The Hot Steppers Volume II follows a youth soccer team facing both tough competition and personal struggles. As they begin a new season, the team deals with the pressure of playing at an elite level, the possibility of a newcomer, Alina, joining, and the growing tension between staying loyal to their roots or pursuing corporate-sponsored opportunities like Elite Academies. A central conflict arises as the team fights to protect their practice space, The Lot, which is at risk of being demol...

In Poughkeepsie, a group of determined girls form the Hot Steppers-a scrappy team without fields or uniforms. Ledby Simone, a commanding captain, and guided by the tough but caring Coach Mel, they practice in cracked lots where grit becomes their sharpest edge. Brew's wit and mismatched sneakers bring spark, Trina adds quiet skill, Santi shows fierce determination, and Zara sharpens their strategy.Together, the girls build true sisterhood, fueled by laughter, struggle, and ...

International Education at the Crossroads captures the essence and complexity of international education in an interconnected and globalized world. Written by leading scholars, international educators, and policy makers, the 26 essays in this volume take stock of the unpredictable landscape of international education and demonstrate why international higher education is more essential now than ever before.Responding to a timely global moment where education and internation...