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Performance Appraisals & Phrases For Dummies
by Ken LloydThe newest steps and strategies to enhance the performance appraisals you provide Performance Appraisals & Phrases For Dummies shows you how to apply the latest performance appraisal practices and generate positive outcomes for your employees, for your company, and for you. The days of stand-alone annual performance appraisals are drawing to a close, with today’s appraisals utilizing quarterly or biannual sessions, continuous feedback with regular two-way communication, collaborative goal-setting, career development, and an ongoing forward focus. This approach includes tools to provide impactful feedback and feedforward, recognize and support employee success, avoid the common mistakes related to performance appraisals, and build your coaching skills. Gain a clear understanding of the ways that performance appraisals contribute to individual and organizational success. Provide productive feedback by accessing more than 3,300 phrases. Lead appraisal sessions that resonate with your employees and set the stage for improved performance and career development. By applying the newest steps in performance appraisals, you will literally and figuratively be in an excellent position to build your employees’ skills, motivation, performance, satisfaction, and commitment.
The Magic of Silence: Caspar David Friedrich's Journey Through Time
by Florian IlliesNo German painter evokes such strong emotions as Caspar David Friedrich: his evening skies remain icons of longing, his mountain vistas testaments to the grandeur of nature. He inspired Samuel Beckett to write Waiting for Godot and Walt Disney to create Bambi. Goethe, however, was so enraged by the enigmatic melancholy of Friedrich’s paintings that he wanted to smash them on the edge of a table.In a sweeping journey through time, bestselling author Florian Illies tells the story of Friedrich’s paintings and their impact on subsequent generations. Many of his most beautiful paintings were burned, first in his birthplace and then in World War II; others, like the Chalk Cliffs on Rügen, emerge from the mists of history a hundred years after Friedrich's death. Illies recounts the story of how Friedrich's paintings ended up at the Russian czar's court, others among a pile of winter tires in a Mafia car repair shop, and others still in the kitchen of a German social housing apartment. Adored by Hitler and Rainer Maria Rilke, despised by Stalin and by the generation of 68, this compelling narrative dances through 250 years of history as seen through Friedrich’s art and life. As a result, the man himself becomes flesh and blood before our very eyes.
Integrity: The Rise of a Distinctive Western Idea and Its Destiny
by Martin AlbrowPublic life is dominated from time to time by media storms around integrity. The behaviour of elected political leaders has led many to decry the deterioration in standards and the lack of integrity in public life. But what is integrity, and where does our concern with integrity in public life come from? In this book, Martin Albrow argues that integrity has been an essential component of the rise of the West and a key feature that distinguishes the West from other civilizations. He traces the idea of integrity back to its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, where integrity acquired its special meaning: the unique feature of any object with integrity was that it combined its wholeness or completeness with the embodiment of standards that came from outside it. Integrity was unity through values. He then follows the story of integrity through early Christianity and the Renaissance to the present day. Today, we find ourselves in the paradoxical situation where the lack of integrity in public life is widely condemned while, at the same time, politicians can remain popular without even pretending to act with integrity: this is the new politics of the integrity vacuum. The idea of integrity may be a distinctively western one but, like many other aspects of western culture, it has now become a property of worldwide society. Albrow concludes by arguing that integrity could add more value today by being combined with non-western wisdom as we strive to create an order where honesty, trust and reliability in our relationships with others are paramount. This highly original account of an idea that lies at the heart of western culture will be of interest to anyone concerned about the state and future of our public life.
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers: Color Edition (Captain Underpants #9)
by Dav PilkeyTippy Tinkletrousers is back in the ninth book in this #1 New York Times bestselling series by Dav Pilkey, the author and illustrator of Dog Man!George and Harold are behind bars for a crime they didn't commit! But just as they are settling into their new life, they are pulled from prison by a time-traveling tyrant named Tippy Tinkletrousers! Now the boys are taking a trip back in time to the carefree days of kindergarten, when the scariest thing they had to face was not evil mad scientists or alien cafeteria ladies but a sixth-grade bully named Kipper Krupp, the nephew of their clueless school principal. And because George and Harold don't invent Captain Underpants until they're in fourth grade, the clever kindergartners are on their own. Can they beat the bullies with brainpower instead of Wedgie Power?
Framed (Swindle #3)
by Gordon KormanThe hilarious third SWINDLE book - now in paperback!Griffin Bing's new principal doesn't like him. And Griffin doesn't like the boot camp football atmosphere the new principal has brought. Griffin manages to stay out of trouble -- until a Super Bowl ring disappears from the school's display case, with Griffin's retainer left in its place. Griffin has been framed! Unfortunately, the Man doesn't have a Plan - and everything his team tries to find out who really took the ring backfires. Griffin ends up in an alternate school, then under house arrest, and finally with an electronic anklet - with no way to prove his innocence! Griffin smells a rat - but will he be able to solve the mystery in time?
