“Pemberton’s beautifully told story is a rags to riches journey—beginning in a place and with a jarring set of experiences that could have destroyed his life. But Steve’s refusal to give in to those forces, and his resolve to create a better life, shows a courage and resilience that is an example for many of us to follow.” —Stedman Graham, author, educator Home is the place where our life stories begin. A Chance in the World is the astonishing true story of a boy destined to become a man of resilience determination and vision. Down in the dank basement, amidst my moldy, hoarded food and beloved worm-eaten books, I dreamed that my real home, the place where my story had begun, was out there somewhere, and one day I was going to find it. Taken from his mother at age three, Steve Klakowicz lives a terrifying existence. Caught in the clutches of a cruel foster family and subjected to constant abuse, Steve finds his only refuge in a box of books given to him by a kind stranger. In these books, he discovers new worlds he can only imagine and begins to hope that one day he might have a different life, that one day he will find his true home. A fair-complexioned boy with blue eyes, a curly Afro, and a Polish last name, he is determined to unravel the mystery of his origins and find his birth family. Armed with just a single clue, Steve embarks on an extraordinary quest for his identity, only to find that nothing is as it appears. Through it all, Steve’s story teaches us that no matter how broken our past, no matter how great our misfortunes, we have it in us to create a new beginning and to build a place where love awaits.

A Chance in the World (Young Readers Edition) Discussion Guide is a companion to A Chance in the World (Young Readers Edition) by Steve Pemberton. This guide can be utilized in the classroom, in a home school setting, or by parents seeking additional resources. Ideal for ages 8 to 12.

No matter how broken our past or great our misfortunes, we can create a new beginning and build a life of love and kindness. Taken from his mother at age three, Steve Klakowicz lives in the clutches of a cruel foster family. He finds his only refuge in a box of books given to him by a kind stranger, books that take him to new worlds he can only imagine. He begins to hope that one day he might have a different life. As he grows, Steve is determined to unravel the mystery of his origins and find his birth family. A light-skinned boy with blue eyes, a curly Afro, and a Polish last name, he embarks on an extraordinary quest for his identity, armed with only one clue. Yet nothing is as it appears. In this inspiring and harrowing memoir, A Chance in the World teaches children: to begin each day with hope that there is goodness in the world, and it is possible to be a beacon of light for others that they can overcome challenging circumstances that everyone comes from different backgrounds and has value to apply Steve's inspirational message to their own lives, through age-appropriate discussion questions This new youth adaption, written for 8 to 12 year-olds, shares Steve's journey with sensitivity, honesty, and hope. Adapted from the USA Today bestselling memoir, A Chance in the World.

In this stirring follow-up to his memoir, Steve Pemberton gives practical encouragement for how you can be a "human lighthouse" for others and through these inspiring stories will renew your hope for humanity. Our polarized, divisive culture seems to be without heroes and role models. We are adrift in a dark sea of disillusionment and distrust and we need "human lighthouses" to give us hope and direct us back to the goodness in each other and in our own hearts. Steve Pemberton found a lighthouse in an ordinary man named John Sykes, his former high school counselor. John gave Steve a safe harbor after Steve escaped an abusive foster home and together they navigated a new path that led to personal and professional success. Through stories of people like John and several others, you will identify how the hardships you have overcome equip you to be a "human lighthouse," inspiring those around you. The humble gestures of kindness that change the course of our lives can shift the course for America too. With a unique vision for building up individuals and communities and restoring trust, The Lighthouse Effect opens your eyes to those who are quietly heroic. You will reflect on the lighthouses in your own life and be reminded that the greatest heroes are alongside us--and within us.

The Young Readers' edition of the bestselling adult non-fiction title Many critics believe Adam Gilchrist is the greatest wicketkeeper/batsman to have played the game, but Adam's huge popularity does not rest solely on his incredible track record. To his millions of fans around the world, it is the way he plays the game – rather than simply the sum of his achievements – that marks him out as one of the best-loved cricketers of his generation. He is both a swashbuckling batsman and record-breaking wicketkeeper, yet perhaps his true impact has come from the manner in which he plays his cricket – with an integrity and sense of values that many thought had departed the game forever. True Colours is his autobiography, and like the man himself it's incomparable. With unflinching honesty, intelligence, compassion and humour, Adam takes you into the world of cricket that few outside of the Australian team have ever seen. From his early struggles to establish himself, through to the giant achievements of the Australian test and one-day sides, True Colours offers an extraordinary window on Adam, on cricket's major stars and on the game itself.

A young reader’s adaptation of whistleblower and bestselling author Edward Snowden's memoir, Permanent Record—featuring a brand-new afterword that includes resources to learn about the basics of digital security. In 2013, Edward Snowden shocked the world when he revealed that the United States government was secretly building a system of mass surveillance with the ability to gaze into the private lives of every person on earth. Phone calls, text messages, emails—nothing was safe from prying eyes. Now the man who risked everything to expose the truth about government spying describes for a new generation how he helped build that system, what motivated him to try to bring it down, and how young people can strive to protect their privacy in the digital age. “Snowden's sprightly prose, his deep technical knowledge, his superb knack for explaining complex matters, his ability to articulate principled action all come together in a book that is, if anything, BETTER than the adult version.” —Cory Doctorow, BoingBoing

"Life Skills for Young Adult" serves as an extensive and enlightening manual, expertly guiding adolescents through the multifaceted realm of teenage dating. Within its pages, this handbook provides a wealth of invaluable wisdom, encompassing every facet of building and maintaining meaningful relationships during this pivotal phase of life. Diving deep into the intricate dynamics of teen dating, this guide goes beyond the surface and delves into the nuances of forming connections that are not only enjoyable but also healthy and fulfilling. By imparting essential guidance on effective communication, it empowers young individuals with the tools they require to express their thoughts, feelings, and desires openly, fostering a stronger bond with their partners. One of the key strengths of this book lies in its emphasis on setting boundaries, a crucial aspect of any relationship. By teaching teenagers how to establish and communicate their personal limits, the guide ensures that they enter into connections that respect their autonomy and emotional well-being. Moreover, the book aids in deciphering the intricate landscape of emotions, helping teenagers comprehend and manage their feelings while navigating the ups and downs of romantic entanglements. At the heart of this comprehensive guide is a core focus on respect, consent, and self-discovery. By placing these foundational principles at the forefront, the book equips teenagers with the ethical compass necessary to engage in relationships that prioritize the well-being and comfort of all parties involved. It sensitively addresses the importance of mutual agreement and permission in every interaction, cultivating an environment of trust and emotional safety. Beyond the realm of dating mechanics, "Life Skills for Young Adult" nurtures personal growth and mutual understanding. Through its thoughtful guidance, it encourages teenagers to embark on a journey of self discovery, allowing them to understand their own aspirations, preferences, and values. By fostering this self-awareness, the guide enables individuals to approach dating from a place of authenticity, making connections that align with their true selves. In conclusion, "Life Skills for Young Adult" is more than just a manual; it's a comprehensive companion that accompanies young hearts on their voyage through the maze of teen dating. With its wealth of insights, it empowers adolescents to embark on relationships that are not only enjoyable but also nurturing, guiding them towards personal growth and profound understanding.