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George Washington is well known not only as the first President of the United States, but also for his legendary dental problem. The rhyming countdown (as GW heads toward no teeth at all) introduces an historical figure with humor, verve, and real (if unusual) information.

Ten-year old Lucky lives in a small California desert town with her guardian Brigitte, her father’s ex. Lucky’s “family” also includes the adults at the 12-Step meetings she eavesdrops on. When Lucky begins to worry that Brigitte will return to her native France, she searches for her own “higher power.” This title is a Newbery Award winner. (2007 Newbery Medal Winner)

Mama has three kittens. Fluffy and Skinny do things when their mama does, but not Boris who marches to his beat. Readers will recognize themselves in this satisfying and brilliantly colored picture book.

The sounds of a caterpillar munching through vegetation combine with Fleming’s distinctive illustrations for a small adventure in the tall, tall grass. The satisfying conclusion is a sleepy one, making this an ideal bedtime tale.

Buster is happy being an only dog and finds that he is fearful of the new addition, a small white kitten named Betty. Buster learns, however, that being a friend is special in its own happy and unique way.

Her “travelin’ eye” doesn’t bother the narrator at all but it does mean that she has trouble focusing in school. The patch and eyeglasses prescribed by the ophthalmologist give her classmates something to tease her about — until she makes them her own fashion statement. Naïve illustrations are eye-catching and capture the child’s world, what she sees, and how she sees it.

Even though Dudley Ellington has trouble focusing on school work, his teacher is the very patient Mrs. McCaw. But the talented Mrs. McCaw cannot draw a face in profile — that is until Dudley patiently shows her (and his class) how to do so. Lighthearted, cartoon-like illustrations are used to enhance the straightforward text.

Marvin’s excitement about first grade quickly dwindles when his name doesn’t appear on the list and the class is short one desk. Add to that the fact that he struggles to read, well, it’s clear that he’s just “one too many.” Things improve when Marvin’s parents find out what is going on and his father shares his difficulty learning to read.

Try as she might, second grader Carolyn struggles with cursive. A wise teacher, however, helps the child recognize that her imagination and creative writing are her strengths, just like some other famous writers. Real problems and frustrations are presented with a light touch in this engaging book. Part of The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series.

David’s teacher asks for a parent conference when David’s behavior distracts the rest of the class. David, however, comes up with his own wiggle fidget cures that he shares at the meeting, combining creativity and practicality that just may help others with the wiggle fidgets. Part of The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series.

Max’s hopes of becoming an engineer seem unattainable as Max’s brain freezes every time he takes a timed math fact test and is teased by the other children. That is until it’s discovered that Max understands how math works but just has trouble with memorization. A satisfying resolution does not involve a timer! Part of The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series.

Katie is keen observer and a curious third grader. So when her dad explains why he finds spelling difficult, Katie wants to investigate. She learns that her very intelligent dad, a lawyer, has dyslexia — probably like a couple of Katie’s classmates. Expressive line and wash illustrations enhance the engaging, illuminating story. Part of The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series.

Clementine, a high energy 3rd grader, finds it difficult to concentrate as her teacher would have her do, often getting Clementine into trouble. Clementine’s narration exudes her originality, spirit, and vivacity — echoed in expressive black & white line drawings.