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The Weird World of Words: A Guided Tour
by Mitchell SymonsDid you know that 'Almost' is the longest word in the English language with all of its letters in alphabetical order? Or that 'Stewardesses' is the longest word you can type solely with your left hand? Or that fireflies aren't actually flies, they're beetles? From information about words and their uses, to useful lists of things you never knew had names, palindromes, famous lines from literature and film, bizarre test answers and more, The Weird World of Words is bursting with truly oddball facts about words and language - and will have you hooked from the very first page. Author Mitchell Symons was a principal writer of early editions of the board game Trivial Pursuit and is the author of over sixty books.
The Weird Zone: The Complete Series (The Weird Zone #8)
by Tony AbbottThink your town is weird? Step into Grover’s Mill—known to the local kids as the “Weird Zone”—from the award-winning author of the Secrets of Droon series. There’s no place like home. Seriously, there’s no place like the bizarre town of Grover’s Mill, home to friends Liz, Holly, Sean, Jeff, and Mike—but also to aliens, monsters, dinosaurs, giant robots, and a potato capable of mind control. It could have something to do with the location—in the middle of a triangle containing a secret UFO testing base, a dinosaur burial ground, and a cheesy horror movie studio. Whatever the reason, enter at your own risk . . . Zombie Surf Commandos from Mars!: When disgusting alien zombies start rising from the lake, Holly, Liz, and Jeff must escape—or their brains will become an afternoon snack. The Incredible Shrinking Kid!: After a blast of purple light zaps Holly’s brother, Sean—shrinking him to four inches—the friends need to make sure he doesn’t end up in an evil toy-store owner’s collection. The Beast from Beneath the Cafeteria!: Liz and her friends battle a dinosaur with a craving for junk food—and an appetite for destruction. Attack of the Alien Mole Invaders!: Not to make a mountain out of a molehill—but a colony of giant moles from outer space has tunneled under Grover’s Mill. With the help of a secret government invention, Jeff and Holly must stop them in their tracks. The Brain That Wouldn’t Obey!: Mike is sure he’s going to win the school science fair with his potato-powered radio, “Potadio.” But when his invention is electrocuted to life and takes over the minds of the teachers and students, it’s boy vs. spud. Gigantopus from Planet X!: When Sean and Holly must battle a gigantic robot octopus controlled by an evil alien, it sucks big-time. Cosmic Boy Versus Mezmo Head!: After an alien blasts Jeff with an X-ray on his way to audition for his school’s outer space version of The Wizard of Oz, his favorite childhood toy, a Cosmic Boy space helmet, gets stuck on his head. The space invader has his own mind-controlling Mezmo head helmet, and now the two will butt heads . . . or, uh, helmets. Revenge of the Tiki Men!: There’s no time to lounge around—huge Tiki heads with a grudge against Grover’s Mill are turning the town back into a jungle. It’s up to the kids to fend off a total disaster.
The Weird and Wonderful World of Bugs: A Book About Beetles, Butterflies, and Other Fascinating Insects
by Rea ManderinoFascinating facts and up-close photos to delight bug fans ages 5 to 7Calling all young bug enthusiasts! Come along on a journey into The Weird and Wonderful World of Bugs. Kids from ages 5 to 7 will learn all about the insects and other arthropods we call "bugs." They'll meet moths, bees, fireflies, spiders, and mosquitos in detailed, full-color photos that bring the bugs to life from antennae to abdomen. Entomologist Rea Manderino, PhD, offers scientific facts on every page, inspiring budding bug scientists to explore their backyards with new eyes.Discover intriguing facts like:More than one-third of all the insects on Earth are beetles. There are almost 390,000 species!Some ants are farmers! They bring leaves back to the nest and use them to grow fungus, which they feed to their babies.Pillbugs are a type of crustacean—like crabs—with many legs, a hard exoskeleton, and gills that need water to breathe.Leap, fly, and crawl into a big world of small wonders with this incredible bug book for kids.
