Patricia Reilly Giff

Charlie is a boy bursting with wild and brilliant ideas. Whether he is trying to launch objects sky high with his zinger-winger or plop a cheese popper directly into a bowl of soup, Charlie is always inventing something new. Unfortunately, his brilliant contraptions do not always work out the way he plans. When a few too many experiments end in messy disasters, Charlie gets banned from inventing for an entire week. This punishment could not come at a worse time, because the big afterschool invention fair is just around the corner. Charlie desperately needs to design something truly special to showcase his talents, but he is running out of time and ideas. Thankfully, he does not have to figure it all out alone. With the support of his best friends and a fellow local inventor, Charlie sets out to create his greatest masterpiece yet. You will love watching this creative young inventor learn about teamwork, persistence, and the magic of trying again.

Do you ever get a buzzing feeling in your head when a brilliant idea sparks? That's exactly what happens to Charlie! He's a whiz at coming up with super cool inventions. The only problem? They don't always work quite as planned. Take his "flying feet," for example—they're supposed to fly, but they just... don't. Charlie wishes people would notice how special he is, just like his older brother, Larry. So when the Zigzag afternoon center announces a "Come as a Character Day," Charlie sees his big chance! Can he invent something amazing that finally flies right and helps him shine? Join Charlie as he tries his best to create an invention that will make everyone see how truly special he is.

Meet Jubilee, a girl with a big heart and a faithful dog named Dog. Jubilee hasn't spoken a word since she was little, communicating instead with taps, gestures, and amazing drawings. She lives on a beautiful island with her kind Aunt Cora and her best friend, Dog, who understands everything she "says" without a sound. This year brings a big change: Jubilee is starting a regular fifth-grade class! It's a little scary, but her new teacher is nice, and she might even be making a friend named Mason. Through all the newness, Jubilee has one big wish in her heart. Jubilee's feet are itching to find her mother, who has moved back to the mainland nearby. Will finding her mother finally help Jubilee find her voice again? Join Jubilee as she bravely navigates new friendships, big changes, and a special search that might just change everything.

The summer of 1944 is supposed to be just like any other summer for Lily. She expects to spend her days swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and hanging out in the familiar beach town of Rockaway. But World War II has turned her entire world upside down. Her best friend has moved away to a factory town, and worst of all, her beloved father has been shipped overseas to fight. Left behind with her grandmother, Lily feels completely alone until she meets Albert. Albert is a young refugee who has fled from Hungary, carrying a secret sewn into his coat and the heavy grief of losing his family to the war. Despite their different backgrounds, the two quickly form a powerful and special bond. But friendships built during wartime are fragile, especially when secrets are involved. Both Lily and Albert have been hiding the truth, and Lily soon realizes that one terrible lie she told might actually put Albert's life in terrible danger. You will be swept away by this beautiful, award-winning story about trust, the home front, and the courage it takes to be honest.

Mitchell is facing a gigantic problem. The kids at the Zigzag Afternoon Center are going on an overnight camping trip, and Mitchell is absolutely dreading it. Sleeping outside in the dark woods means dealing with creepy crawly bugs, howling coyotes, and maybe even bears! But there is a catch. His best friend Habib is going on the trip, and it also happens to be Mitchell's birthday weekend. He does not want to miss out on the fun, but he has to figure out how to face his fears. Join Mitchell as he tries to be brave in the great outdoors. You will laugh out loud as he discovers that spending time in nature with your best friends might not be so scary after all. Will Mitchell find a way to scare the bears away and have the best birthday ever?

Camp Wild-in-the-Woods is full of fun activities, but Dawn Bosco is hiding a major secret from everyone. Even though she is known as a terrific detective, Dawn is absolutely terrified of horses. She does not want anyone at camp to find out, especially since even the most fearful campers seem perfectly fine around the animals. When the camp counselor announces an exciting treasure hunt, Dawn knows this is her big chance to shine. She is determined to beat her rival, Lizzie Lee, and prove that she is the best detective at camp. There is just one huge problem standing in her way. To win the ultimate prize, Dawn might have to face her biggest fear and get up close to the horses. You will be cheering for Dawn as she navigates the challenges of summer camp, follows the tricky clues, and discovers whether she has the courage to overcome her fears and claim the treasure.

