Rita Williams-Garcia

Step onto the sun-drenched sidewalks of the New Orleans French Quarter, where the air is thick with the sounds of jazz and the rhythmic clicking of a local tradition. Randy and Rudy are two brothers who carry the beat of the city right on the soles of their shoes. Instead of expensive gear, they use everyday bottle caps to create their own music, stamping and grinding them into their sneakers to turn the pavement into a stage. Through lively rhyme and energetic storytelling, you will follow the duo as they perform for crowds and keep a unique cultural heritage alive. Every step is a celebration of creativity and history, showing how music can be made from the simplest of things. It is a vibrant look at a legendary city and the young people who provide its heartbeat, one tap at a time.

Jump in: Grab your flashlight and make sure the closet door is shut tight. This collection brings together some of the best storytellers around for a thrilling ride filled with creepy creatures, vengeful ghosts, and magic tricks that go horribly wrong. Why it pulls you in: Compiled by Jon Scieszka, this book features stories from your favorite authors like R.L. Stine, Dav Pilkey, and Adam Gidwitz. You will meet imaginary friends who turn out to be dangerously real, discover twisted fairy tales that will keep you guessing, and cross paths with librarians who are anything but ordinary. It is the perfect mix of spooky suspense and dark humor. What to expect: Whether you are reading under the covers or sharing these tales around a campfire, get ready for a collection that delivers just the right amount of fright. Every chapter offers a brand new mystery or monster to face, making it an unforgettable adventure for anyone who loves a good scare.