Service Alert
Delay in delivery of Direct to Player materials
You may experience a delay in delivery of Direct to Player materials. All requests for materials will be delivered as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
You may experience a delay in delivery of Direct to Player materials. All requests for materials will be delivered as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Showing 1 - 20 of 526 items
By Melanie Florence, Richard Scrimger. 2022
Two kids from different worlds form an unexpected friendship.Cody’s home life is a messy, too-often terrifying story of neglect and…
abuse. Cody himself is a smart kid, a survivor with a wicked sense of humour that helps him see past his circumstances and begin to try to get himself out.Autumn is, quite literally, on the other side of the tracks from him. Her home life is loving and secure, and she is “in” with the popular girls at school, even if she has a secret life as a glasses-wearing, self-professed comic book nerd at home. And even if the pressure to fit in at school requires hours of time spent making herself look “perfect.”Returning home from a movie one evening, Autumn comes across Cody, face down in the laneway behind her house. All Cody knows is that he can’t take another beating from his father like the one he just narrowly escaped. He can’t go home, but he doesn’t have anywhere else to go either. Autumn won’t turn her back on him, even if they never really were friends at school. She agrees to let him hide out in her dad’s art studio at night.Over the next couple of days of Autumn sneaking Cody food and bandages, his story comes out. And so does hers.Told in alternating narratives, Autumn Bird and the Runaway is a breathtaking collaboration by two of Canada’s finest writers of books for young readers. Infused with themes of identity, belonging and compassion, it’s a story that reminds us that we are all more than our circumstances, and we are all more connected than we think.By Sarah Everett. 2023
“One of the best books I have read this year (maybe ever).” —Colby Sharp, Nerdy Book ClubNPR Books We Love…
2023 | Publishers Weekly Best of 2023 | Winner of the Governor General's Literary Awards for Young People's LiteratureA heart-wrenching middle grade debut about Kemi, an aspiring scientist who loves statistics and facts, as she navigates grief and loss at a moment when life as she knows it changes forever.Eleven-year-old Kemi Carter loves scientific facts, specifically probability. It's how she understands the world and her place in it. Kemi knows her odds of being born were 1 in 5.5 trillion and that the odds of her having the best family ever were even lower. Yet somehow, Kemi lucked out.But everything Kemi thought she knew changes when she sees an asteroid hover in the sky, casting a purple haze over her world. Amplus-68 has an 84.7% chance of colliding with earth in four days, and with that collision, Kemi’s life as she knows it will end.But over the course of the four days, even facts don’t feel true to Kemi anymore. The new town she moved to that was supposed to be “better for her family” isn’t very welcoming. And Amplus-68 is taking over her life, but others are still going to school and eating at their favorite diner like nothing has changed. Is Kemi the only one who feels like the world is ending?With the days numbered, Kemi decides to put together a time capsule that will capture her family’s truth: how creative her mother is, how inquisitive her little sister can be, and how much Kemi's whole world revolves around her father. But no time capsule can change the truth behind all of it, that Kemi must face the most inevitable and hardest part of life: saying goodbye."My heart hurt as I raced through the last chapters of this unique book that shines a light on family, friends, grief, and love." —Lisa Yee, author of Maizy Chen's Last ChanceBy Stephen E. Mawdsley. 2016
Today, when many parents seem reluctant to have their children vaccinated, even with long proven medications, the Salk vaccine trial,…
which enrolled millions of healthy children to test an unproven medical intervention, seems nothing short of astonishing. In Selling Science, medical historian Stephen E. Mawdsley recounts the untold story of the first large clinical trial to control polio using healthy children--55,000 healthy children--revealing how this long-forgotten incident cleared the path for Salk's later trial. Mawdsley describes how, in the early 1950s, Dr. William Hammon and the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis launched a pioneering medical experiment on a previously untried scale. Conducted on over 55,000 healthy children in Texas, Utah, Iowa, and Nebraska, this landmark study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a blood component, gamma globulin, to prevent paralytic polio. The value of the proposed experiment was questioned by many prominent health professionals as it harbored potential health risks, but as Mawdsley points out, compromise and coercion moved it forward. And though the trial returned dubious results, it was presented to the public as a triumph and used to justify a federally sanctioned mass immunization study on thousands of families between 1953 and 1954. Indeed, the concept, conduct, and outcome of the GG study were sold to health professionals, medical researchers, and the public at each stage. At a time when most Americans trusted scientists, their mutual encounter under the auspices of conquering disease was shaped by politics, marketing, and at times, deception. Drawing on oral history interviews, medical journals, newspapers, meeting minutes, and private institutional records, Selling Science sheds light on the ethics of scientific conduct, and on the power of marketing to shape public opinion about medical experimentation.Foppish, impulsive, and philandering: William Jackson was every Georgian parent’s worst nightmare. Gentlemen were expected to be honorable and virtuous,…
