rites and ceremonies

"All Darwin wants is a starring role in his school's upcoming theatrical production... too bad he freezes in the spotlight! Roping in Gumball to audition with him. Darwin accidentally helps unleash a curse on the school after speaking the name of the play that gave a student a mortal case of stagefright. When students fall victim to the sickness caused by the curse, Gumball and Darwin must do everything in their power to complete the show and right their wrong"--Back cover.

Discusses holidays celebrated around the world including Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year, Loy Krathong, and more.

"Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity-and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death. Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki-near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat"--Jacket flap.

In the sleepy town of Shady Oaks, Nancy Drew and her friends investigate an exhibit of photographs, rumored to be cursed, and their connection to the disappearance of two people.

"Elva must learn to wield her magical powers in a town that fears all witches while righting her family's past wrongs before it's too late"--Provided by publisher.

"On an island cursed by eternal winter, Sylvi agrees to run a late-season haul for a smuggler, but when they reach their destination, Sylvi must decide if she can abandon her cherished solitude and anonymity--and the favor of the icy spirit Winter--to join with the rebels"--OCLC.

Walker Bean is happiest when he gets to spend time tinkering on his inventions in his grandfather's workshop, but when his grandfather acquires a curse, Walter must embark on dangerous quest to return a pearl skull to the witches who made it.

"On her twelfth birthday, Sage wishes on a magical candle foran end to the family curse she believes caused many problems, including sending her father to prison"--Provided by publisher.

"Local tradition states that when a child turns fourteen, they have to survive all alone on an island for one year. Now, it's time for Stig and Tilde to take up the challenge. But when an accidental detour leaves them stranded on the wrong island, they find out there's more to their surroundings than meets the eye . . ."--Provided by publisher.

"Details . . . ways people commemorate, celebrate, and mourn the passing of loved ones"--Amazon.com.