Sara Pennypacker

Waylon firmly believes that almost any problem in the world can be solved using the power of science. However, science does not seem very helpful when he finds out he has to share a dog with Baxter Boylen. Baxter is the closest thing to a troublemaker that Waylon has ever met, constantly getting called down to the principal's office. Despite their differences, the two boys share a deep love for a dog named Dumpster Eddy. Unfortunately, Eddy is currently locked up behind bars at the local stray animal shelter. When a strict new animal control officer takes over the station, it looks like Eddy is in serious danger. Time is quickly running out. You will be on the edge of your seat as Waylon invents a brilliant, science-based plan to rescue their furry friend. But to pull off the ultimate jailbreak, he will have to put his trust in Baxter. This exciting middle grade fiction story is packed with teamwork, humor, and plenty of heart as two unlikely friends team up to save the dog they love.

Waylon has been counting down the days until the big Boston Science Expo on June 14th. He is absolutely positive his science project will impress the crowds. Best of all, his ultimate idol—a world-famous astrophysicist—is going to be there, and Waylon might finally get to meet her! But the universe seems to have other plans. It turns out June 14th is also the exact same day as his older sister Neon's major theater performance, the deadline for his dad to sell a huge Hollywood screenplay, and the day of a very mysterious appointment his mom refuses to talk about. When his dad is suddenly called away to Hollywood at the last second, Neon desperately needs a stand-in for her play. She locks her eyes on Waylon, and he realizes he might have to miss the science expo completely. You will laugh out loud as Waylon attempts to juggle his family's chaotic schedules. Dive into this hilarious middle grade fiction story about sacrifice, siblings, and surprises. Discover how a night that promises to be the most embarrassing of Waylon's life might actually turn out to be the most awesome one yet.

Waylon has an amazing brain filled with brilliant ideas to make life more awesome through science. He is constantly thinking about teleportation, human gills, and even how to attract cupcakes by controlling gravity. But lately, it is impossible for him to focus on his inventions because his personal universe feels like it is exploding. At school, a classmate is trying to divide all the fourth-grade boys into two rival groups. Waylon does not want to pick a side. He would much rather be friends with everyone, except maybe the scary new kid, Baxter Boylen. To make matters worse, his older sister is suddenly wearing all black and pulling away from the family. You will relate to Waylon as he tries to navigate these confusing changes at home and in the classroom. This funny and heartfelt middle grade fiction story proves that even when your world feels like a chaotic science experiment, things can still work out. Discover how one truly awesome thing might be exactly what Waylon needs to bring everything back together.