contests

Led by new student Caitlyn, seventh-graders at a tiny rural school in Vermont create a reality-show inspired competition to determine who will replace the school's legendary class clown, Paulie Fink.

Cade is settling into a new boarding school, contemplating his future, when he finds himself transported to another realm. He soon discovers their new world is populated with lost remnants from the past: prehistoric creatures, ancient relics, and--stranger still--people. Overwhelmed by his new surroundings, Cade has little time to adjust, for soon he and his fellow classmates are forced to become contenders in a brutal game, controlled by mysterious overlords. But, who are these beings and why did they choose these teens? Cade must prepare for battle . . . because hiding is not an option.

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

"When Jaden gets a call inviting him to Comicon to test out a new version of his favorite game, Cross Ups, he is thrilled . . . sort of. He'll get to go with his best friend, Cali, they'll be in New York City, and best of all, he'll meet his idol and the greatest gamer of all time, Yuudai Sato. But he's got no time to practice, and worse, his signature moves no longer work. His trip starts to feel less and less exciting, and more and more like one big problem. Jaden has to come up with some solutions--fast. He looks to some older gamers for guidance, but is JStar willing to change who he is for the sake of a game?"--Provided by publisher.

"Little Red, teased for speaking only in rhymes, enters a poetry contest hoping to make friends but Big Bad Wolf scares her rhyming ability out of her and into himself"--Provided by publisher.

"The sleepy town of Shy in Avon-upon-Kynt is a place where nothing much happens. And for eighteen years, Emmaline Watkins has feared that her future held just that: nothing. But when the head of the most admired fashion house in the country opens her prestigious design competition to girls from outside the stylish capital city, Emmy's dreams seem closer than they ever have before. As the first 'country girl' to compete, Emmy knows she'll encounter extra hurdles on her way to the top. But as she navigates the twisted world of high fashion, she starts to wonder: Will she be able to tailor herself to fit into this dark, corrupted race? And at what cost?"--Provided by publisher.

Astrid, indentured to the royal class and long-time surrogate for Princess Renya's punishments, impetuously decides to risk her life and compete in a cutthroat race in order to win her family's freedom.

"The match between Team Blue and Team Emperor heats up toward the big finale--with both sides exhausted and losing ground! Plus, in the aftermath of the final match, a new enemy awaits who will require the former rivals to work together!"--Back cover.

It is time for the greatest of pirate competitions, to see which pirate band is the best; but when the prize trophy is stolen, the other bands are quick to blame the Monkey Pirates--and only Mr. Pickles, the youngest monkey, can save them from walking the plank.

Ollie has always been happy just being an elf and inventing new games for Christmas with his best friend Celia--but then the current Santa (descendent of the original) decides to retire and announces that there will be an open competition for the position of next Santa (his son Klaus is not pleased) and suddenly Ollie and the other elves are vying with the Santa children for the Big Red Suit.