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When the school talent show creates an issue between her and her friends, little Kiki learns what it means to follow your heart and be a leader. Based on a true story from the life of Grammy-nominated singer and actress Kierra Sheard-Kelly, this inspiring picture book helps kids discover how to best use their God-given gifts and what it means to be true to yourself even when it's not the popular thing to do.The school talent show is a big deal, and Kiki is thrilled when the popular girls ask her to perform with them. But when the song her new friends choose turns out to be one Kiki's parents don't want her singing, she must decide if it's more important to be popular and please her friends or speak up and do what she knows is right for her. Kiki Finds Her Voice helps children ages 4-8:Learn how to stand up to peer pressureEmbrace their differences and love what makes them uniqueBetter understand how their faith plays a part in their everyday lives In addition, Kiki Finds Her Voice is ideal for:birthday, back-to-school, Christmas, and holiday giftsbedtime and story time readingencouraging faith development, and building character and self-confidence

A gorgeously illustrated picture book about a little girl's leadership, creative thinking, and perseverance, as she works together with friends to build a dream, for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer and The Curious Garden.Maya dreams of building a fort-a special, comfy, cozy place to hide out and read, to dream and play. So she goes to work drafting plans and gathering all her supplies. But when she gets to the forest, she realizes she needs help. Thankfully, some new friends have just the right skills to make a perfect fort-building team. Will Maya's fort be everything she hopes? Or could it turn into something she never even imagined?Leah Gilbert's story bursts with inspiration and life, celebrating creativity, leadership, perseverance, and the magic of working together to build a dream.

The Compton Crook Award-winning author weaves her trademark blend of science fiction and dark humor in this dazzling story that continues the imaginative saga begun in Escaping Exodus, in which a society lives in the belly of a beast—and an entire civilization's survival depends on a pair of uneasy allies who must come together for one epic battle.Nearly a thousand years removed from Earth, the remnants of humanity cling to existence inside giant, space faring creatures known as the Zenzee. Abused and exploited by humans for generations, these majestic animals nearly went extinct, but under the command of its newly minted ruler, Doka Kaleigh, life in the Parados I has flourished. Thanks to careful oversight and sacrifice by all of its crew, they are now on the brink of utopia, and yet Doka's rivals feel threatened by that success. The Senate allowed Doka to lead their people believing he'd fail spectacularly—a disaster that would cement the legitimacy of their long-standing matriarchy. Despite vocal opposition and blatant attacks on his authority, Doka has continued to handle his position with grace and intelligence; he knows a single misstep means disaster. When a cataclysmic event on another Zenzee world forces Doka and his people to accept thousands of refugees, a culture clash erupts, revealing secrets from the past that could endanger their future. For Doka, the stakes are bigger and more personal than ever before—and could cost him his reign and his heart. He has fallen for the one woman he is forbidden to love: his wife, Seske. Doka and Seske must work closely together to sway the other Zenzee worlds to stop their cycles of destruction. But when they stumble upon a discovery that can transform their world, they know they must prepare to fight a battle where there can be no winners, only survivors.

The Gauntlet: Five Keys for Unlocking Success in Leadership takes readers on the riveting journey of Jason Irving, a young, ambitious executive who steadily climbs the corporate ladder until it crumbles beneath his feet. In despair and facing the greatest leadership crisis of his life, he meets a mysterious coach for global leaders across business, sports, nonprofit, and government sectors. Along the way, Jason is introduced to the five keys that unlock the potential within every person that aspires to lead successfully. Will Jason learn the keys and turn his leadership around? Or will he be added to the list of leaders who rose to starry heights and then had their predictably precipitous fall?

