Louis Braille is known today as one of the most celebrated people in history. Although the work of many others contributed to his accomplishment, Louis Braille's invention of a tactile six-dot reading and writing system revolutionized the way blind people perceive and contribute to the world. Before his invention, Louis was an intelligent boy who was determined to learn. He overcame many challenges, including learning how to live in a world full of darkness because he was blind. He didn’t let anything stop him, and his determination to read led to his invention of "Braille", which continues to exist today as the universal reading system for the blind. Explore how Louis Braille went from being a young boy growing up in Northern France to a famous inventor.

Naomi and Mia are best friends. The school year is nearing an end and both girls are waiting to see if they are accepted to the college of their dreams. Naomi is hoping to be recognized by a scout from Julliard in New York City for her singing and acting talents, while Mia is waiting to see if she will be accepted to the New York College of Fine Arts. One day after school, Mia is consoling Naomi about her anxiety over Julliard, when a passing student makes a comment that changes the way they look at their friendship. Eventually, Naomi gathers the courage to ask Mia an important question. She knows that she may be risking everything by asking, but will Mia's response be worth it?

Twins Emily and Max have been waiting for their next birthday for a LONG time. Not only will they be teenagers (finally!), their parents have promised to take them to the next World Cup wherever it is held. But before the parents make the arrangements for the trip from Germany to Doha, Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, the twins are tasked with completing a scavenger hunt to learn more about the region where the tournament is to take place - the first time that a Middle Eastern nation serves as the host country. Emily and Max are ardent supporters of Germany’s national team (of course!), and they have been looking forward to this trip for four long years. What will they learn about Qatar, and will this new information affect their enthusiasm about the tournament? Level 2/3

Next weekend is Gavin’s birthday. To celebrate, he wants to invite a few friends to eat pizza and see a superhero movie; a classic “good time” for a group of 11-year olds. On his invite list are four of Gavin’s good friends from elementary school and a new kid, Roberto. Roberto and Gavin have become pals playing soccer at recess, and Gavin really wants him to come to the party. But there may be an issue with Roberto being able to go to attend…an issue that both boys hope can be resolved before the big day.

Esra is the new girl at the high school in town. She makes new friends easily, so it’s not a surprise when she starts hanging out with a boy named Lukas. Like Lukas and many of the students at the school, Esra is involved in sports, which is just one of the ways she and Lukas connect. But issues arise with their newfound friendship (romance?) with Lukas when their differences are highlighted by the adults in their lives. How do the teens navigate their lives given the demands of their parents and society? This book is intended as a reader for students learning German. While the story has a plot similar to the classic story of Romeo and Juliet or Tony and Maria, the vocabulary and grammar are simple and comprehensible even for those whose German is at the novice level.

Jean is still stunned at the Chambord castle where he recently stumbled upon an inheritance like no other. From the moment he stepped into the castle, Jean was intrigued. He learned that his grandfather was part of one of the most famous chocolate companies in France and now Jean is determined to find out how he can solve the mystery of the missing Chambord Chocolate recipe. Will the small clues that his grandfather left behind help Jean solve the mystery of the missing recipe? Or will Jean discover other secrets his family has hidden? Jean sets out to learn more about this missing recipe and the mysterious map he discovers along the way. Will he uncover the truth? And what will he learn about his grandfather?

Jean is a typical teenager who spends his time playing video games. One day his entire world changes when he and his mother are summoned to Chambord Castle in Central France. Upon their arrival, they find out that Jean has inherited not only the enormous castle, but the whole of the famous Chambord Chocolate Company from his grandfather. But an adventure awaits as Jean reads the mysterious letter his grandfather left him, he finds himself on a quest to save his family's company from ruin. With the help of his grandfather's clues, Jean will try to complete the quest in order to gain access to his new fortune, but what secrets will he stumble upon along the way?

Daniel is spending another summer in Canada where he recently stumbled upon an old map of Oak Island. From the moment he found the map, Daniel was intrigued. He learned that his grandfather knew something about the Oak Island treasure and now Daniel is determined to find out how he knows so much. Strange occurrences make Daniel believe that someone is trying to steal the map. But who? Daniel sets out to learn more about the map and its past. Will he uncover the truth? And what will he learn about the real treasure?

Héctor is a teenager who lives in San Lucas Tolimán on the shore of lago Atitlán in Guatemala. Like most teenagers, he enjoys music and sports, and hanging out with his friends on the weekends. But having grown up with his father who’s a farmer and a mother who works at IMAP, an organization that educates people about ecology and sustainability, Héctor is also keenly aware of the human impact on the earth, especially when he sees trash haphazardly discarded throughout his town. In this novice-level novel, read how Héctor and his younger brother Ignacio take what they have learned from their abuelo and apply it to the land and their town, giving meaning to the phrase, “think globally, act locally.”

Valeria, a 14-year-old girl, is different from her peers, mostly because she is interested in activities that are different than what she is “supposed” to like. She wants to try things that other girls tend to shy away from, for whatever reasons. Tired of feeling limited, Valeria shares her frustrations with her teacher, Mrs. Reid. Inspired by Mrs. Reid's advice, Valérie creates a list of five activities she wants to try. On the way to accomplishing her goals, she faces obstacles and encounters ridicule from her family, boys, and girls. Still, will Valeria learn that there are limits based on gender expectations?

Daniel is a typical teenager who just wants to spend his summer vacation with his friends. Unfortunately, he must spend another summer in Canada, where his father works. Will his summer be as boring as the last, or will he manage to make the most of it in the absence of his friends? Will he find adventure and excitement in the long days ahead?

Alexis has a secret about her-...er, himself.  Well, it’s not really a secret - at least not outwardly - but it hasn’t been expressed aloud to anyone else, except the therapist.  He hasn’t told anyone yet, but plans on telling Sofía first, mostly because she lives thousands of miles away in Buenos Aires.  Alexis and Sofía have been pen pals since the 6th grade, and since they have never actually met IRL (in real life), Alexis feels more comfortable telling her first.   Sofía, too, has just learned of a secret that her parents have been keeping from her, one that upends her life and changes the way she thinks about everything.  In a letter that Sofía inadvertently finds in her father’s desk drawer, she learns that her abuelos - her mother’s parents - are not only not her real grandparents, but who they are, and more importantly who they were, are in direct conflict with who Sofía is and what she believes.   While Alexis struggles with identity, so too, does Sofía.  In this story, two virtual friends work together to solve their own mysteries, one intensely personal and the other with how she now relates to her own family as the secrets of the past - the family’s and the country’s - become even more real.