Marlon and Steve are going camping with their dads in the rural mountain town of Dry Oak. To Marlon's disappointment, there is no cell service at the campsite. What will he do without his phone? Marlon and Steve are playing a new video game from the creator of Clan Castles, and it's rad. Now the online players will be ahead of him. Whatever! The trip is only for three days. Marlon helps with the tent. He goes fishing. The camp food is actually good. But he wants more adventure and excitement, so he convinces Steve to go on a night hike. There are no lights on their trail, and it's darn cold. The boys get more than they expect when they get lost. When they spy a house in the woods, all Marlon can think of is a horror movie. And he takes off when he hears a terrifying sound, thinking his buddy is right behind him. But Steve has gone into the house! Walden Lane is a quintessential small city. And these chapter books describe a typical American family, with busy schedules and the usual problems. The series explores suburban life in a fun way, with topics appropriate for younger readers. These gentle reads are innocent, hopeful, and sometimes funny, with no unsettling surprises or storylines. Each book is 5,000 words (approx.) and 10 chapters.
Since moving hundreds of miles to a new school, Daria has become increasingly dependent on her cell phone. Texts, Facebook and phone calls are her only connection to her friends in Calgary, and Daria needs to know everything that is going on at home to feel connected to her old life. Her cell phone habit looks a lot like addiction to her mother and to her new friend Cleo. Daria dismisses the idea of technology addiction as foolish until her habit puts a life in danger.
Seventeen-year-old Mark "Shark" Hewitt is good at playing pool. Really good. When he, his mom and sister move to a new town, Mark immediately seeks out the local pool hall. He loves to play, but even more than that, he just loves hanging out with the regulars. It reminds him of good times with his dad, who is no longer in the picture. When one of the patrons notices Mark's natural gift for the game, he forces Mark to use his talent for profit. Now Mark has to find a way to get out from under this sleazeball's thumb and protect his family.
Fifteen-year-old Natalie is obsessed with ballet and plans to spend the entire summer in dance class with her two best friends. But when her mom gets a job out of town, Natalie gets shipped off to stay with cousins she barely knows. Natalie is thrilled when her cousins invite her to join them at the local dance studio. But it turns out it's not a ballet class; it's Irish dance. Skeptical at first, Natalie is surprised to learn she really enjoys the new dance style and agrees to take part in an upcoming competition. But this new passion could result in Natalie having to leave her ballet dreams behind.
Fourteen-year-old Ava is thrilled when she lands a part in a play based on the true story of orphans sent to Canada in the 1800s to work on farms. But is she good enough to hold her own in a professional production? As the rehearsal pressures crank up, Ava struggles with her character, with the vocal demands of outdoor theater and with the annoying ego of her castmate Kiefer. But as she learns more about the historical Lily on which her part is based, things begin to fall into place. Then one bad decision jeopardizes Ava's chances of being able to perform on opening night.
Camp out! Bryan and Syd are totally different, but they were put together as camp roommates and have to learn to get along. Tara and Shelly overcome their fears to become members of the camp's canoe squad. Tex and Indi make a blanket fort to pretend they're camping in the woods! Zach, Miguel, and Dad go camping. When they go to bed, they listen for animal noises, but all they can hear is Dad snoring! Stories by Highlights for Children, Carol A. McClelland, Lissa Rovetch, and Marianne Mitchell.
Lend a hand! Arizona helps her sister, Indi, find her missing lost tooth. Indi helps Arizona clean her room. Arizona, her friend Ollie, and Abuela help out at a soup kitchen. Read along as Arizona learns how rewarding helping can be. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Oh, honestly! Arizona learns the difference between honesty, and tact. Arizona's siblings, Tex and Indi, get into an argument about missing craft supplies. Is someone lying, or are they telling the truth? It's better to not tell a fib, and be honest in the first place. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Family teamwork! The Timbertoes know that teamwork makes the dream work and that when things go wrong no one has your back like family. Stories by Rich Wallace and Marileta Robinson.