Double Team: Double Team (STAT #2)
by Amar'e StoudemireSTAT: Standing Tall And Talented-- A slam-dunk new fiction series from NBA superstar Amar'e Stoudemire!Eleven-year-old Amar'e Stoudemire has finally realized that out of all his hobbies, basketball is his true passion. Amar'e starts competing in tournaments with his two best friends, Deuce and Mike, and they are winning. While they play great together as a team, the real reason for their success is Amar'e's incredible abilities. He's carrying them. After a few big wins, Amar'e starts getting attention from some of the older, more elite players in Lake Wales. They all want him to join their squads. Amar'e wants to elevate his game and the only way to do that is to move on but his friends feel like he's leaving them behind. Without Amar'e they're barely contenders plus he never seems to have time for them anymore. Based on the life of All-Star NBA sensation, Amar'e Stoudemire, who overcame many obstacles to become one of the most popular figures in sports today.
Connect the Dots
by Keith CalabreseLiar & Spy meets The Parker Inheritance in this whimsically complex story about human connection and the power we all have to determine our own fate.Is there anything more random than middle school? Sixth graders Oliver and Frankie don't think so. Their first few weeks have been full of weirdness -- lunchtime thievery, free beef jerky, and Matilda, the mysterious new girl who knows everything about them, but has a lot to learn about making friends.But what if none of it is random at all? What if a reclusive genius is keeping an eye on them and making sure the tiny pieces of his puzzle fall into place, one by one, until strange, seemingly unconnected incidents snowball totally out of control? Imagine the odds! First a cardamom shortage takes down the school bully. Then a giant dog leads to some extracurricular spying. Soon Oliver is being followed and Matilda is hacking the FBI. And by the time they discover a gang of angry clowns and the world's largest game of Mousetrap, an insanely brilliant plan has been set in motion that will change their lives forever.Connect the Dots is an intricately plotted story about the power of human connection and a chain of "coincidences" so serendipitous they must be destiny at work.
Flood: Flood (Stay Alive #4)
by Joseph MonningerStranded in the middle of nowhere, you have to fight to survive!When a heavy storm causes their town to flood, a group of kids must fight to survive against the harsh elements. But the storm is just the beginning of their worries. After all the power goes out, they're going to have to scrounge to find water, food, and a dry place to stay. Who will stay alive?
Bone Hollow (Scholastic Press Novels Ser.)
by Kim Ventrella“Set in the rural South, the syrup-soaked, rich imagery is a sensory delight. Gabe’s voice is distinct, and the evolution of his conflict reinforces the humanity amid the magic. A heck of a good read about the bright side of some durn bad luck.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewGabe knows it was foolish to save that chicken. On the roof. In the middle of a storm. Yet Gabe also knows that his guardian, Ms. Cleo, loves the chicken more than him. After falling off the roof, Gabe wakes up to find his neighbors staring at him tearfully. To his confusion, none of them seem to hear Gabe speak. It's almost as if they think he's dead. But Gabe's NOT dead. He feels fine! So why does everyone scream in terror when he shows up to his own funeral?Gabe flees with his dog, Ollie, the only creature who doesn't tremble at the sight of him. So when a mysterious girl named Wynne offers to let Gabe stay at her cozy house in a misty clearing, he gratefully accepts. Yet Wynne disappears from Bone Hollow for long stretches of time, and when a suspicious Gabe follows her, he makes a mind-blowing discovery. Wynne is Death and has been for thousands of years. Even more shocking . . . she's convinced that Gabe is destined to replace her.
The Ghost of Graylock (Hauntings Ser.)
by Dan PoblockiDoes an abandoned asylum hold the key to a frightful haunting?Everyone's heard the stories about Graylock Hall.It was meant to be a place of healing - a hospital where children and teenagers with mental disorders would be cared for and perhaps even cured. But something went wrong. Several young patients died under mysterious circumstances. Eventually, the hospital was shut down, the building abandoned and left to rot deep in the woods.As the new kid in town, Neil Cady wants to see Graylock for himself. Especially since rumor has it that the building is haunted. He's got fresh batteries in his flashlight, a camera to document the adventure, and a new best friend watching his back.Neil might think he's prepared for what he'll find in the dark and decrepit asylum. But he's certainly not prepared for what follows him home. . . .Scary, suspenseful, and surprising, Dan Poblocki's latest ghost story will keep you turning pages deep into the dead of night.
