New Releases by Tara McCarthy

Like the wildly popular Choose Your Own Adventure tales of our childhood--only with a 20-something twist-- Big Night Out is the kind of book readers will delve into more than once in their sometimes frustrating, sometimes victorious, pursuit of their quest. In Big Night Out you must meet up with your current love interest at a party. In order to get to this party, you must track down one of a number of friends who were actually invited and figure out a way to tag along. Some friends are more cooperative than others; after all, each of them has an agenda of his or her own. Likewise, the city you live in poses its own challenges; you may encounter pick-pockets, insane taxi drivers, difficult bouncers, and a full cast of "extras." Add to that the practical necessities such as securing food lest you pass out from drinking too much, and Big Night Out could end up being a night out on the town from hell--depending on what you, the reader, choose to do at every turn.

An essential guide and invaluable resource for anyone interested in herbal medicine, Australian flora and the indigenous Australian culture. Includes a history on the Aboriginal use of native plants and explains how the first European settlers learnt of their medicinal value from the Indigenous people.

Dip into this vast collection of quick writing lessons and activities to find exactly what you need-whether it''s a lesson on using exact words, writing an essay, developing a plot, or organizing a report. You''ll find dozens of ideas for teaching students the persuasive, narrative, descriptive, and expository writing skills they need. This comprehensive resource gives you the tools you need to successfully-and joyfully-teach writing. For use with Grades 4Ð8.

A striking exploration of dubious pursuits like destination weddings, book clubs, and rock ''n'' roll, Wouldn''t Miss It for the World is a spirited and surprising new novel from Tara McCarthy, the author of Love Will Tear Us Apart. The cast of characters that Tara McCarthy sends down to the tiny Central American country of Belize for a destination wedding are in for a few surprises. There''s mother-of-the-bride Alice, a widow, who is about to come face-to-face with an impressive array of Belizean creatures from toucans to intriguing ex-pats. There''s Abby, who would rather be back home at Chelsea Lambert''s Sweet Sixteen but isn''t entirely displeased with the effect her new black bikini has o n some of the wedding guests. And there''s Dan, an old friend of the groom, who has decided it''s time to declare his love for the bride -- until complications with his girlfriend arise. As their story unfolds against a backdrop of Mayan temples, butterfly farms, and coral reefs, we learn, too, about the bride and the groom. June and Cash are members of the Starter House, an up-and-coming rock band that is certain to either break through or break up -- and this will be the week that decides it.

Two''s Company When thirty-five-year-old celebrity journalist Sloan Madden is asked to write a biography of Grammy-winning pop princesses Flora and Fauna Sparks -- sexy seventeen-year-old Siamese twins who are joined at the hip -- she thinks it''ll be an easy, lucrative gig. But as soon as she takes the job, Sloan discovers that the Sparks sisters'' empire hides deep cracks. She''s barely signed her book contract before Fauna confesses her secret dream: she wants to record a solo album. Three''s a Crowd Moving into a guest suite at the Joint -- the symmetrical Beverly Hills home the twins share with their Bud-sucking father, Fred -- perpetually single Sloan can''t help but start to view her own life differently. Suddenly everything from the affair she''s having with debonair screenwriter Brian Understahl, to her unrequited love for her best friend, Travis, to herodd, burgeoning desire for the twins'' troubled father leaves her wondering whether couplehood isn''t overrated -- whether there isn''t something more to life. But redemption comes at a price. And with Flora and Fauna pulling her into their downward spiral of catfights, career sabotage, drug abuse, sex, and jealousy, Sloan stands to lose as much as she has to gain.

Say "I do" to five surprising stories of women grappling with love and marriage and whether to walk down the aisle or run away. In Elise Juska''s "Perfect Weather for Driving," Megan and Joel''s sunset fender-bender makes for a great drunken story at his friend''s wedding, but the reality is hardly romantic. Stuck in a New England hotel waiting for the verdict on their Volvo, the two are forced to take stock of their own damaged relationship -- and whether it''s too late to fix it. In Tara McCarthy''s "Losing California," engaged surfer Alison is convinced that Michael Madsen -- a member of her favorite band -- is her soul mate. Unfortunately, he''s not her fiancé. So Alison flies to Nova Scotia, where Michael lives, because she''s either right or she''s wrong -- and she better find out before the wedding. The bride-to-be in Pamela Ribon''s "Sara King Goes Bad" has always done the right thing but decides it''s important to know what it feels like to be reckless for once. And so two weeks before her wedding, she indulges in an unforgettable night of sex, drugs, and petty crime. In Heather Swain''s "The Happiest Day of Your Life," Annie and Ben plan a simple ceremony at an apple orchard. But when Annie loses perspective -- and everything that can go wrong does -- she''s forced to rethink why she wanted a wedding in the first place. The "Emily & Jules" of Lisa Tucker''s story are two lonely people who meet on an online bulletin board for agoraphobics. But when Emily is invited to her estranged brother''s wedding -- and it''s clear across the country -- both she and Jules may be forced to change their ways. Will any of these heroines get to the church on time? Cozy up with Cold Feet and find out.

The program helps students become better readers and writers by expecting them to look for certain literary elements as they read and then be prepared to discuss those elements in class.

Helps kids respond to literature in small discussion groups!

Teacher resource for running literature circles.

A guide to using the book "The Sign of the Beaver," for literature circles in grades four through eight that includes management tips, an author biography, key reading comprehension strategies, and reproducible writing prompts and discussion questions.

A guide to facilitating the discussion of the novel by Lois Lowry by students in grades four through eight offers suggestions for identifying themes, analyzing vocabulary, and responding to the text.

Ready-to-use, high interest stories with mini-lessons and activities that help students understand literary elements and use them effectively in their writing.

With The Masque of the Red Death and The Purloined Letter, students can explore the wizardry of this masterful author. Activities focus on setting, atmosphere, character and plot and include creative, follow-up ideas. Poster included.

Looks at romance in the modern world, examines the meaning of virginity, and what it is like to be intercourse-free in a sex-obsessed world

Provides practical ideas and strategies for exploring and teaching persuasive writing in grades 4-8. Includes reproducibles, graphic organizers, mini-lessons and check-lists.

Mini-lessons, strategies, and activities help students improve their descriptive writing skills.

This study guide includes author biographies, chapter summaries, discussion questions, vocabulary builders, assessment strategies, reproducibles, cross-curricular activities for students of all learning styles.

Introductory book (1 v. ) -- Books one-six -- Workbooks one-six -- Teacher''s guide.

Introductory book (1 v. ) -- Books one-six -- Workbooks one-six -- Teacher''s guide.

Surveys Medieval European history, culture, religion, and everyday life.

Educational resource for teachers, parents and kids!