The Weird in the Wilds (Tales of Triumph and Disaster! #2)
by Deb CalettiThe second book in the Tales of Triumph and Disaster series by Printz Honor Recipient and National Book Award Finalist Deb Caletti.Something must be done. Vlad Luxor continues to rule the Timeless Province with a cruel hand, and now he's screaming about Inners and Outers, Others and Us. It's all getting worse and worse, except for one amazing change: This time, Henry has friends to help him in the face of pure evil. And as everyone knows, with friends by your side, you can tackle anything.Well. Maybe not anything.Because when the meanest boy in school is turned into the stinkiest, weirdest creature ever, Henry, Jo, Apollo, and Pirate Girl are asked to do the impossible. Breaking this spell will force them to go on their most dangerous, frightening adventure yet--through the Wilds, the Forest of Knives, and a lodge in the woods belonging to the most terrible bully of all . . . Vlad Luxor himself.Henry has no choice but to take the first step . . . into a mission that may be doomed from the start.
The Weirdies (The Weirdies)
by Michael BuckleyFrom the bestselling author of the Sisters Grimm comes a hilarious tale of the Weirdie triplets—three VERY weird siblings—and their journey to find true family, perfect for fans of the Swifts and a Series of Unfortunate Events.Ten-year-old triplets Barnacle, Melancholy, and Garlic Weirdie grew up in a town plagued by relentless meteor showers. Their home, Deadeye Manor, is an enormous, bleak mansion filled with hundreds of eccentric houseguests and one set of emotionally distant (some would say sociopathic) parents. Until the entire group of grown-ups goes on vacation, forgetting to bring the children. The three siblings are sent to Our Lady of the Perpetual Side-Eye orphanage, where they meet Miss Emily, a sweet and loving caseworker who attempts to smooth their rough edges. The triplets, however, are truly weird—causing chaos and mayhem in their adoptive home on picture-perfect Sunshine Circle. Will the Weirdies and Miss Emily become the family they all desperately need, or will it end in disaster for everyone?
The Well of Sacrifice
by Chris Eboch"an exciting narrative with a richly textured depiction of ancient Mayan society...The novel shines not only for a faithful recreation of an unfamiliar, ancient world, but also for the introduction of a brave, likable, and determined heroine." Kirkus ReviewsSet in ninth-century Guatemala, at the height of the Mayan civilization, this is the story of Eveningstar Macaw, a young girl who finds the fate of her city in her hands. When she discovers enemy soldiers in the jungle while she is hunting medicinal herbs, Eveningstar Macaw tells her older brother, Smoke Shell, who saves the city. But the honor conferred upon Smoke Shell and his family turns out for the worse after the death of the king puts him in line to rule. Harsh, highly placed enemies sacrifice Smoke Shell to the gods; then it is up to Eveningstar Macaw to avenge her brother and eventually save herself. Eboch does a good job of balancing the many details of Mayan life with an electrifying--sometimes gory--story. Eboch does not pull back much as she chronicles both the sacrifices and the ritual bloodletting that were part of the Mayan culture. Of course, shocking events won't deter readers who will already be caught up in the excitement that reaches a high-velocity climax as Eveningstar Macaw struggles to avoid the fate her enemies have plotted for her.Booklist, ALA —
The Well-Wishers (Tales of Magic #6)
by Edward Eager N. M. BodeckerJames, Laura, and Deborah along with their friends Kip, Lydia, and Gordy relate their experiences when the unpredictable old wishing well in the backyard continues to involve them in a variety of magical adventures.
