grow dragons in his own garden!When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandfather's garden, he doesn't think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house and gets the shock of his life when a tiny dragon hatches! The tree is a dragon fruit tree, and Tomas now has his very own dragon, Flicker!While Tomas finds out that life with Flicker is fun, he also finds that it is very...unpredictable. Yes, dragons are wonderful, but they also set fire to your toothbrush and leave your underwear hanging from the TV antenna. Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker---and quickly! And then something extraordinary happens: more dragon fruits appear on the tree! Now it's official, Tomas is growing dragons.
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  • Always Human

    Paperback graphic novel Ari North

    Paperback (Yellow Jacket, June 2, 2020)
    "This beautifully illustrated slice-of-life tale that shows two young women of color getting to know each other and creating a relationship is so warm and charming that readers will hardly notice how much they are learning about how to better interact with folx who are different from themselves and the importance of not making assumptions." -- Kirkus Reviews"...soft, expressive art adds a visceral charge to the couple's very human experiences, which range from excitement and affection to pain and doubt." -- Publisher's WeeklyFirst serialized on the popular app and website WebToon, Always Human ran from 2015-2017 and amassed over 76,000 unique subscribers during its run. Now reformatted for a print edition in sponsorship with GLAAD, Always Human is a beautifully drawn graphic novel about a developing relationship between two young women in a near-future, soft sci-fi setting. Always Human is drawn in a manga-influenced style and with an incredible color palette that leaps off the page!In the near-future, people use technology to give the illusion of all kinds of body modifications-but some people have "Egan's Syndrome," a highly sensitive immune system that rejects these "mods" and are unable to use them. Those who are affected maintain a "natural" appearance, reliant on cosmetics and hair dye at most to help them play with their looks. Sunati is attracted to Austen the first time she sees her and is drawn to what she assumes is Austen's bravery and confidence to live life unmodded. When Sunati learns the truth, she's still attracted to Austen and asks her on a date. Gradually, their relationship unfolds as they deal with friends, family, and the emotional conflicts that come with every romance. Together, they will learn and grow in a story that reminds us no matter how technology evolves, we will remain . . . always human.Rendered in beautiful detail and an extraordinary color palette, Always Human is a sweet love story told in a gentle sci-fi setting by a queer woman cartoonist, Ari North.
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  • Midsummer's Mayhem

    Rajani LaRocca

    eBook (Yellow Jacket, June 11, 2019)
    Can Mimi undo the mayhem caused by her baking in this contemporary-fantasy retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream?Eleven-year-old Mimi Mackson comes from a big Indian American family: Dad's a renowned food writer, Mom's a successful businesswoman, and her three older siblings all have their own respective accomplishments. It's easy to feel invisible in such an impressive family, but Mimi's dream of proving she's not the least-talented member of her family seems possible when she discovers a baking contest at the new bakery in town. Plus, it'll start her on the path to becoming a celebrity chef like her culinary idol, Puffy Fay. But when Mimi's dad returns from a business trip, he's mysteriously lost his highly honed sense of taste. Without his help, Mimi will never be able to bake something impressive enough to propel her to gastronomic fame. Drawn into the woods behind her house by a strangely familiar song, Mimi meets Vik, a boy who brings her to parts of the forest she's never seen. Who knew there were banyan trees and wild boars in Massachusetts? Together they discover exotic ingredients and bake them into delectable and enchanting treats. But as her dad acts stranger every day, and her siblings' romantic entanglements cause trouble in their town, Mimi begins to wonder whether the ingredients she and Vik found are somehow the cause of it all. She needs to use her skills, deductive and epicurean, to uncover what's happened. In the process, she learns that in life as in baking, not everything is sweet. . . .
  • Stu Truly

    Dan Richards

    eBook (Yellow Jacket, July 3, 2018)
    Stu Truly is the coming-of-age story of 12-year-old Stu as he struggles to navigate the murky waters of adolescence when he finds himself living a lie that seems to be growing beyond his control to impress the new girl in school.When Stuart Cornelius Truly first sets eyes on the new girl, Becca, he staples his finger to his sixth-grade history assignment. The second time he sees her, he coughs up a bite of her lunch—a vegetarian roasted pepper sandwich—all over her sweater, and promptly lies, claiming that he, too, is a vegetarian. Their third encounter goes more smoothly, but Stu’s lie turns out to be harder to keep than he expected, especially since his family owns a butcher shop. In this hilarious, heartwarming, contemporary middle grade novel, Stu suddenly begins to realize the opposite sex exists (and isn’t so bad, after all!). Can Stu learn to successfully navigate old friends, new crushes, and horror-filled school dances or will his lie, intended to impress his crush, actually cause his world to fall apart?
  • Always Human

