Books with title Is It Because...?

Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship. But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve - and her heart - will be tested as never before.

"Every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in." ―Michael Corleone, The Godfather Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship. But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It's a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve―and her heart―will be tested as never before. Because It Is My Blood is the second novel in Gabrielle Zevin's Birthright series.

Author and illustrator Tony Ross skillfully navigates the problem of bullying in this humorously illustrated book. He presents an even-handed story that succeeds in engaging sympathy for both the bully�s victim and the bully himself. In a simply-told rhyming tale, a little boy asks his pet dog why a bully is picking on him. �... is it because he�s got silly names? Is it because he�s no good at games?� After asking many more �is it because� questions, the little boy finally concludes, �. . . perhaps it�s because he�d rather be me!� Here is food for thought, told in a style that will appeal to younger boys and girls. Color illustrations on every page.

Robert had reached the summit of many mountains. His adventures took him to unimaginable heights, yet his greatest achievements were not in conquering these majestic beauties, but in his ability to reach people in need. That is, until he's the one facing the toughest climb of his life.Roberto Sanchez is living the dream; one could say the man had it all. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter who complete him. A career that reaches at-risk kids that brings him true joy. Then a tragic accident leads Robert to a chasm of dark despair. Although his interventions have reached many, he found he is incapable of helping himself off the edge of a cliff, jeopardizing his career, his marriage, and himself.because takes us on a journey of two Roberts as he struggles to find a way to once again believe.

What is it that makes Peregrine Ffrogg a bully?A little boy is asking his dog why it is that his classmate Peregrine Ffrogg is constantly giving him trouble. “Is it because of his name?” he wonders. And then he carries on in a vein that will amuse all children, bullied or not: • Is it because he looks like a log? • Is it because he looks like a pike?

Tony Ross skillfully presents the problem of bullying, managing to engage sympathy for each side of the storyA little boy is wondering why he is bullied by his classmate Peregrine Ffrogg. He asks himself various questions: Is it because he misses his mum? Is it because he still sucks his thumb? Is it because he smells like a pike? Is it because he can't ride a bike? And the questions he asks leads him to a greater understanding of himself and the bully. He comes to the conclusion that Peregrine Ffrogg is unhappy, and jealous of him.

Jack's mom may tell him that "because" is not an answer, but he disagrees. In fact, this almost-six-year-old thinks "because" is the perfect answer . . . to any question!Why did he cover himself in Band-Aids?Why is the dog wearing a cape?Why did he eat all the chocolate cake?Richard Torrey's endearing companion to Almost and Why? celebrates every child's favorite answer to life's trickiest questions.

Robert had reached the summit of many mountains. His adventures took him to unimaginable heights, yet his greatest achievements were not in conquering these majestic beauties, but in his ability to reach people in need. That is, until he’s the one facing the toughest climb of his life. Roberto Sanchez is living the dream; one could say the man had it all. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and daughter who complete him. A career that reaches at-risk kids that brings him true joy. Then a tragic accident leads Robert to a chasm of dark despair. Although his interventions have reached many, he found he is incapable of helping himself off the edge of a cliff, jeopardizing his career, his marriage, and himself. because takes us on a journey of two Roberts as he struggles to find a way to once again believe. e-SCRIBES, UK - November 10, 2016 "We find this a skillful, thoughtful and deeply moving novel... and it's an inspiration to anyone who knows someone in this situation, or whose physical life as they knew it has been unexpectedly curtailed. This book is a life lesson from which we will all extract our own, differing, narratives." INDIEREADER - February 15, 2016 "BECAUSE is a deeply moving, emotionally-powerful tale of intertwined lives, and of finding strength to go on in the face of utter despair. There are multiple stories braided into the main plot, as each of the characters has a voice and a tale of their own. Robert's story, therefore, is reflected in the stories of those he's helped as well as those who want to help him, giving the book a multifaceted perspective and adding deeper emotional and philosophical layers to the plot. This is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting book, and there isn't a character who doesn't have a substantial, painful tragedy to wrestle with... BECAUSE is a book full of both emotional intensity and real philosophical and psychological insight." MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW - Small Press Bookwatch November 2015 Issue "A deftly crafted novel and an absorbing read from beginning to end, "because" is a compelling and thoroughly entertaining novel that documents author Jack Langedijk's truly exceptional storytelling skills..." KIRKUS REVIEWS MAGAZINE - August 15, 2015 Issue "...Langedijk has lots to say about courage, compassion, redemption, and self-worth. Although those life lessons are more compelling than the actual drama unfolding around Roberto's post-Everest experience, they more than make the journey with him worthwhile. Meditations on some of life's biggest questions as told through some harrowing experiences."—Kirkus Reviews "The book has left me with a great impression. It made me feel that everything happens for a reason..." - Katarina "Langedijk explores the depths of human suffering in a realistic, uplifting way. His characters deal with real and relatable issues that affect so many people today, especially the young..." - Michael Head "I enjoyed reading this book, it had a truly inspirational ending." - Vicky Boackle

Even though Jack′s mom tells him that "because" is not an answer, Jack strongly disagrees. In fact, this almost-six-year-old thinks "because" is the perfect answer to any question! Why did he cover himself in band-aids? Why did he eat all the chocolate cake? Why is the dog wearing a cape? Because! This endearing companion to ALMOST and WHY?, from acclaimed author and illustrator Richard Torrey, celebrates every child′s favorite answer to life′s trickiest questions. Age: 4 - 8

Freed from jail, Anya hopes that things will get back to normal. But life on the outside is even more dangerous than life behind bars. Some of her gangland family want revenge for the crime for which she has done time: the shooting of her uncle. Forced to flee the country, Anya hides out in a cacao plantation in Mexico. There she learns the secrets of the chocolate trade, a trade that is illegal and deadly in her native New York. There too she discovers that seemingly random acts of violence carried out across the world have a single target: her family. As innocent bystanders get caught in the crossfire Anya must act fast and decisively to stop it, no matter what the danger to herself.