Ronald Morgan is feeling a little left out as the school year wraps up. His birthday is coming, but he thinks it is going to happen way too late for his class to have a proper celebration. To make matters worse, he is worried about losing his best friend before they can even share a slice of cake. Birthdays are supposed to be the best day of the year, but right now, Ronald is just anxious. However, school days are full of surprises, and his classmates might just have a secret plan up their sleeves. Get ready to join Ronald as he navigates the ups and downs of friendship, school life, and the very relatable worry that everyone will forget your special day. This relatable story captures the big feelings that come with growing up and shows that sometimes, the best surprises are the ones you never see coming.

What could possibly be worse than a blue Monday? For Richard Beast Best, it is a purple Monday, the terrible day he must climb a giant brown rope hanging from the gym ceiling. While classmates like Emily Arrow scurry up the knots with ease, Beast is absolutely terrified. Just looking at the rope makes his head spin. He desperately hopes he can keep his fear a secret from his friends. Things take a turn for the worse when Mrs. Miller, the meanest substitute teacher in the entire school, discovers his secret. She orders him to meet her in the gym after the final bell rings. Is she going to punish him, or is she about to teach him an important lesson? Join Beast as he faces his biggest fears in this highly relatable story about courage, unexpected kindness, and conquering the dreaded gym class.

Ronald Morgan loves everything about baseball. He loves the uniform, the dirt, and the team spirit. There is just one big problem: he cannot hit the ball, and he cannot catch it either. Even though he is incredibly enthusiastic and grateful to be on the team, his lack of skills makes him feel awkward and discouraged. He watches his friends hit home runs while he keeps striking out. But Ronald is not the type of kid to give up easily. With a little determination and some helpful advice, he suddenly discovers exactly what he has been doing wrong. Join Ronald as he steps up to the plate and learns that practice and a positive attitude can turn things around. This heartwarming and humorous sports story is perfect for anyone who has ever felt like the worst player on the team. Grab your glove and get ready to cheer for the ultimate underdog!

Everyone in Mrs. Zachary's class is buzzing with excitement over their brand new project. The students are making special About Me boxes, filling them with favorite things to show the world exactly who they are. Everyone seems to have amazing items to share, except for Stacy. As she stares at her empty box, she cannot think of a single special thing to put inside. She does not have fancy trophies or unique collections. Looking at her friends' cool items, Stacy starts to feel completely ordinary and worries her box will be totally boring. But with a little deep thought and some help, she might just learn a very important lesson. Discovering what makes you unique is not always easy. Join Stacy on a gentle journey of self discovery as she realizes that the best things about a person cannot always be placed inside a cardboard box.

It is September again, but the new school year is tough for Richard Beast Best. Instead of moving up, he has been left back in second grade. Now, he is stuck in the exact same classroom while his old friends tease him from afar. To make matters worse, he has to take a special reading class with younger kids like Emily Arrow and Matthew Jackson. Just like last year, Beast is struggling to keep out of trouble. He feels embarrassed and convinced that this year will be a total disaster. But his new reading teacher, Mrs. Paris, sees his potential. With her encouragement, Beast slowly begins to realize that reading might not be so bad after all. He even comes up with a brilliant idea to help his class win the school banner. Step into Ms. Rooney's room for a heartwarming story about second chances, overcoming struggles, and finally believing in yourself.

There is a sneaky thief on the loose at Camp Wild in the Woods, and junior detective Dawn Bosco is on the case! Dawn and her friend Jill Simon are thrilled to be away at summer camp for the very first time. They are looking forward to days filled with horseback riding, swimming in the lake, and eating toasted marshmallows around the campfire. But the fun quickly turns sour when the girls from the rival Coolidge School arrive, acting unfriendly and suspicious. The tension peaks when Dawn discovers that her special mirror and a precious pin given to her by her grandmother have been stolen. If she does not recover them soon, her entire summer will be completely ruined. Armed with her sharp wits and keen eye for clues, Dawn sets out to unmask the culprit before camp comes to an end. Pack your bags for a thrilling wilderness adventure full of secrets, suspects, and classic summer camp drama. Follow along as Dawn navigates tricky friendships and works to solve the ultimate cool itch mystery!