The Well: David's Story (Logans #2)
by Mildred D. TaylorAnother powerful story in the Logan Family Saga and companion to Mildred D. Taylor's Newbery Award-winning Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.<P><P> For David Logan, a time of distress means taking the higher road. During a drought, the Logan family shares their well water with their neighbors, black and white alike. But David's brother Hammer finds it hard to share with Charlie Simms, who torments them because they are black. Hammer's pride and Charlie's meanness are a dangerous combination, and tensions between the boys build and build--until they explode. <P> Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Winner
The Wells Bequest
by Polly ShulmanLeo never imagined that time travel might really be possible, or that the objects in H. G. Wells novels might actually exist. And when a miniature time machine appears in Leos bedroom, he has no idea who the tiny, beautiful girl is riding it. But in the few moments before it vanishes, he recognizes the other tiny rider: himself! His search for the time machine leads him to the New-York Circulating Material Repository, a magical library that lends out objects instead of books. Hidden away in the Repository basement is the Wells Bequest, a collection of powerful objects straight out of science fiction novels. And when Leos adventure of a lifetime suddenly turns deadly, he must journey to 1895 to warn scientist Nikola Tesla about a dangerous invention.
The Wereduck Code (The Wereduck Series #3)
by Dave AtkinsonA teenage wereduck in a family of werewolves struggles to free her family from its curse as others race to reveal them in this humorous paranormal fantasy.It&’s not easy being a fourteen-year-old wereduck in a family of werewolves. In The Wereduck Code, we catch up with Kate after discovering that an ancient cure for her family&’s curse—one she had hoped would mean her family could finally come out of hiding—turned out to be more complicated than that.The third installment of the critically acclaimed Wereduck series finds Kate sending away for a DNA test, thinking it will provide answers. The test&’s results are shocking: there appears to be a toggle in human genetic code that is switched on in werewolves. And if that toggle can be switched off, like it was for her best friend John, does that mean it can be switched on? Will the scientist who discovered it use this information for good or evil?And where is Dirk Bragg? The tabloid journalist-turned-country-music-star—who&’s come close to exposing Kate&’s family more than once—is suddenly missing. And as John soon discovers, there&’s an anonymous group of hackers called D-Net hot on Dirk&’s trail, convinced he can reveal the truth about werewolves once and for all. With freedom and friendship on the line, the thrilling conclusion of the Wereduck series will leave readers on the edge of their seats!Praise for The Wereduck Code&“Hilarious adventures. . . . The Wereduck Code is slapstick comedy with many silly antics.&” —Canadian Review of Materials
The Wereing (The Werewolf Chronicles #3)
by Rodman Philbrick Lynn HarnettGruff fights the wereing to save himself and his human family More than anything, Gruff would like to be the human boy that his new family thinks he is. But he knows he will always have to fight the wereing—the transformation into full werewolf—to protect them from the evil that lurks in the shadows. But the werewolves aren&’t just out to get Gruff—they plan to take over the entire town of Fox Hollow . . . and then move on to the next town, and the one after that, until they control the world. And these monsters have planned their first kill already—Gruff&’s sister, Kim.
The West (Travels Across America)
by National Geographic Society Staff Elspeth LeacockExplore the states of the western region of the United States. See the land features, businesses, cultures and recreation of these eleven states.
The Western States
by Sarah GlasscockFind out about what makes the west a special region of the United States and meet interesting people from the west.
The Westie Winter: A Story of a West Highland Terrier (Dog Tales #2)
by Coleen Hubbard[From the back cover:] Who could say no to a puppy? Every Christmas, Kelly asks her parents for a puppy. But she never gets one. This year Kelly has a great idea. She'll get a puppy for somebody who loves dogs as much as she does -- her Grandpa Dunc, who has just moved in with Kelly's family. Kelly meets a breeder and picks the perfect puppy on her own. But suddenly Grandpa Dune starts acting strange. Could the puppy present be all wrong? Book jacket. If you love dogs, Bookshare has more books in the Dog Tales series for you. Check out #1 The Golden Year: A Story of a Golden Retriever, #3 Mountain Dog Rescue: A Story of a Bernese Mountain Dog, and #4 The Great Spaniel Escape.
