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Making History: A Novel
by Stephen FryStephen Fry tackles alternate history, asking: What if Hitler had never been born? Michael Young is a graduate student at Cambridge who is completing his dissertation on the early life of Adolf Hitler. Leo Zuckerman is an aging German physicist and Holocaust survivor. Together they idealistically embark on an experiment to change the course of history. And with their success is launched a brave new world that is in some ways better than ours--but in most ways even worse. Fry's sci-fi-tinged experiment in history makes for an ambitious and deeply affecting novel.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Making It
by Helen Klein RossFrom the award-winning author who tweets @BettyDraper comes a debut eBook original about contemporary advertising world shenanigans as experienced by a high-powered, bread-winning mom in the vein of Allison Pearson's I Don't Know How She Does It.Successful, feisty, and approaching a Certain Age, Audrey is afraid of becoming obsolete in the ever-changing advertising business. She has worked for the Madison Avenue firm Tadd Collins for nearly twenty years. When the firm acquires a smaller company, she is promoted and partnered with Kabal Prakash, an ambitious, attractive hotshot from London. Meanwhile, frustration mounts at home as she unsuccessfully tries to help her teenage son, Paley, get into her old alma mater. As she flirts with a relationship with her new boss Kabal, her irritation with her husband grows. Should Audrey give in to her new boss and his youthful corporate ambition? Can she cut it in a quickly changing industry? Or does she belong with her gray-ponytailed husband, whose only ambition is to perfect his recipe for mead?
Making It Up as I Go Along: A Novel
by M. T. LennonWhen California-born war correspondent Saffron Roch discovers that she's pregnant (read: knocked-up, newly jobless, and single at thirty-eight), she decides to leave Sierra Leone and surgeon Oscar DeVries, the baby's cheating father who, despite his huge ego and surprisingly small member, had captured her heart. So Saffron turns in her backstage pass to the violent dissolution of third-world countries and returns home to Los Angeles, where she is about to inherit a beach property worth a fortune. There she throws herself into motherhood, joining a politically correct breast-feeding support group at the Pump Station. In full-blown culture shock, missing Africa, Saffron comes face to face with a group of unlikely women friends and a roomful of Scud nipples that, on looks alone, could bring any rogue nation to its knees. Making It Up As I Go Along is a dazzling debut novel that questions the very meaning of motherhood, home, and family, while offering an unforgettable look at the camaraderie of women who, across borders and generations, teach Saffron a thing or two about what matters most in life.
Making It: A Novel
by Laura KayFrom the author of Wild Things comes a heartwarming and relatable queer rom-com about an isolated young woman whose artistic celebration of her pet chinchilla suddenly launches her into the professional art world, reality TV fame, and first love.Isobel's life is small: just her, her mum, and her pet chinchilla, Abigail, in their council flat on the Kentish coast. After mental health troubles in her teens, Issy, now twenty-eight, has kept things that way on purpose, only deviating from routine when her part-time job at a paint-your-own pottery studio demands it, or when she's inspired to create art of Abigail: knitted Abigails, sculptural Abigails, delicately rendered paintings of Abigail.When the Abigails earn the attention of famous artist and reality TV star Elizabeth Staggs, Issy is awestruck and a little alarmed. These emotions compound when Elizabeth makes Issy an unexpected offer: move to London and work for a year shadowing Elizabeth as she produces her hit arts documentary series. Terrified but determined, Issy agrees, and soon finds herself sharing a flat with a crew of boisterous roommates who welcome her into their queer enclave and attempt to mentor her in the city's wide world of romantic possibilities. Issy can't help but wish that one roommate—gorgeous and cool aspiring actress, Robin—might make her mentorship a bit more hands on...even while, at work, she struggles under the guidance of Elizabeth's harsh and exacting young producer, Aubrey.But when Elizabeth seizes on Issy's idea to structure the upcoming season around a group of outsider artists, Issy finds both her work and love lives growing more complicated by the day, whether she's ready or not. Making It is a nuanced and life affirming look at living with depression and of finding, as we all deserve to, self-acceptance, community, and love.