It is the summer of 1941, and two kids from very different worlds are brought together by an unexpected tragedy. Brick lives on a sprawling apple orchard in upstate New York, while Mariel lives in Brooklyn after surviving a terrifying battle with polio. Mariel was adopted by a kind nurse, but she secretly longs to return upstate to uncover the hidden truth about her birth mother. When a devastating fire destroys the apple orchard, Brick's parents are forced to leave town for work. Brick is sent to stay in Brooklyn, far away from the elderly neighbors who desperately need his help harvesting the remaining apples. Despite his homesickness, Brick finds an unexpected friend in Mariel. United by their shared love for the Brooklyn Dodgers and their fierce determination to return upstate, the two children hatch a daring plan to travel back to the country on their own. You will be swept away by this historical adventure as Brick and Mariel risk everything to save the harvest and solve the mysteries of the past.

The month of December is supposed to be full of joy, but Emily is facing a frustrating challenge at school. Her class is doing a Secret Pal activity where everyone has to be extra kind to one person for the entire month. Out of all the kids in her class, Emily gets stuck with Jill Simon. Jill cries over everything, and Emily has no idea how she is going to keep up the kindness act for four whole weeks. Trying to be a good Secret Pal to someone you do not understand is much harder than it looks. But as the days go by, Emily might just discover that there is more to Jill than tears. You will enjoy watching Emily navigate the ups and downs of classroom life in this touching story. Find out if a frustrating Secret Pal assignment can actually lead to an unexpected new friendship.

While staying at her aunt's house, Elizabeth discovers something amazing hanging on the wall: a portrait of her ancestor, Eliza, who was known as Zee. The most surprising part? Zee looks exactly like Elizabeth! Soon, the lives of these two girls begin to intertwine. As Elizabeth explores her present-day world, she uncovers Zee's incredible story from the time of the American Revolution. Zee was a dreamer, full of hope for the future, until the fierce battles of the Revolution tore her family and her upstate New York community apart. Left entirely on her own, Zee had to struggle to survive and bravely follow her father and brother into the heart of the war. Zee's story has been waiting centuries to be rediscovered by the right person. As Elizabeth learns more about her brave ancestor, she walks the very same ground where Zee once stood and battles once raged. The past suddenly becomes as vivid, real, and exciting as the present in this beautiful story of family and history.

Twelve-year-old Nory Ryan and her family have always scraped by on the beautiful but harsh west coast of Ireland. For generations, they have raised a few animals and planted potatoes to pay the rent to the English lord who owns their cottage. Life on Maidin Bay is never easy, but Nory's family is bound together by deep love and rich traditions. Then, the unthinkable happens. A terrible, sweeping blight attacks the potato crop, turning the fields black and leaving the entire village facing sudden starvation. With her father away at sea and the ruthless landlord threatening to force them from their home, Nory must step up to save her family. Armed with nothing but her fierce courage, quick thinking, and a heart full of hope, she sets out on a desperate quest to find food and keep her loved ones alive. This deeply moving historical fiction story paints a powerful picture of resilience, family bonds, and the incredible strength of a young girl facing impossible odds.

Richard Beast Best is back, and this time he is facing the spookiest night of the year. Halloween is just around the corner, and the kids of the Polk Street School are buzzing with excitement about costumes, candy, and all things creepy. But for Beast, the holiday is turning into a real horror story. Between trying to keep up in class, dealing with the usual classroom drama, and planning the ultimate Halloween disguise, everything seems to be going wrong. Whether it is a mix-up with his friends or a spooky surprise that catches him off guard, Beast will need to think fast to save his favorite holiday. Step into the lively halls of the Polk Street School and follow Beast as he navigates the hilarious hurdles of being a kid. With relatable school struggles and a fun seasonal twist, this adventure proves that even when things get scary, having good friends by your side makes all the difference. Will Beast survive the Halloween horror, or is he in for the ultimate trick?

