Miryam's body doesn't fight off germs like it should. While doctors figure out how to make her better, Miryam needs to stay home for online classes. Trouble is: Miryam struggles to focus on her teacher and schoolwork. She likes in-person learning at school much better! Plus, she misses her friends! When Miryam's dad hears about the Helper Hounds, everything changes. Brisket the Helper Hound knows all about learning to focus and about staying in touch with friends.
Ajani loves having a dad from Denmark and a mom from Jamaica. Ajani speaks three languages and gets to spend summers with his grandparents in the coolest places. But when a classmate overhears dark-skinned Ajani speaking Danish, the boy makes a hurtful, racist comment. Ajani is crushed. Until a chance encounter with Louis the Helper Hound helps Ajani feel proud of his heritage and helps him and his classmates fight racism.
After losing her first two forever homes, Noodle the golden doodle knows all about the sadness of goodbyes. But in her new home with Andrea and as an official Helper Hound, Noodle helps Gabriel deal with the loss of his grandfather and to discover that our loved ones can be found in the little things all around us even when they’re gone.
Ming often gets teased for being “weird.” His curious mind and wild imagination make him extra nervous for his school’s upcoming lockdown drill after a deadly dance hall shooting. His teacher calls the Helper Hounds to help calm his nerves—and King Tut comes to the rescue! King Tut knows all about being weird. she’s been in some scary situations herself after being abandoned under a bridge as a puppy. King Tut helps Ming and his classmates through the lockdown drill. Discover how King Tut helps Ming and his friends see the beauty in being “weird.”
Danny is scared to tell the truth. After he saw someone steal some bikes, now he has to see that person in court and tell what he did. To help calm Danny’s fears on the big day, his parents call the Helper Hounds—and there’s no better pup for the job than Spooky. Spooky was involved in a crime herself—she lost her leg after being shot by a police officer who thought she was dangerous. Will Spooky’s best calming tricks give Danny the courage to tell the truth in court?
Max and his sister Lily are staying with relatives while their Mom is away getting her own emotional help. Max and Lily are being teased and bullied at school. Their Aunt Eileen calls the Helper Hounds – and soon Robot, an endearing Rottweiler who knows all about bullies, comes to give support. A lot of people think Rottweiler's are bullies, but that's because they don't really know how cuddly they can be. Robot and his handler Samuel help the kids at Max and Lily's school deal with bullies while Max and Lily gain new friends.
Mary’s new in town. She’s worried about starting classes at her new school. That’s why her mom called the Helper Hounds – and why Sparkplug, the wildly handsome, wickedly smart, card-carrying, world famous Helper Hound is on the scene. Sparky knows a thing or two about moving. He moved four times as a puppy, and learned to make new friends along the way. Sparky knows he can teach Mary all his best tricks and help her meet new friends, too. At least Sparky thought he could until he met Custard, Mary’s persnickety cat. Will Sparky’s best tricks be enough to win over Custard and show Mary making friends is nothing to fear?
Portia has overcome a lot in life. Born with Down syndrome, Portia has been through many surgeries, lots of doctor’s appointments, and strange looks from people who want to limit what she can do. Inside herself, Portia knows she can do anything – including getting over her fear of dogs. But when Penny shows up at Portia’s house, she isn’t so sure. After all, Penny is a pit bull – the scariest dogs of all, right? Good thing Penny has a few tricks of her own to win Portia’s trust.
Into the Wind is a middle-grade novel about the unlikely friendship between a boy and an elderly woman. Both moving and joyful, this is a poignant story about loss and love, and the surprising and sustaining bonds that can grow between the old and young.
Lily has a hole. It eats her joy, makes her angry, and--no matter what Daddy does to try to help--it just keeps growing. So Lily retreats. But a friend lets her in on a secret (he has a hole too!) and shows her the best way to repair holes: spend time on friends, family, the things you love, yourself, and kindness. Those patches don't make the hole go away, but they help. A lyrical and age-appropriate story for learning to cope with grief and loss.
When Polly's father goes overseas to fight in World War I, her whole world changes. Though the war is in Europe, its effects are felt on American soil. There are food, fuel, and other supply shortages everywhere. Even something as simple and enjoyable as a family Sunday car ride isn't possible anymore. Everyone must do their part to help the war effort. Victory gardens are planted and scrap metal is collected. "It's the biggest event in our history. And it involves every single adult, every single boy, and every single girl," says Polly's teacher. As Polly struggles to make sense of the war, she wonders how she can contribute. When the government puts out a notice requesting peach pits to be used in gas mask filters, Polly knows how she can help.
