Library
Mrs. Benton's Classroom
Library Total:
2,493 Items
Last Updated:
Aug 29, 2022
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Verna Aardema*****A retelling of a traditional West African tale that reveals how the mosquito developed its annoying habit.
A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass
David A. Adler*****After escaping slavery in 1838, Douglass goes on to become an orator, writer, and leader in the abolitionist movement before dying in 1895.
A Picture Book of Sacagawea
David A. Adler*****This illustrated biography describes the life of Sacagawea. From the time she was captured by an enemy tribe to her explorations with Lewis and Clark, Sacagawea proved that courage, strength, and quick thinking were her trademarks.
Andy Russell 1: The Many Troubles of Andy Russell
David A. Adler*****Boy, does Andy Russell have troubles! His gerbils escaped in the house, he’s late for school, and he’d planned to ask his parents if they can be his friend Tamika’s new foster family. But when Andy learns that his mother is pregnant, he knows he’ll have to do some really fancy footwork if his family is going to make room for Tamika.
Andy Russell 1: The Many Troubles of Andy Russell
David A. Adler*****Boy, does Andy Russell have troubles! His gerbils escaped in the house, he’s late for school, and he’d planned to ask his parents if they can be his friend Tamika’s new foster family. But when Andy learns that his mother is pregnant, he knows he’ll have to do some really fancy footwork if his family is going to make room for Tamika.
Andy Russell 2: Andy and Tamika
David A. Adler*****Tamika prepares to move in with the Russells temporarily. Meanwhile, Andy makes a surprising new friend—and discovers what family really means.
Andy Russell 5: NOT Wanted by the Police
David A. Adler*****While Andy's neighbors are away, strange things begin to happen in their house. Detective Andy Russell must prove that something suspicious is going on!
Andy Russell 5: NOT Wanted by the Police
David A. Adler*****While Andy's neighbors are away, strange things begin to happen in their house. Detective Andy Russell must prove that something suspicious is going on!
Edgar Allan's Official Crime Investigation Notebook
Mary Amato*****First Slurpy is fishnapped, then other things from Mrs. Blackwell's room start to disappear. Odder still, whoever is committing these crimes leaves a note written in poetry. Edgar has it all covered in his "crime investigation notebook"—but so does Patrick Chen, who has copied Edgar and is trying to solve the case first. Yet as Edgar keenly observes his surroundings, he notices many interesting things about his classmates. The more closely he watches two "suspects," the more he begins to think they might make pretty good friends. This warm and humorous story puts writing, friendship, and mystery into a short, accessible chapter book.
The Word Eater
Mary Amato*****Lerner Chanse, a new student at Cleveland Park Middle School, finds a worm that magically makes things disappear, and she hopes it will help her fit in, or get revenge, at her hated school.
The Word Eater
Mary Amato*****Lerner Chanse, a new student at Cleveland Park Middle School, finds a worm that magically makes things disappear, and she hopes it will help her fit in, or get revenge, at her hated school.
The Magic Half
Annie Barrows*****Miri is the non-twin child in a family with two sets of them—older brothers and younger sisters. The family has just moved to an old farmhouse in a new town, where the only good thing seems to be Miri's ten-sided attic bedroom. But when Miri gets sent to her room after accidentally bashing her big brother on the head with a shovel, she finds herself in the same room . . . only not quite.
Without meaning to, she has found a way to travel back in time to 1935 where she discovers Molly, a girl her own age very much in need of a loving family. A highly satisfying classic-in-the-making full of spine-tingling moments, this is a delightful time-travel novel for the whole family.
Peppe the Lamplighter
Elisa Bartone*****Peppe becomes a lamplighter to help support his immigrant family in turn-of-the-century New York City, despite his papa's disapproval. But when Peppe's job helps save his little sister, he earns the respect of his entire family.
Dandelions
Eve Bunting*****Embarking on a new life, Zoe and her family journey west to the Nebraska Territory in the 1800s.
