Kelly J. Baptist

Zoe Sparks is an eleven-year-old with boundless enthusiasm, embarking on a mission to become the top cookie-dough seller in her school's fundraiser, and aiming to win a coveted laptop. But Zoe's laser-focus on winning may put her at odds with her best friend and family. Spunky sixth-grader Zoe Sparks has discovered a unique way to get the laptop of her dreams--to win it If Zoe can sell more tubs of cookie dough than anyone in her school, the laptop is hers. It's the first step to becoming a prize-winning journalist Soon, her win-at-all-costs attitude causes problems with her family and her best friend, Felix when she misses out on their important milestones. Zoe's a top cookie-dough seller, but is winning the prize worth it?

From Kelly J. Baptist, the award-winning author of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero, comes a story about Zoe Sparks, an over-enthusiastic cookie-dough seller who wishes to win a laptop from her school fundraiser. Of course, there's unexpected competition, bad music, strained friendships, and over-the-top ideas that go horribly wrong. Spunky sixth-grader Zoe Sparks has discovered a unique way to get the laptop of her dreams--to win it If Zoe can sell more tubs of cookie dough than anyone in her school, the laptop is hers. It's the first step to becoming a prize-winning journalist But her win-at-all-costs attitude is starting to drive a wedge between Zoe, her best friend Felix, and her family. Zoe may be a top cookie-dough seller in her class, but is winning the prize really worth it?

From Kelly J. Baptist, the award-winning author of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero, comes a story about Zoe Sparks, an over-enthusiastic cookie-dough seller who wishes to win a laptop from her school fundraiser. Of course, there's unexpected competition, bad music, strained friendships, and over-the-top ideas that go horribly wrong. Spunky sixth-grader Zoe Sparks has discovered a unique way to get the laptop of her dreams--to win it If Zoe can sell more tubs of cookie dough than anyone in her school, the laptop is hers. It's the first step to becoming a prize-winning journalist But her win-at-all-costs attitude is starting to drive a wedge between Zoe, her best friend Felix, and her family. Zoe may be a top cookie-dough seller in her class, but is winning the prize really worth it?

Starting middle school is no joke Friendship, community, and a love of words blend in this sequel to the award-winning Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero. Things are looking up for super kid Isaiah Dunn. He and his little sister, Charlie, are getting used to staying with Miz Rita, and Mama′s feeling better. Isaiah′s poetry business with Angel is taking off, and his best friend, Sneaky, always has a new hustle. Plus, Isaiah has his dad′s journals for a story or if he needs advice. . . . Like maybe now, because starting middle school is hard. Especially when his mentee, Kobe, won′t stop making trouble. Isaiah knows something is up, but to get to the bottom of Kobe′s secret, he′ll have to rely on every hero he knows--including himself

Starting middle school is no joke Isaiah Dunn has more to say in the sequel to the award-winning novel Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero. Friendship, community, and a love of words blend in this coming-of-age tale. Things are looking up for super kid Isaiah Dunn. He and his little sister, Charlie, are getting used to staying with Miz Rita, and Mama's feeling better. Isaiah's poetry business with Angel is taking off, and his best friend, Sneaky, always has a new hustle. Plus, Isaiah has his dad's journals for a story or if he needs advice.... Like maybe now, because starting middle school is hard. Especially when his mentee Kobe won't stop making trouble. Isaiah knows something is up, but to get to the bottom of Kobe's secret, he'll have to rely on every hero he knows--including himself Discover the heartfelt and humorous sequel to the award-winning novel Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero.

Xavier Moon is stepping out of the shadows when his great-uncle gives him some outlandish socks and some even stranger requests. A story about heart, confidence, and standing on your own two feet that is perfect for fans of The Season of Styx Malone and The Parker Inheritance. "An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson's Harbor Me or Janae Marks' From the Desk of Zoe Washington." -Booklist, Starred Review "A warm but authentic picture of a middle schooler figuring out who he is and who he wants to be." -The Bulletin Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. He's perfectly content to play video games and sit at his bedroom window watching the neighborhood talk outside. But for Xavier's twelfth birthday, he receives a pair of funky socks and a challenge from his great-uncle, Frankie Bell, saying it's time to swag out and speak up. First on the list: get into the legendary Scepter League. Xavier's grandfather, great-uncle, and father were all invited to join the elite boys' after-school club that admits only the most suave and confident young men. Xavier has never had the courage to apply before, but his wild socks are getting him some big attention, so maybe it's time to come out of the shadows and follow in his family's footsteps. Or maybe Xavier will march down a new path altogether.

Starting middle school is no joke Isaiah Dunn has more to say in the sequel to the award-winning novel Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero. Friendship, community, and a love of poetry blend in this coming-of-age tale. Things are looking up for super kid Isaiah Dunn. He and his sister, Charlie, are getting used to staying with Miz Rita, and Mama's feeling better. Isaiah's poetry business with Angel is taking off. Plus, Isaiah has his dad's journals if he needs advice.... Like maybe now, because starting middle school is hard. His mentee Kobe won't stop making trouble. To fix things, Isaiah will have to rely on every hero he knows--including himself Discover the heartfelt and humorous sequel to the award-winning novel Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero.

