Special Collections
Browse by Lexile: 500L - 590L
- Table View
- List View
Spring According to Humphrey
by Betty G. BirneySpring is in the air, and lots of things are growing--including the Room 26 family!
Signs of spring are very exciting to everyone at Longfellow School. Mrs. Brisbane's class has seen flowers poking out of snow and baby birds hatching, and Just-Joey even brought in tadpoles that are growing into frogs.
It also means Family Fun Night is coming up, and all of the students' families are involved in making amazing activities. Humphrey helps in many ways, of course, but he can't stop wondering about his own family. He doesn't know anything about his mom or dad.
Luckily, all of his wonderful friends help him see that families come in many shapes and sizes, and Humphrey's might be the biggest (and best!) one of all.
Judy Moody, Girl Detective
by Megan McdonaldIt's an honest-to-jeepers mystery! Agent Judy Drewdy sets out to solve the case of the missing puppy when a canine-cop-in-training vanishes into thin air. Judy Moody is in a mood. A sleuthing, Nancy Drew kind of mood. So what's a WBMS (world's best mystery solver) to do? Go find a mystery, that's what! And she doesn't have to snoop for long: when Mr. Chips, a beloved crime-dog-in-training, goes missing, Judy Drewdy and her chums, agents Dills Pickle (Frank), Spuds Houdini (Rocky), and James Madagascar (Stink) find themselves smack-dab in the middle of a reallife, scare-your-pants-off whodunit. Was Mr. Chips stolen by dirty dognappers? And why are chocolate-chip cookies disappearing all over town? Watch out for red herrings--along with clever references to classic Nancy Drew mysteries--as Eagle Eye Moody and company are hot on the case!
Judy Moody Saves the World!
by Megan McdonaldThe 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! Judy Moody did not set out to save the world. She set out to win a contest. A Band-Aid contest. It all started 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 Moody 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!
The Magic Finger
by Quentin Blake and Roald DahlWhat happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?To the Gregg family, hunting is just plain fun. To the girl who lives next door, it's just plain horrible. She tries to be polite. She tries to talk them out of it, but the Greggs only laugh at her. Then one day the Greggs go too far, and the little girl turns her Magic Finger on them. When she's very, very angry, the little girl's Magic Finger takes over. She really can't control it, and now it's turned the Greggs into birds! Before they know it, the Greggs are living in a nest, and that's just the beginning of their problems....
Loot
by Jude WatsonHijinks, heists, high-octane action in Jude Watson's new middle grade blockbuster! On a foggy night in Amsterdam, a man falls from a rooftop to the wet pavement below. It's Archibald McQuinn, the notorious cat burglar, and he's dying. As sirens wail in the distance, Archie manages to get out two last words to his young son, March: "Find jewels." But March learns that his father is not talking about hidden loot. He's talking about Jules, the twin sister March never knew he had. No sooner than the two find each other, they're picked up by the police and sent to the world's worst orphanage. It's not hard time, but it feels like it. March and Jules have no intention of staying put. They know their father's business inside and out, and they're tired of being pushed around. Just one good heist, and they'll live the life of riches and freedom that most kids only dream about. . . . . Hold on to your pearls, because this summer, the world's youngest criminal masterminds are coming for you. Praise for Loot: "LOOT is one of those books that you'll want to devour in one sitting. Full of twists and turns and thrills aplenty, with the perfect mixture of humor throughout, this is a must-read. I really loved it." -- James Dashner, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE MAZE RUNNER "LOOT is pure delight -- a super-smart, funny, and exciting ride that I hoped would last forever. Full of wonderful characters and gratifying twists, this story is truly something special." -- Rebecca Stead, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author and Newbery Medalist for WHEN YOU REACH ME * "Akin to the best of roller-coaster rides. . . . Taut, engrossing, and unstoppable." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review "A nonstop thrill ride of cons, schemes, and near misses, with more twists than a pretzel factory. If middle grade heist counts as a genre, Jude Watson is the master." -- Gordon Korman, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of SWINDLE "LOOT is proof that Jude Watson can do it all: an edge-of-your seat mystery that manages to be thrilling, funny, nail-biting, and full of real characters readers will care about. I loved it." -- Peter Lerangis, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Seven Wonders series "LOOT is one of my favorite reads in a very long time! I could not put this book down!" -- Jennifer A. Nielsen, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE FALSE PRINCE * "Jewel theft has never been as fun as in 39 Clues contributor Watson's action-packed novel featuring Mission: Impossible - style escapades. . . . The high level of suspense, ultra-short chapters, and fast pace will hook readers of all stripes." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review "Sassy narration, smart quips, pigeon drops, and slang worthy of an episode of DRAGNET make this fast-paced tale of topsy-turvy antics a joy from beginning to end. Don't try these high jinks at home..." -- BOOKLIST "A richly entertaining romp." -- BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Because of Mr. Terupt
by Rob BuyeaFeatures seven narrators, each with a unique story, and each with a different perspective on what makes their teacher so special.
