New Releases by Marissa Moss

Growing up in Berkeley, California, Maggie Gee couldn't swim in the public pools as a Chinese-American. But when America entered World War II, Maggie wanted to do her part. First, she worked as a Rosie the Riveter building ships for the navy, but when she heard women were being called as pilots for the air force, she quickly got a pilot's license and tried to join the new Women Airforce Service Pilots, the WASP. More than 25,000 women applied, but barely 1,000 actually earned their wings. Maggie Gee was one of them, test-flying the new planes developed by the air force, training male pilots, and flying in dangerous conditions. She never felt as free as she did then, soaring high above the clouds.

Marissa Moss shares a story from her own childhood in this Passover gem. Miriam feels disconnected from the Passover celebration until Uncle Ezra shares the story of his first seder in America with her. Uncle Ezra gives her a broader, more personal sense of the meaning of Passover and the importance of sharing family stories.

Can math-loving Talia crack the code of being cool in middle school? Marissa Moss, creator of the internationally best-selling Amelia’s Notebook series, makes a welcome, STEM-oriented return to the comics diary form. Talia loves math puzzles and code-breaking, but the new social rules of middle school have her stumped. Her best friend, Dash, is now embarrassed to be best friends with a girl, so he only wants to hang out with Talia outside of school. And although Talia is excited to make the math team, the strict team captain doubts her abilities . . . just because she’s a girl. But Talia has a great idea: she’ll start her own all-girls math team! As the first competition approaches, Talia is determined to bring her fledgling team to victory, get her best friend back, and break the social code of preteen life. In the spirit of her best-selling Amelia’s Notebook series, Marissa Moss brings Talia’s adventures to life through charming text, illustrations, doodles, graphs, and puzzles. This delightful new series is for all math-lovers, doodlers, and anyone who has ever had to navigate the unfamiliar conventions of a new school.

Last Things is the true and intensely personal story of how one woman coped with the devastating effects of a catastrophic illness in her family. Using her trademark mix of words and pictures to sharp effect, Marissa Moss presents the story of how she, her husband, and her three young sons struggled to maintain their sense of selves and wholeness as a family and how they continued on with everyday life when the earth shifted beneath their feet. After returning home from a year abroad, Marissa's husband, Harvey, was diagnosed with ALS. The disease progressed quickly, and Marissa was soon consumed with caring for Harvey while trying to keep life as normal as possible for her young children. ALS stole the man who was her husband, the father of her children, and her best friend in less than 7 months. This is not a story about the redemptive power of a terminal illness. It is a story of resilience - of how a family managed to survive a terrible loss and grow in spite of it. Although it's a sad story, it's powerfully told and ultimately uplifting as a guide to strength and perseverance, to staying connected to those who matter most in the midst of a bleak upheaval. If you've ever wondered how you would cope with a dire diagnosis, this book can provide a powerful example of what it feels like and how to come through the darkness into the light. Last Things is one of the most amazingly poignant and honest memoirs - graphic or otherwise -- I've ever encountered. This book - which I read in one insatiable sitting -- tore my heart in two. Moss handles the material with such a delicate sensibility, both with her drawings and her text, I couldn't help but let her carry me along on her journey of love and loss. ---Katie Hafner, contributing writer to The New York Times and author of Mother, Daughter, Me: A Memoir

This account written for children is "a very fine piece of historical reclamation that broadens our understanding of the road to revolution." ( Kirkus Reviews, starred review) America's Tea Parties: Not One But Four! is the first nonfiction picture book to ever share that New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston each had their own tea party that took place around the same time as Boston's. America's Tea Parties provides background on the English taxation on the colonies, with emphasis on the people who stood up for their rights against the tyranny of the British as ships from the East India Company pulled into their harbors. It explains the Stamp and Tea Acts, the larger social and political issues that the colonies were having with England, why it was crucial that these tea parties happened, and the revolution that the tea demonstrations led to. This well-researched, eye-catching, entertaining, and informative volume is filled with archival illustrations and is great for primary research and as a read-aloud. It will surprise social studies classrooms, shake up US history curriculum, and delight American studies fans as New York, Boston, and Charleston finally join Boston in tea party fame. Award-winning and bestselling author Marissa Moss describes in detail the resilience and determination of the peoples of all four colonies. America's Tea Parties comes complete with a timeline, a bibliography, a fully searchable index, and an author's note that explains exactly how the author found this incredible little-told story of the tea parties that changed American history forever. "Moss . . . delves into America's past, digging beneath the veneer of textbook accounts to reveal nuanced, lesser-known angles of a historical event." — Publisher's Weekly ". . . The historical accounts are expertly told, and readers will be easily drawn in... A great purchase for supplementing American Revolution curriculum units." — School Library Journal "A quality resource for educators and students looking for an in-depth perspective of early America's tea troubles." — School Library Connection

As a boy, Kenichi “Zeni” Zenimura dreams of playing professional baseball, but everyone tells him he is too small. Yet he grows up to be a successful player, playing with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig! When the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in 1941, Zeni and his family are sent to one of ten internment camps where more than 110,000 people of Japanese ancestry are imprisoned without trials. Zeni brings the game of baseball to the camp, along with a sense of hope. This true story, set in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, introduces children to a little-discussed part of American history through Marissa Moss’s rich text and Yuko Shimizu’s beautiful illustrations. The book includes author and illustrator notes, archival photographs, and a bibliography.