    Ari North

    Hardcover (Yellow Jacket, June 2, 2020)
    First serialized on the popular app and website WebToon, Always Human ran from 2015-2017 and amassed over 76,000 unique subscribers during its run. Now reformatted for a print edition in sponsorship with GLAAD, Always Human is a beautifully drawn graphic novel about a developing relationship between two young women in a near-future, soft sci-fi setting. Always Human is drawn in a manga-influenced style and with an incredible color palette that leaps off the page!In the near-future, people use technology to give the illusion of all kinds of body modifications—but some people have “Egan’s Syndrome,” a highly sensitive immune system that rejects these “mods” and are unable to use them. Those who are affected maintain a “natural” appearance, reliant on cosmetics and hair dye at most to help them play with their looks. Sunati is attracted to Austen the first time she sees her and is drawn to what she assumes is Austen’s bravery and confidence to live life unmodded. When Sunati learns the truth, she’s still attracted to Austen and asks her on a date. Gradually, their relationship unfolds as they deal with friends, family, and the emotional conflicts that come with every romance. Together, they will learn and grow in a story that reminds us no matter how technology evolves, we will remain . . . always human. Rendered in beautiful detail and an extraordinary color palette, Always Human is a sweet love story told in a gentle sci-fi setting by a queer woman cartoonist, Ari North.
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  • Only the Stars Know Her Name: Salem’s Lost Story of Tituba’s Daughter

    Amanda Marrone

    Hardcover (Yellow Jacket, July 23, 2019)
    False accusations and false confessions of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, took her mother, Tituba, away from her. Now Violet seeks revenge on those who tore her family apart. Readers will be instantly transported back in time in this dark and gripping novel!It's been a year since the Salem Witch Trials ended, and while the townspeople try their best to act like nothing happened, thirteen-year-old Violet simply can't, as everything she held dear was ripped away from her. Her mother, Tituba, was accused of witchcraft by Betty and Abigail Parris, two girls Violet had grown up with and regarded as sisters. And instead of denying those allegations, Tituba had confessed to the crimes. But why? Her mother would never have done the wicked acts she was charged with. Would she?Once the remaining accused of witchcraft are pardoned, Violet inquires about her missing parents, only to learn that Reverend Parris has sold them to a man who took them north. Now filled with rage and wanting retribution, she comes across Tammy Younger and Elizabeth Prince, two girls who're also seeking vengeance amid all this turmoil. Together, the three form a coven, signing their names to the Devil's book, and they find solace in the newness and excitement of the magic they're practicing.But once the magic grows darker and forges a destructive path through their community, will Violet achieve the closure she longs for, or will the darkness consume them all?This historical, powerful story of family, revenge, and reconciling is a can't-miss novel from Amanda Marrone.
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  • Croaked!

    Lisa Harkrader

    Hardcover (Yellow Jacket, Aug. 25, 2020)
    Nobbin Swill returns to solve another mystery in the second book in this hilarious middle-grade series that has color illustrations throughout!Nobbin is now Prince Charming's assistant, though he's not able to assist him in his prince training when things go awry saving Princess Angelica. After that mishap, Sir Roderick thinks the princess needs training too and advises the king to send her away to a queen who can properly educate her. The king has doubts, but the queen suddenly shows up with her son, Figbert. They both torment and insult everyone at the castle and in the village until one day, Figbert disappears. The queen thinks it's the butler, but Nobbin suspects Sir Roderick. As they search for clues, they finally are able to find Figbert, but he's not quite like they remember. He's much smaller, rounder, and much, much greener. Will they be able find out who turned him into a frog and crack the case?
  • Stu Truly: First Kiss

    Richards

    eBook (Yellow Jacket, Sept. 24, 2019)
    Stu Truly has his summer all planned out, and he's anxious to spend time with Becca, the girl who makes his palms sweat and his stomach turn. Will Stu's crush turn into something more?It's the summer before eighth grade, and Stu Truly is enjoying the start of his vacation! His plans consist of playing video games, hanging out with his friends, and, more importantly, hanging out with Becca. But when Stu has a daydream of kissing Becca, he panics. He isn't even sure if he's actually going out with Becca. Sure, they've held hands a couple of times, but that doesn't mean they're going out, does it? When Stu's grandma breaks her hip, his plans are put on hold. Now, he has to help out at her store, Truly Fine Fashions. Unfortunately for Stu, it's a women's clothing store. So he has to balance his summer job and spending time with Becca. This is a hilarious and heartwarming follow-up to the contemporary middle grade novel Stu Truly. Will Stu get his first kiss from the girl who stole his heart?
  • The Inside Battle