'Don't be alarmed - that dizzy pleasurable sensation you're experiencing is just your brain slowly exploding from all the wild magnificent worldbuilding in Nicky Drayden's Escaping Exodus. I loved these characters and this story, and so will you.'- Sam J. Miller, Nebula-Award-winning author of The Art of Starving and Blackfish CityThe Compton Crook award–winning author of The Prey of Gods and Temper returns with a dazzling stand-alone novel, set in deep space, in which the fate of humanity rests on the slender shoulders of an idealistic and untested young woman—a blend of science fiction, dark humor, and magical realism that will appeal to fans of Charlie Jane Anders, Jeff VanderMeer, and Nnedi Okorafor.Earth is a distant memory. Habitable extrasolar planets are still out of reach. For generations, humanity has been clinging to survival by establishing colonies within enormous vacuum-breathing space beasts and mining their resources to the point of depletion. Rash, dreamy, and unconventional, Seske Kaleigh should be preparing for her future role as clan leader, but her people have just culled their latest beast, and she's eager to find the cause of the violent tremors plaguing their new home. Defying social barriers, Seske teams up with her best friend, a beast worker, and ventures into restricted areas for answers to end the mounting fear and rumors. Instead, they discover grim truths about the price of life in the void. Then, Seske is unexpectedly thrust into the role of clan matriarch, responsible for thousands of lives in a harsh universe where a single mistake can be fatal. Her claim to the throne is challenged by a rival determined to overthrow her and take control—her intelligent, cunning, and confident sister. Seske may not be a born leader like her sister, yet her unorthodox outlook and incorruptible idealism may be what the clan needs to save themselves and their world.

Malik's senior soccer season is off to a great start. He's the team captain, he plays with his best friend, and Coach Washington treats him more like a coach than player. But everything changes when several other teammates—including his best friend—and Coach Washington are accused of participating in a cheating scandal. As Malik struggles to come to terms with what they have done, he must learn how to work with a new coach and lead his new teammates to victory.

Before you watch the upcoming Netflix series (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance), read these original novels from J. M. Lee that tie into the events of the series.Following the defeat of skekLi in the Grottan Sanctuary, the cave-dwelling Amri joins with fellow Gelfling Naia and Kylan on their quest to warn the All-Maudra of the Skeksis'plot. However, alarming news from Ha'rar sends the Gelfling rebels to the Silver Sea to seek aid from the Sifa maudra, Ethri. Their hope is for her clan to light a fire of resistance against the Skeksis. Along the way, Amri struggles to find his place in the daylighter world--and discovers that the corruption has spread much further than he thought. Time is running out for Thra--can the Gelfling clans unite in time to save it?

Alexandra Crane is terrible at following her family in their flying Vee. She can't help it that the world is so full of interesting and distracting sights! When it's time for the Cranes to migrate to Israel's Hula Valley for the winter, Alexandra is excited but her family is worried. Will Alexandra stay with the group? And might Alexandra discover that a bad follower can make a great leader?

When journalism prodigy, Carson Stewart's life comes crashing down in an ethics scandal, he sets out to rebuild his reputation in a desperate act that tests his journalistic integrity. Accepting a freelance job, Carson wields his cynical pen to break a story featuring Clara Becker, a popular U.S. representative. His course is interrupted, however, when he meets an attractive, and cunning congressional aid who is not afraid to shed light on the condition of Carson's integrity and purpose.Entangled in deception, Carson finds counsel from his only friend and mentor, Joe - a well-read, yet mysterious bartender. Joe's Place provides the solid foundation where an unsteady Carson finds footing. With his situation spiraling to rock bottom, it is this unlikely mentor and the scorned congresswoman who provide Carson a way out, if he will accept it. Carson is presented with the “Three Laws of Life,” which ultimately force his pen to consider rewriting more than his article.The Newsmaker is a fable about leadership choices, and the value of mentors whose guidance directs the wayward to good places. It is also a story about unconditional love, and the power to change life's direction for a greater purpose.

In the thrilling sequel to The Circuit: Executor Rising, Cassius Vale has drawn the Circuit into open war. After arriving on Ceres Prime, ADIM, ever the loyal companion created by Cassius Vale, is hesitant to help the Ceresians. Their hatred for his Creator will never wane and he starts to understand the danger all of Cassius'many rivals pose. ADIM must realize the true magnitude of his abilities in order to keep him safe. When Sage Volus finds herself a captive of Cassius, she begins to struggle with her role in the coming war, and what exactly it means to be an Executor. The removal of her cybernetic implant reveals emotions she thought she'd buried too deep to be found. She must make a decision on who she truly wants to serve: Cassius Vale, The Tribune, or herself. After breaking free of the Solar-Ark Amerigo and certain death, Talon Rayne finds himself in unusual company. His quests to hold his daughter again brings him to places he never thought he'd go--into the very arms of his people's most hated foe. As the battle grows ever closer, threatening the all-out war that could annihilate millions, these four must determine what part they intend to play, who they will align themselves with, and what it means to be human in a universe where that means less and less.

