The Girl with the Pirate Smile


Book Description

Rediscover your inner child! Rediscover your inner child in this magical Christmas mystery as you follow the lonely Emma Harper through the enchanting town of Pottsville during the height of Christmas merriment. When Emma's mysterious new friend, Penelope, convinces her to break into the old cookie factory, her life is instantly filled with adventure and purpose. Emma soon becomes captive to Penelope's spunky personality, but when strange, enchanting things begin to happen around Penelope, Emma suddenly begins to question the reality of her new friend. Fall in love with Emma and Penelope in this heartwarming Christmas tale of friendship, adventure, and love for Christmas cookies.




Reading Programs for Young Adults


Book Description

School and public libraries often provide programs and activities for children in preschool through the sixth grade, but there is little available to young adults. For them, libraries become a place for work—the place to research an assignment or find a book for a report—but the thought of the library as a place for enjoyment is lost. So how do librarians recapture the interest of teenagers? This just might be the answer. Here you will find theme-based units (such as Cartoon Cavalcade, Log On at the Library, Go in Style, Cruising the Mall, Space Shots, Teens on TV, and 44 others) that are designed for young adults. Each includes a display idea, suggestions for local sponsorship of prizes, a program game to encourage participation, 10 theme-related activities, curriculum tie-in activities, sample questions for use in trivia games or scavenger hunts, ideas for activity sheets, a bibliography of related works, and a list of theme-related films. The units are highly flexible, allowing any public or school library to adapt them to their particular needs.




The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirtieth Annual Collection


Book Description

In the new millennium, what secrets lay beyond the far reaches of the universe? What mysteries belie the truths we once held to be self evident? The world of science fiction has long been a porthole into the realities of tomorrow, blurring the line between life and art. Now, in The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirtieth Annual Collection the very best SF authors explore ideas of a new world through their short stories. This venerable collection brings together award winning authors and masters of the field such as Robert Reed, Alastair Reynolds, Damien Broderick, Elizabeth Bear, Paul McAuley and John Barnes. And with an extensive recommended reading guide and a summation of the year in science fiction, this annual compilation has become the definitive must-read anthology for all science fiction fans and readers interested in breaking into the genre. The multiple Locus Award-winning annual compilation of the year's best science fiction stories




Daily Fantasy Football 101


Book Description

A must-read if you’re even thinking of playing daily fantasy football this season, especially if you’ve never played or haven’t been successful. Daily Fantasy Football 101 is the guide I wish I had when I started playing daily fantasy football (DFF). It was written specifically for beginners to explain the fundamentals of DFF. DFF 101 will teach you the basics much quicker than you could learn them on your own, so you can start winning sooner! And, it will help you improve if you’ve played before and struggled. Some of the topics covered are: · What is DFF? · Differences between daily and season-long · Overview of major DFF contest sites (DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo): o Types of contests o Differences in scoring systems o Salary caps and salary ranges by position o How these affect player selection and lineup construction · Understanding and using points projections · Comparing players with different salaries · Vegas odds and game script · Correlation and stacking · Ownership · Money management · Setting up a weekly process Plus: · 12 mistakes I made when I started (and how you can avoid them) · 12 traits of successful DFF players · 8 ways to be contrarian · 12 links to websites with FREE helpful content




Strange Highways: Reading Science Fantasy, 1950-1967


Book Description

Science Fantasy blends science fiction AND fantasy, so it tends to be bolder and more highly colored than pure science fiction. In the middle of the last century, the British magazine SCIENCE FANTASY created its own distinctive strains of fantasy narrative, most famously by such writers as Brian W. Aldiss, J. G. Ballard, John Brunner, Michael Moorcock, and Thomas Burnett Swann, among others. This book looks closely at the whole trajectory of that lost magazine, from its birth in 1950 through 1967, when it was briefly called (SF) Impulse. John Boston provides a brilliantly insightful and often every funny account of the rise, evolution, and final fall of SCIENCE FANTASY, its writers, and its quirky editors. Boston is joined by writer and critic Damien Broderick, adding his own waspish and nostalgic comments. This volume, the first of three dealing with the history and development of the major British SF magazines, is a compelling night journey into the past, where the future took a turn down paths not often explored. It's a trip not to be missed.




Confessions of a Book Reviewer


Book Description

Foreword by Francesca Lia Block For more than 20 years, Michael Cart’s column for Booklist has delighted YA literature enthusiasts and bibliophiles in general with an engaging mixture of wit, insight, and good old fashioned publishing industry gossip. Spotlighting Cart’s unique perspective as both devoted book reviewer and self-proclaimed book addict, this “Carte Blanche” compilation offers readers the chance to trace the blossoming of YA lit into a bona fide phenomenon that continues to grow in popularity. In the columns gathered here, he explores reading, writing, and book collections and collecting;the past, present and future of YA lit;a multitude of genres, including historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, humor, and comics; andmemories of notable figures in the world of publishing through tributes and memorials. These pieces remain as engaging and fun to read as when they first appeared.




