There are trees that walk, statues that accuse, and white-faced ticket-takers with gentle names like Dave that send people on very long journeys. These stories are short, creepy, and perfect for reading around a campfire when the sky is full of stars.
Praised by Jack Gantos, author of Dead End in Norvelt, as "a quick read with a kick at the finish," this debut novel sensitively and memorably captures a teen runner's relationship with his autistic older brother. Like most siblings, Leo and Caleb have a complicated relationship. But Caleb's violent outbursts literally send Leo running. When the family is forced to relocate due to Caleb's uncontrollable behavior, Leo tries to settle into a new school, joining the cross-country team and discovering his talent for racing and endurance for distance. Things even begin to look up for Leo when he befriends Curtis, a potential state champion who teaches Leo strategy and introduces him to would-be girlfriend, Mary. But Leo's stability is short-lived as Caleb escalates his attacks on his brother, resentful of his sport successes and new friendships. Leo can't keep running away from his problems. But, with a little help from Curtis and Mary, he can appreciate his worth as a brother and his own capacity for growth, both on and off the field.
A modern-day Romeo and Juliet with a supernatural twist that will appeal to fans of Ally Condie (Matched) and Kiera Cass (The Selection). Julia Jaynes has the perfect life. The perfect family. The perfect destiny. The daughter of a billionaire investor in Austin, Texas, it looks like Julia has it all. But there's something rotten beneath the surface - dangerous secrets her father is keeping; abilities she was never meant to have; and an elite society of highly evolved people who care nothing for the rest of humanity. So when Julia accidentally jeopardizes the delicate anonymity of her people, she's banished to the one place meant to make her feel inferior: public high school. Julia's goal is to lay low and blend in. Then she meets him - John Ford. He’s popular, quiet, intense, and strangely compelling. Then Julia discovers she can read his mind and her world expands. Their forbidden love is powerful enough to break the conditioning that has kept Julia in the cold grip of her manipulative father. For the first time, Julia develops a sense of self and questions her restrictive upbringing and her family prejudices. She must decide how she will define herself - and whom she will betray.
Twelve-year-old movie-loving Maisie is in need of a distraction from her current romantic dilemma when her Uncle Walt comes to stay with her family after being hurt on the set of the movie he's filming in Hollywood. Maisie's best friend, Cyrus, has been hanging out a lot with Gary Hackett, whose last-name sounds to Maisie like a cat barfing up a hairball. When it seems as if Hackett might like Maisie romantically, she's none too pleased, and Cyrus is even less impressed. Uncle Walt has a way of pointing Maisie in the right direction, and Maisie's love of movies also keeps her centered. Heading to the local independent theater on Saturdays to see old movies helps Maisie stay grounded as she struggles with growing up, family tensions, a grandma who seems to be losing her memory, and a love triangle she never expected.
Ten-year-old Bilal liked his life back home in Pakistan. He was a star on his cricket team. But when his father suddenly sends the family to live with their aunt and uncle in America, nothing is familiar. While Bilal tries to keep up with his cousin Jalaal by joining a baseball league and practicing his English, he wonders when his father will join the family in Virginia. Maybe if Bilal can prove himself on the pitcher’s mound, his father will make it to see him play. But playing baseball means navigating relation-ships with the guys, and with Jordan, the only girl on the team—the player no one but Bilal wants to be friends with. A sensitive and endearing contemporary novel about family, friends, and assimilation.
An action-packed, contemporary novel about surviving in the wilderness. Thirteen-year-old Karma is desperate to become a certified falconer. At her dad's bird education center, she helps give demonstrations to guests and can fly the birds. But when her favorite rescued falcon, Stark, hurts Karma, her parents insist that they return the bird to its previous owner -- in Canada. On the way to bring Stark back, a car accident in the middle of nowhere leaves Karma's dad trapped, and it's up to Karma to find a way to rescue him and her younger brother. When Karma loses her way trying to get help, she crosses paths with Cooper, a troubled teenaged boy. Lost for three days, the two figure out how to survive, and Karma teaches Stark to hunt like an actual bird of prey. Karma may be closer than she thinks to becoming a real falconer and having a real friend.