It's the start of fifth grade for seven kids at Snow Hill School. There's Jessica, the new girl, smart and perceptive, who's having a hard time fitting in; Alexia, a bully, your friend one second, your enemy the next; Peter, class prankster and troublemaker; Luke, the brain; Danielle, who never stands up for herself; shy Anna, whose home situation makes her an outcast; and Jeffrey, who hates school.
Only Mr. Terupt, their new and energetic teacher, seems to know how to deal with them all. He makes the classroom a fun place, even if he doesn't let them get away with much . . . until the snowy winter day when an accident changes everything--and everyone.
The Lost Stone
by Jordan Quinn and Robert McphillipsWelcome to the Kingdom of Wrenly--a new chapter book series full of fantasy and adventure.Meet Lucas, the eight year-old prince, and Clara, the daughter of the queen's seamstress. Lucas is an only child who longs to make friends and go on adventures. Clara knows the kingdom well, so she and Lucas team up and explore the lands of Wrenly! In The Lost Stone, Lucas and Clara search for Queen Tasha's missing emerald. On their exciting adventure, they travel to all the main attractions of Wrenly: Primlox (the island of fairies), Burth (the island of trolls), Crestwood (the island of dragons), Hobsgrove (the island of wizards), and the beautiful Mermaid's Cove. King Caleb has promised to reward the person who finds the precious stone, and Lucas and Clara are determined to search the entire kingdom until they find it! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Kingdom of Wrenly chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
Three Times Lucky
by Sheila TurnageRising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a café owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous café hostess. She will protect those she loves with every bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.
Full of wisdom, humor, and grit, this timeless yarn will melt the heart of even the sternest Yankee.
Newbery Medal Honor book
Double Take
by Carolyn KeeneIn Treasure Trouble, Nancy, George, and Bess are headed to Barnacle Beach for a pirate-themed birthday party. But when the treasure chest filled with party favors disappears, playtime is over. With the help of a mysterious treasure map, the Clue Crew needs to reclaim the missing loot before the party’s completely ruined. In Double Take, the Clue Crew has competition—one of their classmates has started a rival sleuthing club! Can Nancy and the girls solve the latest case before the phony detectives do?
Treasure Trouble
by Carolyn KeeneIn #20, the girls run into trouble at Barnacle Beach when a party's treasure chest is stolen. In #21, a rival sleuthing club is formed at River Heights Elementary School, will Nancy's club be permanently off the case?
April Fool's Day
by Carolyn Keene and Macky PamintuanNancy, George, and Bess have been invited to an April Fool's Day party at their new schoolmate's house. It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun -- each guest is bringing a gag to the party, and the best prank will win a special prize.
When two of the guests' fancy new electronics go missing, Nancy knows something's up. Is this someone's idea of a joke? The Clue Crew certainly isn't laughing, and they're on the case to find the missing gadgets.
