Joel Ross

Loveable prankster Alley and bunny-suited brainiac Rex team up again, this time to help each other survive PE and save breakfast, one mutant bagel at a time in this hilarious story that's perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Wayside School Rex can rock a bunny suit like no one else. But his PE teacher insists that all students must wear gym clothes--or face a punishment worse than dodgeball. Alley vows to help his pal Rex. And to save the free breakfast cart that was closed due to budget cuts. Everyone knows that kids can't learn on empty stomachs From a heist in the principal's office to a bake sale featuring mutant bagels, Alley tries everything he can to bring back the food cart. And Rex tries everything he can to turn Alley's bad choices into good solutions. They will stop at nothing in their quests for justice

Sail across sand dunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Island series! Finding themselves transported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge from a mysterious cave to see blue waters—they’re by the beach! And in the near distance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower. There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions… if they ever reach the tower in time. Using items stashed around the cave, the friends must build themselves a blowcart and use wind power to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast and sturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store for the three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure! Included at the back of the book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAM activities you can do at home, like how to build your own blowcart and make pirate treasure slime. From the world’s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curious kids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.

Sail across sand dunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Island series! Finding themselves transported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge from a mysterious cave to see blue waters—they’re by the beach! And in the near distance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower. There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions… if they ever reach the tower in time. Using items stashed around the cave, the friends must build themselves a blowcart and use wind power to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast and sturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store for the three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure! Included at the back of the book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAM activities you can do at home, like how to build your own blowcart and make pirate treasure slime. From the world’s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curious kids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.

Loveable prankster Alley and bunny-suited brainiac Rex team up again, this time to help each other survive PE and save breakfast, one mutant bagel at a time in this hilarious story that's perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Wayside School Rex can rock a bunny suit like no one else. But his PE teacher insists that all students must wear gym clothes--or face a punishment worse than dodgeball. Alley vows to help his pal Rex. And to save the free breakfast cart that was closed due to budget cuts. Everyone knows that kids can't learn on empty stomachs From a heist in the principal's office to a bake sale featuring mutant bagels, Alley tries everything he can to bring back the food cart. And Rex tries everything he can to turn Alley's bad choices into good solutions. They will stop at nothing in their quests for justice

Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Wayside School will love this first book in a new, off-the-wall middle grade series about two boys--one with the heart of a lion and the test scores of a baked potato, the other a shy boy genius in a bunny suit--finding their strengths and true friendship.Sixth-grader Alley Katz is innocently trying to help a bunch of kindergarteners when the burrito hits the fan. Literally. A burrito. A ceiling fan. A hail of beans. Now he has to get an A on his science test or he'll be transferred to the dreaded Steggles Academy. An A seems impossible Alley is kind, intrepid, and well-liked, but for some reason he doesn't get graded on any of that. So the principal assigns a peer mentor to help: Rex, a fourth-grade genius who wears a bunny suit. Alley is totally in favor of both bunnies and fourth graders, but he doesn't need Rex. He has his own foolproof plan to ace the test. Still, Rex is determined to fulfill his duty as Alley's mentor--and he may need some help of his own. One boy needs to stay in school, the other needs to get through it. Can this odd couple save the day--and each other?

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."—Youth Services Book Review"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."—School Library Journal"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak PreviewsDaniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."—Youth Services Book Review"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."—School Library Journal"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak PreviewsDaniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

For fans of The Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House, new friendships, mysterious forces, and an island adventure awaits in The Bridge to Sharktooth Island as you delve into the mechanics of bridge-building fun!"This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff's clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci–inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library."—School Library Journal"[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological 'design and build' problem-solving."—Primary ScienceOne minute Daniel and his cousin Joy are playing in the snow—and the next they are stranded on a mysterious island surrounded by sharks!Where are they now and how did they get here? And how will they get back home?With new friend Kimani, the kids find clues to these and other mysteries. To escape the island, they have to work together and build a bridge to safety!This thrilling adventure is packed with fun STEAM activities you can do at home: build your own bridge, mix up a blue slime ocean, and design ferocious paper sharks.From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

For fans of The Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House, new friendships, mysterious forces, and an island adventure awaits in The Bridge to Sharktooth Island as you delve into the mechanics of bridge-building fun!"This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff's clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci–inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library."—School Library Journal"[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological 'design and build' problem-solving."—Primary ScienceOne minute Daniel and his cousin Joy are playing in the snow—and the next they are stranded on a mysterious island surrounded by sharks!Where are they now and how did they get here? And how will they get back home?With new friend Kimani, the kids find clues to these and other mysteries. To escape the island, they have to work together and build a bridge to safety!This thrilling adventure is packed with fun STEAM activities you can do at home: build your own bridge, mix up a blue slime ocean, and design ferocious paper sharks.From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.

