Janet Tashjian crafts compelling narratives for middle-grade and young adult readers, exploring themes of adolescence and self-discovery. Her accessible yet engaging style allows readers to deeply connect with her characters' journeys. Tashjian's work often delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of finding one's place in the world. She masterfully captures authentic teenage voices, offering stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Janet and Jake Tashjian’s My Life as a Billionaire is Book 10 in the much-loved, illustrated My Life series. Derek Fallon won the lottery and now gets to split over a billion dollars with a friend—the buying possibilities are endless—skateboards!, sneakers! video games!, a backyard skateboard park!!!—let the shopping begin. But Derek is soon challenged with new obstacles that he hadn’t thought of before. Having money to spend should make his life easier but it’s bringing with it lots of anxiety. It’s up to Derek to find a balance with his newfound wealth, and to consider the best ways to spend his money. Christy Ottaviano Books
Marty Frye, Private Eye: The Case of the Busted Video Games & Other Mysteries is the third in the young chapter book mystery series by bestselling author-illustrator team Janet Tashjian and Laurie Keller! In this new collection of mysteries, everyone’s favorite poet detective is back in action. When a prankster tangles all the school jump ropes into knots and gym is canceled, Marty pins down the culprit. When five machines are mysteriously found broken at the arcade, Marty jumps on the case. And when Mom’s phone goes missing after a trip to the mall, Marty races against the clock to track it down before dinner. But can he still manage to make up rhymes while he solves new crimes? Broken into three short stories, this is an ideal stepping stone to longer chapter books. Young readers will be off in search of a rhyme in no time. Christy Ottaviano Books
Meet Sticker Girl Martina Rivera, a quiet kid with a remarkable secret: Her sticker collection comes to life! Adventures abound in this new middle-grade series by bestselling author Janet Tashjian. Stickers included! Martina Rivera has a remarkable imagination. But with two extroverted brothers at home, she’s always struggled to make a big impression on those around her. Life soon takes an exciting turn when Martina discovers the secret power of her sticker collection: They come to life! Among her magical sticker friends are Craig, a rambunctious talking cupcake; Nora, a karaoke-singing ladybug; and Lucinda, a very sleepy fairy. Will her new sticker friends help her overcome her shyness? Or will they get Martina in lots of trouble? Or both?! It’s time to meet Sticker Girl! Bonus feature: sticker sheet featuring all the magic stickers from Book 1 packaged with the book! A Christy Ottaviano Book "Tashjian introduces a smart, young Latina protagonist in a strong series opener for young readers . . . Readers will be eager for the follow-up adventures of Sticker Girl." —Kirkus Reviews Also in the Sticker Girl series: Sticker Girl Sticker Girl Rules the School
Derek Fallon discovers all the angst that comes with being twelve - he just
wants to feel grown up, but life gets in the way with a series of mishaps that
make him look like a baby. Why isn't being in middle school as great as Derek
imagined? With a little help from his friends and a Toys for Tots fundraiser
things could start shaping up.
Derek Fallon lands his dream job as a professional video gamer testing out new games in Book 5 in the popular My Life series! Derek Fallon gets the chance of a lifetime—to participate in a gaming company focus group and to test out a new video game called "Arctic Ninja." Together with his friends Carly, Matt, and Umberto, Derek thinks his gaming talents will be showcased. But he soon realizes that everyone has got him beat, including whiz kid El Cid. On top of that, school reading tests have begun and Derek feels doubly off his game. Isn't there anything he's good at? Find out in this hilarious middle-grade novel with cartoon illustrations. From Janet Tashjian, with illustrations by Jake Tashjian, comes another delightful standalone volume in the popular My Life series. Praise for the My Life series: “Another fun, emotionally resonant read for the Wimpy Kid set and beyond.” —Kirkus Reviews on My Life as a Stuntboy “A fast-moving plot and relatable protagonist make this stand-alone sequel a good choice for boys who, like Derek, would rather reach for a TV remote or game controller than a book.” —School Library Journal on My Life as a Stuntboy “This is a great package for kids, especially those like Derek who don't think they like to read.” —Booklist on My Life as a Stuntboy More in the My Life series: My Life as a Book My Life as a Stuntboy My Life as a Cartoonist My Life as a Joke My Life as a Gamer My Life as a Ninja
Student council is keeping Martina busy with a bake sale and cupcake-savvy Bev is excited to help out. The girls advertise their delicious creations and are thrilled to be invited to participate in a web show baking contest. Can Martina balance school and a ruthless cupcake competition, all while keeping her stickers in check? Or is this a recipe for disaster?
Josh Swensen, stuck in a rut and struggling with apathy, is urged by his concerned friend Beth to seek a change. A walk at Walden Pond introduces him to Gus Muldarian, a charismatic spiritual guru who invites him to a study group aimed at exploring life's deeper meanings. Initially skeptical, Josh reluctantly joins, leading to an unexpected journey filled with chaos and profound insights. This exploration not only challenges his perceptions but also ignites a transformative adventure that reawakens his imagination and purpose.