Scream for Ice Cream
by Carolyn KeeneHow can a contest this sweet turn so sticky? Nancy and her friends think there is nothing more fun than ice cream in the summer. So when they find out that the owners of the local ice-cream factory are hosting a contest, the Clue Crew can't wait to enter! Contestants must come up with brand-new flavors. And they can use whatever ingredients they want! Nancy is sure that her entry -- Clue Berry -- will win! But when a friend's secret recipe goes missing, Nancy suspects that someone not-so-sweet is up to no good.
Horrible Harry and the Mud Gremlins
by Suzy KlineNo one knows why Harry is wearing a necklace. Sidney thinks they're for girls. But when Harry opens the necklace cover to reveal a mini-microscope, the whole class is intrigued. Everyone wants to try it, so Harry promises to show them all some wicked-looking fungi at recess. But he doesn't mentiom that to see them they'll need to go outside the fence-and that means breaking a school rule. Will everyone follow him? What if Miss Mackle finds out? Has Harry gone too far this time? Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz. .
Alone in His Teacher's House
by Louis SacharThe good thing Marvin has going will take him by surprise and help him to grow up. His teacher has picked him as her most responsible student, the boy she can trust to feed and pay attention to her dog, Waldo, and walk him 3 times a day while she's out of town for a week. He'll earn $25.
Waldo is lovable, Marvin is proud of his first job, its cool looking around at his teacher's things, his older brother admires him, His parents support him, and little sister Lindsey loves playing with Waldo.
This job should be easy but Marvin has problems. Waldo doesn't want to eat; his special care makes Marvin late to school. The sub labels Marvin a trouble maker and picks on him. And Marvin's friends think he's stuck up because he won't let them play in his teacher's house. After he's done his very best, his teacher won't be happy when she gets home. She might even hate Marvin. He cries and can't sleep. No one can help him. He must face his teacher and tell her everything.
This is a quick reading chapter book. Marvin finds that being mature means making decisions by himself; should he let his friends inside their teacher's house to see what she has in there? Should he let them play with Waldo? Should he call his parents or the vet for help? Should he eat dog food? Listen to your child read these short chapters written on second grade level but of interest to kids up to 6th grade.
Enjoy the humor together and help your child understand Marvin's frustration when he learns that being trustworthy sometimes means making his friends mad and that there is joy, worry and sorrow in caring for an old, lovable, pet. 3 other delightful Marvin Redpost books are in the collection. The book also contains a long list of other popular high interest, low vocabulary stepping stone books.
Arthur's Computer Disaster
by Marc BrownArthur wants to play Deep, Dark Sea on the computer every chance he gets. He's hooked! When his mother leaves for work and asks him not to touch the computer, Arthur can't resist the temptation. Disobedience leads to disaster when Arthur and his friend Buster both reach for the mouse -- and the computer screen goes blank! Will Arthur be able to fix the computer before his mom gets home from work? Once again Arthur, D.W., and friends lead us on a hilarious adventure kids won't want to miss.
Arthur's Thanksgiving
by Marc BrownArthur the Aardvark finds it's hard to direct the Thanksgiving play. His classmates forget what to say, their costumes don't fit, and they're going to quit if he can't find someone to be the turkey. Ages 4-8. The pictures are described. A short fun read aloud or alone book. Read more about Arthur, his sister D. W. and his Friends. Bookshare has: Arthur Goes to Camp, Arthur Helps Out, Arthur Loses A Friend, Arthur Lost and Found, Arthur lost in the Museum, Arthur Tells A Story, Arthur Tricks The Tooth Fairy, Arthur and the Dog Show, Arthur to the Rescue, Arthur's April Fool, Arthur's Birthday, Arthur's Chicken Pox, Arthur's Eyes, Arthur's Family Vacation, Arthur's Halloween, Arthur's Mystery Babysitter, Arthur's Reading Race, Arthur's TV Trouble, Arthur's Teacher Moves In, Arthur's Teacher Trouble, Arthur's Tree House, Arthur's Underwear, D. W.'s Guide To Good Manners, D. W. Flips, D. W. Go To Your Room, Glasses for D. W. and more.
Arthur's April Fool
by Marc BrownArthur worries about remembering his magic tricks for the April Fool's Day assembly and Binky's threats to pulverize him.