When Frank Thompson sees a recruitment poster for the new Union army, he’s ready and willing to enlist. Except Frank isn’t his real name. In fact, Frank is really Sarah Emma Edmonds, in disguise. Only nineteen years old, Sarah has already been dressing as a man for three years and living on the run in order to escape an arranged marriage. She’s tasted freedom, and as far as she’s concerned, there’s no going back. Eager to fight for the North during the Civil War, Sarah joins a Michigan infantry regiment. She excels as a soldier and even takes on the grueling task of nursing the wounded. Because of her heroism, she is asked to become a spy, cross enemy lines, and infiltrate a Confederate camp. For her first mission, Sarah must once again disguise herself and rely on the kindness of enslaved people to help her do her job. This incredible true story of a brave young woman who makes an unlikely choice to fight for her country is one that should not be lost to history.

Amelia is excited to graduate from middle school, but she''s nervous about starting high school, especially when she finds out she won''t have her best friend, Carly, with her. In her graduation yearbook, drawings and "photos" nostalgically recap her earlier years and notebooks as Amelia figures out how to face the changes ahead.

Marissa Moss is the bestselling creator of the perennially popular Amelia series as well as the Daphne's Daily Disasters series. She lives in Berkeley, California. Visit her at MarissaMoss.com and at AmeliaBooks.com.

Nineteen-year-old Sarah masquerades as a man during the Civil War, serving as a nurse on the battlefield and a spy for the Union Army, escaping from the Confederates, and falling in love with one of her fellow soldiers. Based on the life of Sarah Emma Edmonds.

Mira travels around the world—and into the past—in search of her missing mother, visiting the Wonders of the Modern World. Illustrated with line drawings from Mira''s very own sketchbook. A new postcard from her time-traveling mother points Mira to the 16th century Rome. But before she can rescue her mom, she must follow the clues left around the city to find Giordano Bruno, a famous thinker and mathematician, who discovered something so shocking that important Italian officials don''t want it revealed. All the while avoiding the Watchers—time-traveling police who want Mira back in her own time. It''s another whirlwind adventure for Mira, and this time she is determined to bring her mother out of the past. Praise for Mira''s Diary: Lost in Paris: "An engrossing, diary-style blend of history, mystery, and time travel."—Publishers Weekly "With an engaging story, accessible history, and a spunky heroine, Mira''s Diary is an absorbing, fast-pace adventure."—School Library Journal "Mira''s Diary: Lost in Paris is a passionate celebration of honor and integrity...fast paced and compelling."—Karen Cushman, Newberry Medal Winner and New York Times bestselling author

Mira travels to the Paris of Edgar Degas and catches a glimpse of her mother, who has been missing for several months and whom Mira suspects has become a prisoner of a temporal vortex.

Make your vote count, and vote for Amelia with this engaging Amelia story about student government! Amelia’s best friend Carly decides to run for student body president and Amelia joins the election fever as a candidate for secretary. Running for office is fun until someone starts taking down Carly’s campaign signs and Carly’s main opponent begins spreading lies about her around the school. Can Amelia save her friend’s reputation and the election?

Amelia may not be thrilled about sharing the backseat with her sister—but no family road trip is too long when a best friend visit is the destination! When Amelia and her big sister Cleo share the backseat of the car for a family road trip, there are fights to be had, sights to be seen, and friends to be visited—because at the end of journey, Amelia gets to spend time with her best friend Nadia!

Two stories with Amelia being a friend saving a friend''s reputation and starting a babysitting service.

Amelia takes on babysitting and learns a thing or two in this charming installment of Marissa Moss’s beloved Amelia series. When Amelia and Carly decide to start a babysitting business, they think they are prepared…and then Ruthy and Tyler come along. Get ready for a real adventure in Extreme Babysitting!