Most folks know the famous story of Helen Keller—a DeafBlind girl who learned to understand sign language at the family water pump. But what do you really know about her? Did you know she was an activist, a rebel, a writer, a performer, a romantic? There is so much more to Helen than we usually learn in school. Read ahead as the story of Helen Keller’s passionate, boundless life unfolds—reminding us that she was, as we all are, so many things.
Jill Biden has held many roles in the government and beyond. Through them all, she never stopped learning or teaching! This low-level title introduces young readers to the life and work of Jill Biden. Leveled text and crisp images combine with a profile, timeline, and map to introduce basic facts about Jill. Quotes throughout the book let readers hear from Jill in her own words. This informative title shows the importance of lifelong learning!
Selena Gomez is known for her acting and music career. But she also advocates for mental health! Through leveled text and crisp images, this low-level title introduces Selena’s life and accomplishments. A profile details basic facts about her life, a map shows off her hometown, and a timeline lays out important events. Quotes throughout the book let Selena inspire readers in her own words. This title gives readers a role model for mental health awareness and beyond!
From a young age, Greta Thunberg has made it her mission to fight climate change! Through leveled text and crisp photos, this title for young readers introduces her life and work. A profile introduces basic facts about Greta, a map shows where she grew up, a timeline lays out some of the most important events in her life, and quotes let Greta speak for herself. This book is sure to inspire young readers to strive for change!
In 1943, Jan Baalsrud traversed the icy mountains and fjords of Nazi-occupied Norway. The journey was fraught with danger, but Baalsrud received plenty of help along the way. This graphic nonfiction title traces his treacherous voyage, including his interactions with the Nazis, his battle with the elements, and his journey to safety. Actual quotes bring history to the page, a map shows off Baalsrud’s route, and a timeline helps readers trace his path to survival.
Tornadoes move at speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. They can be deadly. On May 22, 2011, one such tornado touched down near the town of Joplin, Missouri. Readers will learn the details of the event and its aftermath in this hi/lo title. Special features such as a map and a scale help readers to understand exactly how devastating the Joplin tornado was.
On January 12, 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked the country of Haiti. The damage trapped thousands of people under rubble and toppled more than 100,000 buildings. In this hi/lo text, reluctant readers will learn about the earthquake and its aftermath. Special features show a map of the areas affected, the shockwave of the earthquake, and a timeline of the events.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf of Mexico, leaving destruction in its wake. Winds of 125 miles per hour and storm surges as high as 19 feet tall pounded coastlines, displacing millions of people from their homes. In this hi/lo title, reluctant readers will learn about the events of this disaster and its aftermath. Special features including a chart and a map show the extent of devastation caused by the hurricane.
On December 26, 2004, an enormous earthquake ripped through the Indian Ocean. This triggered a series of massive tsunami waves, some as high as 100 feet tall. In this hi/lo text, readers will learn about the events that caused the tsunami as well as the effects it had on the areas it struck. Features illustrate how a tsunami starts as well as how much destruction the tsunami caused.
The coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a standstill. Billions of lives were impacted as the deadly virus spread around the globe. In this title, reluctant readers will learn about the spread of the virus, the effects that it had, and the taken efforts to slow its spread. Special features show the timeline of events, a map of areas affected, and a list of items useful in protecting oneself from the coronavirus.
Voting is the key to democracy. It is how we make our voices heard. In this low-level text, young readers will learn about the importance of casting a ballot and the consequences of not fulfilling this duty. Special features such as labels, a question, and a picture glossary help reinforce the text. Readers of this book will soon understand the importance of voting!
Jury duty is an important part of being a responsible citizen. It helps ensure that trials are fair and just. In this low-level text, beginning readers will learn about the importance of juries and how they work. Special features teach readers about the qualifications of jury members and show the difference between a world with and without jury duty.
The military keeps people safe! That is why military service is an important part of responsible citizenship. Young readers will learn about the importance of the military and the service of its members through low-level text and vibrant images. Special features highlight the requirements for joining the military and show what the world would be like with and without military service.
Laws are rules that we must follow. Obeying the law is a key part of being a responsible citizen. In this low-level text, young readers will learn what laws are and why it is important to obey them. Special features visually reinforce the text and ask readers to answer a thought-provoking question.
