On the football field, Ezekiel and Joel have the same problem. Neither is having any fun. The stress of constantly trying to play perfectly and please his coach makes Ezekiel want to quit. Joel is so scared of messing up, he worries more about being yelled at than catching the ball. As the self-doubt and peer pressure build, each boy offers a solution to help the other. Will the plans they come up with be successful and help them reclaim the confidence and fun they’ve lost?

Welcome to Hopkins Bend, the remote little Tennessee town where the backwoods inhabitants are cannibals and the local law operates a sex-trafficking ring. Unlucky travelers are frequently ensnared in the town’s sinister web. Some are held captive and tortured while others face even more gruesome fates. And beneath it all is the town’s darkest secret, the curse of the depraved and mutated Kincher clan.Includes "Depraved II: The In-Between-Quel", a short story that reveals the grisly...

Why are Marcos and Lili fighting over the TV remote? For the same reason they fight over toys, the dog, and pretty much everything else. They don’t like to share Can these two learn to negotiate, compromise, play fair, and take turns without screaming, fighting, and forcing Mom to be their referee? All about Sharing is an amusing tale with a valuable message – sharing isn’t hard or painful when you do it right! This is the first title in award-winning author Bryan Smith’s new Social Strate...

Isaac is a second-grader who isn’t afraid to bicker with his coach, talk back to his mom, or ignore the feelings of his friends, especially when he doesn’t like their decisions or opinions! His rude, disrespectful words and actions are hurting his relationships at school and at home. All because he doesn’t know how to compromise, negotiate, or stand up for himself without tearing others down. Can a caring teacher and a loving parent help Isaac learn to disagree appropriately and accept ans...

When he learns the real meaning of active listening, Marcos has to make a choice. Will he give his full attention and really listen to his parents, teachers, and friends, or will he continue to only hear what he wants to hear? Marcos, Did You Hear Me? delivers a much-needed message to kids about what it takes to be a good listener. This is the second title in award-winning author Bryan Smith’s new Social Strategies series, written for students in grades K-5.

Isaac LOVES to have fun! The only thing he loves more than having fun is getting a good laugh from his friends. That’s all well and good until some of Isaac’s fun starts to get in the way of what he’s supposed to be doing. At school, at home, and at tennis practice, he’s so busy having fun, he’s distracting himself and others from the work that needs to get done. Instead of working hard, Isaac is hardly working! With help from his teacher and mom, Isaac learns four steps to staying on task...

“Amelia has never been one to be timid. She’s confident enough to stand up for others and let people know what she thinks. So why is she having a hard time advocating for herself? When a new seating arrangement lands Amelia next to Billy, a guy who spends all day whining and complaining, Amelia feels trapped. She unloads all her frustrations on her very patient mother. But when Mom starts asking her questions, Amelia quickly realizes that advocating for change and for herself requires a lo...

Isaac’s mom and teacher work together to help Isaac learn four simple steps to making the best choice. And this works fine, when one option seems a lot better than the others. But what happens when Isaac doesn’t like any of the options? Learn along with Isaac as he practices making choices, and figures out how to think of himself And others in the decision making process. Part of the Stepping Up Social Skills series.

Braden’s schoolwork seems to be getting tougher. Word problems are more complicated. Reading passages are longer. When he’s quizzed on details, they seem to be getting lost in translation. And this is carrying over to home too! With help from a caring teacher and plenty of opportunities to practice at home, Braden starts to learn and practice strategies for improving his working memory! Author and school counselor Bryan Smith offers another funny but relevant story in the very popular Exec...

Focus. Focus. Focus. That’s the advice Blake frequently hears but fails to follow. Blake stumbles from one mishap to another because of a complete lack of concentration. He carelessly demolishes a Lego volcano in his rush to look out a window. A baseball bruises his elbow (and ego) because a dirt clod takes his focus off the game. And he ends up all wet when he interrupts his own story to do something foolish. Can using manipulatives, including squishy erasers, stress balls and glove taps,...

Isaac is a second grader who struggles with waiting to be recognized by an adult. He’s a little impatient, and this can get him in trouble at school and in the world. When a tough problem has him stuck, Isaac blurts out. With patience, Isaac’s mom guides him through the steps of getting somebody’s attention, and she helps him with the problem. Isaac understands, but needs some practice! Isaac’s adventures continue at the store, at home, and at school, where the adults are there to teach hi...

When he rushes to get home after a tough evening of baseball, the last thing Braden wants to deal with is his parents on his case about not finishing every little thing on his list. But when his parents and teacher are able to show him it’s a pattern that extends far beyond skipping an occasional, chore, or math problem, Braden starts to realize that he DOES need some help. Soon Braden learns four steps to better self-monitoring. Award-winning author, father, and school counselor Bryan Smi...