A good friend! Little Bunny learns that apologies are important when you make a mistake. Little Bunny finds a way to help people. At the library, Little Bunny and his friends learn about poetry. Badger, Squirrel, and Little Bunny have a pool party. Stories by Eileen Spinelli and Highlights for Children.
Kindness! Arizona realizes that being kind can make huge changes. Instead of gossiping and spreading rumors, she figures out that being kind makes everyone feel good. She invents a way to spread this kindness to her peers using the school newspaper.
Teachers come in all shapes and sizes! Baby Bunny learns how to say the word "mine!" Little bunny teaches his cousin how to read. Then, he creates a storybook about Great-Great Grandma from what Mama remembers about her. Grandpa Bunny reads a story about the first Thanksgiving, and Little Bunny and his cousins discuss what they're thankful for. Stories by Eileen Spinelli.
It takes work to have fun! Tommy searches for more honey for his snack. Tommy and Mabel build a tower, Pa builds a canoe, and the whole Timbertoes family puts together a picnic to enjoy. Stories by Rich Wallace and Marileta Robinson.
Stop and smell the roses! Arizona's cousin teaches her that she can experience the world in a whole new way if she just takes a moment to appreciate her surroundings. Arizona has to learn to relax and go with the flow when her vacation doesn't go the way she plans, and she even finds the fun in trying new food. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Challenging friendships! Arizona understands that friendships aren't always easy. Sometimes there are communication barriers, or jealous feelings. It can be difficult when friends argue and you feel like you have to pick a side. Arizona learns how to handle these challenges. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Pet cats! Cow gets stuck in a small space, Tex and Indi have to find away to free him. The whole family plays animal charades. Tex, Indi, and Mom go to the store to buy cat food for Cow. Tex and Indi explain why they named their cat Cow. Tex and Indi play with their kitten. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Friends! Catty Janes goes to the lake with her friends. Catty Jane shows her new trike to her friends. Catty Jane finds a way to play in the water without getting wet. Catty Jane's friends cheer her up on a bad day. Stories by Valeri Gorbachev and Highlights for Children.
Taking care of Cow! Tex and Indi take good care their pet cat. They give him a bath, take him to the veterinarian's office, and even write him a poem. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Fresh air adventures! Bert Beth and Grandpa explore the forest, walk around a lake, watch the stars, and play at the beach. Stories by Valeri Gorbachev.
Playing with Grandpa! Beth takes Bert and Grandfather on a plane ride right in their backyard. Bert and Beth get ready for Halloween with Grandpa. Bert and Beth remember a fun day with Grandpa. Bert and Beth seek help from Grandpa when there's no wind to fly their kite. Grandpa and Bert try to make Beth feel better when she is sick. Stories by Valeri Gorbachev.
Celebrating Holidays! Arizona learns the best gifts are those made from the heart. Arizona and Ollie create New Years resolutions. Arizona and her family find a way to thank their grocery store's customers at Thanksgiving. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Taking care of animals! Arizona learns that farm work isn't easy. Arizona's family adopts a kitten from the animal shelter. While Arizona's family pet sits a labradoodle, Cow has a hard time accepting the canine visitor. Arizona discovers that pets without fur are just as fun as pets with fur and just as much responsibility. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Friends! Arizona uses an old trick to make a decision. Arizona learns that true friends like you for the person you are not for the things you have. Arizona helps a friend figure out what it means to be a true friend. Arizona discovers that her "fantastic" friend acts differently when other friends are around. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
Giving Thanks! Join Mariana, various children and Spot in deciding what they are thankful for. Enjoy poems featuring what food animals are grateful to eat. Explore a traditional Thanksgiving feast with a fun light story about a girl who wants to have an authentic Pilgrim meal. Stories by Highlights for Children, Leslie Kimmelman, Laura Goering, Marianne Mitchell, and Marileta Robinson.
Summer Camp! Arizona learns the importance of paying attention to her instructors while riding a horse. During a scavenger hunt, Arizona discovers the importance of a positive attitude when working with a team. Arizona discovers that everyone is worried about going to camp for the first time. Stories by Lissa Rovetch.