Making It: Hilarious and heartfelt, the perfect summer romcom
by Laura Kay'A masterful love letter to queer joy' Justin Myers, author of The Fake-Up'Heartbreaking, hopeful, funny. Rarely have I rooted so hard for a character. I loved it!' Suzi RuffellIssy is an artist but the world doesn't know it yet.As someone who self-identifies as 'gay and depressed', Issy keeps her life in Margate small: her mum, her chinchilla, her reliable routine.So when she is offered her dream job at an artist's studio, Issy knows it's time to open herself up to more. Moving to East London, Issy has a lot of firsts to catch up on - navigating a crush on her gorgeous housemate, dating, sex, and obsessing over her boss who she just can't seem to figure out. As pressure mounts, people keep telling Issy she can do anything she sets her mind to. But what if her mind refuses to cooperate . . . ?The latest must-read romcom about friendship, love and finding yourself, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Bolu Babalola. Hear what everyone's saying about Making It! 'I adored Making It . . . Truly nuanced, sensitive and warm-hearted' Emma Hughes, author of It's Complicated 'Absolutely brilliant - a warm, witty, moving novel from the queen of the gay rom-com!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review'Hopeful and hilarious, gentle and wise . . . with squeal-out-loud romantic lines that had me swooning' Lily Lindon, author of Double Booked'One of my standouts for 2024' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review'Tender, wonderfully funny and desperately human' Lizzie Huxley-Jones, author of Make You Mine This Christmas'Made me laugh and sob in the same chapter . . . a delightful read, and one I would heartily recommend' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review'A gorgeous feel-good romcom that brought back all the feels . . . the perfect coming-of-age-when-you-leave-home novel' Tania Tay, author of The Other Woman'Warm, wholesome, moving and enjoyable. I absolutely loved this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
Making It: Hilarious and heartfelt, the perfect summer romcom
by Laura Kay'A masterful love letter to queer joy' Justin Myers, author of The Fake-Up'Heartbreaking, hopeful, funny. Rarely have I rooted so hard for a character. I loved it!' Suzi RuffellIssy is an artist but the world doesn't know it yet.As someone who self-identifies as 'gay and depressed', Issy keeps her life in Margate small: her mum, her chinchilla, her reliable routine.So when she is offered her dream job at an artist's studio, Issy knows it's time to open herself up to more. Moving to East London, Issy has a lot of firsts to catch up on - navigating a crush on her gorgeous housemate, dating, sex, and obsessing over her boss who she just can't seem to figure out. As pressure mounts, people keep telling Issy she can do anything she sets her mind to. But what if her mind refuses to cooperate . . . ?The latest must-read romcom about friendship, love and finding yourself, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Bolu Babalola. Hear what everyone's saying about Making It! 'I adored Making It . . . Truly nuanced, sensitive and warm-hearted' Emma Hughes, author of It's Complicated 'Absolutely brilliant - a warm, witty, moving novel from the queen of the gay rom-com!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review'Hopeful and hilarious, gentle and wise . . . with squeal-out-loud romantic lines that had me swooning' Lily Lindon, author of Double Booked'One of my standouts for 2024' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review'Tender, wonderfully funny and desperately human' Lizzie Huxley-Jones, author of Make You Mine This Christmas'Made me laugh and sob in the same chapter . . . a delightful read, and one I would heartily recommend' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review'A gorgeous feel-good romcom that brought back all the feels . . . the perfect coming-of-age-when-you-leave-home novel' Tania Tay, author of The Other Woman'Warm, wholesome, moving and enjoyable. I absolutely loved this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
Making Mischief
by Elizabeth YoungAbby Morland's been making mischief since she was not-so-sweet sixteen, when she spied gorgeous Guy from the neighborhood being attacked by curvaceous Cara, the "Topless Piranha." It was a racy, tasty, spicy piece of gossip Abby couldn't resist passing along. But years later, her indiscretion may be coming back to haunt her -- since she now wouldn't mind a little nibble of Guy herself. With four cousins, two weddings, and a re-emergent piranha in the offing, the recipe for making more mischief is at hand, and it might just turn Guy in Abby's direction at last!
