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Follow a journalist and TV producer from 48 Hours and 60 Minutes as she carves out a career in the ruthless, knives-out world of true crime television . . . one killer story at a time.

Serial killers. Homicidal spouses. Sociopathic criminals. Claire St. Amant has met them all.

She spent nearly a decade in network television chasing the biggest true crime stories in the country, including the murder of Chris Kyle, plastic-surgeon-turned-murder-for-hire suspect Thomas Michael Dixon, the Parkland high school mass shooting, the disappearance of Christina Morris, and serial killer Samuel Little.

Bringing a true crime story to network television requires quick thinking and tenacious stamina, and in her debut memoir, Claire offers true crime fans a rare in-depth look from the other side of the yellow tape.

In Killer Story, readers will learn what it really takes to get these gripping cases on the air with insights such as:

How it feels to share space with a dead-eyed murderer Which TV show has a reputation for "eating their young" How reporters win over skeptical cops and reluctant lawyers Why TV journalists are always racing against the clock--and competitor sabotage What happens when a district attorney decides journalists have committed a felony The unresolved crimes that still haunt Claire to this day

This eye-opening look behind the scenes of true crime television offers an unforgettable read--and a window into the daily reality of investigative journalism.

"The Nation's First Superhighway" existed before the spread of cars... or even railroads! This immersive photo book ferries readers through the past and present of the Erie Canal, from impossible idea to groundbreaking reality.

In the twenty-first century, it's hard to imagine a canal as cutting-edge technology. Yet even to the most scientifically-minded, the Erie Canal once seemed an unachievable dream. Thomas Jefferson himself called it "nothing short of madness;" one critic felt sure it was impossible as "building a canal to the moon." Yet with eight years and nearly $185 million dollars in today's currency, the Erie Canal opened in 1825 to celebratory cannon fire: an innovating--and enduring--marvel of engineering.

But as the Canal shaped the flow of American history, the sociopolitical impact reached much further than its shores. A largely untold tale of creativity and cowardice, sacrifice and greed, heroism and prejudice, the Erie Canal's story is as complex and compelling as that of America itself.

Award-winning nonfiction author Laurie Lawlor captures the landmark achievements of the Erie Canal while diving deep into corporate greed, environmental devastation, poor working conditions, and its impact on the Haudenosaunee people. Pairing rich back matter (including maps, source notes, an index, bibliography, glossary, and timeline) with attention grabbing photographs, accomplished STEAM storyteller Laurie Lawlor connects the Erie Canal's past and present to plumb the depths of unexplored American history.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Named to the NSTA-CBC Best STEM Books List!
Named to the Illinois Reads List

Kirkus Best Book

"An unforgettable adventure with a deeply endearing, slightly chaotic heroine." --Kyle Lukoff, author of Newbery Honor book Too Bright to See

"All the suspense and intrigue of a middle-school Da Vinci Code. Fast-paced fun and plenty of charm to boot." --Christopher Healy, author of No One Leaves the Castle
"Thrilling." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Surprises aplenty, real danger, and lots of laughs." --Booklist (starred review)
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler meets Indiana Jones! A young adventurer races to break the family curse by repatriating the artifacts her famed ancestor "saved." Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Kwame Mbalia, and Rena Barron.
Cincinnati Lee's great great (great?) grandfather is famous. His adventures discovering ancient artifacts have been made into movies, and his work is widely respected by museums across the world. The thing is, in that line of work, you're bound to get cursed. And that leaves your great great (great?) granddaughter to break the curse by returning the artifacts you "preserved."
Cincinnati's own adventure begins in the Cosmopolitan Museum in New York City, where her single mom works and Cincinnati has grown up. Soon she learns about the ancient Spear of Destiny--and its potential to right all the wrongs in her family's past. Or bring about the end of the world. It all depends on whose hands it falls into. Cincinnati must beat two relic hunters to the spear, and her quest will take her to surprising locations throughout the city and even across the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, she'll make a new friend (which is not the easiest thing to do), make some enemies (surprisingly easy to do), and ultimately learn what makes the world worth saving. Acclaimed author Heidi Heilig makes a dazzling middle grade debut with an irrepressible hero, a compelling cast of friends and enemies, nonstop action, and a thoughtful approach to viewing our responsibilities to each other and the world around us.

