Books in Exceptional series

Ally lowered her hands and stared at the pile of ash in front of her. They made it four hours into their morning travels before they ran into another pair of Exceptional Guards. The Guards had approached Ally and her group with ease, expecting an easy catch. Once again, Ally had raised her hands and eliminated the Guards before they took another step toward her or the others. She stood over the pile, breathing heavily. She felt Stosh come up beside her, his arm brushing against hers. “Seven,” she said in almost a whisper. “I know,” he responded, taking her hand in his. Ally is finally outside the City walls, with her brother and her best friends. Luke is still inside the City walls, with no memory of the girl he once loved. Life in the Wilderness is dangerous, and they soon find out that they are not alone. Will Ally continue her journey to the Southern City, or will she risk it all to help the boy she loves?

How did Peter Hernandez, a young Elvis impersonator from Honolulu, Hawaii, become Bruno Mars, one of the biggest pop stars of his time? This colorful biography uses vibrant photos and simple text to tell the story of Marss ascension to fame, including his familys strong musical influence and his own early love of performing. Readers will benefit from the Words to Know section in the beginning of the book, and direct quotes by Mars allow readers to connect with this larger-than-life performer.

"In the future, things are anything but ordinary..." In 2022, the United States commissioned a group of scientists to experiment with genetic mutations. Their goal was to create a serum that would alter the human genetic code, making the subject stronger and faster. They succeeded but their victory was short lived. Not only had they created a super serum, but also an airborne virus. By 2025, seventy-five percent of the world's population had perished. The survivors, well their lives would never be the same. 175 A.V. Ally is an Ordinary; a human immune to the virus. She lives in a settlement outside the City with her mother and twin brother, but lately it doesn't seem to be enough. She is wrestling between being with her family and volunteering to move to the City, where she can work for the Exceptionals. Luke is an Exceptional; a superior human being. His ancestors were infected with the virus and lived through it, leaving their super human strength and special abilities to him. He has never given much thought to Ordinarys, despite pressure from his father to choose one from the ORC. But all of that changes when he meets Ally...

While most people know Yo-Yo Ma as the most famous cellist in the world, they may not know that he actually started out as a violin playeruntil the four-year-old told his parents he wanted to play a big instrument. Much more than a uniquely talented classical musician, Ma has written an Academy Award-winning film score, played for eight presidents, and appeared on the Simpsons. Readers will enjoy learning about this dynamic man through simple text and vibrant color photos. A Words to Know section familiarizes readers with new vocabulary, and quotes from Ma reflect his beliefs on a range of topics from teachers to multiculturalism.

The much anticipated third book in the Exceptional series.“I think your issue is less about localized behavior and more about human nature. I’ve seen the history books. Someone always has to be better. Someone always has to conquer.”Ally and her friends are once again leaving the comfort of home and setting their sights on the Southern City. Does it exist? Will Ally find what she is looking for?Someone will become Exceptional.Someone with die.New friends will be made.Old friends will be lost.

When Maya Lins design for the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial was chosen in 1981 over more than a thousand other designs, it was a highly controversial decision. But Lin, a young Chinese American, believed in herself and her work, and she not only saw her design come to fruition, but she went on to create numerous other buildings, sculptures, and memorials around the country. Readers will be fascinated by the story of this creative young artist, told with simple text and supplemented with color photos. A Words to Know section helps prepare readers for vocabulary in the text, and quotes from Lin herself paint a clearer picture of an accomplished artist whose influences range from her cultural background to the biodiversity of our planet.

When Lucy Liu, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, landed the lead role in her college production of Alice in Wonderland, she could not have known that it would set her on the path to becoming one of the most successful Asian American actors in Hollywood. Through simple text and vivid photos, readers will appreciate Lius struggles as she grew up looking different from other girls, and learn about her dedication to important causes such as poverty and womens rights. A Words to Know section helps readers with new vocabulary, and quotes by Liu shed light on this multifaceted woman who continues to break down barriers as an actor and an activist.

When Maya Lins design for the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial was chosen in 1981 over more than a thousand other designs, it was a highly controversial decision. But Lin, a young Chinese American, believed in herself and her work, and she not only saw her design come to fruition, but she went on to create numerous other buildings, sculptures, and memorials around the country. Readers will be fascinated by the story of this creative young artist, told with simple text and supplemented with color photos. A Words to Know section helps prepare readers for vocabulary in the text, and quotes from Lin herself paint a clearer picture of an accomplished artist whose influences range from her cultural background to the biodiversity of our planet.

While most people know Yo-Yo Ma as the most famous cellist in the world, they may not know that he actually started out as a violin playeruntil the four-year-old told his parents he wanted to play a big instrument. Much more than a uniquely talented classical musician, Ma has written an Academy Award-winning film score, played for eight presidents, and appeared on the Simpsons. Readers will enjoy learning about this dynamic man through simple text and vibrant color photos. A Words to Know section familiarizes readers with new vocabulary, and quotes from Ma reflect his beliefs on a range of topics from teachers to multiculturalism.