Billy bloom is one-of-a-kind: a fabulous, glitter-bedecked, gender-bending teenager whose razor-sharp wit is matched only his by his outrageous, anything-goes fashion sense. When his glamorous mother is forced to send him to live with his straight-laced father, Billy finds himself a diva-out-of-water at his new ultra-conservative high school. Undaunted by the bullies who don₂t understand him, the fearless Billy sets out to make a big statement in...

Through the unusual vehicle of gender-bending comedy, Lynn Breedlove asks his audience, "Who truly owns and defines the body: self, family, or community?" Based on his critically acclaimed comedy performances, this laugh-out-loud collection of outrageous writing celebrates a lifelong defiance of categorization. With universal appeal, aimed at "Everyone who wants to be able to laugh at their preconceptions about themselves and others," the distinctive...

From 1840 until 1940, freak shows by the hundreds crisscrossed the United States. The freak show was widely accepted as one of America's most popular forms of entertainment. Robert Bogdan's fascinating social history brings to life the world of the freak show and explores the culture that nurtured and, later, abandoned it. In uncovering this neglected chapter of show business, he describes in detail the flimflam artistry behind the shows, the promoters...

"The animal world includes many beautiful, colorful, and majestic creatures. But some of nature's creatures are pretty strange looking, even ugly, to human eyes. The naked mole rat belongs to this group of animals. Readers of this absorbing volume will discover fascinating facts about these strange-looking animals, who live in colonies organized like those of bees and ants and aren't actually moles or rats! Age-appropriate text highlights important...

When Grampa is bitten by a rival soccer team's mascot and turns into a were-yote, members of the Ladies Quilting League offer to destroy him, but Hans Lotion has a solution that could be less deadly.

"Even the warthog's name suggests that it isn't one of the world's most beautiful creatures. And it's true; they have large flat heads covered with warts, and sharp ominous tusks. Readers of this fascinating volume will learn intriguing facts about these weird-looking animals, who may not be beautiful, but are strong and intelligent. Accessible text addresses important elementary science concepts, and vibrant images enliven the text. Photo captions,...

"Like humans, monkeys are primates and are often lively, engaging, and entertaining creatures. In their faces, we may often see some reflection of our own face. But the male proboscis monkey has a face that sets it apart. It's distinguished by its long, fleshy, pendulous nose. Readers of this fascinating volume will learn intriguing facts about these odd-looking animals, who are excellent swimmers with webbed fingers and toes. Age-appropriate text...

Loner Bat Fidler lands a wrestling job at a carnival sideshow, where he meets Emmy, a scrappy stripper, Fish Boy, the belligerent guy in charge, and his lovely wife, Fish Girl, one of the stars of the freakshow. Bat as usual finds himself the misfit among the other performers, and even arguing with Emmy. It's not long before Bat realizes that, in spite of her deformity, it's Fish Girl he wants. That's when his life at the carnival turns to violence,...