The Foundational Hands-On Skills You Need to Dive into Data Science “Freeman and Ross have created the definitive resource for new and aspiring data scientists to learn foundational programming skills.” –From the foreword by Jared Lander, series editor Using data science techniques, you can transform raw data into actionable insights for domains ranging from urban planning to precision medicine. Programming Skills for Data Science brings together all the foundational skills you need to get started, even if you have no programming or data science experience. Leading instructors Michael Freeman and Joel Ross guide you through installing and configuring the tools you need to solve professional-level data science problems, including the widely used R language and Git version-control system. They explain how to wrangle your data into a form where it can be easily used, analyzed, and visualized so others can see the patterns you’ve uncovered. Step by step, you’ll master powerful R programming techniques and troubleshooting skills for probing data in new ways, and at larger scales. Freeman and Ross teach through practical examples and exercises that can be combined into complete data science projects. Everything’s focused on real-world application, so you can quickly start analyzing your own data and getting answers you can act upon. Learn to Install your complete data science environment, including R and RStudioManage projects efficiently, from version tracking to documentationHost, manage, and collaborate on data science projects with GitHubMaster R language fundamentals: syntax, programming concepts, and data structuresLoad, format, explore, and restructure data for successful analysisInteract with databases and web APIsMaster key principles for visualizing data accurately and intuitivelyProduce engaging, interactive visualizations with ggplot and other R packagesTransform analyses into sharable documents and sites with R MarkdownCreate interactive web data science applications with ShinyCollaborate smoothly as part of a data science team Register your book for convenient access to downloads, updates, and/or corrections as they become available. See inside book for details.

From Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Joel Ross, author of The Fog Diver, comes the second book in his sweeping fantasy duology.Ji and his friends Roz, Sally, and Chibo have gone into hiding following the disastrous Diadem Rite, where they were transformed from humans into half-beasts. It's their hope that they will survive the epic journey to the Ice Witch to be restored to humans again before they run out of time. But they know the evil Summer Queen's soldiers are tracking them and fear that she is hot on their (at times abnormally large and fluffy) tails...With the help of goblins, ogres, trolls, and a few mermaids along the way, Ji and his band of unlikely heroes must save their world from being eternally divided.Ross's smart and fast-paced writing, paired with an addictive, suspenseful, and funny storyline, will leave readers hanging on every word. Fans will cheer for this endearing crew of servants, led by the amazing and dynamic Ji, who are changed forever and must fight for their freedom.

"A wildly imaginative world and a plot full of unexpected twists and turns, not to mention plenty of witty banter." --Sarah Prineas, author of the Magic Thief series"Out-of-this world magic, laugh-out-loud humor, and a cast of lovable characters." --Sage Blackwood, author of the Jinx series"A solid fantasy adventure with several laugh-out-loud moments." --School Library JournalA thrilling new middle grade fantasy from Texas Bluebonnet Award winner Joel Ross. Packed with adventure and humor and filled with goblins, royals, and magic, this is a tale of unlikely heroes who embark on a daring quest.Boot boy Ji is tired of scrubbing soles and untangling shoelaces. He doesn't want to bow and scrape. All he wants is freedom--for himself and his friends.He decides to risk everything for a chance to accompany a young nobleman to the Diadem Rite, a magical ritual that chooses the heir to the Summer Crown. Ji doesn't care about crowns or ceremonies, but he vows that this trip will grant him and his friends new lives, far away from boots and bowing.What Ji doesn't know is that he and his friends have a dangerous part to play in the Diadem Rite. One that will change them forever.

In the high-stakes sequel to the acclaimed The Fog Diver--which was named a Texas Bluebonnet selection and winner of the 2015 Cybils Award for Speculative Fiction and the Michigan Library Association's 2016 YouPer Award--thirteen-year-old Chess and his crew must stop the deadly and mysterious Fog from enveloping the city of Port Oro and destroying their world.Chess and his crew--Hazel, Swedish, Loretta, and Bea--may have escaped the slums, but they cannot escape the Fog that threatens to swallow the entire mountaintop city of Port Oro. Only one thing can stop the Fog: an ancient machine known as the Compass. And only one person can find it: Chess. With the help of his crew, Chess faces dangerous encounters and deadly driftsharks to unearth the hidden instrument. It's a race against time to save this sanctuary in the sky.With adventure at every turn, peril behind every corner, and a few determined slum kids who must save the day, Joel Ross presents a fantastic world in this fast-paced follow-up to The Fog Diver.