but William was the opposite, much to the dismay of his father, a well-to-do representative of the East India Company in Madras. In The Profligate Son, historian Nicola Phillips meticulously reconstructs William’s life from a recently discovered family archive, describing how his youthful misbehavior reduced his family to ruin. At first, William seemed destined for a life of great fortune, but before long, he was indulging regularly in pornography and brothels and using his father’s abundant credit to swindle tradesmen. Eventually, William found himself in debtor’s prison and then on a long, typhus-ridden voyage to an Australian penal colony. He spent the rest of his days there, dying a pauper at the age of thirty-seven. A masterpiece of literary nonfiction as dramatic as any Dickens novel, The Profligate Son transports readers from the steamy streets of India, to London’s elegant squares and seedy brothels, to the sunbaked shores of Australia, tracing the arc of a life long buried in history.What if your cell phone could detect cancer cells circulating in your blood or warn you of an imminent heart…
attack? Mobile wireless digital devices, including smartphones and tablets with seemingly limitless functionality, have brought about radical changes in our lives, providing hyper-connectivity to social networks and cloud computing. But the digital world has hardly pierced the medical cocoon. Until now. Beyond reading email and surfing the Web, we will soon be checking our vital signs on our phone. We can already continuously monitor our heart rhythm, blood glucose levels, and brain waves while we sleep. Miniature ultrasound imaging devices are replacing the icon of medicine--the stethoscope. DNA sequencing, Facebook, and the Watson supercomputer have already saved lives. For the first time we can capture all the relevant data from each individual to enable precision therapy, prevent major side effects of medications, and ultimately to prevent many diseases from ever occurring. And yet many of these digital medical innovations lie unused because of the medical community's profound resistance to change. In The Creative Destruction of Medicine, Eric Topol--one of the nation's top physicians and a leading voice on the digital revolution in medicine--argues that radical innovation and a true democratization of medical care are within reach, but only if we consumers demand it. We can force medicine to undergo its biggest shakeup in history. This book shows us the stakes--and how to win them.By Libby Mcdonald. 2007
From pesticides to PCBs-what's a threat, what's not, and what to do about it. Mercury. Lead. Pesticides. Plastics. Air pollution.…
PCBs. How can parents sort through the hype, propaganda, and misinformation-and find out what is and isn't a threat to children's health? Investigative journalist, advocate, and concerned parent Libby McDonald separates the facts from the alarmist myths. Based on the latest research along with interviews with top medical, toxicological, and environmental experts, The Toxic Sandboxcovers a wide range of essential concerns, including: - How can kids be protected from mercury poisoning? - What are the sources of lead poisoning, and how can they be avoided? - What pesticides are children ingesting, and does eating organic keep them safe? - Which teenage beauty products contain carcinogenic phthalates? - What are PCBs and PBDEs and why are they found in breast milk? - What can be done to stop the childhood asthma epidemic? Delivering reliable, up-to-date information, this indispensable resource will empower parents to protect their kids-and raise awareness for the greater good.By Heather Swain. 2012
Using simple, everyday items found around the house, Play These Games will inspire kids and the young at heart with…
a spectrum of ingenious games to make and play so they'll never be bored again! * Gather family photos to create a personalized set of Go Fish cards * Grab loose buttons for button golf, shuffle button, and button hockey * Unleash your inner pinball wizard with a clothespin and cardboard box version of the arcade classic * Get out the hula hoops and brooms for a backyard jousting tournament * Try one of fifteen variations of the classic game of Tag Whether it's competitive or cooperative, for large groups or duos, the games in this clever guide are fun to create and a blast to play.By Elzbieta M. Gozdziak. 2007
Trafficked children are portrayed by the media--and even by child welfare specialists--as hapless victims who are forced to migrate from…