The Westing Game (Be Classic)
by Ellen RaskinA Newbery Medal WinnerFor over thirty-five years, Ellen Raskin's Newbery Medal-winning The Westing Game has been an enduring favorite. This highly inventive mystery involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They could become millionaires-it all depends on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, a game involving blizzards, burglaries, and bombings! Ellen Raskin has created a remarkable cast of characters in a puzzle-knotted, word-twisting plot filled with humor, intrigue, and suspense. Winner of the Newbery Medal Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award An ALA Notable Book A School Library Journal One Hundred Books That Shaped the Century"A supersharp mystery...confoundingly clever, and very funny." —Booklist, starred review "Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review"A fascinating medley of word games, disguises, multiple aliases, and subterfuges—a demanding but rewarding book." —The Horn Book
The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)
by Ellen RaskinA Newbery Medal Winner"A supersharp mystery...confoundingly clever, and very funny." —Booklist, starred review A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, on things for sure: Sam Westing may be dead…but that won’t stop him from playing one last game! Winner of the Newbery Medal Winner of the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award An ALA Notable Book "Great fun for those who enjoy illusion, word play, or sleight of hand." —The New York Times Book Review"A fascinating medley of word games, disguises, multiple aliases, and subterfuges—a demanding but rewarding book." —The Horn BookFrom the Trade Paperback edition.
The Whale (The Lighthouse Family)
by Cynthia Rylant Preston McdanielsIn this Lighthouse Family adventure, Whistler and Lila help to reunite a baby beluga whale with his mother.Pandora, Seabold, Whistler, Lila, and Tiny have all been enjoying the love and comfort that being a family brings. It is a comfort they are unexpectedly reminded of when Whistler and Lila hear the cries of a lonely baby beluga whale named Sebastian. When they learn that he has lost his mama, the Lighthouse Family, with the help of a cranky but noble old cormorant named Huck, does all it can to bring Sebastian and his mother together again.
The Whale Child
by Keith Egawa Chenoa EgawaAn inspiring middle-grade chapter book that introduces young readers to the environmental challenges facing the planet through the eyes of Coast Salish characters and authors."You have family on land as you do in the sea. . . being a caretaker of the earth begins with taking care of the water that all life depends on."Shiny is a whale child. One day his mother teaches him about the harm facing the world's oceans because of human carelessness. Shiny agrees to be turned into a boy by the ocean's water spirit so he can visit the land and alert people to these dangers. He meets Alex, a young Coast Salish girl who learns from Shiny that the living spirit of water exists in everything--glaciers, rivers, oceans, rain, plants, and all living creatures. Together the two travel the earth, confronting the realities of a planet threatened by an uncertain future. Inspired by Shiny's hope, humor, and wisdom, Alex makes the promise to become a teacher for future generations. She realizes that the timeless Indigenous value of environmental stewardship is needed now more than ever and that we must all stand up on behalf of Mother Earth. Written and illustrated by Indigenous authors Keith Egawa and Chenoa Egawa, The Whale Child introduces children ages 7 to 12 to existing environmental issues with a message of hope, education, sharing, and action. Ideal for middle-grade readers who are beginning to read chapter books on their own, this book also includes resources for students and teachers to facilitate learning about Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures and the environment.
The Whatnot
by Stefan BachmannThe Whatnot is the companion to the international bestseller The Peculiar, a debut fantasy novel by teenage author and classical musician Stefan Bachmann that was hailed by best-selling author Christopher Paolini as "swift, strong, and entertaining. Highly recommended. "This is the sequel to Stefan Bachmanns acclaimed debut novel The Peculiar. The Los Angeles Times called The Peculiar "a book that, at times, recalls Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment, Charles Dickenss A Tale of Two Cities, and more recent classics, such as J. K. Rowlings Harry Potter and Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events. "While The Whatnot stands alone as a fast-paced, clockwork- and steampunk-infused fantasy adventure, readers of The Peculiar will find it especially thrilling. At the conclusion of The Peculiar, changeling Bartholomew Kettle lost his sister Hettie when she was pulled through a mysterious door and into the faery-inhabited forest of the Old Country. In The Whatnot, readers are introduced to unforgettable new characters, including Pikey Thomas, a boy who joins forces with Bartholomew to rescue Hettie. Featuring nonstop action, mesmerizing human and magical characters, and an unforgettable story that will appeal to fans of Christopher Paolini, Holly Black, and Susanna Clarke.
