When You Think Of Me Smile

A collection of Arab-American comedian Amer Zahr's writings on the experiences and tribulations of being a Palestinian.

Birdy starts every day by smiling at herself in the mirror. She says you can smile while doing just about anything--brushing your teeth, taking out the garbage, or eating broccoli. Okay, maybe not while eating broccoli. Even people with bad teeth (like our first president, George Washington) should show their toothy grins because there's no such thing as a bad smile. So heed Birdy's advice and practice your smile—you'll need it while reading this book! This title has Common Core connections

It's the first snowfall of winter and the little girl in this story is filled with that sense of wonder we all experience when the world turns white. She builds a snowman and gives him a twig smile so that they may share a moment of happiness and know the promise of a friendship that will berenewed each year. Told through a simple narrative and with stunning illustrations, this is a book that focuses on the bonds of love and friendship and the pleasure we can give to each other with just a smile: messages that are perfect for the Christmas season.

With acerbic wit and a hilarious voice, Shane Burcaw's Laughing at My Nightmare describes the challenges he faces as a twenty-one-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy. From awkward handshakes to having a girlfriend and everything in between, Shane handles his situation with humor and a "you-only-live-once" perspective on life. While he does talk about everyday issues that are relatable to teens, he also offers an eye-opening perspective on what it is like to have a life threatening disease.

What's in your dream basket? Neema's is full of big dreams, like becoming a scientist, an inventor, or a teacher. Neema's Reason to Smile is the story of Neema, a young Kenyan girl who dreams of one day being able to afford to go to school. Slowly, and with great purpose, Neema makes a plan to save money in her dream basket and make her dream come true. One day, a mysterious young girl skips down the street wearing a red skirt and white shirt. Soon, she guides Neema all the way to a new school.

An incredible journey that begins in the small town of Crossett, Arkansas, and leads Ann through Louisiana and Texas to Frankfurt, W. Germany, and to Frankfurt American High School. Living and traveling abroad brought many changes that significantly altered her life. Away from the chaotic events in the States and family influence, she met and married Don Messier. Theirs was an unusual courtship and marriage that many thought would never last. Their differences were so great: small town girl-city boy; Southern girl-Yankee boy; Baptist girl- Catholic boy; daughter of a blue collar worker- son of a doctor. But last it did for over fifty years. Sustained by a great faith, throughout her life, she met wonderful people and experienced the rich tapestry of life: successes and failures, joys and sorrows""all precious memories. Confident that life is a holy gift, to be protected, shared, appreciated, and celebrated, her story brings the reader joy, peace, and laughter, guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir based on her childhood! Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.