Making Mistakes on Purpose
by Elise PrimaveraStudents at a whimsical school for children of busy parents learn silly lessons about manners, friendship, and going far in life, in book two of the series that's tailor-made for a new generation of Mary Poppins fans Great Rapscott School for Girls of Busy Parents is not your typical boarding school. Students arrive in boxes, birthday cake is served for breakfast, and two very talented corgis assist the rather quirky headmistress. This semester, the girls will learn how to get to The Top, but the semester is not off to a good start. One of the girls doesn't make it back to school and when her friends try to rescue her, they wind up at the Bottom of the Barrel. Luckily, Ms. Rapscott knows that learning to fail is the secret to Going Far in life. Complete with charming black-and-white illustrations, this sequel to Ms. Rapscott's Girls is full of, warmhearted lessons, spirited adventure, and good cheer.From the Hardcover edition.
Making Money: A Discworld Novel (Moist von Lipwig #2)
by Terry Pratchett“Outlandish fun. . . . Making Money balances satire, knockabout farce and close observation of human—and non-human—foibles with impressive dexterity and deceptive ease. The result is another ingenious entertainment from the preeminent comic fantasist of our time.”—Washington PostThe hero of Going Postal has an even more dangerous job than the mail: overseeing the tanking Royal Bank and the printing of Ankh-Morpork’s first paper currency in this brilliant installment in New York Times bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett’s beloved Discworld series.The Royal Bank of Ankh-Morpork is facing a crisis, and who better to manage it than the man who turned around Ankh-Morpork’s inefficient Post Office, former arch-swindler-turned-Postmaster General Moist von Lipwig. Lord Vetinari once again makes Moist an offer he can’t refuse: resuscitate the venerable Royal Mint.The bank has many problems: the chief cashier is almost certainly a vampire, the elderly chairman and her two loaded crossbows needs a daily walkie, there’s something strange happening in the cellar, and running the Royal Mint is costing a mint.As Moist begins to make some ambitious changes, he accrues some dangerous enemies. Everyone knows money is power—and certain stakeholders will do anything to keep a firm grip on both . . .The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Making Money is the second book in the Moist von Lipwig series. The full series, in order, includes:Going PostalMaking MoneyRaising Steam
Making Mr. Right
by Val DanielsA marriage in the makingParker Chaney was a successful tycoon who had everything he wanted-except a wife! Not just any wife. He seemed to have set his heart on one woman in particular-who happened to be the sister of his best friend, Cindy.Cindy had secretly been in love with Parker for years. So when he asked for advice on how to become her sister's Mr. Right, Cindy was torn! She agreed to help, but was puzzled when Parker began to seem more interested in what she wanted in a husband.... Instead of being the sister of the bride, would Cindy soon find herself saying "I do"?
Making Nice: A Novel in Stories
by Matt SumellNamed a book of the year by BUSTLE and ELECTRIC LITERATURE“Alby is Holden Caulfield in the Internet age..." --Los Angeles TimesHailed as "indelible" by Entertainment Weekly, a "cringe-inducingly funny" (The Wall Street Journal) gut-punch of a debut about love, grief, and family "unleashes one of the most comically arresting voices this side of Sam Lipsyte's Homeland" (Publishers Weekly, starred review)In Matt Sumell's blazing first book, our hero Alby flails wildly against the world around him—he punches his sister (she deserved it), "unprotectos" broads (they deserved it and liked it), gets drunk and picks fights (all deserved), defends defenseless creatures both large and small, and spews insults at children, slow drivers, old ladies, and every single surviving member of his family. In each of these stories Alby distills the anguish, the terror, the humor, and the strange grace—or lack of—he experiences in the aftermath of his mother's death. Swirling at the center of Alby's rage is a grief so big, so profound, it might swallow him whole. As he drinks, screws, and jokes his way through his pain and heartache, Alby's anger, his kindness, and his capacity for good bubble up when he (and we) least expect it. Sumell delivers "a naked rendering of a heart sorting through its broken pieces to survive.*"Making Nice is a powerful, full-steam-ahead ride that will keep you laughing even as you try to catch your breath; a new classic about love, loss, and the fine line between grappling through grief and fighting for (and with) the only family you've got.*Mark Richard
Making Sure of Sarah
by Betty NeelsA woman charged with being her parents’ caregiver receives a job—and a marriage proposal—from a Dutch doctor in this classic sweet romance.Plain, innocent Sarah Beckwith is stuck living with her parents, keeping house for them. She has no expectation of ever escaping and finding love . . . until, in a surprising turn of events, she encounters a gorgeous consultant!Though Dr Litrik ter Breukel is struck by Sarah’s charm at once, he vows to take things slowly. But he’s unable to resist helping the lonely Cinderella, and soon he longs to rescue her in another way . . . with a diamond ring!