The year is 1944, and Meggie Dillon feels like her entire world has been turned upside down. With her older brother Eddie fighting overseas in World War II and suspicions swirling around her German grandfather at home, nothing feels safe anymore. Then, her father announces they are leaving everything behind to move to Willow Run, Michigan. There, he will work the night shift in a massive factory, building the vital war planes needed to defeat the enemy. At first, Meggie thinks this move might be the greatest adventure of her life. She meets new friends like Patches and Harlan, kids from all over the country whose families have also come to do their part for the war effort. But life in a boomtown comes with its own unique struggles. As Meggie waits for letters from her brother, she begins to understand the true meaning of courage. Experience history through the eyes of a brave young girl in this powerful and deeply moving story. It is a tale of friendship, resilience, and keeping hope alive when the world is at war.

Siria loves the brave firefighters at her Pop's firehouse almost as much as she loves the sparkling winter stars. Named after Sirius, the brightest star in the January sky, she often feels a deep connection to the night. Ever since her mom passed away, Siria has secretly followed the fire trucks when they rush out into the dark. She believes that if she is watching over her Pop, he will stay safe from the dangerous flames. But keeping everyone safe is a heavy burden, and Siria is starting to realize she isn't as fearless as she pretends to be. Her best friend, Douglas, used to join her on these midnight missions, making the shadows feel less scary. Now, a bitter argument has torn them apart, leaving Siria to face her fears completely alone. When an emergency strikes and her Pop gets hurt, Siria must dig deep to find her own inner strength. Discover a heartwarming story about repairing broken friendships, finding your courage, and learning to shine brightly even in the darkest winter sky.

Pack your bags and grab your subway tokens, because it is time for a thrilling adventure in the biggest city in the world! A spectacular field trip is underway, and the destination is none other than bustling New York City. The skyscrapers are towering, the streets are crowded, and there is an exciting surprise waiting around every single corner. Traveling to the big city is a dream come true, but navigating the busy avenues and crowded landmarks can be a bit overwhelming for a group of curious kids. From magnificent museums to the bright lights of famous streets, the city has so much to offer. But with so many things to see and do, keeping everyone together and staying out of trouble might just be the hardest part of the journey. Join the fun as the kids explore the sights, sounds, and unforgettable magic of New York. This exciting story perfectly captures the wide eyed wonder of visiting a major city for the first time, proving that the best adventures are the ones you share with your friends.

Long before she became one of the most famous children's book authors in history, Laura Ingalls Wilder was just a young girl growing up on the rugged American frontier. Traveling in a covered wagon, building log cabins, and surviving harsh winters, Laura's childhood was filled with incredible pioneer adventures. This fascinating biography takes you back in time to experience the real-life events that inspired her beloved Little House on the Prairie series. You will follow Laura's incredible journey from her early days exploring the vast, untamed prairies to her years as a young teacher and her marriage to Almanzo Wilder. Discover how she carefully preserved her treasured family memories, turning her everyday pioneer struggles and triumphs into classic stories that have captured the hearts of millions. Written by a two-time Newbery Honor-winning author, this engaging true story offers a wonderful window into the past. Step into the nineteenth century and meet the brilliant woman who brought the American frontier to life for readers all around the world.

The very first day of school is supposed to be exciting, but for Stacy Arrow, it is turning into a total disaster. She genuinely wants to make a great impression, but she keeps saying the wrong things. First, she accidentally insults her classmate Jiwon by telling her that her self-portrait looks exactly like a cow. Then, trying to be entertaining, she completely terrifies the poor girl with wild stories about giant, man-eating snakes. Now, Jiwon is absolutely refusing to be Stacy's best friend. Feeling confused and upset, Stacy turns to her older sister, Emily, for some emergency advice. Emily explains that the true secret to making friends is simply being nice. Armed with this new knowledge, Stacy is determined to turn things around. You will love watching this energetic young student try her hardest to fix her silly mistakes, win over her classmates, and prove that she can be a fantastic friend, no matter what it takes.