Like so many corporate executives charged with tremendous responsibility, Cynthia struggles to find balance in her life and to lead others effectively. She has led herself to believe that although things aren't perfect, she is doing'okay'. Her boss (Rick) believes otherwise, and is extremely concerned about her dismal employee approval rating. Rick considers letting her go, but instead decides to try something out of the ordinary to give her'a chance'. He truly wants her to succeed, but he makes it very clear that'her results had better drastically improve,or else'. Enter an unlikely mentor named Otis who teaches Cynthia that successful leaders are successful thinkers. At first Cynthia rejects Otis as a mentor because he is soon to be one of her subordinates. However, his unconventional leadership style and out of the box philosophies seem to be working for him, and she needs help. As the story unfolds, Otis teaches Cynthia The 7 Laws Of 21st Century Leadership and calls into question everything she believes to be true about life and leading others. Follow Cynthia on her journey as she tries to go from a typical manager scrambling to do more with less, to a successful thinker who leads an amazing life at home as well as on the job.

Glimpsing an elderly man leading his blind daughter on a pilgrimage, Junoshin Kakiri, a'ronin'or freelance samurai, swiftly kills him with a sword. Asked why he murdered such an innocent, Junoshin shares his concerns about the growing'Harahuhi Tou'(Belly-shaking Party) cult to which the man was devoted, a fear which rapidly spreads through the Kuroae clan. Shuzen Oura, the warlike leader of half this kingdom, soon hires Junoshin to destroy the cult but his studious power rival, Tatewaki Naito, cunningly pays the mercenary samurai to usurp Oura on his behalf. Set in Edo-period Japan, Punk Sumarai Slash Down follows the power struggles which entangle Junoshin within the Kuroae clan, polarizing the kingdom between an academic leader unable to fight and an unlearned martial arts expert.

Million-copy bestselling Halo author and game developer Eric Nylund brings action-packed science fiction to a young audience with the third book in the Resisters series. Despite their recent victory over the alien Ch'zar, Ethan Blackwood and his squadron have no time to rest. The Ch'zar are still relentlessly searching for the Seed Bank, the Resisters'secret base—and they're getting dangerously close. If they find it, all the adults in the Seed Bank will be absorbed into the the aliens'collective mind. Now Ethan and his friends must evade all Ch'zar scouts and find a new home for the Resistance. Once again, it's all up to the kids.

A most provocative business parable for our troubled times, LeaderShift is the story of how David Mersher, the successful CEO of IndyTech, sets out to discover why the United States is losing its leadership edge and what he can do to turn things around. In the process, Mersher and his team learn how the Five Laws of Decline are eroding the nation's economy-quietly ruining businesses and big institutions-and what American executives and citizens need to do to put a stop to this. Above all, Mersher and his colleagues discover something few business leaders or citizens of free nations have yet to realize: Our world today is on the verge of a momentous LeaderShift, one which will reframe the twenty-first century and significantly alter the way we govern, lead, and do business. When Mersher and his team get help from a surprising source, the result is stunning and unexpected-and it's one that concerned Americans will certainly reflect upon for decades to come. The next LeaderShift is almost here. Are you ready?

Million-copy bestselling Halo author and game developer Eric Nylund again brings action-packed science fiction to a young audience with the riveting second book in The Resisters series. Even as he trains to be a pilot for the Resisters, twelve-year-old Ethan Blackwood is still reeling from the news that aliens called the Ch'zar have taken over the world and put all the adults under their mind control. Now the Ch'zar mechanical bug armies are growing. The Resisters need more pilots like Ethan, kids who aren't afraid to think for themselves. Ethan knows just where the Ch'zar send troublemakers like that—to Sterling Reform School. Can Ethan find a way to break into Sterling and recruit new fighters before the enemy discovers the Resisters'underground base?

