Michelle Ann Abate examines a variety of texts that offer information, ideology, and even instructions on how to raise kids right, not just figuratively, but politically. Highlighting the works of William Bennett, Lynne Cheney, Bill O'Reilly, and others, she brings together such diverse fields as cultural studies, literary criticism, political science, childhood studies, brand marketing, and the cult of celebrity. --from publisher description.
The simplicity of children's picture books--stories told with illustrations and a few well chosen words or none at all--makes them powerful tools for teaching morals and personal integrity. Children follow the story and see the characters' behaviors on the page and interpret them in the context of their own lives. But unlike many picture books, most children's lives don't feature monsters. This collection of new essays explores the societally sanctioned behaviors imparted to children through the use of monsters and supernatural characters. Topics include monsters as instructors, the normalization of strangers or the "other," fostering gender norms, and therapeutic monsters, among others.
George Washington Elementary's Christmas program was sure to be the best ever, until wacky liberals and activist judges got into the act (and in front of the TV cameras). One mysterious old document could save the day--but can Johnny and Luke find it before "The First Noel" becomes "The First Toenail"?
For fans of The Princess Diaries and Famous in Love, an engrossing look behind the velvet ropes of stardom from a former Teen People Senior Editor who has seen it all. What if your picture was taped inside teenage boys' lockers across America, your closets were bursting with never-worn designer clothing, and the tabloids constantly asked whether you were losing your "good girl" status? It's a glamorous life, but 16-year-old Kaitlin Burke, co-star of one of the hottest shows on TV, is exhausted from the pressures of her fame. So she decides to spend two months undercover as an ordinary high school student. But could it be that real life high school is just as harsh as cutthroat Hollywood?? Don't miss the first book in the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series from Jen Calonita, author of the Fairy Tale Reform School series.
The right song can touch your soul… Becoming a songwriter was never on Sydney Campbell’s radar. No; she chose a music major to one day inspire children as an educator. But all that changed when she met him… Paired together on an important assignment, Austin Mitchell—the country star wannabe—quickly becomes the bane of her existence. Majoring in partying, his carefree attitude causes the duo to clash at every turn. Despite the tension, they make beautiful music together, creating a song powerful enough to change the trajectory of their lives… Forced together, the two battle to cope with their budding attraction as they struggle to navigate the pitfalls of the Los Angeles music industry. Working as a team allows them to grow closer, however, outside forces keep them from fully committing to the partnership. And Austin’s carousing, along with his revolving door of one-night stands, doesn’t help Sydney trust his dedication. The opportunity of a lifetime hangs in the balance. Will they finally sync to become stars? Or will Austin’s actions make them just a one-hit wonder? Hollywood Hot Shots is the first installment in the What We Can’t Have Trilogy. This story is a spicy, contemporary, opposites-attract novel featuring a curvy heroine and tortured hero that you can’t help but fall for. If you like compelling characters, light drama, and spicy scenes, then you’ll adore Selina Violet’s coming-of-age adventure.
“The really important things in life are your family and friends. And what will people say about you at your funeral—that you won an Emmy once, or that you were a good person, kind and generous? Well, as for me, I hope it's the latter. And the fact that I recently commissioned an Emmy-shaped coffin just eliminates the need for anyone to bring it up.” Everybody knows that Patricia Heaton plays the hilarious, wise, and tempestuous married-with-kids everywoman on Everybody Loves Raymond. What they might not know is that in real life she is married, has four boys under eight years old, and is just as funny offscreen as on. Motherhood and Hollywood is Patricia Heaton’s humorous and poignant collection of essays on life, love, marriage, child-rearing, show business, having parents, being a parent, spousal rage, surviving fame, success, and the shame of underarm flab. She is warm, witty, and refreshingly irreverent. Heaton grew up in suburban Cleveland, one of five children of devout Roman Catholic parents. Her father was a noted sportswriter for The Plain Dealer; her mother died suddenly and unexpectedly when Heaton was twelve. Love, fast food, and an unflagging sense of humor held the clan together and propelled Patricia on a showbiz career that began with hilariously nightmarish struggles in New York, eventually leading to a triumphant move to Los Angeles. In Motherhood and Hollywood, Patricia Heaton pours out her heart and minces no words. She’s taking all prisoners for cookies and a glass of Jack Daniel’s and diet ginger ale. Laughter ensues.
A rarely discussed aspect of children's literature--the politics behind a book's creation--has been thoroughly explored in this intelligent, enlightening, and fascinating account.
As Jake and Lance handle dogs in well-known movies like Andromeda 5 and Frozen North, the boys are offered more and more roles doing stunts, commercials and even acting. Things really snowball when they meet aspiring actress Tiffany Wilson, who just happens to be the president’s daughter. Rowdy, plays as the queen’s dog in Andromeda 5. It creates a lot of attention when he is be taken off the closed set of secretive production of Andremeda 5 to search for Ace when he is stolen and ransomed. Work on two other major movies is halted, while the family searches, bringing even more reporters and paparazzi to the home of this normal family. How can they cope with all these complications?
