Special Collections
Accelerated Reader Middle Grade Collection
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My Brother, Ant
by Betsy ByarsIn four upbeat stories, Ant and his big brother confront the monster under the bed, recreate the story of the three little pigs, and write a letter to Santa -- in July! Sometimes funny, always endearing, Ant is invariably entertaining.
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.
Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret
by Wanda Coven and Priscilla BurrisIntroducing Heidi Heckelbeck--a brand-new young chapter-book series with witchy whimsy!Now readers between the ages of five and seven can read chapter books tailor-made for a younger level of reading comprehension. Heavily illustrated with large type, Little Simon's young chapter books let young readers feel like they are reading a "grown-up" format with subject, text, and illustrations geared specifically for their own age groups!Heidi Heckelbeck seems like any other eight-year-old, but she has a secret: She's a witch in disguise. Careful to keep her powers hidden (but excited to use them all the same), Heidi's learning to live like any other kid--who just happens to be witch. And with easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, Heidi Heckelbeck chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.Heidi and her brother Henry have always been homeschooled--until now. But Heidi is not happy about attending Brewster Elementary, especially not when meanie Melanie Maplethorpe turns Heidi's first day of school into a nightmare by announcing that Heidi is smelly and ruining her art project. Heidi feels horrible and never wants to go back to school--but while sulking in her room at home, she remembers her special medallion and Book of Spells. With a little bit of carefully concealed magic, Heidi might be able to give Melanie a taste of her own medicine....
They Cage the Animals at Night
by Jennings Michael BurchBurch was left at an orphanage and never stayed at any of the foster homes long enough to make friends. This is the story of how he grew up and gained the courage to reach out for love.
The Sword in the Tree
by Clyde Robert BullaIn the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, long lost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and unhappiness.
Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusJunie B. Jones has a pet day problem! There's going to be a pet day at school, only guess what? No dogs allowed! And that's the only kind of pet Junie B. has!
If Mother and Daddy won't buy her a new pet, Junie B. will just have to find one on her own. Like maybe a jar of ants. Or a wiggly worm. Or--could it be--something even better?
Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusThere's a new boy in kindergarten, and guess what? He's the handsomest guy Junie B. has ever seen. She and Lucille and that Grace all want him for a boyfriend. Only, he thinks Junie B. is a nutball. Just 'cause she couldn't stop laughing and rolling. So how is she supposed to get that boy to love her?
Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusA terrible thing happened to Junie B. Jones! And it's called -- someone took her new black furry mittens! And they kept them! They didn't even put them in the Lost and Found at school. So when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen on the floor, she should be allowed to keep it, too. Right? That's fair. Right? Right?
Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusJunie B. is spending the night!Lucille is having a sleepover party -- at her richie nanna's big giant house! Grace and Junie B. can't wait to see all the rich stuff in that place. Sleeping over at the nanna's is sure to be a dream come true!' Cause what could possibly go wrong?
Junie B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop Guy
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusWhat's the bestest job ever? A beauty shop guy, that's what! And Junie B. Jones is going to be one when she grows up. But first she needs a little practice. And a few volunteers. Like her bunny slippers. And her dog.
And maybe even...herself? Is Junie B. on her way to a great new career? Or is she about to have the worst hair day ever?
Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIntroducing Junie B. Jones, that lovable, mischievous kindergartner, in her hilarious first book, as she tells all about how she gets locked in school on her very first day!
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusThere's no such thing as monsters. Mother and Daddy even said so. But then why is there monster drool on Junie B.'s pillow? Oh, no! What if Paulie Allen Puffer is right -- what if she really does have a monster under her bed? If Junie B. goes to sleep, the monster might see her feet hanging down. And he might think her piggy toes are yummy little wiener sausages!
Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake
by Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus"I'm the bestest winner in the world!"
It's Carnival Night, and Lucille has already won a box of fluffy cupcakes with sprinkles on them. But when Junie B. wins the Cake Walk, she chooses the bestest cake of all -- the one wrapped in sparkly aluminum foil. How was she to know it was a lethal weapon?
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIntroducing Junie B. Jones, that lovable, mischievous kindergartner, in her hilarious first book, as she tells all about how she gets locked in school on her very first day!
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIt's a mushy gushy mystery!
Hurray! February 14--Valentime's Day, as June B. calls it--is just around the corner. Junie B. can't wait to see all the valentimes she'll get. But she never expected a big, mushy card from a secret admirer! Who is this secret mystery guy, anyway? Junie B. is determined to find out!