a poor country to the United States, where they serve as sex slaves. But as Elzbieta M. Gozdziak reveals in Trafficked Children in the United States, the picture is far more complex. Basing her observations on research with 140 children, most of them girls, from countries all over the globe, Gozdziak debunks many myths and uncovers the realities of the captivity, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked children. She shows, for instance, that none of the girls and boys portrayed in this book were kidnapped or physically forced to accompany their traffickers. In many instances, parents, or smugglers paid by family members, brought the girls to the U.S. Without exception, the girls and boys in this study believed they were coming to the States to find employment and in some cases educational opportunities. Following them from the time they were trafficked to their years as young adults, Gozdziak gives the children a voice so they can offer their own perspective on rebuilding their lives--getting jobs, learning English, developing friendships, and finding love. Gozdziak looks too at how the children's perspectives compare to the ideas of child welfare programs, noting that the children focus on survival techniques while the institutions focus, not helpfully, on vulnerability and pathology. Gozdziak concludes that the services provided by institutions are in effect a one-size-fits-all, trauma-based model, one that ignores the diversity of experience among trafficked children. Breaking new ground, Trafficked Children in the United States offers a fresh take on what matters most to these young people as they rebuild their lives in America.By William Hunter. 2014
Crimes happen every day all around the world. Sometimes, criminals think they have taken every possible precaution to avoid capture,…
but they are often mistaken. Every crime leaves a trace, and forensic science has evolved to find the tiniest bits of evidence imaginable at a crime scene. Mark & Trace Analysis gives readers some insights about the tricks and techniques used by forensic scientists and crime-scene investigators when evidence is scarce. Criminals always leave a trail. The trick is finding it.Welcome to the exciting world of forensic science, where every contact leaves a trace! This book shows how real-life detectives…
solve crimes with human signposts: fingerprints, the most well-known human indentifying mark; as well as newer technologies, like bite mark matching; and controversial new evidence, such as ear prints. Prepare yourself for a wild ride through some of the most shocking and mysterious crimes of history, the twentieth century, and today...you may never look at your fingertips the same way again!By Miranda Hunter. 2014
Myth...or truth? 1.Only people who have sex with many partners get sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 2.If I always use a…
condom, I can't catch an STI. 3.Using two condoms is even safer than one. 4.Oral sex is safe without a condom. 5.If I don't have any symptoms, I don't have an STI. Do you know if these statements are true or false? Are you certain? Don't be too embarrassed to find out about STIs. These infections are avoidable--and most are treatable. This book will give you the information you need to make good decisions--and stay safe.By William Hunter. 2014
Most people cringe when they hear the word physics. Physics is a very technical science that most people rely on…
every day, but do not really care to understand. Things work, and that is enough for most of us. Solving Crimes with Physics delves into the use of this challenging science to give readers a basic understanding of how the principles of physics can be used to solve crimes. From ballistics to bomb blasts, the knowledge of the theories of physics are powerful tools in the hands of a skilled forensic scientist.By Maryalice Walker. 2014
Who committed the crime? When? Even the smallest of witnesses can tell scientists stories that will make or break a…
criminal case. Insects and pollen grains help forensic scientists bring criminals to justice. A suspect escapes a crime scene, leaving not a trace of evidence behind--except for the hind leg of a grasshopper, which helps convict him of murder. A thief runs through a cornfield, relieved that no one saw him commit the crime--unaware of the tiny grains of pollen stuck to his shirt. Plants and insects hold clues to guilt or innocence. Evidence from nature is all around us, silently and swiftly leaving fingerprints, unnoticed by even the most cunning of criminals.By William Hunter. 2014
A flake of skin...a strand of hair...a fleck of saliva...a drop of blood...everywhere we go we leave behind bits of…
ourselves that are as unique as fingerprints. Each cell contains genetic material called DNA, which holds information that scientists can use to learn about the person who left those cells behind. In the past twenty-five years, researchers have made significant advances in all disciplines of science, including the study of genetics. As science has leapt forward, the effect on forensics has been remarkable. New knowledge of DNA has dramatically changed the amount of information available to forensic scientists at the scene of a crime, opening doors that were never open before.By Charlotte Reznick. 2009
Imagine your frustrated four-year-old calming her own anger with a few simple breaths. Picture your fourth grader visualizing an ice…