Making Up (London Celebrities #3)
by Lucy ParkerAuthor of Act Like It and Pretty Face Lucy Parker returns readers to the West End, where it’s fireworks onstage and off in a sexy enemies-to-lovers showdown.Once upon a time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has proved…difficult. So when the star of The Festival of Masks is nixed and Trix is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, it’s exactly the push she needs. But the joy over her sudden elevation in status is cut short by a new hire on the makeup team.Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser. To Leo, something about Trix is…different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London—and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.It seems hopeless.Utterly impossible. And yet…This book is approximately 82,000 wordsOne-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!Carina Press acknowledges the editorial services of Deborah Nemeth
Making Up: A Shacking Up Novel
by Helena HuntingA new standalone, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting.Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.
Making Your Mind Up
by Jill MansellLove is a complicated thing...Lottie Carlyle is happy enough. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable-sometimes-kids in an idyllic village, on good terms with her ex-husband, and with friends all around, everything is going just fine. But when she meets her new boss, her peaceful world is thrown into delightful, exciting, and frustrating chaos. Tyler is perfect for Lottie, but her kids do not agree. To make matters worse, the handsome and mysterious Seb appears on the scene, intriguing-and distracting-Lottie and charming her children, making it more and more difficult for her to make up her mind..."Very nicely done... Jill Mansell's chorus of sharp-witted youth, shaking sticks at the foibles of their elders, is delightful." -Daily Express"A smashing read that both delights and surprises the reader." --The SunPraise for Thinking of You: "Mansell is like a Michelin-rated chef: She may use common ingredients, but under her sure hand the results are deliciously superior." -Kirkus "Humorous, sometimes poignant... Her breezy style resembles that of Sophie Kinsella or Helen Fielding... readers will be delighted." -Booklist "Jill Mansell combines, humor, friendship, romance and betrayal... keeps you wanting more." -Fresh Fiction"Beyond the fun, faulted characters, Mansell has a gift for humorous and witty dialogue that will leave readers in stitches... Mansell excels at creating relationships that are dynamic and complicated." -Savvy Verse and Wit
Making Your Mind Up
by Jill MansellJill Mansell's engaging and romantic bestseller MAKING YOUR MIND UP is perfect for readers of Jojo Moyes and Katie Fforde. Reviewers love Jill's books: 'Warm, witty and wise' Daily Mail Lottie Carlyle isn't looking for love when she meets her new boss, Tyler Klein. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable - sometimes - kids in an idyllic village in the Cotswolds, on good terms with her ex-husband and with friends all around, she's happy enough with her lot. But Tyler's perfect for Lottie and quickly she falls for him - and he for her. Unfortunately, there's a problem. For reasons that are totally unfair, Lottie's children HATE Tyler. When a rival for Lottie's affections comes on the scene in the shape of charmer Seb, the children adore him, and he's certainly a distraction. But he's not Tyler - and he's not even at all what he seems. Lottie's got a problem - but thanks, in classic Jill Mansell style, to a tobogganing accident and a delicious series of mix-ups, all will be revealed and true love will find a way.Read for you by Julia Franklin, narrator of OPEN HOUSE and MIXED DOUBLES by Jill Mansell. (p) Isis Publishing Ltd, 2006
Making Your Mind Up: A heart-warming romantic bestseller - the perfect Christmas read
