Billy Gets Talking

Billy was a smart boy, but he felt frustrated since it was difficult to move his lips, jaw, and tongue, to clearly say the words in his head. This is a story about how Billy found his words with the help of his speech-language pathologist and his family. With hard work and each small step, Billy became happier and gained confidence when talking to his family and friends. Written for ages 2-4, Billy's story is a relatable journey for the youngest children with a diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech. Childhood apraxia of speech is a type of speech sound disorder characterized by specific difficulty programming the correct oral motor movements for the production of speech sounds. Speech-language pathologists may use this book as a companion to treatment to illustrate the family's contribution outside of treatment. Examples are provided of how caregivers can incorporate practice into their daily routines and celebrate every successful sound and word.

PUSH continues to break new ground with this remarkable poetry memoir of growing up, coming out, and exploring love.This is a memoir that is lived in moments. The moments you know - when you see your parents' marriage dissolving, when you realize you're a boy who likes boys, when you speak the truth and don't know if it will be heard. The moments you don't recognize until later - when you leave things unsaid (even to yourself), when you feel your boyfriend letting go, when you give up on love. And the moment you get love back. In an amazing narrative of poems, Billy Merrell tells an ordinary story in an extraordinary way.

The all-access biography and unprecedented look at the life, career, and legacy of a pint-sized kid from Long Island who became a music legend. “A funny, revealing, and poignant look at [Billy] Joel’s long career.”—Boston Globe Exhibiting unparalleled intimate knowledge, Schruers chronicles Joel’s rise to the top of the charts, from his working-class origins in Levittown and early days spent in boxing rings and sweaty clubs to his monumental success in the seventies and eighties. He also explores Joel’s creative transformation in the nineties, his dream performance with Paul McCartney at Shea Stadium in 2008, and beyond. Along the way, Schruers reveals the stories behind all the key events and relationships—including Joel’s high-profile marriages and legal battles—that defined his path to stardom and inspired his signature songs, such as “Piano Man,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” “New York State of Mind,” and “She’s Always a Woman.” Throughout, he captures the spirit of a restless artist determined to break through by sharing, in his deeply personal lyrics, the dreams and heartbreaks of suburban American life. Comprehensive, vibrantly written, and filled with Joel’s memories and reflections—as well as those of the family, friends, and band members who have formed his inner circle, including Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, Jon Small, and Steve Cohen—this is the definitive account of a beloved rock star’s epic American journey.

Scots: The Mither Tongue is a classic of contemporary Scottish culture and essential reading for those who care about their country's identity in the twenty-first century. It is a passionately written history of how the Scots have come to speak the way they do and has acted as a catalyst for radical changes in attitude towards the language. In this completely revised edition, Kay vigorously renews the social, cultural and political debate on Scotland's linguistic future, and argues convincingly for the necessity to retain and extend Scots if the nation is to hold on to its intrinsic values. Kay places Scots in an international context, comparing and contrasting it with other lesser-used European languages, while at home questioning the Scottish Executive's desire to pay anything more than lip service to this crucial part of our national identity. Language is central to people's existence, and this vivid account celebrates the survival of Scots in its various dialects, its literature and song. The mither tongue is a national treasure that thrives in many parts of the country and underpins the speech of everyone who calls themselves a Scot.

Our stories are what connect us.When we share our stories we connect with each other and we become better humans. S P E A K is a love letter to my story and everyone in it, as well as an invitation to speak your own story. I believe in letting our love speak by loving our story like it's our job and sharing our story with others. When we love our story we remove fear from speaking in public, we engage our audience more easily, we speak from our heart, we are a little unexpected, and we help others heal. Let's speak, speak up, speak our story, speak our truth and live a life where love always speaks.

Fifteen-year-old Billy's spent eight years in a care home and it's made him angry: with the system, with the social workers and the mother who gave him away. All he has to keep him going are his little brother and sister, but will they be enough? First person recount. Suggested level: secondary.

Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller! Award-winning, nationally bestselling author Kevin Henkes introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny story about friendship, sibling rivalry, and elementary school. The Year of Billy Miller includes black-and-white art by Kevin Henkes and is perfect for fans of the Ramona books; Frindle, by Andrew Clements; and the Clementine series. The New York Times declared: "Henkes's delightful story is restrained and vivid . . . forgoing the overdramatic or zany, it shows the substance, warmth and adaptability of beautifully common family love." When Billy Miller has a mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he ends up with a big lump on his head. What a way to start second grade! As the year goes by, though, Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family and a help to his busy working mom and stay-at-home dad. Newbery Honor author and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes delivers a short, satisfying, laugh-out-loud-funny school and family story that features a diorama homework assignment, a school poetry slam, cancelled sleepovers, and epic sibling temper tantrums. This is a perfect short novel for the early elementary grades. Plus don't miss the follow-up, Billy Miller Makes a Wish!

True crime for kids. Or is it the happy childhood you never had? Thirteen tales. A wry, fantasy children's book to make adults laugh. Reminiscent of such greats as James Thurber and Lemony Snicket. Penned by SF troublemaker Terry Bisson, and illustrated by transreal cyberpunk Rudy Rucker. Also available in two paperback editions: an all-text "Billy's Book," and an illustrated large-format "Billy's Picture Book."