When Zoe and her family arrive at their claim, nothing distinguishes it from the miles and miles of surrounding prairie. Even after they build their soddie, the home can't be seen from any distance. Zoe has never seen Papa so happy or Mama so sad. But when she takes a trip to the small prairie town with Papa, Zoe sees something that might make a difference to their new soddie, and to Mama's life, too.
Marvel Heroes: Look and Find
Caleb Burroughs*****
We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States
David Catrow*****A wonderful picture book that introduces the Preamble to the Constitution in a delightful way with illustrations "even an adult can understand".
The Extreme Team 6: Into the Danger Zone
Matt Christopher*****When an old friend comes to visit, Charlie is not at all happy with the changes he sees—especially when Rick gets reckless on his snowboard, chasing X and some of Charlie's other friends off the slopes.
Face-off
Matt Christopher*****FACE-OFF A jealous teammate can lead to danger on the ice.... When it comes to skating, Scott Harrison can't be beat. Still, he can't believe it when he's asked to play for the Golden Bears hockey team. But soon his excitement turns to doubt, then fear, when a resentful teammate ruins his confidence. Scott must confront his nemesis or give up his dream of playing hockey forever.
Return of the Home Run Kid
Matt Christopher*****Tired of warming the bench, Sylvester Coddmyer III accepts the offer of Cheeko, an ex-ballplayer, to help him improve his game, but Sylvester soon begins to feel that there is something fishy about Cheeko.
Stealing Home
Matt Christopher*****Joey is sure he will not get along with the exchange student from Nicaragua who is staying with his family for a year, but they find common ground on the baseball field.
The Basket Counts
Matt Christopher*****On-court hostility threatens Mel's place on the team Mel Jensen is new to the Titans basketball team, but he knows he could be a vital part of the starting lineup-if only two other players would give him a chance to show his stuff. But Caskie and Stoney seem bent on ignoring him, and Mel knows it's because he's black. Should Mel fight fire with fire, or should he try to get along, if only for the sake of the team?
The Extreme Team 2: Day of the Dragon
Matt Christopher*****While studying kung fu to try to overcome his clumsiness, Mark learns something that may interfere with his friends' plans for a group Halloween costume.
The Extreme Team 3: Roller Hockey Rumble
Matt Christopher*****When Bizz and her friends arrange a high-stakes roller hockey game with another team, Bizz is reminded about the importance of friendship.
The Extreme Team 4: On Thin Ice
Matt Christopher*****Savannah is excited about throwing a holiday ice skating party and has already invited friends from her new school, when she learns that Jonas has invited the crowd from her old school to a party the same day.
The Extreme Team 5: Rock On
Matt Christopher*****X's friends believe he can excel at any extreme sport, so when they want to check out the new climbing wall at the mall, he decides to hide his fear of heights rather than have them think him a coward.
The Extreme Team 7: Wild Ride
Matt Christopher*****Knowing that the mountain trails are unsafe for bicycles due to fallen trees and other obstacles, Jonas helps organize a clean-up crew in early spring, but when he hears someone else biking on the trail he cannot resist a ride of his own.
The Great Quarterback Switch
Matt Christopher*****Can Michael and Tom read each other's minds? Michael and Tom Curtis are identical twins who share a love of football. Unfortunately, because of a tragic accident, Michael must watch from the sidelines as his brother calls the plays on the football field. During one game Michael concentrates very hard on a play he thinks could help the team, and Tom calls the exact play a split second later! Is it coincidence, or can the boys communicate through ESP? The boys try a daring experiment in which they push their telepathic powers to the limit ... and suddenly, impossibly, Michael is running the ball for a spectacular touchdown!
Top Wing
Matt Christopher*****When his father is accused of causing a fire through faulty wiring, Dana tries to get to the bottom of the allegations. But when he discovers the shocking truth, he must decide whether to keep quiet or ruin a reputation by going public.
Revolting Rhymes
Roald Dahl*****I guess you think you know this story.
You don’t. The real one’s much more gory.
The phoney one, the one you know,
Was cooked up years and years ago. . . .