blue pillow to cool his hot headaches. Or your worried eleven-year-old improving her concentration by consulting a personal wizard to help with homework. The Power of Your Child's Imagination will show you how to empower your child with easy, effective, and creative skills for surviving-and thriving-in a stressful world. This indispensable guide provides nine simple tools to help children cope with stress and anxiety by tapping into their imagination to access their own natural strength and confidence. Dr. Reznick illustrates how each tool can be used every day to deal with problems such as: * Stress-induced headaches and stomachaches * Phobias, panic attacks, and social anxiety * Bed-wetting and sleepless nights * Separation anxiety and fear of the unknown * Coping with death, divorce, and other losses * Hurt, frustration, and anger * Trouble with schoolwork and concentration * Sibling rivalry and school-yard squabblesBy Hilts, Philip J.. 2005
In conjunction with PBS, Philip J. Hilts, longtime New York Times science and health reporter, has travelled the world to…
visit the sites of both the greatest disease peril – where the threat of runaway outbreaks is most severe – and places in which remarkably powerful new approaches are leading to astonishing success in combating the disease menace. Reporting on in-depth research and interviews with the dominant players, Hilts brings to life the crucial choice facing the world community. The leading nations and global organizations now have the means to win the fight against 'the coming plague' if they will only join together and devote the resources to doing so. By telling the moving stories of a host of individuals who have been plagued by the disease threat as well as the inspiring stories of the pioneers who are fighting the good fight Hilts brings the story of this crucial moment in world history to vivid life in a book that will be essential reading for all those concerned about this vital global challenge.By Lisa Holewa, Joan Rice. 2008
A kindergarten teacher's ability to guide children through an entire day of activities does not happen by accident. There are…
secrets teachers know about our kids that let them calmly and gracefully manage a group of students who only hours earlier were arguing and negotiating with their parents about getting dressed, eating breakfast, or brushing their teeth. What Kindergarten Teachers Know is for any parent who has imagined how much easier life would be if their three- to six-year old would cooperate at home just as they do with their favorite teachers. Lisa Holewa and Joan Rice offer creative tips, tools, and activities straight from the classrooms of award-winning teachers nationwide, translating them into things you can do at home to get your little ones listening, learning, and thinking independently. You’ll also get insight into what teachers know about the way kids develop and learn how to use that knowledge to keep them engaged throughout the day. Packed with real-life examples, creative ideas, and practical advice, you’ll learn how to: Give directions that your child will actually listen to and follow Set the tone in your home just as a teacher does in her classroom Handle transitions to keep your day running smoothly Organize your home and schedule to make everyone's life easier Create rules that are straightforward, fun, and work for your family’s needs Give kids the tools to handle conflicts independently Create a sense of community and teamwork at home .If you're like most people, you probably wish you could change at least one part of your body. Perhaps you…
think a makeover, a new you, will make all the difference in the world. Maybe you think that changing your looks will change your life. And if you believe the advertisements you see on television and in magazines, you might think it will be easy to achieve your beauty goals. But when it comes to makeovers, there's more to success than meets the eye. In this book, you'll learn about current trends in the makeover industry and the promises and risks that come with them. You'll also explore why we as a culture are so beauty-obsessed. Finally, you'll learn about the many options available that can help change the way you feel about yourself and others--not simply the way you look!By Lorie Ann Grover. 2002
Seventh grader Kay Garber's happy home is made up of four generations of women: Great Gran Eula; Grandma Margie; Kay's…
mother, Karine; and Kay. But on the evening Grandma Margie tells her family she has a lump in her breast, Kay's world is changed forever. Struggling with issues of popularity in junior high school, trying to understand her too-perfect mother, dealing with her feelings about friends, and coming to terms with Grandma Margie's cancer diagnosis and illness, Kay is awhirl with questions that have no easy answers. But Kay is a survivor, and as she journeys through these difficult months she comes to a new understanding of the complexities and importance of faith and family. Told through forthright and perceptive poems in Kay's own voice, Loose Threads reverberates with emotion and depth and will leave no reader untouched.By Lawrence Leshan. 1994
Psychotherapist Lawrence LeShan has worked with cancer patients for more than thirty-five years and his research has led people with…
cancer to find new, effective ways to fight for their lives. He has put his findings--full of meaning and purpose--into this revised edition that shows how psychological change, along with medical treatment, mobilizes a compromised immune system for healing. Included is a life-transforming workbook of hands-on exercises designed to help readers evaluate their inner selves and teach them how to get the most out of their immune systems by leading fuller, richer lives.