It is the year 2166. Eighty years have passed since the Gene Wars devastated the Earth, decimating the human population and giving rise to myriad new life-forms. Now, among the dolphins of Australia, Jenae Kim stumbles on the information that could mean a new beginning for human civilization: information that the government is determined to keep secret - even if they have to kill her . . .
"Don't be looking for bold starship captains or warrior maidens wielding magic swords in GUNNING FOR THE BUDDHA. Michael Jasper serves up something refreshingly different: a heady brew of ordinary folks making tough decisions at the far edges of reality. Spend some time with these stories and you're bound to bump into people you know who find themselves in places you've only dreamed about." -- James Patrick Kelly, Hugo-winning author of THINK LIKE A DINOSAUR and STRANGE BUT NOT A STRANGER
With her parents still urging her to decide what she wants to major in when she goes to college, her annoying brother giving her advice, and her parents telling her she must help them pay a hefty vet bill when her dog injures his leg, Christina Redstone is on a mission to show everyone around her that she can solve her problems on her own, although sometimes she needs a little help from her best friend, Jenae. She sees a chance to prove herself when money turns up missing at her job at the pet store and she’s determined to find the culprit. As she investigates, she finds the store needs help financially. Along the way, she’s also in the middle of an emotional battle between her feelings for a regular customer at the store who’s in a band she likes and a co-worker who flirts with her at the shop. Will she find the thief and choose the right relationship to prove that she can make good decisions by herself?
Teach social skills and enrich classrooms to reduce problem behaviors and nurture growth. When teachers create environments that teach skills rather than punish individual actions, they reduce behavior problems and nurture the growth of all learners. This book expertly guides early childhood teachers to analyze their classroom elements, routines, and responses to children. Much like gardeners who adjust soil, water, or fertilizer to help flowers bloom, educators of young children must look beyond challenging behaviors to what a child’s actions are communicating about her learning environment or home life. Digital content includes all forms from the book along with a PDF presentation. A free PLC/Book Study Guide for use with communities of practice is available at freespirit.com/PLC.