Gennifer Choldenko

Jump in Imagine being so tall that you tower over everyone else in your second-grade class. That is exactly what happens to the new boy, and unfortunately, the other kids will not stop teasing him about it. He feels like a giant in a world that is just too small for him. Why it pulls you in Jake is one of the shortest kids in the class, but he has a big heart. He decides to look past the height difference and realizes the new boy just needs a friend. Jake steps up to help his new classmate navigate the playground and the classroom, proving that size does not matter when it comes to being a good person. The big picture This heartwarming story explores the challenges of being different and the power of reaching out. It is a perfect read for anyone who has ever felt like they did not fit in and shows how one act of kindness can change everything.

Jump in You have heard the nursery rhyme about the cow that jumped over the moon, but have you ever wondered why she did it? It turns out, there is a much funnier—and much more complicated—story behind that famous leap than anyone ever told you. Why it pulls you in Follow one very determined cow as she prepares for the jump of a lifetime. From the training to the unexpected obstacles, this book takes a classic story and flips it upside down. It is full of silly moments and clever twists that explain how the whole moon-jumping business actually worked. The big picture This playful tale is perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh and a new look at old stories. It celebrates imagination and the idea that even the wildest dreams can come true if you are moonstruck enough to try.

Jump in Lili is the quietest girl in her class. In fact, she is so shy that her voice is almost invisible. She stays in the background, watching the world happen around her, and she never feels brave enough to speak up—even when she really wants to. Why it pulls you in Everything changes when Lili's friend needs help. Suddenly, being quiet isn't an option anymore. Lili has to find the strength inside herself to raise her voice and stand up for what is right. It is a big moment for a small girl, and it shows that being loud isn't about how much noise you make, but about the message you share. The big picture This touching story is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt too shy to speak. It is a beautiful lesson in courage, friendship, and the power of finding your own unique voice.

Jump in Jackson has a giant secret. He has a massive crush on a girl in his class, but there is one big problem: he is way too shy to say a single word to her. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Jackson has to find a way to show his feelings without losing his nerve. Why it pulls you in Instead of talking, Jackson decides to become a secret gift-giver. He starts hiding small, thoughtful surprises for her to find. It is a sweet and nervous race against the calendar as he tries to make a connection from behind the scenes. The big picture This is a gentle story about the butterflies of a first crush and finding your own way to be brave. It captures all the quiet hope and excitement of primary school friendships and the courage it takes to share your heart.

High up in the rafters of the Dogtown shelter lives Mouse. While the pens below are filled with real dogs and robot dogs waiting for families, Mouse is perfectly happy hiding out where the kibble is plentiful. He even has a best friend: Buster, a big-hearted real dog who seems to attract trouble everywhere he goes. When Mouse decides that Buster deserves a real forever home, he goes on a brave mission to make it happen. He teams up with a funny group of dogs that no one seems to want to adopt. There is Stewie, a giant dog who is actually a huge softie, and Smokey, a robot dog whose built-in smoke alarm goes off at the worst times. Even though Mouse is tiny, his courage is huge. He will do whatever it takes to help the dogs he loves find the perfect families.

Fifth grade is tough enough, but Liam has a lot more on his plate than just surviving middle school. He lives in a cramped basement apartment with his mom and two younger sisters: Dakota, a science-obsessed girl with a massive personality, and Izzy, who has Down syndrome and notices all the wonderful details everyone else misses. The glue holding their chaotic family together is Cupcake, their fiercely loyal and lovable German shepherd. But Cupcake has developed a serious problem and keeps peeing on the apartment carpet. If their grumpy landlord finds out, they could lose their home, and Liam's parents have already warned that Cupcake might have to be given away. You will root for Liam and his sisters as they launch a hilarious, desperate mission to raise enough money for a vet visit before time runs out. This heartwarming and funny story perfectly captures the messy reality of family life, the unbreakable bond between kids and their pets, and the lengths we will go to save the ones we love.