What happens when young sea otter pups are orphaned? In a California aquarium, a nurturing sea otter fills the void, teaching the pups how to care for themselves. A remarkable true story that will especially please young animal lovers.

A fascinating introduction to artificial intelligence and how it is being put to work today and being tested for its role in the future. An excellent way to challenge the imagination of readers to consider what could be possible and what might be potential pitfalls of such powerful technology.

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

Young Livy returns to visit her grandmother in Australia after a five-year separation. Though she initially remembers little of the previous visit, her memories begin to return when she rediscovers her best friend, Bob, waiting in her closet. She soon realizes no one else can see Bob! Bob helps Livy begin to recover precious old memories as they make thrilling new ones together exploring the bush. ...

A baby duck, a loud and repetitive ""PEEP!"", and idea after idea that fails to still the noise makes for another fun farmyard story.

When Little Duck tries every other animal's ways of preparing for a party, the results are hilarious but not too much for the caring Farmer to handle. Humor and and delightful ending make this one worth more than one read.

Crossover is an engaging set of free verse poems describing events in the lives of 7th grade twin boys throughout their basketball season. The poems are charming and engaging, some in a rap style. The short, pithy style and athletic allusions will appeal to middle school boys. The story is told through one brother’s eyes, and sibling rivalry between the two is a part of the plot. The parents are ...

A young boy wakes to the light of his alarm clock, puts on his hearing aids and clothes, then goes to wake his father. Together they walk down the dirt road that leads to the beach. Lakin's story reminds readers that sometimes the best way to communicate doesn't involve words. Full color.

"Make the box, in which you enclose a gift, too beautiful and the recipient may just think the box is the gift! Is it? Young readers will love the suspense and the resolution of this fun interaction between friends who know each other well."

Learn about the abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his fight for freedom in this Step 3 Biography Reader! Frederick Douglass was a keystone figure in the abolitionist movement, and his story has impacted generations of people fighting for civil rights in America. He was born to an enslaved mother and grew up with the horrors of slavery. In the course of his childhood, he was able to learn to read ...

Homeless immigrant Mia goes with her Mom and Dad to run the Calivista, a low-budget motel in southern California. Although they now have a roof over their heads, it takes “all hands on deck” to run the motel, and ten-year-old Mia becomes the front-desk manager. Mr. Yao, the owner, is a cruel skin-flint making the family’s life miserable, and Mia cannot escape him even at school because his s ...

Through a fun question and answer format combined with clever illustrations, this informative book relates important details about engineering and architecture. Young readers will enjoy the humor and appreciate the clear answers the book provides.

Through a fun question and answer format combined with clever illustrations, this informative book relates important details about simple machines. Young readers will enjoy the humor and appreciate the clear answers the book provides.

"Has no equal. Evocative and haunting." (School Library Journal starred review)The bestselling classic set in South Africa during the apartheid era, in which two siblings must face the dangers of their divided country.Mma lives and works in Johannesburg, far from the village thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother, Tiro, call home. When their baby sister suddenly becomes very sick, Naledi ...

Fred is lost. Fireworks scared him away from his human family, and now people are wondering if Fred is a stray. King and Kayla know better, and not-exactly-together, they set out to reunite Fred and his family. Does working from different sets of facts help or hinder this detective team? An enjoyable read, made more so by the contrast between Kayla's thinking and that of there canine companion Kin ...

Fun characters and word play make this an entertaining tale for young readers!

Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . clomp, clomp, shake, shake, clap, clap. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life!

An amazing story of determination and perseverance born from post-war times of struggle! Young readers (and their adult companions) will love learning about the origins of this now familiar food.

When you get a dog for companionship, but the dog prefers everyone else over you, what do you do? If you're Eric, you try every trick in the book, even though nothing seems to work. Or does it? Hilarious book sure to keep young readers entertained and laughing.

Find out about the life of Harriet Tubman and how her brave actions working to "conduct" the Underground Railroad helped the Union Army in the Civil War lead more than 700 slaves to freedom. Learn about Harriet Tubman's life, achievements, and the challenges she faced along the way. The Level 2 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging information for independent readers. National Geographic Read ...