The Littles Have a Merry Christmas
by John PetersonThis new addition to the series for beginning readers was adapted from THE LITTLES AND THE TRASH TINIES (Scholastic 1977). It's almost Christmas, and all the Littles are full of good cheer. . . all except Uncle Nick. Uncle Nick just moved in. It was time for him to rest after thirty years of fighting mice in Trash City. Uncle Nick likes his new home, but he misses all his friends in Trash City. So the Littles decide to get Uncle Nick a very special Christmas present. Tom and Lucy travel all the way to Trash City, where they meet many strange and wonderful tiny people. They bring some of Uncle Nick's friends back to visit him -- now all the Littles can have a Merry Christmas!
The Littles Give a Party
by John PetersonIt's a dangerous life, being smaller than six inches tall so it's truly amazing that Granny will be turning eighty on her Fourth of July birthday. Instead of being excited about it, she's worried that she's too old and has stopped paying attention to anything. Tom and Lucy, her great grandchildren and their family think a big party will cheer her up. The trouble is, most of Granny's favorite people think they are too old to travel to the party and riding in Cousin Dinky's glider is too risky. The Little's have a long list of adventures ahead to pull off the party. They must rig up a swimming pool, smuggle hot dogs, and hardest of all, they have to sneak young Henry's toy airplane out of his room at night to fly the guests to the party. Except for having to hear Dinky's terrible singing, it's all worth it because Granny is so excited to see her friends. Bookshare has many more books about the family who uses thimbles for wastebaskets and finger puppets on cereal boxes for costumes. Some of the Little's books are: The Littles, The Littles Take a Trip, The Littles and the Surprise Thanksgiving Guests, The Littles to the Rescue, Tom Little's Halloween Scare, The Littles and the Trash Tinies, The Littles Go to School, The Littles Get Trapped, and The Littles and the Missing Cat.
More Perfect than the Moon
by Patricia MaclachlanThe beloved story of Sarah, Plain and Tall continues.
Cassie is an observer, a writer, a storyteller. And for her, life is as it should be. But change is inevitable, even on the prairie.
Something new is expected, and Sarah says it will be the perfect gift. Cassie isn't so sure. But just like life changes, people change too, and Cassie learns that unexpected surprises can bring great joy.
More Perfect than the Moon invites us back to the Witting family farm, first visited in the Newbery Medal-winning Sarah, Plain and Tall. With her lyrical prose Patricia MacLachlan writes about a family's boundless capacity for love.
Superfudge
by Judy BlumeSometimes life in the Hatcher household is enough to make twelve-year-old Peter think about running away. His worst problem is still his younger brother, Fudge, who hasn't changed a bit since his crazy capers in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. If you ask Peter, Fudge is just an older — and bigger — pain.Then Peter learns that his mom is going to have a baby and the whole family is moving to Princeton for a year. It will be bad enough starting sixth grade in a strange place and going to the same school as Fudge. But Peter can imagine something even worse. How will he ever survive if the new baby is a carbon copy of Fudge?
The Big Game from the Black Lagoon
by Mike ThalerIn this book from the hilarious Black Lagoon Adventure series , Hubie's class has to play a football game against the older kids in school.
The Class Election From The Black Lagoon
by Mike ThalerEveryone has to run for something in the class election. But youd rather run for your life! Even worse, youre running against Doris, whos bought whole classs votes with ice cream. And if you lose the election, they might vote you out of school!
Junie B., First Grader
by Barbara ParkShip Ahoy! Room One is putting on a play. And guess what? It's about explorers looking for the New World! And there's ships and sea captains and everything! Plus here's the bestest news of all--Junie B. Jones thinks she might be the star of the whole entire production! Only, sailing the ocean blue is not as easy as it looks, apparently. 'Cause problems keep on happening. Like the actors keep catching the flu. And bossy May keeps trying to take over the show. Can this play be saved? Will the ships ever get to land? Or is Room One in for a disaster at sea that they will never forget?