Just Like Grandpa

When worrying takes over, a boy uses mindfulness to calm down, just like Grandpa taught him. Every fall a boy hikes up the mountain with his grandpa and parents. Except this year he and his parents moved to a new place, and Grandpa's back home. As the boy sets out on a new mountain trail with his parents, he begins to worry about everything that's different. But he remembers that when Grandpa needs to calm his worries, he uses mindfulness. So the boy does too.

Family is family, no matter what it looks like. Readers will cheer for this pitch-perfect story, just right for fans of such books as The Great Gilly Hopkins and Fish in a Tree. For as long as Robinson Hart can remember, it’s just been her and Grandpa. He taught her about cars, baseball, and everything else worth knowing. But Grandpa’s memory has been getting bad—so bad that he sometimes can’t even remember Robbie’s name. She’s sure that she’s making things worse by getting in trouble at school, but she can’t resist using her fists when bullies like Alex Carter make fun of her for not having a mom. Now she’s stuck in group guidance—and to make things even worse, Alex Carter is there too. There’s no way Robbie’s going to open up about her life to some therapy group, especially not with Alex in the room. Besides, if she told anyone how forgetful Grandpa’s been getting lately, they’d take her away from him. He’s the only family she has—and it’s up to her to keep them together, no matter what. Praise for Just Like Jackie: "I was truly moved by this refreshing story about a scrappy young heroine and her struggle to protect her family."—Sara Pennypacker, New York Times bestselling author of Pax “Just Like Jackie is a lovely story of acceptance—about what makes a family and how we make our own families, and about embracing our differences.”—Ann M. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Rain Reign "A fresh coming-of-age novel as feisty, funny, and forthright as its protagonist. Robinson overcomes obstacles with wit, grit, and a growing compassion for others, showing us that families are what we make them and happiness is found in the simple gifts we take for granted. A rich, rewarding read all around."—John David Anderson, author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day “As close to perfect as a book for middle grade children can get!”—Cammie McGovern, author of Just My Luck ? "Stoddard debuts with a quiet but powerful narrative that gently unpacks Alzheimer’s, centers mental health, and moves through the intimate and intense emotional landscape of family—what seems to break one and what can remake it. Validating, heart-rending, and a deft blend of suffering and inspiration."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A home-run story that will resonate with all who feel they might not fit into the perfect definition of a family.”—School Library Journal “Debut author Stoddard crafts a winning narrator in Robinson. A beautiful story about the true meaning of family, perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt.”—Booklist

What does 12-year-old Sarah McDermott do when her mean uncle Frank threatens to commit her beloved grandpa to the County Nursing Home? She decides to "kidnap" Grandpa, with the help of her friend Joey, and take him to Chicago to find a doctor who will declare him competent. Granted, Grandpa has been doing some strange things since his stroke, but Sarah is convinced he is getting better. The plan is set into motion, and what follows is a wildly hazardous and hilarious 180-mile odyssey from the family farm to Chicago over back roads in an ancient Model-A truck with Joey at the wheel. Joey's observation that Sarah is "always making things sound so simple, and they hardly never end up that away" turns out to be true.

What is your favorite family memory? How did the world you grew up in differ from today's world? Is there anything in life you wish you did, but never have? From childhood and family matters to aspirations and fears, these are just a few of the thought-provoking questions you will find in Questions to Bring You Closer to Grandma and Grandpa. This wonderfully compelling book helps you gain a deeper understanding of your eldest family members and discover some interesting family history too! Through intimate conversations, you will soon know more about your grandparents than you ever thought possible. Questions to Bring You Closer to Grandma and Grandpa promises to open up your relationship and strengthen the bond between you for years to come. And with plenty of space to write in your answers, it truly is a keepsake worth preserving!

The holidays were never her thing, until she accidentally conjures the Holiday Spirit...before her very eyes. Bettie Hughes once knew the comfort of luxury, flaunting a collection of designer purses and an enviable dream home in Hawaii. That was before she lost all her money. Long obsessed with her public image, Bettie boasts an extravagant lifestyle on social media. But the reality is Bettie is broke and squatting in Colorado, and her family has no idea. Christmas, with its pressure to meet familial expectations, is looming when Bettie plays a vinyl record of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” backward and accidentally conjures up Hall, the Holiday Spirit, in the form of a charming and handsome (if offbeat) man. Once the shock wears off, Bettie knows she’s stumbled upon the greatest gift: a chance to make all her holiday wishes come true, plus a ready-made fiancé. But as some of Bettie’s wishes lose their charm, she finds herself thrown off-kilter by Hall’s sweet nature. Suddenly, grumpy Bettie is finding her heart merry and light. But the happier she gets, the shorter Hall’s time on earth grows. Can Bettie channel the Christmas spirit and learn to live with goodwill toward all men? Or will her selfish ways return as soon as the holidays are over?

Just Like Me: Beyond the Thousand-Yard Stare contains battle scenes as vivid as those in a Tom Hanks movie and psychic twists and turns reminiscent of Hitchcock. Don Duncan, retired journalist and World War II army veteran Just Like Me is an exciting, riveting read. It will do much to further the understanding of the emotional turmoil resulting from war. Carol Lodmell, retired educator This open and honest story is, I like to think, a freeing of some of Archie Morrison's demons into the etherto dilution and impotence. I like to think, too, that in its expression of hopeman seeking something much better than the worst he can do to others (and himself)it helps express not just Archie's aspirations, but ours as well. Richard Prince, retired dentist and Vietnam navy veteran Archie Morrison creates an account of an unbelievable friendship that becomes believable when we see that it is built on truths that war diminishes but does not extinguish. Denzil Walters, retired teacher and editor; World War II navy veteran