Taking the Cake!: Taking the Cake! (Confectionately Yours #2)
by Lisa PapademetriouConfession: Hayley's in another sticky situation . . .Hayley and her little sister, Chloe, have just moved into their grandmother's house with their mom, who recently divorced their dad and now runs the family's tea shop. With her knack for baking, Hayley helps out too, but her newfound talent seems to have cost her her best friend, Artie. Now Hayley's crushing on someone who might just be Artie's new boyfriend. This mess really takes the cake!
The Liberators (World War II #4)
by Chris Lynch"All the sizzle, chaos, noise and scariness of war is clay in the hands of ace storyteller Lynch." -- Kirkus ReviewsChris Lynch concludes his gritty, thoughtful, and critically acclaimed WWII fiction series -- providing entirely new insight into "The Good War."The US Marines Corps is home to some of the roughest, toughest combatants in World War II. Their courage and daring are legendary. And the best of the best -- the boldest among them -- are joining the Corps' elite new paratrooper combat unit. As Paramarines, they'll be expected to do everything a typical Marine does... and do it while skydiving.Nick Nardini knows that he's destined to become a Paramarine. He also knows that he has to convince his best friend, Zachary Klecko, to sign up too. Nardini and Klecko used to be inseparable, ever since they met in kindergarten, but recently they've been drifting apart. Fighting in the same battalion -- and jumping out of the same planes -- seems to Nardini like a surefire way to restore their bond and come out of the war stronger than ever.The Axis powers, however, may have other ideas...
Wish Upon a Gift: Wish Upon a Gift (Lucky Stars #6)
by Phoebe BrightA magical new series!Cassie has helped many wishes come true! Now she just has to earn one more charm for her bracelet. Then she'll finally be a real Lucky Star!But getting her final charm won't be easy. Everything is going all wrong! Cassie's cat is upset, her dad is missing the big meteor shower, and the ballerina staying at the B&B can't remember her routine. Plus, Alex is leaving! Will Cassie be able to help anyone -- or will she wish this day had never happened?
Manak the Manta Ray: Manak the Manta Ray (Deep Dive #3)
by Adam BladeMax and Lia's underwater adventure continues in this thrilling series by Beast Quest author Adam Blade!Max is determined to track down the evil Professor even if that means journeying into the deadly Forest of Souls. Lia knows this is a dangerous plan but she will do whatever it takes to help with the search. Max is going to need that kind of friendship when his quest leads him into battle with Manak the Manta Ray. A sting from this Robobeast's tail will paralyze any victim. Can Max defeat Manak and retrieve the third piece of the Skull of Thallos in order to save his father?
Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire Graphix #1)
by Tui T. SutherlandThe New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series soars to new heights in this first-ever graphic novel adaptation!Not every dragonet wants a destiny . . . Clay has grown up under the mountain, chosen along with four other dragonets to fulfill a mysterious prophecy and end the war between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. He's not so sure about the prophecy part, but Clay can't imagine not living with the other dragonets; they're his best friends. So when one of the dragonets is threatened, all five spring into action. Together, they will choose freedom over fate, leave the mountain, and fulfill their destiny -- on their own terms.The New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series takes flight in this first graphic novel edition, adapted by the author with art by Mike Holmes.
The Spooky Wheels on the Bus: (A Holiday Wheels on the Bus Book)
by J. Elizabeth MillsA haunted Halloween bus ride that will have children singing with excitement!The Spooky Wheels on the Bus is a humorous Halloween-themed version of the classic song "The Wheels on the Bus"...with a few ghoulish tricks and treats up its sleeves! Count from one Spooky Bus up to ten Goofy Ghosts as this Halloween ride races through town picking up a few unsuspecting passengers along the way.
10 True Tales: Crime Scene Investigators (Ten True Tales)
by Allan ZulloTen true stories of real-life crime scene investigators!A gold ring has been discovered at a murder scene, but police have little else to go on. Can State Patrol Investigator Richard Havel use that clue to track down the killers? A bomber is terrorizing a western community. What forensic clues can Investigator Jack Charles gather to stop and solve the bombings?Enter the secret world of crime scene investigators who use the latest forensic techniques to solve mysteries and bring criminals to justice. You will never forget these incredible true stories.
Lincoln and Grace: Why Abraham Lincoln Grew a Beard
by Steve Metzger Ann KronheimerA fresh and heartwarming story about Abraham Lincoln and the young girl who inspired his signature beard.Abraham Lincoln is one of the most recognizable people, let alone presidents, in the history of the United States. Perhaps it's because his face can be seen everywhere from the $5 bill in your wallet and the penny in your pocket to national monuments across the country. Or maybe it's simply because of his signature beard. Could you ever picture Lincoln without it? I bet you would never guess that there is one little girl in particular to thank for Lincoln's beard.LINCOLN AND GRACE is the story of Grace Bedell--the eleven-year-old who got a President to listen to her advice. In addition to learning the fascinating true story behind Lincoln's beard, children will love it because it shows that one voice--even one as small as their own--can matter.