A family takes a nighttime drive to the moon in this love letter to Appalachia, crackling with wonder and warmth.

In this heartfelt and lyrical book, a family in a small Appalachian town spends the evening preparing for a special nighttime tradition. As the sun sets and the sky slips into dusk, they load up a spare couch on a rusty old car and drive into the mountains. With a little imagination and the magic of moonlight, their plain old couch transforms into something so much more.

Animated by the beauty of seemingly abandoned things and the dignity of the people who inhabit these often-overlooked areas, The Couch in the Yard is a deeply layered story, a lilting and lyrical tribute to the beauty of an oft-overlooked American culture.

Text inspired by author Kate Hoefler's family drives through Appalachian Ohio and Dena Seiferling's textured, atmospheric illustrations conjure a fantasy readers will readily believe. Soothing yet fanciful, both lofty and earthy, The Couch in the Yard guarantees sweet dreams and unforgettable fantasies.

Gear up for back-to-school season with this hilarious picture book that's sure to become a favorite storytime read-aloud in every little reader's library--human or dragon. Perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and We Don't Eat Our Classmates!

The human school is full, but don't worry, there's a spot waiting for you at the local dragon school! Even though you might not have scales or wings or the ability to breathe fire, with a little bit of courage and your own special talents, you'll have no trouble fitting in. Even if your classmates are a little bit... toothy.

Praise for When You Go to Dragon School:

★ "This tale is told directly to readers in a second-person voice that is engaging and funny, easily finding a place among strong read-alouds and back-to-school books. ... A must-purchase. This one will leave kids wanting more." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A wonderful, humorous celebration of diversity and sharing our differences." --Booklist

"Bright and humorous, this quick read-aloud makes for a fun discussion starter for little ones enrolling at new schools of their own. ... Warm and whimsical ... Fluffy fun for youngsters fretting about starting school." --Kirkus Reviews

A Season for Fishin' is a joyous debut picture book by Pamela Courtney full of fishing, summertime traditions, and delicious food - inspired by the author's intergenerational and multicultural Louisiana upbringing.

There's a rush in the water.
Ripples sway,
back and forth,
back and forth.
Sounds like Fish Fry Friday.

On the first Fish Fry Friday of the year, Cher wakes before sunrise. It's the start of the fishing season, and her wish is coming true: She's finally big enough to join her papere on Ol' Cane River! She can't wait to catch a mess of bream for Mamere to fry up for the evening feast.

Fishing pole in hand, Cher races to the prized spot down on Ol' Cane River. Wrigglers wiggle on the line. Cousins giggle as a sign of approval as Cher reels in batch after batch of bream. But when things don't go as planned, Cher learns the true importance of Fish Fry Friday, and it's not the big catch . . .

Plates clatter.
Kinfolk gather.
Cher is part of tradition. It's her season of fishin'.

Follow Faith on a joyful journey on a New York City train, where she learns a delicious lesson about courage and being kind. A perfect pick for fans of Milo Imagines the World, Last Stop on Market Street, and Saturday at the Food Pantry.

Faith takes the train with her mother most days, and today she's eating one of Grandma's delicious sandwiches. Isaiah, who usually sings a song on their ride home, instead asks a question that quiets a busy train into awkward silence.

"Can anyone please spare some change? A bite to eat?"

When Faith sees his face, her heart goes thump-thump-thump. Will she have the courage to answer?

This sweet and relatable picture book from author Kesi Augustine and illustrator Mokshini is sure to spark conversations about the small ways we can show kindness and help people in need.

The beloved duo returns in a third set of little stories with big themes about friendship, facing fear, sadness, and spontaneity

Otis and Peanut are back with more playful and profound stories in the third instalment of this critically acclaimed junior graphic novel series. Together, the iconic long-haired guinea pig and naked mole rat continue to navigate deep truths about life and human nature while letting their sweet and supportive friendship shine.

In "The Trip," Peanut helps Otis overcome his fear of leaving home by practicing going somewhere without going anywhere. In "The Stone," Otis begins to discover how time can help to smooth over sadness. And in "The Visit," during a very short time with his sister Marion, Otis comes to realize the joys of losing the plan and embracing spontaneity.