The year is 1944, and World War II has turned everything upside down. For young Jayna, her big brother Rob is her entire world and her only family. But when Rob, a Navy cook, is suddenly reported missing in action, Jayna is left behind in a small upstate New York town with a cranky landlady and a broken heart. Desperate to find a sense of belonging, she remembers a secret Rob shared right before he deployed: they might have a grandmother living in Brooklyn. Armed with nothing but a fierce determination, a pet turtle, and the comforting presence of a friendly ghost, Jayna sets off on a daring journey to the bustling streets of New York City. Along the way, she discovers the true meaning of courage, the kindness of strangers, and the unbreakable bonds of family. This heartwarming and beautifully written historical adventure captures the spirit of the home front and the incredible resilience of a young girl searching for her place in the world.

Tracy Matson is staring down a very lonely summer. She is the only girl her age living in the small town of High Flats, and the only boy around, Leroy Wilson, thinks she is a total know it all. But everything changes when Tracy gets a surprise visit from her pen pal, Casey Valentine. There is just one huge problem. Tracy told Casey that she absolutely loves to read, because Casey wants to be a famous writer someday. The truth is, Tracy struggles with reading and is hiding a big secret. Now Tracy has to keep her story straight while worrying that Leroy might spill the beans to her friend. You will relate to Tracy as she navigates tricky friendships and learns that honesty is usually the best policy. Jump into this funny and heartwarming story about being true to who you are.

Growing a vegetable garden takes a lot of hard work, but best friends Jilli and Jim are ready for the challenge. They are determined to keep every bug and slug far away from their precious plants so they can march proudly in the big Vegetable Parade at the end of the summer. Everything is going perfectly until a massive, strange plant appears right in the middle of their garden. It looks like a huge green monster, and it is growing bigger every single day. Now, Jilli and Jim have a giant mystery to solve before the parade. Could this unusual plant be dangerous enough to eat their hard-earned vegetables? Is it going to gobble up Jilli's brave dog, Fiercely? You will love joining these two best friends on a hilarious and exciting outdoor adventure as they team up to figure out exactly what kind of monster is taking over their backyard.

Abby Jones and her best friend Potsie are on the case! When mysteries start popping up all over the city, these two junior detectives are ready to track down the truth. Their biggest challenge is solving the strange case of the missing Hyacinth Macaw. But that is not all they have to deal with. From a highly suspicious new neighbor and a puzzling theft to the very unusual behavior of Abby's own brother, there are clues hiding around every single corner. Get ready to sneak onto subways, slither into empty apartments, and peek through windows alongside Abby and Potsie. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to piece together the puzzles before they do. Dive into this funny and fast paced adventure packed with surprising twists and non stop detective work.

Pet Day is rapidly approaching at the Polk Street School, and it is shaping up to be an absolute disaster for Richard Beast Best. Everyone is supposed to bring an amazing animal to show off, but Beast is totally embarrassed by his own dog. How can he parade Kissie Poo, a fat pet with only three teeth, in front of the class? He is certain his friends will laugh their heads off. But Beast is not the only student stressing out. From Matthew Jackson to Emily Arrow, the whole gang is frantically scrambling to come up with the most impressive pet ever. With so many animals heading to school, wild classroom chaos is guaranteed. Get ready for a hilarious, furry adventure as the students learn that pets do not have to be perfect to be loved. This charming story perfectly celebrates the wonderful bond between kids and their favorite animals.

The classroom store is usually a place for fun and learning, but today it is the center of a massive mystery. When Jiwon brings in a pair of dazzling, beautiful gold shoes to sell, Stacy simply cannot resist the urge to try them on. They look absolutely perfect on her feet, but shortly after she wears them, the fancy shoes completely vanish. Now, the shiny gold shoes are nowhere to be found, and a terrible rumor is starting to spread around the classroom. All of Stacy's friends are beginning to suspect that she actually stole the shoes so she could keep them for herself. Stacy knows she made a mistake by trying them on without permission, but she is definitely not a thief. You will be completely engaged by this relatable school story as Stacy struggles to find her voice, track down the missing shoes, and figure out how to tell the difficult truth before she loses her friends for good.

