This is a story that explores the harbor of safety family can be, regardless of wealth or documentation. But when this family is suddenly ripped apart, the strength of familial roots translates into maturity as a son assumes the role of sibling caretaker, family comforter, and eventually, determined class leader. A well-written, relevant story that instructs with heart and intelligence.

"Who can Merci trust when all the relationships wobble? Succeeding as a sixth-grader is challenging for any preteen but especially hard for Merci Suarez. Her tight-knit Hispanic family is being torn by a secret no one will share. Her upscale, private school is rife with adolescent angst, flimsy friendships and “girl drama”. How can she excel in school when she does not fill academic expectatio ...

Wilson Williams worries about passing his times-table tests Wilson has a hard time with math, especially with Mrs. Porter's timed multiplication tests. If only he were as quick as Laura Vicks, the smartest kid in third grade, or as quick as his brother, Kipper -- a kindergartner. Wilson's mother and father try to help, but Wilson doesn't appreciate having to do practice tests on a play date. Fortu ...

The Great Depression hits close to home for 11-year-old Margo Bandini when the sheriff starts eviction procedures against her family. Her father has two weeks to pay the bank or they must leave their home forever. Margo is determined to find a way to help Papa save their home, in this debut novel based on the author's own experiences.

Mr. Carillo, Dublin Elementary School's custodian, does everything to keep the school clean and functional, and he never lets the teachers and students down. Now his helpers, Gracie and Zach, want to do something to show Mr. Carillo how important he is to them. Full color.

It is time for first grade, and Amanda Pig is so excited because this year, she will know how to read. But when Amanda looks at her book, she recognizes the letters but not the words. Will she ever be able to read? Full color.

Ollie is not the best at anything in second grade, but he does love to cook. When the famous Chef Antonia comes to visit, he can't wait! Will he finally be the best in the class?

Readers first met the Herdman kids, the notorious troublemakers of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, in Barbara Robinson's hilarious novel "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Now the Herdmans return in an even funnier sequel in which they start a riot at the laundromat, kidnap someone's baby brother for fun and profit, and create a diversion at the school talent show.

On the first day of kindergarten, everyone is new at school--even Sam!

Who sent an anonymous note to Amber Lee? The secret's in the spit! A new series from the pair that created "Scaredy Cats", this time combining some of the most popular elements of kids' books--mystery, a classroom setting, and simple forensic science with a bit of gross-out factor.

Todd hates spiders, but all of Mr. Merlin's third grade class must collect cobwebs for their science unit. When Mr. Merlin says a spider web may hold the clue to tracking down the burglar who stole Todd's beloved baseball cards, Todd decides spiders may not be so bad after all. Illustrations.

Karen Harrington calls upon her experience with an agoraphobic mother to movingly convey her main character's angst in learning to live well through tragedy and extreme circumstances. Already facing difficult teenage years, Mysti suddenly becomes provider and voice of reason when her mother's agoraphobia strips away her ability to cope. While the text seems to go on without resolution for a good p ...

Jimmy's boa constrictor wreaks havoc on the class trip to a farm.

Emma's learning her lines while also learning to be a good puppy caretaker. Readers soon learn from her example that both take patience, and when practiced, it pays in confidence and companionship. A warm, gratifying story.

What does it take for us to understand that deep sorrow, regret, and brokenness are consequences of entitlement? This coming of age illustrated story pits bravery and courage against bullying and entitlement. And when truth comes to light, regret is a powerful teacher. Gently told with powerful impact that may challenge unjust patterns of behavior.

Ellen Tebbits has a secret that she'll never share with anyone. That is, until she meets Austine--and discovers that Austine has the same secret! Soon the girls are best friends who do everything together--attending dance class, horseback riding, and dodging pesky Otis Spofford. But then Ellen does something terrible, and now Austine isn't speaking to her. Will Ellen be able to prove how sorry she ...

In her chapter book debut, Nancy Clancy must find the culprit when a prized possession goes missing at school. Illustrations.

A refreshing story that presents teamwork, friendship, kindness, and generosity in an extremely positive light. An engaging ""light"" mystery underlies the importance of looking beyond the surface and to choose empathy when everything seems to give cause for blame.

From bestselling and award-winning author Andrew Clements, a quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words that will have readers inventing their own words. Is Nick Allen a troublemaker? He really just likes to liven things up

Janie Samm's parents take a big gamble by moving to a more expensive town so Janie can attend a better school. She already feels different from her rich classmates, but when her parents' plans go awry, Janie comes up with an idea to save the day -- even if it makes her stand out more than ever. B&W illustrations.