Earth kids meet alien kids in this action-packed series that follows young athletes throughout the universe competing in the Galaxy Games. Who will prevail in the next out-of-this-world event?
Earth kids meet alien kids in this action-packed series that follows young athletes throughout the universe competing in the Galaxy Games. Team Earth faces a hockey team that seems determined to play dirty because they are angry at Earthlings. But why are they so mad?
Earth kids meet alien kids in this action-packed series that follows young athletes throughout the universe competing in the Galaxy Games. When Team Earth must compete against the biggest cheaters in the galaxy, will they be able to play fair?
Girls hunting oddities and supernatural things, or GHOST squad. The ghost of a famous writer is making mayhem at the museum. Features fast-paced action, diverse characters, and excellent nonfiction back matter resources.
Girls hunting oddities and supernatural things, or GHOST squad. A spook in the school carnival is scaring all the kids away. Features fast-paced action, diverse characters, and excellent nonfiction back matter resources.
Girls hunting oddities and supernatural things, or GHOST squad. Paranormal adventure erupts at the local library. Features fast-paced action, diverse characters, and excellent nonfiction back matter resources.
Girls hunting oddities and supernatural things, or GHOST squad. A haunting at a cathedral threatens a bride-to-be's perfect day. Features fast-paced action, diverse characters, and excellent nonfiction back matter resources.
Earth kids meet alien kids in this action-packed series that follows young athletes throughout the universe competing in the Galaxy Games. Can they compete against a robot though?
Lawrence had big plans for Saturday. Doing nothing. It was going to be perfect but it was ruined when he had to tag along to volunteer with his sister for beach cleanup. He didn’t expect other kids his age or the adventure they were going to have. From the sandy beach to the tangled roots of the mangroves, Lawrence and his friends encounter a giant eyeball, a dinosaur, and treasure! These books are perfect for young readers! These beginning chapter books offer simple sentences, relatable characters, and illustrations in each chapter. • Addresses social and emotional concepts • Realistic fiction • Back matter
Luis knows he is the best soccer player at his school because he always scores the most goals. Now he gets to play on a really team! He can’t wait to show his teammates and coach how good he is. The problem is, no one seems impressed. In fact, they seem like they don’t want him on the field. Can Luis show his team that he’s a team player before the big game? These relatable books with simple sentences and illustrations in every chapter make them perfect first chapter books for young readers. • Realistic fiction • Back matter • Addresses social and emotional concepts
Deano was a star soccer player at her old school in Jamaica but she’s in a new school now, and things are so different. What’s this No Girls Allowed rule during recess? Jay is different from the other kids in her class. He reads with his fingers and has a cool dog he gets to bring to school! As Deano gets to know Jay, they realize they have a common interest: soccer. But how can Jay play soccer if he is blind? Will Deano ever be accepted by the soccer players even though she’s a girl? These relatable books with simple sentences and illustrations in every chapter, make them the perfect first chapter books for young readers. • Realistic fiction • Addresses social and emotional concepts • Back matter
Queeneka and Klaude are not very happy about their roles in the school play, Candy Dreams. They were both trying for the lead role and shy, quiet Javier beat them both! Things get even stickier at rehearsals when Klaude tries to remember his lines and Javier’s and when Queeneka adds more lines and solos to hers. No one is working as a team to make the play successful. That is, not until Javier goes missing on opening night! Can everyone work together to find Javier? Will Mrs. Holmes cancel the play? And who is that man hiding and lurking around the school? These mysteries are perfectly suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, they are just the right fit for your early fluent reader. Paired to the nonfiction title Group Projects.
Divya’s day started out rough. She almost missed the bus and had a rough ride to school. Divya knew that her rough day was nothing compared to what Bus Driver McCool was going through. He never forgot Divya or drove like a race car driver. Something was up. Determined to find out answers and help, Divya follows Bus Driver McCool. What she finds out is not at all what she thought. These mysteries are perfect for your early fluent reader. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, these are suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. Paired to the nonfiction title Winning by Giving.