March is shaping up to be the absolute worst month of the year for Richard Best. It is officially report card season, and Richard knows that if he does not bring up his grades soon, he might be left back for another year. To make matters even more stressful, Ms. Rooney has assigned the class a massive writing project. Every student has to choose a real person and write a detailed essay about them. Unfortunately, writing is Richard's worst subject, and he is struggling to come up with a single good idea. As he watches his classmates dive into their assignments, Richard feels completely stuck and overwhelmed. He needs to figure out a clever way to complete his project and impress his teacher before time runs out. You will be rooting for Richard as he tries to navigate the pressures of school, conquer his fear of writing, and prove that he is much smarter than his report card shows.

There is absolutely nothing thirteen year old Dina Kirk hates more than sewing. Endless tiny stitches, complicated buttonholes, and the cranky sewing machine have dominated her life in her family's dressmaking business in Germany. When the opportunity arises to leave her small town and join her uncle's family in Brooklyn, New York, Dina leaps at the chance. She vows to turn her back on needles and thread forever. However, the bustling streets of 1870s Brooklyn are full of unexpected challenges. Struggling with deep homesickness and desperately needing a job, Dina finds herself right back in front of a sewing machine. But this strange new world will test her in ways she never imagined. Facing a terrifying epidemic and a dangerous fire, Dina discovers a fierce bravery she did not know she possessed. As she grows closer to her new family and the people in the tailor shop, she realizes that the very skill she despised might be her greatest gift. Step into the vibrant history of immigrant Brooklyn and follow an unforgettable heroine as she stitches together a brilliant new future.

The entire classroom is buzzing with excitement because Ms. Rooney is taking all her students on an epic two-day field trip to the nation's capital. Everyone is eager to explore Washington, D.C. and see incredible sights like the towering Washington Monument, the massive National Air and Space Museum, and the amazing animals at the city zoo. It sounds like the perfect adventure, but Emily is already having a terrible time. Instead of exploring with her best friends, she gets stuck being paired up with a partner she cannot stand. To make matters even worse, Emily realizes she has completely forgotten to pack something incredibly important for the journey. It feels like her big trip is ruined before it even begins. You will love tagging along on this hilarious travel adventure as Emily and her classmates navigate the busy city, uncover surprising historic landmarks, and discover that the best part of any trip is the unexpected fun along the way.

It's the last month of school, and Emily Arrow's class is buzzing with excitement for their big picnic in the park! There will even be class pictures. But Emily isn't feeling quite so happy. She really, really wants a best friend, and it seems like everyone else already has one. Will she have to smile all by herself in the class photo? Feeling lonely, Emily wanders away from the picnic, deep into the woods. She brings along Uni, her special unicorn friend. But before she knows it, the trees all look the same, and Emily realizes she’s lost! She can’t find her way back to her class. What will happen to Emily? Will her classmates notice she’s gone? And will she ever find her way out of the woods and back to her friends before it's time to go home?

Valentine Day is just around the corner, and the students in Ms. Rooney's classroom are eagerly crafting the perfect cards for the holiday box. Emily Arrow is having a wonderful time decorating her creations, especially after her friend Dawn gives her a shiny set of colored stars to use. She is pouring all her effort into making a very special card for their favorite student teacher. But Emily's fantastic day takes a sudden turn when she is chosen to be the official class monitor. Sitting at the teacher's desk makes her feel important, until a classmate named Sherri breaks the rules by leaving her seat. When Emily reports the bad behavior, Sherri angrily promises to get even. Now, instead of enjoying the holiday festivities, Emily is terrified of what Sherri might do to ruin her week. You will be hooked by this relatable classroom drama as Emily navigates the tricky balance between following the rules and keeping the peace with her classmates.

Being paired up with a brand new student is not always easy, and Stacy is definitely not thrilled about her new classroom partner. The new girl does almost everything differently, from the way she organizes her desk to the way she approaches school projects. Stacy is convinced that they have absolutely nothing in common and that this partnership is going to be a complete disaster. She wishes she could just work with her usual friends instead. However, as the two girls are forced to spend more time together, Stacy begins to notice something surprising. The new girl has some incredibly clever ideas, and her unique way of looking at the world is actually quite fascinating. What started out as a frustrating school assignment slowly turns into an unexpected adventure. You will discover the joy of keeping an open mind as Stacy learns that being different is not a bad thing, and that the best friendships can come from the most surprising places.

