Books published by publisher riverside press

There's no way Taryn's taking Blake's place as president of the student body. As soon as the memorial for him and six of their friends is over, she's resigning as VP. Really. Except people say the fire was no accident. (She says it's way too easy to blame someone who's dead.) When Taryn reads the writing on the wall, literally, the bathroom wall, she knows what it means. To get to the truth she has to come out from under her paisley comforter. But, seriously, what stage of grief says Taryn has to be the one to fix what's wrong at Ideal High? Maybe she's the one who's broken.

"Smart, quick-witted, and open-minded, Taryn is an easy protagonist to root for...overall Ipson delivers a gripping story about self-discovery, growth, and overcoming tragedy." -BookLife From the ashes of tragedy, one teen will solve a mystery and lead a movement…Taryn’s decided there’s no way she’s taking her boyfriend’s place as president of the student body. As soon as the memorial for him and six of their friends is over, she’s resigning from student government. Really. Until someone scribbles a disturbing list on a bathroom wall: WHO DESERVED TO DIE IN THE FIRE? Names are quickly added, and soon she knows what it means. To get to the truth she has to go from grieving girlfriend to leading the fight against lies and bullies, all while confronting the terrifying questions about what really happened the night of the tragedy. Answers seem always out of reach. But seriously, what stage of grief says Taryn has to be the one to fix what’s wrong at Ideal High.

Victor Rios grew up in Oakland, California in a single parent household, in poverty and on welfare. He joined a gang at the age of thirteen and by age sixteen he had dropped out of school and had been incarcerated several times. Having witnessed the tragic murder of his best friend by gang rivals, Victor hit a critical juncture in life at which point he made the decision to transform. With the support of educators and mentors, Victor redirected his attitude towards life, and returned to school to eventually acquire a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.Dr. Rios uses his personal story, and 10 years of research experience, to discuss how personal and institutional "illusions" contribute to academic failure. He speaks about how society gives young people little choice but to use their "attitude" to solve their problems and how this strategy often leads to detrimental consequences. He discusses practical pathways to transformation relevant to the lives of students. Dr. Rios speaks about his own personal transformation by taking advantage of the support that teachers and programs provided him and discusses how these efforts can be replicated.This book is written to speak to a young adult audience-those young people who live on the margins, who are often assigned texts that do not represent their lived reality, their struggles, or their experiences. Educators and youth workers can use each of the short chapters in this book as tools for discussing complicated social issues like abuse, youth violence, delinquency, fatalism, opportunity, stratification, poverty, resilience, college, positive role models, healthy choices, and personal transformation.

"Smart, quick-witted, and open-minded, Taryn is an easy protagonist to root for...overall Ipson delivers a gripping story about self-discovery, growth, and overcoming tragedy." -BookLife From the ashes of tragedy, one teen will solve a mystery and lead a movement…Taryn’s decided there’s no way she’s taking her boyfriend’s place as president of the student body. As soon as the memorial for him and six of their friends is over, she’s resigning from student government. Really. Until someone scribbles a disturbing list on a bathroom wall: WHO DESERVED TO DIE IN THE FIRE? Names are quickly added, and soon she knows what it means. To get to the truth she has to go from grieving girlfriend to leading the fight against lies and bullies, all while confronting the terrifying questions about what really happened the night of the tragedy. Answers seem always out of reach. But seriously, what stage of grief says Taryn has to be the one to fix what’s wrong at Ideal High.

1177 BC: During the reign of Pharaoh Ramses the Third, Seshta, a 13-year-old dancer in the Temple of Hathor, dreams of becoming a famous entertainer. Horus, the brother of her heart, is content as a toymaker’s apprentice. Reya, at 16, has joined Egypt’s army with hopes of becoming a hero. When Reya hints that Egypt is in danger from foreign nomads, Seshta and Horus don’t take him seriously. How could anyone challenge Egypt? Then Reya disappears. Seshta and Horus set out to find him—and discover a darker plot than they ever imagined. To save their friend, Seshta and Horus spy on merchants, soldiers, and royalty, and start to suspect even The Eyes of Pharaoh, the powerful head of the secret police. Will Seshta and Horus escape the traps set for them, rescue Reya, and stop the plot against Egypt in time? Set in ancient Egypt, the ideas in this book resonate today, while the power of friendship will touch hearts both young and old. Suitable for ages 9 and up.Praise for the Eyes of Pharaoh:Likable characters and some surprising plot twists keep you wanting to know what will happen next....fast paced mystery that has so much history and culture hidden in plain sight…. You won't be able to put the book down until you learn what happens to the three friends.I teach a gifted class of fourth and fifth graders. Using this historical fiction has been a window into Ancient Egypt—its people, culture, and beliefs. My class enjoyed doing research on Egyptian gods and goddesses, and hieroglyphs. Projects extended their knowledge of this fascinating time and place. I also highly recommend it for its fast paced plot, interesting and "real" characters, and excellent writing. ...exciting action with interesting characters, a brisk plot line and historically-accurate details of the book's setting. ... An intriguing mystery embedded within a book full of beautiful writing.... Evocative descriptions which make you feel like you're right there, running through the markets with Seshta or sitting by the river watching the fishermen....fast paced plot, interesting and "real" characters, and excellent writing.Chris Eboch is the author of over 60 books for children, including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and up include The Eyes of Pharaoh, a mystery in ancient Egypt; The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan adventure; The Genie’s Gift, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, which starts with The Ghost on the Stairs. Her writing craft books include You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers, and Advanced Plotting. Chris also writes novels of suspense and romance for adults under the name Kris Bock; read excerpts at www.krisbock.com.

Remember the magic of bedtime stories? When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world. But to reach that audience, you need to write fresh, dynamic stories, whether you’re writing rhymed picture books, middle grade mysteries, edgy teen novels, nonfiction, or something else. In this book, you will learn:How to explore the wide variety of age ranges, genres, and styles in writing stories, articles and books for young people.How to find ideas.How to develop an idea into a story, article, or book.The basics of character development, plot, setting, and theme.How to use point of view, dialogue, and thoughts.How to edit your work and get critiques.Where to learn more on various subjects.This book focuses on the craft of writing for children. It will help you get started, through straightforward information and exercises you can do on your own or with critique partners. If you’ve been writing for awhile but feel your writing education has gaps, this guide can help you work through those weak points. The author shares examples from her own work and teaching experience, as well as interviews and advice with published writers and industry professionals. Whether you're just starting out or have some experience, this book will make you a better writer – and encourage you to have fun! The fascinating world of Kid Lit awaits!

The Promised Land is Mary Antin’s mature autobiography. In it, she tells the story of what she considers her escape from bondage in Eastern Europe and her finding of freedom in America. When her family moved to Boston from Eastern Eur ope, she was able to go to public schools and use public libraries. Whereas the Old World represents, for her, lack of freedom and a predetermined identity, she sees the New World as representing freedom and the ability to choose her own identity.This would be a good book for people to read about equality and immigrants assimilating into society.