With his famous wicked humor and the cunning of a big bad wolf, master storyteller and satirist Roald Dahl retells his six favorite fairy tales. Get ready for Dahl’s diabolical version of what really happened to Cinderella, Goldilocks, the Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood.
The Enormous Crocodile
Roald Dahl*****Roald Dahl's classic and hilarious picture book, The Enormous Crocodile. The Enormous Crocodile is a horrid greedy grumptious brute who loves to guzzle up little boys and girls. But the other animals have had enough of his cunning tricks, so they scheme to get the better of this foul fiend, once and for all! "A true genius...Roald Dahl is my hero". (David Walliams). Phizz-whizzing new branding for the world's No.1 storyteller, Roald Dahl! Exciting, bold and instantly recognisable with Quentin Blake's inimitable artwork. Roald Dahl, the best-loved of children's writers, was born in Wales of Norwegian parents. His books continue to be bestsellers after his death in 1990, and total sales are now over 100 million worldwide! Quentin Blake is one of the best-known and best-loved children's illustrators. It's impossible now to think of Roald Dahl's writings without imagining Quentin Blake's illustrations. Look out for the whole collection of wondercrump Roald Dahl books! The Enormous Crocodile; Fantastic Mr Fox; The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me; The Magic finger; The Twits; The BFP; Boy: Tales of Childhood; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator; The Complete Adventures of Charlie and Mr Willy Wonka; Danny the Champion of the World; George's Marvellous Medicine; Going Solo; James and the Giant Peach; Matilda; The Witches; Dirty Beasts; The Minpins; Revolting Rhymes For Teens: The Great Automatic Grammatizator and Other Stories; Rhyme Stew; Skin and Other Stories; The Vicar of Nibbleswicke; and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More.
The Enormous Crocodile
Roald Dahl*****
The Magic Finger
Roald Dahl*****To the Gregg family, hunting is just plain fun. To the girl who lives next door, it's just plain terrible. She tries to be polite. She tries to talk them out of it, but the Greggs go too far, and the little girl turns her Magic Finger on them.
Amber Brown 3: Amber Brown Goes Fourth
Paula Danziger*****Still struggling with her parent's divorce at the start of fourth grade, Amber Brown prepares for the new school year by planning to win a new best friend at any cost. Reprint. AB. J. H.
Helen Keller
Margaret Davidson*****The bestselling biography of Helen Keller and how, with the commitment and lifelong friendship of Anne Sullivan, she learned to talk, read, and eventually graduate from college with honors.
Helen Keller
Margaret Davidson*****The bestselling biography of Helen Keller and how, with the commitment and lifelong friendship of Anne Sullivan, she learned to talk, read, and eventually graduate from college with honors.
Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind
Margaret Davidson*****Louis Braille, blinded at age three, was determined to learn and be as much like other people as possible. In the early 1800s disabled children did not go to school; instead, they became outcasts. But Louis was the exception. He relied on his memory, which enabled him to do well — but he still wanted to read. When he was 12, he invented a raised dot alphabet. This alphabet became known as Braille, and is now used around the world
Louis did not use his blindness to disable him, instead he found a way to experience and enjoy life. Fast paced and engaging, this story gives us a man who is an inspiration and wonderful role model, and the reader will be anxious to find out what happens in each of the dilemmas Louis encounters. As a hands-on bonus, the Braille alphabet can be found at the back of the book: readers are asked to close their eyes and read with their fingers.
Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind
Margaret Davidson*****A poignant story of the man who developed the Braille system of printing for the blind.
Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind
Margaret Davidson*****Louis Braille, blinded at age three, was determined to learn and be as much like other people as possible. In the early 1800s disabled children did not go to school; instead, they became outcasts. But Louis was the exception. He relied on his memory, which enabled him to do well — but he still wanted to read. When he was 12, he invented a raised dot alphabet. This alphabet became known as Braille, and is now used around the world
Louis did not use his blindness to disable him, instead he found a way to experience and enjoy life. Fast paced and engaging, this story gives us a man who is an inspiration and wonderful role model, and the reader will be anxious to find out what happens in each of the dilemmas Louis encounters. As a hands-on bonus, the Braille alphabet can be found at the back of the book: readers are asked to close their eyes and read with their fingers.
Hardy Boys 55: The Witchmaster's Key
Franklin W. Dixon*****The Hardy boys' investigation of a museum robbery in England arouses the anger of a coven of black witches.
The Unicorn's Secret 1: Moonsilver
Kathleen Duey*****Heart Trilby has no family. She lives a hard and lonely life in the dusty village of Ash Grove — until she finds a scarred, skinny mare in the forest. Against the wishes of her guardian, mean-spirited Simon Pratt, Heart adopts the mare and names her Avamir. Heart is thrilled when she realizes Avamir is in foal. But when the colt is born weak and disfigured, Simon decides to sell Heart's beloved horses to be slaughtered by the town's soapmaker. Can Heart find a way to protect them — and the only love she has ever known?
The Unicorn's Secret 2: Silver Thread
Kathleen Duey*****When her beloved Moonsilver, the unicorn, is nearly killed by a hunters arrow, Heart sneaks back into her village to get help froth the healer, Ruth Oakes. But even greater danger awaits Heart and Moosilver in Ash Grove. Rumors of Monsilver's secret have reached the ears of the cruel Lord Dunraven. Once again Heart must flee, with Ruth's mysterious gift — a silver thread — to protect her and Moonsilver.
Hank the Cowdog 43: The Case of the Twisted Kitty
John R. Erickson*****It's winter in the Texas Panhandle, and the ranch is covered in snow and ice.  So when Sally May sets off for town, Hank decides to follow Pete's misguided advice and bravely escorts her car down the slick road.  Before Hank realizes what's happening, Sally May's car skids into a snow drift-and she is angrier than ever before.  And who does she blame but poor Hank!  After consulting with his trusty partner, Drover, Hank decides the only way to win back Sally May's affection is to be on his absolute best behavior.  Will Hank be able to turn over a new leaf and become the well-mannered dog that every owner dreams of?
Hank the Cowdog 50: The Case of the Most Ancient Bone
John R. Erickson*****Hank the Cowdog?Head of ranch security?is on the case in his fiftieth mystery! And this is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill ranch intrigue. No sir, this is a real, honest-to-goodness archaeological adventure! when an old friend of slim?s starts an archaeological dig near the ranch, it doesn?t take long before little Alfred gets caught up in the excitement. And once Alfred manages to get himself invited to the dig, it isn?t long before Hank follows. once there, Hank finds himself face-to-face with the most ancient of bones?a huge bison bone that Hank just knows has been aged to delicious perfection. Hank should be protecting the bone, but can he keep his doggie instincts at bay and uphold his position? or will the most ancient of bones get the best of him?
Recycle!: A Handbook for Kids
Gail Gibbons*****This lively and informative handbook explains the process of recycling from start to finish. The book focuses on 5 different types of rubbish - paper, glass, aluminium cans, plastic and polystyrene.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Chris Grabenstein*****A New York Times Bestseller

Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library.

Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route. And the stakes are very high.

In this cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Night in the Museum, Agatha Award winner Chris Grabenstein uses rib-tickling humor to create the perfect tale for his quirky characters. Old fans and new readers will become enthralled with the crafty twists and turns of this ultimate library experience.
The Adventures of Beanboy
Lisa Harkrader*****Never underestimate the power of the bean. Tucker MacBean has been drawing comic books almost as long as he’s been reading them. When his favorite comic has a contest for kids, he hopes he has finally found a way to fix his family—all he has to do is create the winning superhero sidekick . . . Introducing “Beanboy”—the first comic book character to truly harness the power of the bean for good. He is strong, he is relentless, he can double in size
overnight (if given enough water).
With thoughtful characterizations and copious comic book illustrations, this laughout-loud novel will have readers rooting for a superhero with true heart.
Three Young Pilgrims
Cheryl Harness*****In these richly detailed pages, you'll meet three of the young Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower, Bartholomew, Remember, and Mary Allerton.

The handsome paintings help you imagine how they lived after landing at Plymouth, through the dark winter and the busy days of spring, summer, and fall.

Culminating with the harvest and the excitement of the first Thanksgiving feast, and featuring an illustrated epilogue that further personalizes the individuals and groups involved, Three Young Pilgrims makes history come alive. Based on the author-illustrator's extensive research, it conveys both information and emotion, capturing the feeling of seasons turning and moods changing, as, for the Allerton children, Plymouth becomes home.
Maria's Comet
Deborah Hopkinson*****Maria's wish burns as brightly as a star.
Maria longs to be an astronomer and imagines all the strange worlds she can travel to by looking though her papa's telescope. One night Maria gets her chance to look through the telescope. For the first time, she sees the night sky stretching endlessly above her, and her dream of exploring constellations seems close enough to touch.
In this story, inspired by the life of Maria Mitchell, America's first woman astronomer, "viewers will find the cobalt-blue nights, lit with constellations that make imaginary (and actual) pictures in the sky, every bit as attractive as Maria does."
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest
Steve Jenkins*****Climb the tallest mountain, dive into the deepest lake, and navigate the longest river in Steve Jenkins' stunning new book that explores the wonders of the natural world. With his striking cut paper collages, Jenkins majestically captures the grand sense of scale, perspective and awe that only mother earth can inspire.
Blackberries in the Dark
Mavis Jukes*****"Austin's visit to his grandmother's is the first since Grandpa died. Austin notices Grandpa's things but feels the emptiness of his absence. This spare story vividly captures the emotions of painful times and shows how they ease with sharing and remembering. Boy and grandfather were close, but boy and grandmother seem destined to be just as close, with Grandpa's memory to bind them. Poignant and perceptive, this has impressive resonance, and readers won't easily shed its warm afterglow."—(starred) Booklist.
Eleanor Everywhere: The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt
Monica Kulling*****Even Eleanor Roosevelt was a little girl once. This inspiring Step into Reading tells the true story of how a shy little girl was able to conquer her fears and lead a life full of adventure.