The Lord of the Rings - 101 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know


Book Description

Did you know during a war, Tolkien and his wife communicated using a secret code in his letters created by Tolkien as a means to get around the British Army's postal censorship? Or did you know The Lord of the Rings started off as a personal exploration of Tolkien's interests in philology, religion, fairy tales, and Norse and Celtic mythology.? What are the amazingly true facts behind The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien? Do you want to know the golden nuggets of facts readers love? If you've enjoyed the book, then this will be a must read delight for you! Collected for readers everywhere are 101 book facts about the book & author that are fun, down-to-earth, and amazingly true to keep you laughing and learning as you read through the book! Tips & Tricks to Enhance Reading Experience • Enter "G Whiz" after your favorite title to see if publication exists! ie) Harry Potter G Whiz • Enter "G Whiz 101" to search for entire catalogue! • Tell us what title you want next! • Combine your favorite titles to receive bundle coupons! • Submit a review and hop on the Wall of Contributors! “Get ready for fun, down-to-earth, and amazing facts that keep you laughing & learning" - G Whiz DISCLAIMER: This work is an unofficial derivative work not to be confused with the original title. It is a collection of facts from reputable sources generally known to the public with source URLs for further reading. Due to the nature of research, no content shall be deemed authoritative nor used for citation purposes. Refined and tested for quality, we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.




From Page to Platform


Book Description

Are you ready to elevate your writing career by stepping onto the stage? Establishing yourself as a successful speaker is both an art and a science–where do you start? From Page to Platform is your essential guide to making that leap. This comprehensive guide will help you land your first speaking engagements, deliver captivating presentations, and build a respected brand as a speaker. - Define your speaking goals and craft your unique message - Connect deeply with your audience, whether in-person or virtually - Land your first paid speaking engagement - Discover the secrets to creating impactful slides - Impress organizers and ensure you’re always in demand Learn from Matty Dalrymple and M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn), two acclaimed speakers who have successfully transformed their words into income on the speaking circuit. Whether you're an experienced author or just starting out, From Page to Platform offers insightful strategies, practical steps, and the inspiration you need to share your voice with the world from the stage. From Page to Platform covers … YOUR SPEAKING CAREER Defining Your Goals as a Speaker Creating Your Speaker Strategy What is your speaker mission statement? Establishing Yourself as a True Professional THE GOALS OF YOUR TALK What do you want your audience to learn? What do you want your audience to experience? What actions do you want your audience to take? TYPES OF TALKS ... NOT JUST THE USUAL SUSPECTS Interviews / Podcasts Panels Workshops Author Readings Keynotes FORMATS In-person Events Virtual Events FINDING THE OPPORTUNITIES Your Author and Speaker Communities Conferences Placement Services ASSESSING THE OPPORTUNITIES Consider the Organizer’s Goals Consider the Organizer’s and Event’s Professionalism Consider the Venue Make Your Provisional Decision SETTING YOUR FEE AND NEGOTIATING THE OFFER What to Charge If the Offer Doesn’t Include Payment If the Offer Does Include Payment Consider Copyright Negotiation Basics PREPARING YOUR TALK Slides Notes Handouts SELLING YOUR BOOKS In-person Events Virtual Events THE SPEAKER ON THE ROAD Travel Costs Travel Tips DRESSING FOR SUCCESS Match the Level of Formality to the Event and Venue Be Comfortable How about Branded Clothing? Consider a Uniform Best (Dressed) Practices BEFORE THE EVENT Block Your Calendar Heed Communications from Organizers Manage Your Materials Research Your Fellow Presenters and Event Attendees Promote the Event as well as the Talk Triple Check Your Website Use the Event App If You Have to Cancel For In-person Events For Virtual Events ATTENDING THE EVENT You’re Always on Stage Scope Out the Venue Audiovisual Setup Be an Active Participant Use Social Media Manage Your Energy THE DAY OF THE PRESENTATION Calm Your Nerves Arrive Early Confirm the Logistics Mingle with the Participants Capture the Moment GIVING THE BEST TALK OF YOUR LIFE The Main Event Q&A Dealing with Hecklers Be the Last to the Leave the Room AFTER YOUR TALK (IT’S NOT OVER WHEN YOU STEP OFF THE PODIUM) Recharge and Celebrate! Tick off the Tasks Follow up with the Organizers Capitalize on Your Connections Share the Experience Update Your Website Speaker’s Notes YOUR SPEAKER TOOLKIT Media Kit Speaker Bios General Topic Information Upcoming and Past Events Event-specific Web Page Headshot Business Cards Demo Reel STAYING AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF YOUR NICHE







Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Review


Book Description

"Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Review" was founded in 1979 to provide comprehensive coverage of all the major and minor books being released in the genre at that time. This was the golden era of SF publishing, with a thousand titles (old and new) hitting the stands and the bookshelves each and every year. From the older classics to the newest speculative fiction, this was the period when the best and the brightest shined forth their talents. SF&FBR included reviews by writers in the field, by amateur critics, and by litterateurs and University professors. Over a thousand books were covered during the single year of publication, many of them having been reviewed no where else, before or since. The January 1980 issue includes a comprehensive index of all the works featured during the preceding year. This reprint will be a welcome addition to the literature of science fiction and fantasy criticism. Neil Barron is a retired bibliographer and literary critic, editor of the acclaimed "Anatomy of Wonder" series. Robert Reginald was the publisher for twenty-five years of Borgo Press, and has authored over 110 books of his own."