New Releases by Barbara Slate

A guide to creating graphic novels.

"Where the Jobs Are": A stroll through the high school''s job fair leads Betty and Veronica to daydream about glamorous jobs like being a secret agent, rock star or blogger. At least we know they''re qualified to be "creative writers!" "Personal Best": The girl''s baseball team decides the best way to win this season is for each member to improve her specialties — so Betty & Midge work on their fielding, Ethel perfects her pitching, Nancy brings her batting average up... and Veronica handles cosmetic improvements! "Serious Business": The line to wait for a famous author''s autograph is so long that Betty & Veronica have time to write their own books while they wait!

"Phone-y Problem": With yet another of his speeches interrupted by the ringing, Mr. Weatherbee declares a ban on students'' cell phones! Is the ban a good "call," or is the Bee just dialing a "wrong number?!" "Take Your Time": Archie struggles to figure out the difference between real time and "Veronica time!" "Double Trouble": A visit with a senior gives Archie a peek into his popular future - Archie''s retired friend has two girlfriends, too! Not only that, once again he''s double-booked dates with the duo!

"Santa Cause": A bump on the head turns grumpy Mr. Lodge into jolly St. Nick - and the townsfolk end up with wads of cash instead of toys! "The Big Problem": Archie decides that his girl problems are trivial compared to giving counsel to the elderly - until he finds out the man at the nursing home has the same problems! "The Average Awards": Archie receives the "Average Good Citizen Award," and wonders how he can improve his average.

"My One And Only Valentine"

So just what was the relationship between parents and teenagers like in "The Wild Twenties" - 1920s, that is? This telling tale is filled with nostalgia for the fads and fashions of yesterday - and parental gripes that still seem strangely familiar! Don''t miss the majestic mayhem when a duke, a prince, a king, a crowned head, some dogs and a duped darling collide in this "Royal Flush!" When Betty and Veronica get lost in the "Second World" of simulated computer worlds, can Archie bring them back to "actual" reality? And will Veronica ever say "Enough About Me," or does she want everyone else to be Veronica-centered, too?

"Archie''s Choice": After reading some psychology books, Jughead feels qualified to answer Archie''s eternal question: should he choose Betty or Veronica? Is Jughead''s advice all it''s "quacked" up to be?

"The Parent Trip!": Riverdale High hosts a "get to know your teen day" - but after Mr. Andrews spends a typical day with Archie, he''ll need a vacation day! "The Big Thaw": Archie can''t decide what''s worse - the frigid weather or the cold shoulder he gets after accidentally standing-up Veronica! "The Simple Life": Archie seeks a simple gift for simple Betty... but can she simply adore something so oversimplified?

"The Cheap Date": A lesson in Archie economics: even when you''re out of cash, you can always run out of more! "Giving Orders": Tired of the nickname, "Mister Mess-up," Archie bets Reggie that he can handle any difficult task... and has a difficult time winning that bet! "Let''s Get Campy": Spooky campfire stories have Archie spooked as he chaperones campers on a dark and scary night!

"Prom-itis": With the students totally obsessed with the upcoming prom, Mr. Weatherbee takes a drastic measure to try to get their minds on school again - by canceling the prom! Will this dark cloud persist over the prom-minded teens, or are even principals prone to prom-itis? Press your gown and put on your tux for this very special occasion!

"Dinner for Six": When the parents of Archie, Betty and Veronica make plans to meet for dinner, the teens are mortified. What if the subject turns to the eternal love triangle? Each imagines, and worries, over what may happen from their unique perspective. Will the dinner conversation leave these love-birds cooked? "A Real Keeper": Mr. Lodge sends Archie home in the rain so Veronica can date the son of a businessman he''s hoping to make a deal with. Will the rich kid be a better investment than Archie, or just another one for the "loss" column?

"Bee on the Lookout": After a whole school year of run-ins with one another, Archie and Mr. Weatherbee decide to start the summer vacation with a restful day at the beach...each with the mistaken notion that the other will never be there! "Summer Musings": An internship at the local newspaper has Archie fearing he''ll be cooped up inside all summer, but a surprise assignment puts him right where he longs to be! "Good Taste in Cars": Pop Tate''s new hybrid SUV runs on recycled cooking oil... and soon all the neighborhood critters are running after it, entranced by the aroma!

"Christmas Toy Story": While playing Santa, Archie learns of a child''s wish to get an ultra-rare, super-expensive collectible toy for Christmas... a toy so rare, it would take a miracle! "The Spoiler": Jinx Malloy is back, and strangely, this time he''s brought nothing but good luck for Archie and Jughead! "A Really Special Gift": Archie has just the cure for Betty''s holiday blues... and it''s more than money can buy!

"Record Breaker": Instead of pressing CD’s, the Archies decide to sell downloadable files of their songs on the internet... which doesn’t translate to much profit once the 3 purchased files are shared over and over again! "Friendly Fire": Tired of the girls fighting over him, Archie decides giving up both Betty and Veronica will save their relationship.... but can it save Archie from the girls’ wrath?! "Canoe Help Us?": Archie takes Veronica for a one-way canoe ride... unintentionally one-way, of course!

"Why?": Mr. Lodge''s landscape is looking rosier when he comes up with this seed of an idea: give Archie so much yard work that he''ll be too tired to date Veronica! "Monstrous Thoughts": A trip to a monster truck rally has Archie thinking big thoughts about big wheels! "Summertime Date": Archie''s parents reminisce about the "good old days" of drive-in movies... complete with broken speakers, spilled refreshments, and long trips to the concession stand!