From flying with Amelia Earhart and hosting her own radio show to becoming First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt did it all and became one of the most admired women in the world.
The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage
Chris Kurtz*****Flora the pig was born for adventure: “If it’s unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. I’m your pig,” she says. The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig. Before she knows it, she’s on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilarating—and dangerous—adventure of her life. This poignant novel of a purposeful pig is sure to become a favorite with any young readers who have ever dreamed of exploring the great beyond.
Distress Signal
Lambert, Mary E.*****
The Story of the Statue of Liberty
Betsy Maestro*****"Written for the youngest audience...the text is very simple yet manages to convey all the major events in Liberty's creation....The full-color watercolors show amazing detail and are extremely rich."—Horn Book.
The Story of the Statue of Liberty
Betsy Maestro*****
Knots on a Counting Rope
Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault*****In this poignant story, the counting rope is a metaphor for the passage of time and for a boy’s emerging confidence in facing his blindness.
Sidewalk Story
Sharon Bell Mathis*****Lilly Etta didn't know the men, but she knew those yellow chairs. They were Tanya's, and they were being taken out of her building. Tanya was being put out - Tanya, her mother, her six brothers and sisters. Their things would be piled on the sidewalk and left there to be had for the taking. It didn't matter if nobody else in the city cared; Lilly Etta did. She knew what friendship was, and she wasn't going to let her friend be thrown out without a fight.
The Christmas Eve Mystery and Other Holiday Stories
David McCord, Clyde Robert Bulla, Joan Lowery Nixon, Elisabeth Wenning, William Dana Street, Susan Sussman, Clement Clarke Moore, Eva Moore*****Each story is a gift for you!

- The Christmas Coat by Clyde Robert Bulla
- The Christmas Eve Mystery by Joan Lowery Nixon
- The Christmas Mouse by Elisabeth Wenning
- Christmas Surprises by Melissa Peterson
- Giant Grummer's Christmas by William Dana Street
- The Tap- dancingest, Tree-trimmingest Christmas Party Ever! by Susan Sussman
- A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore
- Why Trolls Don't Come to Evergreen Valley on Christmas Eve by Eva Moore

Poems and a song, too! RL 3 ages 8-10
Judy Moody 2: Judy Moody Gets Famous!
Megan McDonald*****Good moods, bad moods, can't-stand-Jessica-Finch moods. Judy Moody is back with her many hilarious moods.

Fans of JUDY MOODY already know that Judy has a mood for every occasion—and this time Judy is in a jealous mood. Jealous of classmate Jessica Finch, that is, who gets her picture on the front page of the newspaper. When Judy sets off in pursuit of her own fame and happiness, watch out! She's so determined, she just might find it, or she might merely become more INFAMOUS than ever. Her latest adventures are sure to put readers in a very Judy Moody mood!
Judy Moody 3: Judy Moody Saves the World!
Megan McDonald*****The mercurial Judy returns - and she’s in a mood to take on the world!
Get ready for the newest installment in the hilarious Judy Moody series. Rare!

