Features everything kids crave in a novel—memorable characters, a villain intent on ruling the world, seemingly insurmountable challenges, puzzles and mysteries, secret codes and cryptic messages, narcoleptic heroes and hoodlums, and delightful plot twists.

A first-time novelist takes readers on a dazzling adventure that puts friends, family, and foe to the test, as four children go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children can complete. Illustrations.

Don't miss he astounding cast of characters: a tool-laden and courageous pragmatist, a problem-solving genius, a pattern-detecting and rhyme-making toddler, and an encyclopedic egghead. Add in some colorful villains and a secret agent loaded with tricks and equipment, and the reading experience is a nonstop thrill ride!

Puzzles, games, and an irresistible sense of adventure highlight this sequel to "The Mysterious Benedict Society," in which the fabulous foursome is back with a new mission.

When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, Reynis, Kate, Sticky, and Constance must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. Illustrations.

For the answers to many important questions, children should try this "story crammed with baffling word puzzles, a dozen zany characters, uproariously funny situations, and unmitigated slapstick" ("The Horn Book"). Reissue.

Bell Kirby is an expert at systems, whether he’s designing the world’s most elaborate habitat for his pet chinchilla, re-creating Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest inventions in his garage, or avoiding Parker Hellickson, the most diabolical bully Village Green Elementary has ever seen. Since third grade, Parker has tormented Bell, who’s spent two long years devising a finely tuned system that k ...

It is the middle of WWII; Gabi, her mother and her cousin, Max, go into hiding. Unable to stand their cramped hiding space, Gabi and Max go on secret walks and discover information that is useful to the anti-Nazi partisan soldiers camped out nearby.

Unlikely friendships blossom, tenderheartedness starkly contrasts with selfish unkindness, and creative problem solving prevails. What a great recipe for a delightful, inspiring story. Its heroes -- a gorilla, an elephant, and a young girl --may be a fairy tale group, but the theme, compassion often requires courage, is very real and transcendent.

Unlikely friendships blossom, tenderheartedness starkly contrasts with selfish unkindness, and creative problem solving prevails. What a great recipe for a delightful, inspiring story. Its heroes -- a gorilla, an elephant, and a young girl --may be a fairy tale group, but the theme, compassion often requires courage, is very real and transcendent.

One day, on a class trip to Ellis Island, Dominic Cantori faces his worst fantsty--a tour guide asks the children about their families. Filled with shame, Dominic flees from his class and hides until the museum is dark and deserted. Now, his only solace is the recorded voices on the display telephones of the immigrants who came to Ellis Island so long ago. But to Dominic's surprise, the voice of t ...

After their mother's murder, Sade and her brother are smuggled out of Nigeria and sent to London foster homes. Their father escapes to join them, but will be sent back to Nigeria unless Sade can tell the world what happened to her family.

The People of Sparks picks up where The City of Ember leaves off. Lina and Doon have emerged from the underground city to the exciting new world above, and it isn't long before they are followed by the other inhabitants of Ember. The Emberites soon come across a town where they are welcomed, fed, and given places to sleep. But the town's resources are limited and it isn't long before resentment be ...

This tale of 10-year-old Milo and his experiences in the "Lands Beyond" has become a modern-day children's classic.

Multiple Nebula and Hugo award-winner Le Guin contributes a new Introduction to this edition of McDonald's tale of a princess whose discovery of a secret stair at the top turret of a castle leads to a wonderful revelation.

In this prequel to her acclaimed "The City of Ember" and "The People of Sparks," Jeanne DuPrau investigates how, in a world that seems out of control, hope and comfort can be found in the strangest of places.

At first, radium was a health cure. Then it was the source of timepieces that could be read in the dark. And then it turned deadly. Caught in the history of this radioactive element, young women painted watch faces for manufacturers. As one after another suffers detrimental effects, it becomes obvious that working with radium is dangerous. However, the companies were profiting nicely from its use ...

The story's magic-laden background and setting force the main character to face reality, find courage, and take action. An unforgettable, thought-provoking tale with plenty of material to consider and discuss.