Kristy in Charge (The Baby-Sitters Club #122)
by Ann M. MartinBack-to-school brings an exciting new challenge for Kristy. She's been selected to be a teacher for a week! Team-teaching a gym class with her arch rival, Cary Retlin, Kristy learns a few lessons she never knew she needed.
The Great Greene Heist (Arthur A Levine Novel)
by Varian JohnsonSaving the school -- one con at a time."A political heist page-turner set in middle school? Is that even possible? Varian Johnson shows us how it's done." - Gordon Korman, author of SWINDLE "Do yourself a favor and start reading immediately." - Rebecca Stead, author of WHEN YOU REACH ME Jackson Greene swears he's given up scheming. Then school bully Keith Sinclair announces he's running for Student Council president, against Jackson's former friend Gaby de la Cruz. Gaby wants Jackson to stay out of it -- but he knows Keith has "connections" to the principal, which could win him the presidency no matter the vote count. So Jackson assembles a crack team: Hashemi Larijani, tech genius. Victor Cho, bankroll. Megan Feldman, science goddess. Charlie de la Cruz, reporter. Together they devise a plan that will take down Keith, win Gaby's respect, and make sure the election is done right. If they can pull it off, it will be remembered as the school's greatest con ever -- one worthy of the name THE GREAT GREENE HEIST.
Oh No, Newf!: Oh No, Newf! (Pet Trouble #5)
by Tui T. SutherlandThe 5th book in the hilarious series about adorable pets that just won't behave -- fans of Marley & Me and The Dog Whisperer will love getting into Pet Trouble!Heidi always thought that she was energetic enough for any dog. She loves to play and run around and wants a big, enthusiastic dog to play with her and love her. But Yeti the Newfoundland might be a little more love than Heidi bargained for. He's HUGE, and massively furry, and everything he does -- jumping, wrestling, flopping -- makes the whole house shake. Heidi loves Yeti, and she loves how much he loves her ... but is there really room enough for both of them?
Snuggle Bunny (StoryPlay)
by Kate DopirakIntroducing StoryPlay (TM) books--the smart way to read and play together! Introducing StoryPlay Books--the smart way to read and play together! StoryPlay Books offer fun ways to engage with little ones during story time and playtime with prompts and activities that everyone will love! Each quality story will delight readers while building early literacy skills for ages 3-5 by helping them develop: problem-solving abilities, reading comprehension, social development, pre-reading skills, memory strength and more! Each book includes story-related games and crafts to extend the reading experience. Teachers agree that StoryPlay Books are perfect for parents looking to stimulate and engage their kids at home while having fun together! Each book also shines a spotlight on important topics for this age. Snuggle Bunny -- a sweet, rhyming story about a bunny who loves to cuddle -- focuses on socialization.Are you ready to start reading the StoryPlay way? Ready. Set. Smart!
Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust (Survivors Ser.)
by Allan ZulloGripping and inspiring, these true stories of bravery, terror, and hope chronicle nine different children's experiences during the Holocaust.These are the true-life accounts of nine Jewish boys and girls whose lives spiraled into danger and fear as the Holocaust overtook Europe. In a time of great horror, these children each found a way to make it through the nightmare of war. Some made daring escapes into the unknown, others disguised their true identities, and many witnessed unimaginable horrors. But what they all shared was the unshakable belief in-- and hope for-- survival. Their legacy of courage in the face of hatred will move you, captivate you, and, ultimately, inspire you.
The Cat-Astrophe: The Cat-Astrophe (B Magical #4)
by Lexi ConnorB's magical adventures will cast a S-P-E-L-L on middle-grade readers in this funny, fast-paced series!B's favorite band, the Black Cats, is coming to town, and B and her best friend George have tickets to the show! Meanwhile, the two friends meet a mysterious new girl at school. Trina is shy and secretive ... could she be a witch, just like B? And maybe even ... a S-T-A-R?
Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond (Baker Street Academy Ser.)
by Sam HearnRead the book School Library Journal calls "perfect for young graphic novel fans and mystery aficionados alike!"Sherlock Holmes is on the case!John Watson has barely settled into his new school, Baker Street Academy, when his teacher announces a trip to one of London's top museums, home to the Alpine Star, the world's most famous jewel. But the gem has been stolen! The police are soon on the trail and the whole of the country is talking about the crime. When police catch the thief along with the stolen gem, it seems the case is closed. But Sherlock Holmes has other ideas. With John and Martha at his side, can he uncover the mystery behind this extraordinary gem?Told through Watson's blog, detective notes, school assignments, media reports, and energetic comic-strip illustrations, this introduction to Arthur Conan Doyle's classic characters will have every young super-sleuth hooked!