Xavier Moon is stepping out of the shadows when his great-uncle gives him some outlandish socks and some even stranger requests. A story about heart, confidence, and standing on your own two feet that is perfect for fans of The Season of Styx Malone and The Parker Inheritance. "An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson's Harbor Me or Janae Marks' From the Desk of Zoe Washington." -Booklist, Starred Review "A warm but authentic picture of a middle schooler figuring out who he is and who he wants to be." -The Bulletin Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. He's perfectly content to play video games and sit at his bedroom window watching the neighborhood talk outside. But for Xavier's twelfth birthday, he receives a pair of funky socks and a challenge from his great-uncle, Frankie Bell, saying it's time to swag out and speak up. First on the list: get into the legendary Scepter League. Xavier's grandfather, great-uncle, and father were all invited to join the elite boys' after-school club that admits only the most suave and confident young men. Xavier has never had the courage to apply before, but his wild socks are getting him some big attention, so maybe it's time to come out of the shadows and follow in his family's footsteps. Or maybe Xavier will march down a new path altogether.

A coming-of-age tale about a boy who proves that with superhero courage--and a few great sidekicks--you can take on even the toughest of odds. Adapted from a story that first appeared in Flying Lessons & Other Stories and perfect for fans of The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson. Isaiah is now the big man of the house. But it's a lot harder than his dad made it look. His little sister, Charlie, asks too many questions, and Mama's gone totally silent. Good thing Isaiah can count on his best friend, Sneaky, who always has a scheme for getting around the rules. Plus, his classmate Angel has a few good ideas of her own--once she stops hassling Isaiah. And when things get really tough, there's Daddy's journal, filled with stories about the amazing Isaiah Dunn, a superhero who gets his powers from beans and rice. Isaiah wishes his dad's tales were real. He could use those powers right about now Kelly J. Baptist's debut novel explores the indomitable spirit of a ten-year-old boy and the superhero strength it takes to grow up.

Kai es el nico miembro de su familia que no puede bailar el paso el ctrico bien. Pero est resuelto a mover el esqueleto en esta divertida y tierna celebraci n de las familias afroamericanas. Kai is the only member of his family who can't get the dance steps to the Electric Slide right. But he's determined to bust a move in this fun and sweet celebration of African American families. La t a de Kai se va a casar, y todos de la familia Donovan est n emocionados por la boda... menos Kai. La parte m s popular de cada ocasi n por los Donovanes es cuando se baila el paso el ctrico --un baile divertido con movimientos que Kai no consigue entender--. M s que todo, el quiere probar que puede mover el esqueleto con el resto de su familia y as ganarse un apodo ch vere de su abuelo. Podr Kai derrotar sus nervios para echar un pie en la pista? Relatado con hum r y coraz n de la autora Kelly J. Baptist y las ilustraciones alegres del artista Darnell Johnson, Kai y el paso el ctrico es una celebraci n con un ritmo contagioso Kai's aunt is getting married, and everyone in the Donovan family is excited about the wedding... except Kai. The highlight of every Donovan occasion is dancing the electric slide--a groovy line dance with footwork that Kai can't quite figure out. More than anything, he wants to prove that he can boogie with the rest of his family and earn a cool nickname from his granddad. Can Kai break through his nerves and break it down on the dance floor? Told with humor and heart by author Kelly J. Baptist and lively illustrations from debut picture book artist Darnell Johnson, The Electric Slide and Kai is a funky celebration with all the right moves

In this rollicking, rhyming picture book, a pair of siblings who are supposed to be in bed discover a jazz band playing in their basement After hearing Daddy’s band practicing in the basement, a brother and sister can’t resist sneaking out of bed to watch them play. Careful, careful, can’t be caught. Tiptoe past the squeaky spot! They long to join in the fun, but can’t be seen out of bed—until the discovery of a surprise band member turns the jam session into a family affair. With an energetic, lyrical text from award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist and exuberant illustrations from Jenin Mohammed, The Band in Our Basement will have readers feeling the beat—right before settling back down for bedtime.The sounds downstairs are funky and we start to wiggle toes.We flip-flop and we giggle with sheets up to the nose. The rhythm’s steady, the trumpet’s sweet.Before too long, we’re on our feet!

Kai is the only member of his family who can't get the dance steps to the Electric Slide right. But Kai is determined to bust a move in this fun and sweet celebration of African American families.Kai's aunt is getting married, and everyone in the Donovan family is excited about the wedding ... except Kai. The highlight of every Donovan occasion is dancing the electric slide--a groovy line dance with footwork that Kai can't quite figure out. More than anything, he wants to prove that he can boogie with the rest of his family and earn a cool nickname from his granddad. Can Kai break through his nerves and break it down on the dance floor? Told with humor and heart by author Kelly J. Baptist and lively illustrations from debut picture book artist Darnell Johnson, The Electric Slide and Kai is a funky celebration with all the right moves

Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold short story collection--written by some of the best children's authors including Kwame Alexander, Meg Medina, Jacqueline Woodson, and many more and published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books--celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us. "Will resonate with any kid who's ever felt different--which is to say, every kid." --Time Great stories take flight in this adventurous middle-grade anthology crafted by ten of the most recognizable and diverse authors writing today. Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander delivers a story in-verse about a boy who just might have magical powers; National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson spins a tale of friendship against all odds; and Meg Medina uses wet paint to color in one girl's world with a short story that inspired her Newbery award-winner Merci Su rez Changes Gear. Plus, seven more bold voices that bring this collection to new heights with tales that challenge, inspire, and celebrate the unique talents within us all. AUTHORS INCLUDE: Kwame Alexander, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Pe a, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, Jacqueline Woodson "There's plenty of magic in this collection to go around." --Booklist, Starred "A natural for middle school classrooms and libraries." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred "Inclusive, authentic, and eminently readable." --School Library Journal, Starred "Thought provoking and wide-ranging . . . should not be missed."--Publishers Weekly, Starred "Read more books by these authors." --The Bulletin, Starred