What is new about how teenagers communicate through services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Do social media affect the quality of teens' lives? In this eye-opening book, youth culture and technology expert danah boyd uncovers some of the major myths regarding teens' use of social media. She explores tropes about identity, privacy, safety, danger, and bullying. Ultimately, boyd argues that society fails young people when paternalism and protectionism hinder teenagers' ability to become informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens through their online interactions. Yet despite an environment of rampant fear-mongering, boyd finds that teens often find ways to engage and to develop a sense of identity. Boyd's conclusions are essential reading not only for parents, teachers, and others who work with teens but also for anyone interested in the impact of emerging technologies on society, culture, and commerce in years to come. Offering insights gleaned from more than a decade of original fieldwork interviewing teenagers across the United States, boyd concludes reassuringly that the kids are all right. At the same time, she acknowledges that coming to terms with life in a networked era is not easy or obvious. In a technologically mediated world, life is bound to be complicated.

Growing up in white-bread Omaha, Nebraska, Rachel Shukert was one of thirty-seven students (circa 1990) in Nebraska’s only Jewish elementary school. She spent her days dreaming of a fantasy Aryan boyfriend named Chris McPresbyterian, a tall blond god whose family spoke softly in public and did not inquire after his bowel movements. She spent her nights frantically plastering her bedroom with pictures of intimidating co-religionists such as Henry Kissinger and Bette Midler, hoping to repel the Gestapo officers she was certain were lurking behind the drywall. Even back then, Rachel knew she was destined for greatness. After winning the Omaha Metropolitan Area Theater Arts Guild Award for Best Youth Actress–and imagining herself as the biggest talent to come out of Nebraska since Montgomery Clift–Rachel finally arrives in Manhattan. Intent on making her mark in the glittering world of Show Biz, she isthwarted at every turn by episodes of anorexia, verbally abusive sock puppets, and a certain terrorist attack you may have heard of. She nevertheless soldiers on, as her people have done from time immemorial. In this hilarious, mordant, and moving memoir, Rachel Shukert tackles topics as diverse and weighty as life, death, love, Jewish paranoia, and errant feminine hygiene products with a fresh and irresistible mixture of humor, brains, and candor, proving that having no shame can sometimes be a very good thing indeed.

Spanning 3 years, 23 countries, 45 cities, 31 flights, 15 bus rides, 5 ferry rides, and 9 train rides, this is the story of what happens when you learn you're never too old to run away.

THE WIELDER CHRONICLES BOOK ONE -- When you're forced to live and explore in the dangerous world of Minecraftia, life gets hard. That's just how it is for Nya. But soon she will discover untold secrets, undiscovered treasures, and a legend that will haunt her forever. -- A COMPLETED BOOK - All rights reserved.

❝I think you're more of a goddamn female than I am, James.❞ | ❝Pfft, don't you know? The only thing straighter than me is my parking, Janice.❞ | Copyright © 2015 Sarena Akhter. All Rights Reserved.

Barney Conroy is an average guy trying to live an average life. He's just not as good at it as the rest of us. Each chapter of 'The Chronicles of Barnia' captures a particular episode in Barney's struggle to be socially acceptable. They can be read in any order. Barney's adventures continue in a full length novel right here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CSIFKQK Enjoy! Guy

Joel Wyatt is a lowly call center representative who works for the "big, evil empire". No, really... the maniacal CEO of Vaig Communications has battled against some of the greatest costumed crusaders the world has ever known. Not that that has anything to do with Joel; he's just trying to keep the peace with his girlfriend, Gwen, make time for bowling with his buddy, Spliff, and afford the ever-rising rent prices in Denver, Colorado. But strange things are afoot in the 303 area code, and suddenly, Joel is finding himself face to face with the sort of heroes, villains, and giant, radioactive monsters that he used to only read about on his news feed. If he's not careful, Joel might just move from being a spectator to an active participant in a series of events that could change the course of history itself... and maybe even his own life.

Misunderstood and overmedicated, twelve-year-old Lilith Bloom finds the prospect of a grand family reunion decidedly dull... That is, until she discovers that the rose garden surrounding her grandfather's Berlin mansion is, well, completely and utterly carnivorous. Armed with Panther, her talking pet whippet, and the help of the mute boy next door, Lilith must unravel the secrets behind the mysterious estate, all while her family remains gloriously unaware that they are about to be devoured.

Florida Forest Service duty officer Ray Lumley is in love with a white fringetree. Not an I-read-Walden-in-high-school love; a sweaty, sappy, I-want-to-rub-against-you-'til-I-get-splinters love. It's awkward. So, he's relieved to learn that he's really hot for Trivia, the dreadlocked, radical environmentalist nymph who lives inside the tree. Better yet, she wants to share an eternity of Arcadian delights with him. But first she has to kill the man she holds responsible for a spate of forest fires--Ray's boss, a mid-level bureaucrat (and soccer dad) who she insists is the King of the Woods. -- King of the Woods, or Trivial Pursuit retells the myth of rex Nemorensis as an urban fantasy. Updates every Tuesday.

What do you do when your life suddenly turns into a comic book? There are people with superpowers flying around, giant monsters attacking downtown, and a secret society determined to take over the world. Mackenzie Reyes never wanted to be a hero but when a cute boy wearing a mask flies up to her window begging for her help she can't say no. He doesn't know why he has his powers but for some reason he believes Mackenzie is the only person who can make things right. But if she's going to stop the villain, figure out the mystery, and save the day Mackenzie is going to need a miracle of SUPER proportions.