Winner of a 2011 eLit Award,'Business with a Heart'is the story of a young woman who, rising in the corporate ranks, treads a winding path of business, personal life, and spirituality, learning that these segments of our lives are never far apart. Her search for a more fulfilled corporate existence is nearly stymied in the crosshairs of a demanding boss, resistant subordinates, and her own unfortunate oversights. While written in novel format, this book is filled with guidance, choices, and ideas to help you create your own style of'business with a heart.'Author Crystal Thomas is a renowned speaker, coach, and author in the private club industry. She excelled at a young age as a general manager in the same industry. The following three decades of GM experience educated her on the need for a coaching organization that could support businesses in incorporating into the'heart'aspect - one that mutually benefited upper management, team members, and members/customers alike, while still advancing the bottom line. Hence, she founded Crystal Clear Concepts in 2005. In this book, you will see experiences similar to your own and Crystal's where the challenge of balancing head and heart is not an easy task, yet the results merit it an action worthy of full pursuit.

In this fun middle-grade novel from the author of The Kayla Chronicles, Brianna Justice has big dreams of following in her chef hero's footsteps—and the first step is to become the president of her class.​ Start counting your votes... and your friends. When Brianna Justice's hero, the famous celebrity chef Miss Delicious, speaks at her school and traces her own success back to being president of her fifth grade class, Brianna determines she must do the same. She just knows that becoming president of her class is the first step toward her own cupcake-baking empire! But when new student Jasmine Moon announces she is also running for president, Brianna learns that she may have more competition than she expected. Will Brianna be able to stick to her plan of working with her friends to win the election fairly? Or will she jump at the opportunity to steal votes from Jasmine by revealing an embarrassing secret? This hilarious, heartfelt novel will appeal to any reader with big dreams and the determination to achieve them.

Written as a business leadership fable, The Transparent Leader is the story of a smart emerging leader, Stephanie Marcus, as she navigates the challenging world of business. Fortunately, Steph meets Lou Donaldson, a public relations CEO near the end of his career, at a local gym where she works out daily. Lou acts as a friend, informal coach, and mentor as he guides Steph through the complicated business ecosystem in which she finds herself. Throughout the story, Steph learns about clear leadership communication as she also adapts and changes and becomes a more transparent—clear and open—leader. At the same time, she learns Lou's personal story, which helps her fully appreci­ate his wisdom.

As an athlete, family man, and star employee, Pete Leonard had it all. But now the years and years of going along to get along are taking their toll. His second marriage is as shaky as his right hand after a night spent coddling a bottle, his employees think he's a joke, and his boss is just looking for an excuse to show him the door. Can things get any worse? Well, how would you feel if you actually started seeing moose around your office? That's the premise of this new book from acclaimed author Jim Clemmer. Moose on the Table is one manager's story of finding and overcoming fear — one tiny step at a time. Come along as Pete learns to face the moose threatening the communications and effectiveness of his department, organization — and even his life. In this “edutaining” business fable, Clemmer provides realistic scenarios and solutions, showing how individuals and organizations can apply fundamental leadership principles to identify and resolve the challenges all of us face each and every day.

A commemorative edition of the landmark book from Patrick Lencioni When it was published ten years ago, The Five Temptations of a CEO was like no other business book that came before. Highly sought-after management consultant Patrick Lencioni deftly told the tale of a young CEO who, facing his first annual board review, knows he is failing, but doesn't know why. Refreshingly original and utterly compelling, this razor-sharp novelette plus self-assessment (written to be read in one sitting) serves as a timeless and potent reminder that success as a leader can come down to practicing a few simple behaviors that are painfully difficult for each of us to master. Any executive can learn how to recognize the mistakes that leaders can make and how to avoid them. The lessons in The Five Temptations of a CEO, are as relevant today as ever, and this special anniversary edition celebrates ten years of inspiration and enlightenment with a brand-new introduction and reflections from Lencioni on new challenges in business and leadership that have arisen in the past ten years.