Having a dad who writes articles for travel journals in pretty cool. Grace and Jaden get to tag along on many business trips. They get to see beautiful countries and experience amazing trips, hikes, food, and friends. Grace and Jaden’s dad is on assignment in Greece and they get to tag along! Greece is filled with so much beauty and mythology. Grace is excited to explore the country but becomes a little nervous once she learns they will spend a few days on a boat to explore the islands. Things get a little scary as they travel through caves, ruined cities, and experience a storm at sea. What trouble will Jaden get in to here? Can Grace get over her fear of the ocean in order to enjoy the trip? Paired to the nonfiction title Paleontologists.
Tomi and Marisol are always up for an adventure, which is a good thing when your parents are traveling scholars. And this time, the twins are taking on Mexico! Marisol and Tomas always seem to stumble into some trouble. This time, Aunt Bernadette is coming along to keep an eye on them while their dad researches the Mayan ruins – and she’s bringing a whole new set of rules along with her. No junk food. Schoolwork gets done. Yoga in the morning. Groan. The twins aren’t sure at first they will survive this trip with their strict, health-food loving aunt. But there’s a chance they may not survive it without her. Adventure books with longer, complex sentences, rich vocabulary, and minimal illustrations are perfect for fluent readers. Paired to the nonfiction title Reading Maps.
Grace and her brother, Jaden, were adopted by two wonderful people. Grace was adopted from China and Jaden from America. Their parents are history buffs and share their love of history through teaching and writing. Grace loves tagging along as their dad writes for travel magazines. She gets to explore amazing places and experience things that most kids her age don’t. Grace is from China but she doesn’t remember it. She was adopted at a young age and now her and her family are going back to adopt her younger sister! Before the new edition comes to the family, Grace, Jaden, and her dad adventure to the Great Wall of China. But a series of mishaps makes this adventure take a turn for the worst. Will Grace and her family survive the Great Wall of China? These adventure books are perfect for your fluent reader. They develop independent reading through longer, complex sentences, rich vocabulary, and minimal illustrations. Paired to the nonfiction title Great Wall of China.
Romy was having a bad morning. To top it off he didn’t get to be Nurse Strongman’s assistant because he was late to school. He felt really bad for letting Nurse Strongman down but maybe he could make it up to him! A new case just FLEW into his lap: who turned the owl mascot pink? Romy, hoping to solve the case alone, quickly accuses many of his friends without having all his facts. Can Romy solve the case and keep his friends? Will he make his parents and Nurse Strongman proud? These mysteries are perfectly suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, they are just the right fit for your early fluent reader. Paired to the nonfiction title Skills for School Success.
Missing tooth, a hunk of cheese, and white fur are the clues Tully has to solve the latest mystery at Watson Elementary. With the help of the Gumshoe Gang, she sets off to find out who stole CoCo the turtle. But more importantly, why? This latest case comes just when she’s planning her birthday party and trying to find out who she really is. Talk about a full plate. These mysteries are perfectly suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, they are just the right fit for your early fluent reader. Paired to the nonfiction title Freshwater Pond Biome.
Grace, Jaden, and Joy get to visit historical places around the world. Having a mom who is a history professor and a dad who writes for travel magazines has its benefits. Grace and Jaden love exploring their new surroundings and going on adventures with new friends. France is filled with wonderful museums, delicious restaurants, and, of course, history. Grace, Jaden, and their newest sister, Joy are spending the summer in Paris with their parents! While their parents are busy working, Sophie, the babysitter, has them explore the attic. The kids find a mysterious painting and decide to track down the artist. But did they get in too deep? Could this painting actually be worthy millions? Who is the guy that keeps following them? Can Grace, Jaden, and Sophie find the answers and help they need before it’s too late? Adventure books with longer, complex sentences, rich vocabulary, and minimal illustrations are perfect for fluent readers. Paired to the nonfiction title A Look at Renaissance Art.