    Melanie Sumrow

    Hardcover (Yellow Jacket, March 3, 2020)
    Thirteen-year-old Rebel Mercer yearns for his father's approval. His dad suffers from PTSD and spends time in their basement communicating with a racist, anti-government militia group called the Flag Bearers. He doesn't agree with his dad's ideology, but he isn't speaking out against it either. Can Rebel find his voice when it's needed most?Thirteen-year-old Rebel Mercer lives in west Texas with his dad, Nathan, and his aunt Birdie. His dad is finally home after serving in the military, and Rebel longs for his approval. But something isn't right. His dad has PTSD, and lately he has been spending his time communicating with a racist, anti-government militia group called the Flag Bearers. Rebel doesn't agree with his dad's newfound ideas, but he turns a blind eye to them. So when his best friend Ajeet beats Rebel at a robotics tournament by using one of Rebel's pieces, Rebel begins to wonder if there's some truth to what his dad has been saying, and he lashes out at Ajeet.Expelled from school, Rebel's dad takes him to the mountains of Oklahoma, where they meet up with the Flag Bearers. Soon his dad is engulfed in the group and its activities, and they're becoming more and more dangerous. When Rebel gets wind of a planned attack on an African American church, he knows that this group has gone too far and innocent people could get hurt. Can Rebel find his voice and stop the Flag Bearers from carrying out their plans before it's too late?The Inside Battle is a gripping story of family, bravery, and speaking up for what's right from author Melanie Sumrow.
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  • The Year I Didn't Eat

    Samuel Pollen

    Hardcover (Yellow Jacket, March 5, 2019)
    This heartfelt, captivating novel chronicles a year in the life of 14-year-old Max as he struggles with anorexia.Dear Ana,Some days are normal. Some days, everything is OK, and I eat three square meals, pretty much, even if those squares are ridiculously small squares.Some days, I can almost pretend there's nothing wrong.Fourteen-year-old Max doesn't like to eat, and the only one he can confess his true feelings to is Ana---also known as his eating disorder, anorexia. In a journal that his therapist makes him keep, he tells Ana his unfiltered thoughts and fears while also keeping track of his food intake. But Ana's presence has leapt off the page and into his head, as she feeds upon all of his fears and amplifies them.When Max's older brother Robin gives him a geocache box, it becomes a safe place where Max stores his journal, but someone finds it and starts writing to him, signing it with "E." Is it a joke? Could it be the new girl at school, Evie, who has taken an interest in Max? Although Max is unsure of the secret writer's identity, he takes comfort in the words that appear in his journal as they continually confide in one another about their problems.As Max's eating disorder intensifies, his family unit fractures. His parents and brother are stressed and strained as they attempt to deal with the elephant in the room. When Robin leaves home, Max is left with two parents who are on the verge of splitting up. Max thought he could handle his anorexia, but as time goes on, he feels himself losing any semblance of control.Will anorexia continue to rule Max's life, or will he be able to find a way to live around his eating disorder?The Year I Didn't Eat is an unforgettable novel that is haunting, moving, and inspiring.
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  • The Prophet Calls

    Melanie Sumrow

    eBook (Yellow Jacket, Nov. 6, 2018)
    Gentry Forrester feels lucky to live among God’s chosen people in the Prophet's compound, but when music is outlawed, Gentry and her older brother, Tanner, sneak out of the community. When they return, all bets are off as the Prophet exercises his control.Born into a polygamous community in the foothills of New Mexico, Gentry Forrester feels lucky to live among God’s chosen. Here, she lives apart from the outside world and its “evils.” On her thirteenth birthday, Gentry receives a new violin from her father and, more than anything, she wants to play at the Santa Fe Music Festival with her brother, Tanner. But then the Prophet calls from prison and announces he has outlawed music in their community and now forbids women to leave. Determined to play, Gentry and Tanner sneak out. But once they return, the Prophet exercises control from prison, and it has devastating consequences for Gentry and her family. Soon, everything Gentry has known is turned upside down. She begins to question the Prophet’s teachings and his revelations, especially when his latest orders put Gentry’s family in danger. Can Gentry find a way to protect herself and her family from the Prophet and escape the only life she’s ever known? This realistic, powerful story of family, bravery, and following your dreams is a can't-miss debut novel from Melanie Sumrow.