Bold, comic artwork with contrasting hues and delightful detail brings the endearing characters to life in these stories that expertly tackle heavy themes of fear, grief, and anxiety with humor and a lighthearted touch.

From the author of Marikit and the Ocean of Stars, a magical middle grade adventure about three Filipino children who must find their way through a mystical land filled with monsters and gods from Filipino lore.

The town of Santo Cristo is known for two things--their colorful town fiesta capped off with a solemn evening procession, and the dozens of people that have disappeared over the years. When three kids--the headstrong Bayani, stubborn Isay, and anxious Aaron--find their way over the other side of a mysterious bridge and to a long-forgotten island of myth, they're faced with monsters, cryptids, and sinister characters. In this land of Night, they must find their way back to their world and keep their light burning bright lest they lose themselves too.

For fans of School's First Day of School, this is a picture book about a young girl who is feeling mixed emotions about her first day of school.

Some feelings are so big, one word just doesn't cut it.

It's the first day of school for Afua! There's no one word to name her feelings. Is she scared? Excited? Oh wait, she's scarecited! Her own combination of both. Why should she have to choose?

Scarecited on the First Day of School is a charming picture book that reminds us all that having the courage to be our authentic self is always just enough, and you can feel more than one big emotion at the same time. But if there isn't one word to describe those feelings . . . there's beauty in making it yourself.

Based on the award-winning Pinna original podcast, this is the first picture book in a bold new series of alphabet adventures. Follow preschooler Alfie and his babysitter Quentin on an unforgettable tale of loving every letter that makes you YOU!

Alfie has been feeling down, and it isn't just the rain. The kids at school think his name is weird. But when his awesome babysitter Quentin takes Alfie on a walk through their neighborhood, he learns that there are endless possibilities in the letters that make up his name. From "A is for acrobat" to "E is for electrician," they imagine all the wonderful things Alfie could grow up to be and discover a world of ABCs along the way.

Written by Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award winner Randy DuBurke and illustrated by Derick Brooks, A Is for Alfie is the first book in the Quentin and Alfie's ABC Adventures series. It's the perfect read if you're looking for:

● Heartwarming picture books for kids 3 to 6 years old about loving yourself inside and out
● Diverse read-alouds for pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and homeschooling curriculum
● Accessible stories with subtle literacy and learning elements

Turn worries about going back to school into moments of confidence! An empowering standalone picture book starring Willa Whale who was first introduced in the New York Times-bestselling Pout-Pout Fish series.

Willa is discouraged!
She's learning something new.
She's tried and tried, but no success:
"I don't know what to do!"

She's sure she'll never get it.
"I'm missing what it takes!"
But could it be a good thing
To make thirty-two mistakes?

Swim along with Willa Whale as she tackles going back to school and explores the experience of trying, practicing, and making mistakes in the classroom. She might just discover that everyone makes mistakes when they try new things--even grown-ups and the Pout-Pout Fish!--and that mistakes are an important part of learning and growing.

There are more Worry-Worry Whale books in the sea:
The Worry-Worry Whale and the Classroom Jitters
The Worry-Worry Whale and the Halloween Scaries (Coming soon!)

"Sato's signature mixed-media artwork has a three-dimensional feel, well suited for young readers; it deftly evokes the power of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami on the town, as well as the people's quiet sadness and recovery. A moving introduction to a tragic event."--Kirkus ReviewsHana is at school when the devastating tsunami sweeps over Japan. But when the dark wave finally returns to the ocean, it has taken more than Hana could have ever imagined.Hana's school sits on the side of a hill with a view of the ocean. One day, while in class, a tsunami drags the ocean across her village. Hana watches in horror as the dark water crashes into trees and tosses cars and boats around. When she is finally reunited with her family, she learns that the wave has taken more than she could have ever imagined. To cope with her grief, Hana begins to paint chidori (a thousand birds).Miki Sato's collage art, which combines paper, textiles, and watercolor, creates a three-dimensional world that is rich in emotion, detail, and texture.Jennifer Maruno writes with compassion and heart, bringing life to this story inspired by true events.