It all starts with the Crazy Strip contest — and the dream that she, Judy Moody, might one day see her very own adhesive-bandage design covering the scraped knees of thousands. But when her "Heal the World" motif merits only an honorable mention, Judy realizes it’s time to set her sights on something bigger. Class 3T is studying the environment, and Judy is amazed to learn about the destruction of the rain forest, the endangered species (not) in her own backyard, and her own family’s crummy recycling habits. Now she’s in a mood to whip the planet into shape — or her name isn’t Judy Monarch Moody!
Judy Moody 6: Judy Moody Declares Independence
Megan McDonald*****"This delightful book will inspire children to write their own declarations of independence complete with ‘alien’ rights and the ‘purse’ of happiness." — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Hear ye! Hear ye! Everyone knows that Judy Moody has a mood for every occasion, and now a visit to Boston has put her in a revolutionary frame of mind! Unfortunately, a protest for more allowance in the form of a Boston Tub Party only has her dad reading the riot act. But luckily a crisis involving her brother, Stink, allows Judy to show her courageous quick thinking — and prove her independence after all!
The Magic School Bus: The Truth About Bats
Eva Moore*****These books combine fun stories with neat facts, humor, illustrations-and they all feature the fabulous Ms. Fizzle!
The Magic School Bus: The Wild Whale Watch
Eva Moore*****The Magic School Sub takes the kids deep into the ocean, where they learn all sorts of fascinating facts about whales.
Black Hawk: Frontier Warrior
Joanne Oppenheim*****Traces the life of the Sauk Indian leader who struggled in vain to prevent the Americans from claiming the rich farmland near the Mississippi River in Illinois.
Sequoyah: Cherokee Hero
Joanne Oppenheim*****The "Native American Biographies" series features the stories of famous Native American men and women and their heroic struggles to protect their land and their freedom. These inspirational accounts of the first Americans are effective tools in helping young readers understand and appreciate different cultures. Illustrated throughout.
Magic Tree House Research Guide: American Revolution (A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday)
Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce*****Magic Tree House Research Guides are now Magic Tree House Fact Trackers! Track the facts with Jack and Annie!
 
When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday, they had lots of questions. What was it like to live in colonial times? Why did the stamp Act make the colonists so angry? Who were the Minutemen? What happened at the Boston Tea Party? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts. Filled with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie, the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to find out more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures.
Last Stop on Market Street
Matt de la Peña*****Winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal
A 2016 Caldecott Honor Book
A 2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of 2015
A Wall Street Journal Best Children's Book of 2015

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.
 
This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Pena’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Barbara Robinson*****Called one of America's favorite Christmas stories, and now a classic television movie,The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has been a favorite of young readers the world over since 1972. Funny, memorable, and outrageous, it is the story of a family of incorrigible children who discover the Christmas story for the first time and help everyone else rediscover its true meaning.
Wayside School 3: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
Louis Sachar*****Hooray! Wayside School is Open Again!

All the kids from Wayside School had to spend 243 days in horrible schools while Wayside closed to get rid of the cows (Don't ask!). Now the kids are back and the fun begins again on every floor. Miss Much has prepared a Day on the 30th floor—with dogs and cats and frogs and skunks and pigs, and an orange named Fido causing a terrible commotion. In Mrs. Drazil's class, they're throwing a coffeepot, a sack of potatoes, a pencil sharpener, and a light bulb out the window to see which hits the ground first. But the big surprise is that Mrs. Jewls is expecting a baby—but one named Cootie Face or Bucket Head—and a substitute teacher is coming—and everyone knows what that means... Something strange is going on at the already peculiar Way side School, when Mrs. Jewls leaves her students with a succession of substitute teachers. "Wayside School devotes [will] turn pages eagerly...these additional anecdote about wayside school will surely tickle the funny bones of fans"-School Library Journal
Wayside School 3: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
Louis Sachar*****
The Time Warp Trio 7: Summer Reading is Killing Me!
Jon Scieszka*****In Summer Reading Is Killing Me!, illustrated by innovative artist Lane Smith, the boys find themselves trapped in a dreadfully skewed literary world where Joe, the narrator, says "I saw Homer Price being carried by the Headless Horseman. Dracula was dragging Winnie the Pooh in a headlock. Mr. Twit was breaking Harold's Purple Crayon." It becomes the boys' charge to find "The Book" and yank the summer reading list out of it before children's literature is destroyed forever as the "bad" characters knock off the "good" characters and take over the stories. The literary references accelerate to a breakneck pace: "We stepped over a very hungry caterpillar eating his way through a dictionary.... We made our way through a crowd of Robinson Crusoe, a blue moose, Julie with some wolves, a snowman, a plain and tall lady named Sarah, a kid with a hatchet, and a very confused-looking Robin Hood helping Eeyore reattach his tail." Whether or not young readers register every literary allusion is inconsequential—Summer Reading Is Killing Me! is a rollicking, sarcastic, ultraweird, suspenseful adventure that kids will like regardless. And for teachers, parents, and librarians who are deeply enmeshed in kid-erature—it's purely delicious.
The Imaginary Veterinary 1: The Sasquatch Escape
Suzanne Selfors*****When Ben Silverstein is sent to the rundown town of Buttonville to spend the summer with his grandfather, he's certain it will be the most boring vacation ever. That is, until his grandfather's cat brings home what looks like . . . a baby dragon?

