Jack and Annie are transported back to Normandy, France, when Europe is in danger of falling to the Germans and the D-Day invasion is about to begin. Though necessarily simplified, this adventure gives an age appropriate introduction to WWII. “Track the Facts” concludes this “super edition” of the popular Magic Tree House series.
Danger in the Darkest Hour
While their father is attending a speed-knitting competition, Nick and his sister Maxine stay with Mrs. Noodlekugel. Together they share outrageously silly experiences that involve talking animals, a bear learning to dance, and a lost-but-found Mr. Noodlekugel. Line drawings enhance the absurd humor and add great appeal.
Mrs. Noodlekugel and Drooly the Bear
Babymouse wants to earn money and she knows she can do it because she’ll be the best babysitter ever. But things never go quite as planned for Babymouse with results that are sure to make young readers laugh — and maybe even recognize some familiar goings-on. Signature comic book illustrations are used in this installment of the series.
Babymouse Bad Babysitter
Clementine hates change. And there’s a lot of change about to happen: summer is approaching and the end of third grade means goodbye to her beloved teacher, Mr. D’Matz. Plus her family expects a new baby. Like other books in the series, this seventh and final one is sure to cause laughter as Clementine works to come out successfully on the other side of change.
Completely Clementine
Baseball fans Mike and Kate solve the mystery surrounding the lackluster play of their favorite rookie. Fans of baseball are sure to enjoy this easier to read mystery, the latest in an appealing series.
The Rookie Blue Jay
Stink would have preferred a trip to James Madison’s home but is happy when his parents win a sleepover at the aquarium. At the aquarium, Stink likes learning about sharks and other creatures but he still finds it kind of creepy. Share the evening with Stink and his family, learning and laughing.
Stink and the Shark Sleepover
Richard has put off his report on howler monkeys and now he’s got to get a note from his teacher signed. It surely will thwart his plans to attend the skateboard birthday party! How Richard resolves his dilemma is as realistic as the kids and adults in this engaging, contemporary tale.
Skateboard Party
Grandma Lou joins Judy, Stink and their parents to ride out a hurricane. When the power is off, does a pretzel-eating ghost join the family? Characteristic good humor, recognizable situations and likeable characters are hallmarks of this series.
Judy Moody and Stink: The Big Bad Blackout
Will Freddie Ramos’ super-power shoes work in the snowstorm? Not to worry! Inventor/maintenance man Mr. Vaslov has invented superpower snowshoes — just in time to help Freddie fight crime. The latest in the series is equally charming and highly readable.
Freddie Ramos Stomps the Snow
Michaela DePrince and her adoptive mother share Michaela’s story of how her dream to become a professional dancer came true. Orphaned in Sierra Leone’s ongoing war, Michaela and her best friend came to the United States and were adopted. Her story is told through personal narrative and paintings punctuated by actual photographs.
Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer
Young Amelia, the literalist who grows up to be a truly unique maid, is inspired to start her own backyard zoo. As in other Amelia Bedelia stories, the wordplay is sure to amuse as it expands readers’ language.
Amelia Bedelia Goes Wild
Alvin Ho is back, and this time the young worrier is traveling to China with his family. Not only does Alvin worry, but his actions create worry for his dad and others. Readers, on the other hand, will find lots of humor and just may learn a bit about China, its greatest attractions and some Chinese history.
Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and Other Tourist Attractions
Posey learns about consequences firsthand when her much-loved toy is taken away in school. The gentle story is pleasantly narrated.
Princess Posey and the Tiny Treasure
The pioneering homesteading family, which includes the “Little House” books author, moved a great deal and is reflected in Laura’s books. Wilder fans and those interested in American history will be engaged by instructions for a corn husk doll and recipes for Johnnycakes, gingerbread and butter as well as the family’s story.
Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Annika wants her math-hating friends to enjoy math as much as she does. Feeding answers to math problems to friends hurts more but using math to save the class carnival is another story! Recognizable characters identifiable situations make a plausible, engaging school story.
Annika Riz, Math Whiz
Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, are back. Boy and fly visit a fire station to learn more about what firefighters do as well as a bit about fire safety. Comic illustrations of bug-eyed Buzz and Fly Guy combine with actual photographs present information accessibly and with good humor.
Fly Guy Presents Firefighters
Dog lovers everywhere will appreciate the canine shenanigans of best friends, Lucie and Kate. They are neighbors in a no-dogs-allowed apartment but they use their amazing dog-bone necklaces to become dogs! Dog jokes and dog notes by the authors conclude this playful novel.
Teacher’s Pets
Lulu and her cousin, Mellie find a bag on their doorstep with a large marigold-colored cat in it. How will the children and Lulu’s grandmother resolve the problem of an abandoned and wary cat? Their dilemma and the story’s resolution are recognizable and appealing. Though the latest installment of a series, this reads as a stand-alone.
Lulu and the Cat in the Bag
Ling and Ting, (first introduced in Ling and Ting, Not Exactly the Same (opens in a new window)), share many things including their birthday. After all, they’re twins! Their special day — from gifts to wishes — is celebrated in six short chapters in which they help each other in many ways.
Ling and Ting Share a Birthday
Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, visit a space museum for a brief introduction to stars, planets and related concepts. Photographs and funny illustrations combine with easy-to- read language for a quick, accessible, informative trip shared by old friends.
Fly Guy Presents Space
Mummies and mummification in North America are introduced in short, readable text accompanied by illustration and photographs. Adapted from her longer book, the easy reader format makes a fascinating topic accessible to newly independent readers.
Mummy Mysteries: Tales from North America
Lulu and her family, along with their dog Sam, rent a house by the sea for their family vacation. There they meet a stray mutt, the “dog from the sea” who becomes a hero to kite-flying Lulu and her cousin, Mellie. Eventually, the stray finds friendship and a home.
Lulu and the Dog from the Sea
Annie, a preschooler, and her caring older brother Simon share everyday activities in four adventures in each of the brief chapters. Together Simon and Annie explore nature, Annie nurses Simon’s sneeze, learn a bit about cats and dogs, and solve the mystery of the missing chestnuts. Line drawings depict the warm sibling relationship.
Annie and Simon: The Sneeze and Other Stories
When young Amelia’s dad gets an extra week of vacation from work, they go on a special family vacation — roaming — all recorded in Amelia Bedelia’s faithfully kept journal. Her literalist tendencies are humorous and portend the housekeeper she grows into in later books.