Junie B. Jones and that Meanie Jim's Birthday
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusGuess who's not invited?
That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday -- except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It's a Small World After All in Disneyland?
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusJunie B. is the bestest spier in the whole world. That's 'cause she has sneaky feet. And her nose doesn't whistle when she breathes. But guess what? Junie B. might be real sneaky. And real peeky. But when she spies on Mrs., she could get into real trouble!
Junie B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusSometimes life is P.U.Junie B.'s having a rough week. First she got punishment for shooting off her mouth in kindergarten. And now she's in big trouble again! 'Cause Monday is Job Day, and Junie B. told her class that she's got the bestest job of all. Only, what the heck is it?
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIt's pooey on B-A-B-I-E-S until Junie B. finds out that her new dumb old baby brother is a big fat deal. Her two bestest friends are giving her everything they own just to see him. And guess what else? Maybe she can bring him to school on Pet Day.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Junie B. First Grader - Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIt's Thanksgiving time and Room Nine is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast! There's even a contest to see which room can write the best thankful list. The winners will get a pumpkin pie!
Only it turns out being thankful is harder than it looks. Because Junie B. is not actually thankful for Tattletale May. Or squash. Or scratchy pilgrim costumes. And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway. (But Junie B. is thankful for yummy cranberry sauce that's shaped like a can. And biscuits that explode from their can. And nipsy doodles!)
Will Room 9 win the disgusting pie? Can May and Junie B. find common ground? Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a Turkey Day Disaster?
Junie B., First Grader (at last!)
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusHurray, hurray for a brand-new school year!
Only, for Junie B. Jones, things are not actually that pleasant. 'Cause first grade means having to get used to a whole new classroom. And a whole new teacher. And a whole new bunch of strange children. But here's the worst thing of all: when Junie B. tries to read words on the chalkboard, she can't seem to see what everyone else is seeing! Is it possible she might actually end up wearing glasses?
Sacajawea
by Joseph BruchacA novel of the Shoshone woman&’s epic journey with Lewis and Clark from an American Book Award winner: &“A grand adventure . . . not to be missed.&” —Kirkus Reviews Captured by her enemies, married to a foreigner, and a mother at age sixteen, Sacajawea lived a life of turmoil and change. Then in 1804, the mysterious young Shoshone woman known as Bird Woman met Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Acting as interpreter, peacemaker, and guide, Sacajawea bravely embarked on an epic journey that altered history forever. In this novel her extraordinary story is told in alternating chapters by both Sacajawea and by William Clark, including parts of Clark&’s original diaries. From a winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Writers Circle of The Americas, it also includes a map showing Lewis and Clark&’s trail. &“Bruchac&’s fascinating story of the life of the woman who was pivotal to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition is an outstanding example of historical fiction told from multiple perspectives.&” —School Library Journal &“The author adheres closely to journals kept by members of the expedition, creating characters who are both lifelike and compelling.&” —Publishers Weekly
A Boy Called Slow
by Joseph BruchacHis father had earned the name Returns Again to Strike the Enemy, his uncle Four Horns--good, strong names.
But the boy, born many winters ago to the Hunkpapa band of the Lakota Sioux, was called Slow. Slow knew that until he performed some brave or powerful deed, this was the name by which he would be known.
When he reached his seventh winter, he was one of the strongest boys in his tribe. No one was more at ease riding a pony. And as he grew tall, his shoulders became broad and solid. Would the day ever come for him to prove his power?
Then one winter, when a group of Lakotas meet a Crow war party, Slow has the chance to earn his new name--the one you may know.
With great drama and poignancy Joseph Bruchac tells the true story about the childhood of the greatest Lakota hero--Sitting Bull.
Rocco Baviera's glowing paintings are filled with the energy and knowing of a young boy becoming a man, the energy and knowing that every young person carries on that journey from childhood to beyond.
Imani's Moon
by Janay Brown-Wood and Hazell MitchellWanting to do something great, Imani, a young Maasai girl with a loving mother, decides she wants to touch the moon and works hard to reach her goal despite the teasing of detractors, in a story complemented by facts about Maasai folklore and culture.
The Wild Robot
by Peter BrownThis #1 New York Times bestselling illustrated middle grade novel from a Caldecott Honor winner tells an extraordinary story full of action and thought-provoking questions as a robot learns to survive—and live—in the wilderness. Can a robot survive in the wilderness? When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants. As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her. From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.