Amazed, Ben enlists the help of Pearl Petal, a local girl with an eye for adventure. They take the wounded dragon to the only veterinarian's office in town — Dr. Woo's Worm Hospital. But as Ben and Pearl discover once they are inside, Dr. Woo's isn't a worm hospital at all — it's actually a secret hospital for imaginary creatures.

After Ben accidentally leaves the hospital's front door unlocked, a rather large, rather stinky, andvery hairy beast escapes into Buttonville. Ben and Pearl are tasked with retrieving the runaway creature, and what started out as an ordinary summer becomes the story of a lifetime.

Suzanne Selfors delivers a wild journey filled with mythical creatures and zany adventures that are anything but imaginary.
This book includes bonus writing, art, and science activities that will help readers discover more about the mythological creatures featured in The Sasquatch Escape. These activities are designed for the home and the classroom. Enjoy doing them on your own or with friends!
Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin
Liesl Shurtliff*****This funny fractured fairy tale goes behind the scenes of Rumpelstiltskin. "A most magical feat," writes Newbery Honor-winner Kirby Larson, "Liesl Shurtliff spins words into gold."

In a magic kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.

To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.

A Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection, Rump is perfect for fans of Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted or Adam Gidwitz's A Tale Dark and Grimm.

"Lighthearted and inventive, Rump amusingly expands a classic tale." —Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven.

From the Hardcover edition.
Lily and Miss Liberty
Carla Stevens*****Lily decides to make and sell Lady Liberty crowns in order to raise money to pay for the pedestal on which the famous statue will sit in a work of nineteenth-century urban life. Reprint. K. C.
Goosebumps 46: Attack of the Jack-O'-Lanterns
R. L. Stine*****Looking forward to her plans for Halloween night, when she and her friend Walker will get revenge on the kids that played practical jokes on them, Drew Brockman carve scary jack-o'-lanterns that frighteningly come to life.
Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy
Kate Waters*****This bestselling photographic Thanksgiving picture book is now available in paperback!

Samuel Eaton is a young boy living in an early American settlement in the year 1627, and today is the day he will help with his first rye harvest! If he can prove to his father he's up to the task, he will be able to help with all of the harvest. But harvesting rye is even more difficult than he expected. Was he foolish to think he could do a man's work?
Corey's Underground Railroad Diary 2: Flying Free
Sharon Dennis Wyeth*****In this sequel to My America: Freedom's Wings, Corey Birdsong and his family have escaped slavery and the South and found refuge in Canada. This book is part of the re-launch of the My America series.

In Sharon Dennis Wyeth's sequel to My America: Freedom's Wings, Corey and his family have escaped from slavery and the South and are now living in Canada. They own their own land, have made new friends, and Corey gets ready to go to school. But danger still remains across the river in Ohio, where slavecatchers lurk, waiting to capture escaped slaves to bring them back to their former masters. Corey, however, outsmarts them, and brings his friend Mingo to safety in Canada.
Coolies
Yin*****Shek marvels at the new world as he and his brother, Little Wong, arrive in California. Along with hundreds of other workers, the brothers are going to build a great railroad across the West. They plan to save enough money so that their mother and little brothers can join them in America. But as days grow into months, they endure many hardships-exhausting work, discrimination, and treacherous avalanches. Inspired by actual events, this story reveals the harsh truth about life for the Chinese railroad workers in 1865, while celebrating their perseverance and bravery.
Nathan Hale: Patriot Spy
Shannon Zemlicka*****THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Recounts the life of Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, whose decision to become a spy for General George Washington cost him his life.