I Kick and I Fly
Ruchira Gupta

Heera is a fourteen-year-old girl growing up in an impoverished part of Bihar, India. Prostitution is the future for most young girls in Heera's neighborhood. When she gets expelled from school for fighting, the future looks bleak. Life becomes more hopeful when Heera receives help from Rini Di, a worker at the nearby hostel for girls. Involvement at the hostel gives Heera support and stability. She participates in kung fu classes, which is something she has wanted to do. Her relationships and activities at the hostel help Heera gain confidence and skills. She has opportunities to be an advocate for herself and other girls. I Kick and I Fly raises awareness of trafficking in India and worldwide. Heera's experience shows us that change is possible, and by working together, we can make the world a safer and better place for girls and women.

This book is for readers age 12 and up.

Granny Rex
Kurtis Scaletta, illustrated by Nik Henderson

Little Dee is a young chickadee who complains to her mother that she feels threatened by the larger birds. Dee is amazed and impressed when her mother tells her that her relative from ancient times was an enormous dinosaur. After learning about her Granny Rex, Little Dee goes out into the world feeling stronger and braver. Children will cheer for Little Dee and be fascinated to discover that dinosaurs and birds are truly distant relatives. Young readers will love this engaging and beautifully illustrated story.