Taking a Stand: Being a Leader and Helping Others - MK Ehrman

'Taking a Stand' uses examples of girls and their situations to illustrate how issues can be handled and how they interact with others. It describes a personality type, such as 'the pioneer', an example of a girl who fits this personality and the way they acted, in this case 'the pioneer' personality lost contact with friends that did not believe in her and made new friends who did.

'Taking a Stand' is part of the 'Strong, Beautiful Girls' series on subjects such as relationships, emotions and life changes.

Mao’s Last Dancer – Li Cunxin (2003)

Li Cunxin faced huge odds when he was chosen to represent his country and learn ballet. Li Cunxin pushed his body and mind to the very limit in order to achieve his dream of rising above his humble beginnings, bringing pride to China and to his family.

'Mao's Last Dancer' is a touching story of how one small boy put his heart and soul into changing his life and enlarging his world.

Candy – Kevin Brooks (2005)

A chance meeting leaves Joe dwelling on Candy, wishing to save her from her hopeless situation. Joe can only offer his support to Candy, it must be Candy's decision to significantly change her world.

'Candy' is the story of one teenager's efforts to change the life of another for the better.

Deep Fried – Bernard Beckett and Clare Knighton (2005)

Pete is Pissed Off with the way fast food chains run people’s lives, leaps the counter of a 'Prince of Burgers' restaurant and proceeds to throw free food to the waiting queues. Sophie witnesses Pete's boldness on TV and offers him her help to take down the fast food chain. The stunt also draws the attention of a group who seek to interview Pete for an unusual scholarship. Pete remains sceptical and Sophie becomes paranoid about the groups true intentions towards Pete.

'Deep Fried' is written jointly by New Zealand author Bernard Beckett & Clare Knighton with to view points; Pete and Sophie.

Fat boy saves world – Ian Bone (1998)

Susan is shocked when her brother Neat finally speaks for the first time in eight years and insists he wants to save the world. Susan only sees how her brother will be mocked for his attempt and seeks to dissuade him. Chance leads Susan and Neat to meet Todd who sees that Neat could bring people hope if not actually save the world. At odds with the headstrong Susan, Todd does all he can to bring Neat's message to the world.

The story 'Fat Boy Saves World' alternates between Susan and Todd and the parts they play in helping and hindering Neat achieve his farfetched dream to save the world.

The Plain Janes - Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg (2007)

After a bomb attack in the city leaves Jane in the hospital, her parents insist on moving to the suburbs however Jane resents missing out on citylife. She soon meets Jane, Jayne and Polly Jane, all of them mis-fits like her. The Janes seek to bring some joy to their town by arranging anonymous artworks. Working on these projects, Jane feels that she can start to heal yet the town officials see the Janes work as attacks and attempt to stop the group.

'The Plain Janes' is a graphic novel which follows Jane in her efforts to make friends and make the world think.

Coming Back - David Hill (2004)

When Ryan knocks down Tara with his car, both their lives abruptly change. As Tara struggles to relearn to communicate and move, Ryan does everything in his power to make amends for his mistake.

'Coming Back' realistically portrays the impact of a car accident on a victim, the perpetrator and all the family and friends on both sides.