by Jill Mansell**COMING IN JANUARY 2025: JILL MANSELL'S GORGEOUS NEW NOVEL, AN ALMOST PERFECT SUMMER. AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!**The deliciously romantic and twisty Sunday Times bestseller from the author of The Wedding of the Year and Don't Want to Miss a ThingHow can you tell if a love affair is for life, and not just for Christmas?Lottie knows from the moment she meets Tyler that there's something special about him. He's smart, thoughtful and oh so attractive. There's only one problem: her children, Ruby and Nat, absolutely hate him . . .They much prefer the charming and charismatic Seb. And he certainly proves a distraction from Lottie's other worries: the romantic antics of ex-husband Mario, the terrible luck of best friend Cress, and - to top it all off - a devastating revelation from beloved boss Freddie.As Christmas approaches, Lottie knows she has to choose between Tyler and Seb. But after a tobogganing accident sends everything careering downhill, Lottie starts to doubt what's best for her and her family. Can true love reveal itself before the last of the snow melts?Readers adore Making Your Mind Up:'A heart-warming story that kept me engrossed, made me laugh, cry and in the end made me feel good' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Highly recommended as a book that has everything, including a sense of humour that keeps popping up unexpectedly and has you laughing out loud' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'By far my favourite Jill Mansell book. I just can't fault it' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Making Your Mind Up: A heart-warming romantic bestseller - the perfect Christmas read
by Jill Mansell**COMING IN JANUARY 2025: JILL MANSELL'S GORGEOUS NEW NOVEL, AN ALMOST PERFECT SUMMER. AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!**The deliciously romantic and twisty Sunday Times bestseller from the author of The Wedding of the Year and Don't Want to Miss a ThingHow can you tell if a love affair is for life, and not just for Christmas?Lottie knows from the moment she meets Tyler that there's something special about him. He's smart, thoughtful and oh so attractive. There's only one problem: her children, Ruby and Nat, absolutely hate him . . .They much prefer the charming and charismatic Seb. And he certainly proves a distraction from Lottie's other worries: the romantic antics of ex-husband Mario, the terrible luck of best friend Cress, and - to top it all off - a devastating revelation from beloved boss Freddie.As Christmas approaches, Lottie knows she has to choose between Tyler and Seb. But after a tobogganing accident sends everything careering downhill, Lottie starts to doubt what's best for her and her family. Can true love reveal itself before the last of the snow melts?Readers adore Making Your Mind Up:'A heart-warming story that kept me engrossed, made me laugh, cry and in the end made me feel good' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Highly recommended as a book that has everything, including a sense of humour that keeps popping up unexpectedly and has you laughing out loud' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'By far my favourite Jill Mansell book. I just can't fault it' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Making a Snowman: Independent Reading Pink 1a (Reading Champion #516)
by Katie WoolleyThis story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE)Making a Snowman shows the neighbourhood children making a brilliant snowman. Who will it look like?Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure. Perfect for 4-5 year olds or those reading book band pink 1a.
Mako and Tiger: Two Not-So-Friendly Sharks
by Scott RothmanTwo sharks, the ocean's most ferocious predators, try to resolve their differences by trading jokes and making each other laugh in this picture book about learning to get along with others. Mako is a hungry shark and wants everything for himself. Tiger is exactly the same way. These two competitive sharks are definitely not friends. But then a hook from above is dropped in the ocean and Tiger goes for the bait. Mako knows what he would want Tiger to do for him and rushes over to help. Is it possible that the two not-so-friendly sharks might become friends? Once they trade their favorite silly sayings, it looks like that just may happen.Entertaining storytelling pairs with expressive illustrations to create this fun picture book.
Mal and Chad: Belly Flop! (Mal and Chad #3)
by Stephen McCranieA time machine? Mal can build one with his eyes closed and one arm tied behind his back. His secret crush's birthday party? Gulp. A shrinking machine. Invisibility spray. If Mal can think it, he can build it. But there's one thing he can't seem to do: Get Megan to notice him. He gets his chance when he's invited to her birthday party. But destroying her cake and presents wasn't quite what Mal had in mind. Good thing the school's talent show is coming up! Megan will really be impressed when she sees Mal levitate for real and . . . uh-oh--cause a major blizzard?? Yikes! Who will go rescue Mal's talking dog best friend, Chad? Kids graduating from picture books or anxiously awaiting the next Ook and Gluk book will devour Stephen McCranie's laugh-out-loud series.
