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It’s boys vs. girls when the noisiest, most talkative, and most competitive fifth graders in history challenge one another to see who can go longer without talking. Teachers and school administrators are in an uproar, until an innovative teacher sees how the kids’ experiment can provide a terrific and unique lesson in communication.

An inspired teacher, the discovery of the fact that all U.S. Presidents (so far) have been male, and a tenacious girl provide the basis of a satisfying, surprisingly plausible story that explains the voting process in this country — including the Electoral College.

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.

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.

When Judy struggles with math, her parents find a tutor at the local college. In typical Judy fashion, she tries to transform her world — and her friends’ world– with laugh out loud results for readers.

Stink’s real name is James, just like President James Madison. And like Madison, Stink is short — a notion constantly reinforced by his older sister Judy. Stink, however, learns how to cope with it while along the way learning about U.S. presidents.

Since Oliver’s class has been studying about elections and voting, he decides to nominate his teacher for President, and contacts a local television station, clearly stating her many qualifications! Humor abounds as the teacher’s assets are juxtaposed with U.S. presidential duties — and with a real sense of child-like appreciation for what the teacher does.

Kind and attractive Miss Nelson goes missing, replaced by a substitute teacher named Viola Swamp. The children come to appreciate — really appreciate — Miss Nelson’s softer ways as they are whipped into shape by mean, strict, and not very pretty Ms. Swamp. Be sure to look for Miss Nelson Is Back (Houghton, 1986) and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day (Houghton, 1988) for more of Miss Nelson’s classroom adventures!

Miss Fry welcomes the variety of pets that come to visit for the school year as warmly as she does each child in her increasingly noisy classroom. But each evening she returns to her calm little home in this quietly humorous and gentle story.

Ms. Frizzle, the amazing teacher whose students experience field trips in extraordinary fashion, now moves into history and other social studies areas. In this installment, Ms. Frizzle and her class travel by dragon to 11th century China to experience its history.

Jamaica and Brianna are excited about their new substitute teacher. And Mrs. Duval doesn’t disappoint — she inspires and engages all the children. So much so, that even when Jamaica makes a bad choice, she decides to confess to Mrs. Duval. Wise and calm, Mrs. Duval helps Jamaica learn from her mistake.

Impetuous Clementine is concerned that she’ll lose her much loved 3rd grade teacher, Mr. D’Matz, when he’s recommended to study in Egypt for a year. Clementine cooks up a letter to assure that Mr. D’Matz doesn’t get the fellowship. Humor abounds in this third book about spontaneous, likeable, and ultimately honorable Clementine.

Teachers and children alike will see everyday school activities and objects in a different way through each short, easy-to-read poem. From the front door to the most everyday object (a pencil), each poem has its own slightly offbeat take on things, echoed in equally wacky illustrations.

Lily just can’t contain her excitement and simply MUST share her jingly quarters and new purse causing her favorite teacher to put her in the thinking corner. How Lily rethinks her anger with Mr. Slinger is told with gentle humor, lively language, and very expressive illustrations.

Ramona loves kindergarten and her wonderful teacher, Miss Binney. But even the best teacher and the most enthusiastic kindergartner can have a rough day or so. This leads to laughs for readers as they empathize with Ramona, who can be rather a pest and perhaps the first-ever kindergarten dropout.

The poet celebrates growing up in the Caribbean, in Jamaica. Lively illustrations decorate the lively language used, including some dialect, in this evocative collection.

What’s worse than finding out that Sonja has a Knuffle Bunny just like Trixie? Learning that there has been a Knuffle Bunny mix-up in the wee hours of the morning when most preschoolers are sleeping! All’s well in the satisfying sequel to the Caldecott honor-winning Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (2004).

Ollie longs to be the best of anything in his class and ultimately discovers that he is the class’ best chef when he brings in his family’s favorite dishes. This delights a special visitor – the teacher’s sister who is a television chef! This satisfying story will be appreciated by creative cooks everywhere.

Clementine is back, this time wondering what special thing she might do in the school’s talent show. Line drawings add verve to the oh-so-plausible, often funny story of how Clementine finds her special skill.