Ava works hard at maintaining a certain image online and at school. As far as anyone else knows, life is great. But when she inherits an African gray parrot from her great-uncle Bernie (whom she barely remembers), Ava’s carefully crafted world starts to crumble. The parrot, Mervin, is loud and messy and obnoxious. Ava’s brother thinks it’s hilarious to post videos of Ava trying to deal with the crazy bird. He even creates a profile for the two of them. Everyone wants to see more of Ava and Mervin. Suddenly, Ava is internet famous—in the worst possible way. Her friends think the parrot is gross and start acting weird. But then a new girl at school helps Ava see that this parrot might not be the worst gift in the world and that just being yourself is the best way to be.
New seventh-grade student Carson Roberts learns the hard way not to cross the school bully, and it's only her first day. Book #1 in the series.
Thirteen-year-old Chloë left her whole life back in Montreal, including her mom and her best friend. Now she's stuck in Victoria with her dad and her estranged grandfather, Uli, who recently had a stroke. When Chloë agrees to help Uli look after his garden, she's determined to find out why he and her dad didn't speak to each other for years. For decades Uli has collected seeds from people in the community, distinct varieties that have been handed down through generations. The result is a garden full of unusual and endangered produce, from pink broccoli to blue kale to purple potatoes. But Chloë learns that the garden will soon be destroyed to make way for a new apartment complex. And the seed collection is missing! Chloë must somehow find a way to save her grandfather's legacy.
Resourceful fourteen-year-old Odette is on the move again, traveling as a stowaway on a cheese cart with her hapless mother, Anneline. They are in Burgundy, France, in 1799, fleeing yet another calamity caused by Anneline (who is prone to killing people accidentally). At dawn they find themselves in a town called Nevers, which is filled with eccentric characters, including a man who obsessively smells hands, another who dreams of becoming a chicken and a donkey that keeps the town awake at night, braying about his narrow life. As Odette establishes a home in an abandoned guardhouse, she makes a friend in the relaxed Nicois and finds work as a midwife's assistant. She and Nicois uncover a mystery that may lead to riches and, more important for Odette, a sense of belonging.
Nat is all set to ride in a chaser truck at the hot-air balloon festival until he meets a killdeer family.
Jake tries to ride a bull that's as fast as lightning.
The boys play some basketball
Playing basketball helps a boy find friends in a new hometown.
Jeff is upset about moving to a landlocked state until he "finds his waves."
Dorsi shouldn't leave her lizard's mealworms on a low shelf in the refrigerator, not with a toddler like Travis around.
Alex discovers that a nighttime fishing trip can be fun.
Can thirteen-year-old Kate drive a tractor-load of hay by herself?
Brad taught his younger sister how plants grow from seeds but what about the pencil stub bits of crayons and the other things she's planted?
Alan volunteers for night watch at the wildlife-conservation camp--can he overcome his fear?
Jenny plays confidently and boldly after watching and imitating the skillful players on the opposing water-polo team.
This girl finds a surprising way to make friends at a new school.
Amanda overcomes a language barrier and begins to relate to her newly adopted sister.
Jamie has offended the most popular girl on the softball team. Will any of the players ever be friends with her?
Malia is chosen to dance in the luau even after making a mistake.
Nina uses her detective skills to solve a tough case.
Quinn was afraid of the dark--until Dylan's sleepover.
Benjamin shows Sheriff Leon how he and his Oma saved the money to pay off the mortgage.
Abby is her team's staunchest supporter but when will she get a chance to play?
Edward is unhappy as a frog. Emily is unhappy as a worm. Can "magic" help both of them?
Two friends win more than the Egg Drop Challenge.