The Wheel of Life and Death (Mysterium #3)
by Julian SedgwickAfter a close call with an assassin in Barcelona, Danny is more convinced than ever that his parents—star performers in the Mysterium circus—died under suspicious circumstances. He's also sure that there's a traitor within the Mysterium. As the troupe heads to Berlin for a circus festival, Danny scrambles to unravel the clues his father left behind. He'll need his decoding skills—plus some extremely risky circus tricks—to find out what really happened to his parents and who's still trying to sabotage the Mysterium. Can he expose his parents' killer before disaster strikes again?
The Wheel of Life and Death: Book 3 (Mysterium Ser.)
by Julian SedgwickReeling from events in Barcelona, the reformed Mysterium circus company pack up and head for a new circus in Berlin. For twelve-year-old Danny Woo it is a date with destiny: it was in Berlin ('the city of escapes') that the last Mysterium performance took place, and where his parents perished in the mysterious fire for which Danny has been desperate to find an explanation.Danny is closing in on Centre - the traitor who is either part of the Mysterium, or linked to it. But a vital last clue, left in code by Danny's father, is missing. And a dark figure is shadowing the convoy as it makes its way across Europe.As the Mysterium pitches camp in Berlin, the snow begins to fall once more. The truth is within reach - but will Danny discover it in time enough to save not only himself but Sing-Sing - the sister he never knew he had.
The Wheel on the School
by Meindert DejongWhy do the storks no longer come to the little Dutch fishing village of Shora to nest? It was Lina, one of the six schoolchildren who first asked the question, and she set the others to wondering. And sometimes when you begin to wonder, you begin to make things happen. So the children set out to bring the storks back to Shora. The force of their vision put the whole village to work until at last the dream began to come true.<P><P> Winner, 1955 Newbery Medal
The Wherewood (Orca Currents)
by Gabrielle PrendergastFourteen-year-old Blue (a human) should be upset that his new friends Salix (a Nixie) and Finola (a Faerie) have tricked him into going on another adventure into the Faerieland. But he's actually quite excited. Especially since their quest to find the way back to Salix's homeland takes them through the Wherewood, a magical region where lost things go. They encounter confused pets, misplaced homework assignments and mountains of odd socks. But when a misstep leads Blue into the forsaken Witherwood, he comes face to face with an old enemy. And Olea, the cursed former queen of Nearwood, will not let Blue go so easily this time. This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! This is the second book in the Faerie Woods series, following The Crosswood.
The Whim of the Dragon (Secret Country #3)
by Pamela DeanThe cousins Ted, Laura, Ruth, Patrick, and Ellen have faced the first two; now, summoned back to the Secret Country, they must face the third. The Country's most trusted counselors now know that the five are impostors, somehow thrust into the roles of royalty, but no one knows who has been playing with their destinies. <P><P>The truth lies with only Chryse, the unicorn, and Belaparthalion, the dragon. But getting to them, and speaking with them, is more complex and dangerous than it seems.... "Pamela Dean's Secret Country books are required reading for anyone who loves fantasy. Get them!"--Will Shetterly, author of Dogland
The Whipping Boy
by Sid FleischmanThis Newbery winning book is about an orphan named Jemmy. As the whipping boy Jemmy must take the whippings for the royal heir, Prince Brat. Jemmy plans to run away from the castle. Unfortunately Prince Brat beats him to it, and takes Jemmy along. Jemmy then hears he's charged with the Prince's abduction. Will Jemmy escape or be hanged for this crime?