Mal and Chad: Food Fight! (Mal and Chad #2)
by Stephen McCranieIn the tradition of Calvin and Hobbes, MAL AND CHAD is a funny comic-strip graphic novel that makes a perfect first chapter book!Mal is a kid genius with a talking dog . . . so why doesn't anyone seem to notice him? Poor Mal. It's not easy being a kid genius who wears a lab coat to school ("It's not a bathrobe!"). Megan, his not-so-secret crush, has formed a club that has a no-boys-allowed policy - especially not Mal, who would do anything to feel like he belongs. Fortunately, Mal always has Chad, his talking dog. When Chad begins having scary dreams, Mal builds a dream portal to defeat Chad's nightmare beast once and for all. Something goes wrong, though, and the beast follows Mal back to reality. Now Megan and her friends are in danger . . . but Mal is there to come to the rescue, showing that, just maybe, he's someone to pay attention to. With kid-friendly humor and a deft touch, Stephen McCranie continues his breakthrough series perfect for any kid who's one book away from either Big Nate or Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Mal and Chad: The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever! (Mal and Chad #1)
by Stephen McCranieIn the tradition of Calvin and Hobbes, MAL AND CHAD is a funny comic-strip graphic novel that makes a perfect first chapter book!Mal is a super kid genius and Chad is a talking dog, but no one knows it. What's it like to be so extraordinary and yet so invisible? Not even Megan, Mal's secret crush, has any idea that Mal is anything more than a dork. Fortunately, Mal and Chad are best friends with a penchant for adventure . . . even if the time-traveling does get them grounded by Mal's mom. Introducing the first in a series of illustrated chapter books by talented newcomer Stephen McCranie that are laugh-inducing, clever, and full of heart. Give this to any kid who's a reluctant reader or is just leaving picture books and be prepared to answer the question: "When can I read the next one?"
Malavita
by Tonino BenacquistaImagine The Sopranos transplanted to the French countryside.... This thrillingly comic, internationally bestselling Mafia farce is the inspiration for the major motion picture The Family starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Tommy Lee Jones, and produced by Martin Scorsese. The Blakes are newcomers to a small town in Normandy. Fred is a historian researching the Allied landings, Maggie enjoys charity work, and their kids are looking forward to meeting other teenagers at the local lycée. Or so it seems. In fact, Fred is really Giovanni Manzoni, an ex-goodfella turned stool pigeon who’s been relocated from New Jersey to France by the FBI’s witness protection program. He’s got a two-million-dollar bounty on his head, but he and his family can’t help attracting attention (imagine the Sopranos in Normandy). And when imprisoned mobster Don Mimino gets wind of their location, it’s Mafia mayhem à la Josh Bazell’s Beat the Reaper, or like The Godfather as if written by Carl Hiaasen. Because while you can take the man out of the Mafia, you can’t take the Mafia out of the man. .
Malcolm Under the Stars
by Brian Lies W. H. BeckNow that Snip the cat is gone (but hardly forgotten), the classroom animals of the Midnight Academy are ready for things to get back to normal at the McKenna School. After all, protecting nutters (students) and lankies (teachers) is an around-the-clock job! When a rare coin and a strange code are uncovered in the school, Malcolm and the Academy have another mystery on their paws. To find answers, Malcolm ventures into the dangerous outside world full of shady characters, new friends, and old enemies. Can Malcolm solve the mystery and save the school before it's too late? Join Malcolm and company as they take on their most challenging assignment yet. Illustrated with black-and-white line drawings by Brian Lies, author and illustrator of the New York Times bestsellers Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Library, and Bats at the Ballgame, this engaging novel will have readers rooting for Malcolm as they try to solve the mystery alongside him.