It is a brand new year, and Emily Arrow is determined to make it her best one yet. When her teacher, Ms. Rooney, asks the class to write down their New Year's resolutions, Emily makes a very big promise: she is going to do better at absolutely everything. She wants to be a better reader, a better friend, and a better student. But as the days go by, Emily quickly realizes that being perfect is a lot harder than it sounds. She still makes mistakes, gets distracted, and sometimes forgets to follow the rules. Will she be able to keep such a challenging promise, or will she learn that doing your best is what really matters? Join Emily in this delightful classroom adventure as she navigates the ups and downs of second grade. This relatable story perfectly captures the pressure kids put on themselves and the joy of accepting who you are.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Richard Beast Best is obsessed with the giant jar of candy on Ms. Rooney's desk. Whoever guesses the exact number of treats gets to keep the entire jar! There is just one catch: you have to read a page in a library book to earn a guess. His classmate Matthew insists they will never win because they are the worst readers in the room, but Richard refuses to give up. The sweet temptation is so strong that before he realizes what he is doing, Richard sneaks three juicy pieces out of the jar. Now, he is totally terrified. What is Ms. Rooney going to do when she discovers the candy is missing? Join the kids of the Polk Street School for a funny and relatable holiday story about making mistakes, telling the truth, and overcoming the daily challenges of reading.

Mother Day is just around the corner, and Emily Arrow is completely panicking. She desperately wants to give her mom the perfect present, but her plans are turning into a massive disaster. The beautiful marigold seed she planted at school is refusing to grow, leaving her with nothing but a soggy milk carton full of dirt. Emily knows she cannot hand over a box of mud on such a special holiday. Just when she is ready to give up hope, a stroke of genius hits her. With a little bit of unexpected help from her classmate Linda Lorca, Emily comes up with the greatest gift idea in the world. The only problem is that the big day is only forty-eight hours away. You will be turning the pages as fast as you can to see if Emily has enough time to pull off her brilliant plan and give her mother a holiday surprise she will never forget.

It is the middle of summertime, and it is hot enough to fry an egg right on the sidewalk. Richard Beast Best and his good friend Matthew Jackson are sweating and cannot wait to dive into the cool, refreshing water of Emily Arrow's pool. But when they arrive, they get a rude awakening: Emily is not there because she is busy attending summer school. Suddenly, Beast and Matthew realize with a panic that they are supposed to be in summer school, too! How could they have possibly forgotten? While Beast tries to stay positive, figuring they can just swim in the afternoon after class, Matthew delivers some truly bad news that changes everything. Now, it is entirely up to Beast to come up with a brilliant plan to help his friend fast, before their entire summer vacation is totally ruined. Dive into this warm and funny adventure about loyalty, responsibility, and the messy fun of being a kid.

Returning to school after winter vacation is usually tough, and Richard Best is already off to a terrible start. It is the middle of January with no snow in sight, and he has completely forgotten to bring a ruler for the highly anticipated dinosaur day. Just when things look bleak, Richard discovers a strange, mysterious ruler inside his desk. It features a set of dinosaur initials, and Richard quickly realizes this is no ordinary school supply. This ruler has actual magic powers. Suddenly, every single wish Richard makes begins to come true. Snow starts falling from the sky, he magically remembers all his homework, and the classroom bully even gets sick. But when the bully stays sick in bed for too long, Richard starts to feel guilty and worried. His only hope to reverse the spell is the magic ruler, but it has suddenly vanished. You will be captivated by this magical school story as Richard races against time to fix his mistakes.

Jilli and her best friend Jim have a massive mystery on their hands. Workmen are building a giant red structure right next door, and a woman wearing a pointy hat is up on a ladder painting it. Could she actually be the wicked witch from Hansel and Gretel making a gingerbread house? Things get real when Jilli's brave dog, Fiercely, crawls under the fence and runs straight into the witch's yard! Now Jilli and Jim have to sneak over and stage a rescue mission. But a wonderful surprise is waiting for everyone on the other side of the fence. You will smile as the terrifying witch turns out to be Ms. Berry, the absolute nicest teacher from their school. Get ready for a warm and funny adventure about friendship, brave dogs, and jumping to silly conclusions.