Crush alert! Boys enter the picture in this thirteenth book of the bestselling and perennially popular Amelia series. Amelia can’t believe eighth grade is finally here! She knows this will be the most exciting year yet for her and her best friend, Carly. But a lot of the other girls are thinking about one thing, and one thing only: boys. Amelia has never wanted a boyfriend. Crushes are for the silly girls who are always fixing their hair and thinking about shopping and what to wear next…right? But when a nice boy named Gerald appears in her class, Amelia thinks she might like to go to the school dance with him. It would be fun to have someone to dance with—but can she work up the nerve to ask him? What if he says no? Is the possible reward worth the risk? There’s only one way to find out… Once again, Marissa Moss tells a tale of wisdom gained in the humorous and human way that has earned her millions of loyal readers.

Can Amelia keep a friend and her deepest secrets at the same time? Amelia’s sister, Cleo, gives her a new notebook as a tenth birthday present, and Amelia can’t wait to fill it with all her secret thoughts and drawings. But when her best friend Leah wants to read her notebook, Amelia is torn: Sometimes secrets are better when shared with friends, but other secrets are private. How can Amelia keep her friend from feeling left out while still saving some secrets for herself?

Survive the ups and downs of middle school Amelia-style with three bestselling books in Marissa Moss’s perennially popular Amelia series! This ebook collection of favorite Amelia titles includes: Amelia’s Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments Amelia’s Notebook Amelia’s BFF

Daphne has never (ever) loved her name, but it is her name and she can’t do much to change it. So when the first day of fourth grade comes, not only does Daphne get her pre-braces retainer but also the new teacher can’t seem to remember her name. It’s not Duffy or Daffy or Doffy. It’s Daphne. Well anyway what’s in a name? A lot, just ask Daphne.

Ida Lewis loved everything about the sea, so when her father became the official keeper of Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island, she couldn’t imagine anything better. Throughout the years, Ida shadowed her father as he tended the lighthouse, listening raptly to his stories about treacherous storms, drowning sailors, and daring rescues. Under her father’s watchful eye, she learned to polish the lighthouse lens so the light would shine bright. She learned to watch the sea for any sign of trouble. And, most importantly, she learned to row. Ida felt ready for anything—and she was. Award-winning author Marissa Moss pairs up with award-winning illustrator Andrea U’Ren in a stunning collaboration that sheds light on a remarkable piece of history. Based on the true story of Ida Lewis, who was dubbed “the Bravest Woman in America” and who was recognized with the Congressional Life Saving Medal and the American Cross of Honor, this inspiring and unforgettable tale of courage and real-life heroism is a tribute to brave women everywhere.

Why is everyone so crazy for Vampires, Daphne wonders. Well, Vampires can’t die or get wrinkly that’s what makes them so magical. And it’s kinda cool to be bitten by a vampire because you’ll live forever. So, when the teachers announce a costume day next Friday, (even though Halloween is long past), Daphne wants to be the best vampire ever! But what is cool and what is nerdy in Vampire Land? Daphne’s about to find out!

Amelia is back to share the most unforgettable embarrassing field trip where her weird, annoying, and horrible big sister, Cleo, is the chaperone! What could be worse? When Mrs. O’Neill announces the 6th Grade Field Trip to the Nature Preserve, Amelia thinks middle school is the best! Then she discovers that her sister, Cleo, is going too. Talk about embarrassing! Amelia tries to miss the bus and pretends to be sick but neither plan works. So off to nature with Cleo and the entire 6th grade. Could this trip show Amelia a new side of Cleo that isn’t as bad as she thought? Does Cleo even have another side? How will Amelia ever survive the embarrassment of it all?

Join Amelia as she has a family renunion and goes to summer camp.

When Talibah and her younger brother, Adom, accompany their father, an academic, to his homeland of modern Egypt on his research assignment, they become involved in a mystery surrounding an ancient, lost pharaoh—a rare queen ruler. Someone has tried to wipe her from the record, to make it appear as if she never existed! She needs Talibah to help her and her high priest, Senenmut, reclaim their rightful place in history. Exotic locales, mysterious strangers, and a sinister archaeologist round out an adventure that is full of riddles, old tales, and, most surprisingly of all, a link to Talibah's and Adom's mother, who died mysteriously.

Have you ever wondered how other people see you? Have you ever been confused about how you see yourself? Then this book is for you!

Survive the ups and downs of middle school Amelia-style with two bestselling books in Marissa Moss’s perennially popular Amelia series! Nothing says middle school better than embarrassing moments and gossip. And no one is better at capturing the middle school experience than Marissa Moss’s Amelia. Now two bestselling classic Amelia books, Amelia’s Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments and Amelia’s Guide to Gossip, are available in this special bind-up that comes with a special Amelia eraser key chain!

Max''s book of observations, drawings, experiments, and inventions now includes thoughts contributed by Alien Eraser, an extraterrestrial being intent on telling humans about his role in creating the great pyramids of Egypt.