Todd Strasser Libros

In the Frederick Douglass Project where DeShawn lives, daily life is ruled by drugs and gang violence. Dropping out of school and joining a gang is the norm and every kid knows someone who's died. Gunshots ring out on a regular basis. DeShawn is smart enough to know he should stay in school and keep away from the gangs. But while his friends have drug money to buy anything they want, DeShawn's family can barely afford food for the month. How can he stick to his principles when his family is hungry? In this gritty novel about growing up in the inner-city projects, award-winning author Todd Strasser opens a window into the life of a teenager struggling with right and wrong under the ever-present shadow of gangs.

Her street name is Maybe. She lives with a tribe of homeless teens -- runaways and throwaways, kids who have no place to go other than the cold city streets, and no family except for one another. Abused, abandoned, and forgotten, they struggle against the cold, hunger, and constant danger. With the frigid winds of January comes a new girl: Tears, a twelve-year-old whose mother doesn't believe Tears's stepfather abuses her. As the other kids start to disappear -- victims of violence, addiction, and exposure -- Maybe tries to help Tears get off the streets...if it's not already too late.

The Tardy Boys show up at school on a warm winter morning to get ready for hockey practice, discover that the rink has been taken over by penguins and realize that it is up to them to keep the creatures from becoming extinct.

Exploring the struggles and sacrifices of war, this gripping novel delves into the true essence of heroism. Through the experiences of its characters, it examines the profound impact of conflict on individuals and the heavy toll it takes on those who serve. The narrative promises to engage readers with its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, reflecting on the complexities of bravery and the human condition in times of strife.

A futuristic reimagining of "Moby Dick" finds young Ishmael awakening aboard a ship on an unpolluted faraway planet where he harvests resources for a depleted Earth before witnessing his captain's growing obsession with a great sea creature.

“[H]aunting and harrowing.” —Booklist (starred review) “Vivid, distressing, and all too real.” —Kirkus Reviews In this 20th anniversary edition of Todd Strasser’s gut-wrenching and critically acclaimed Give a Boy a Gun, two boys bring guns to school in search of revenge against their classmates. For as long as they can remember, Brendan and Gary have been mercilessly teased and harassed by the jocks who rule Middletown High. But not anymore. Stealing a small arsenal of guns from a neighbor, they take their classmates hostage at a school dance. In the panic of this desperate situation, it soon becomes clear that only one thing matters to Brendan and Gary: revenge. This special 20th anniversary edition includes updated backmatter and statistics on school shootings—a topic that is now more relevant than ever.

Jake Sherman has switched bodies - again. And this time with an alien. A funny-looking alien. From a planet where aliens sit around and watching TV and eating junk food all day long. Sounds good to Jake but the alien has run off with Jake's body. Does Jake really want to be a couch potato ... forever?

Set against the backdrop of Spanish Colonial exploration, the story follows Culca, a determined young girl who yearns to dive despite societal expectations that confine women to caretaking roles. As her village relies on divers for survival, a storm sinks Spanish ships filled with gold, prompting a dangerous treasure recovery mission. Culca's quick thinking and courage shine as she strives to save her brother, highlighting her strength and challenging traditional gender roles in her community.

Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous era, this novel explores the author's teenage years, offering a vivid and psychedelic journey through the challenges and experiences of youth. With a blend of nostalgia and adventure, it captures the essence of growing up during a transformative period, inviting readers to reflect on their own formative experiences.