Ryan, Zeke, Eli, and Miles have always shared a love of sports, especially basketball. When it's time for basketball team tryouts, these best friends practice together, compete in a local 3-on-3 tournament, and carefully compute their chances of making the team. However, when tryouts arrive, will all their athletic skills pass the test? Can their friendship survive if one of them doesn't make the ...

"Harry's parents and friends think he's crazy because he acts out the rich fantasies of his 10-year-old imagination. And when his eccentric American uncle dies and leaves Harry a parrot named Madison (Mad), they're convinced of it. A believable, satisfying animal fantasy, with memorable characterizations and playful humor...a sprightly read-aloud."--"Publishers Weekly

First appearing in print in 1910, boy inventor Tom Swift gets reinvented for the 21st century in this new series of mystery/adventures. While Tom's father tests a new submersible, an unexpected storm hits. It's up to Tom to save his father.

Absolutely delightful, this book with its familiar setting and scenario will be a hit with young readers.

The award-winning author of "Touching Spirit Bear" delivers a fast-paced adventure of a Guatemalan boy who, along with his little sister, makes an escape to America in a heart-pounding voyage in a dangerously small kayak.

Young athlete realizes that having the best players accomplishes little without authentic teamwork. Great for soccer fans and reluctant readers!

A compelling first novel from an exciting new voice in middle grade literary fiction--a story of family, friendships, and forgiveness, with a distinctively Californian flavor.

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.

Lovers of the underdog and champions of change will enjoy this fast-paced football story. It is a tale full of change and how courage, friendship, and determination can help a team not only survive but thrive during the unexpected. From the humble star to his faithful friends, readers will be cheering for the whole team to reclaim their season and along the way they learn a few things about flexib ...

"The rescue is everything," explains Siria's firefighting father. While watching her courageous father chase sirens through city nights, Siria worries she will lose him, her only parent. Enter a stray dog, suspicions about a close friend who may be an arsonist, and the caring love of several adults, and Siria soon learns despite danger, courage can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As Christmas and ...

A beautiful portrayal of the value of honesty--with others and with oneself. When it is missing, barriers are easily erected that soon become invisible to us, shortchanging who we are and who we are meant to be. Mrs. Finch's gentleness and wisdom help Annie begin easing her metaphoric umbrella down, smidge by smidge. The power lies in the book's last several chapters.

When Benjamin Franklin decides to quit, it's up to the Blast to the Past friends to find him and get history back on track in this sixth book in the Blast to the Past series. Abigail and her friends can't believe it--Babs Magee has finally convinced someone to quit, and that someone is Benjamin Franklin! Not only is he an important Founding Father, he invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and more ...

Third graders travel back in time and find Professor Alexander Graham Bell, who's given up on the telephone annd is working on a new invention. Abigail and her friends must get him back on track. Illustrations.

Abigail and her friends must convince George Washington to stay in Valley Forge and continue to fight the Revolutionary War. Turns out General Washington is a stubborn man, and the kids are having a hard time convincing him to change his mind. Will they succeed? Illustrations.

This clever mystery intertwines a positive family relationship and expanding horizons amidst a tense adventure. Two likable cousins become heroes for not only Kate's dad, but also for the whole L.A. Dodger team. Uplifting and fun.

A tragedy that unfolded in multiple acts, Hurricane Katrina devestated the city of New Orleans. Without judgement, the author presents the errors made by leaders at various levels and shows the effects of poor decision-making. The book also addresses several rumors that got reported by the press that ultimately provided to be untrue. An interesting exploration of how a major weather event can have ...

Remarkable is not a strong enough word to describe Ida. B. Wells. She used her skills to attack injustice wherever she saw it, seemingly without fear. Journalist, activist, mother, writer—Wells was a voice for the oppressed in every role she filled. A very interesting biography of an amazing individual. Includes connections to the recently opened Memorial for Peace and Justice where Ida B. Wells ...

Grit flowed through Nellie Bly's veins. Undeterred at every turn, she became a successful journalist (multiple times), a world traveler, and one of the most famous people of her era. An unforgettable character beautifully and engagingly presented in this can't-stop-reading biography.