These traditional reads are brimming with spirited characters and positive values--but with a little extra excitement and bite, so hold on to your hats! Written expressly for the middle grade struggling reader, the series does not contain strong language, edgy themes, or dysfunctional families. In fact, family is the main theme of these titles. And one particular Latino family is the focus with their uncanny knack for finding humor, hope, and colorful personalities--even in unusual circumstances. Written at the lowest reading levels, the 50-page story structure is straightforward and moves the reader through the text quickly and efficiently. The bus should have arrived at the Heights at five o'clock. Two hours later, there was no sign of it. Everyone was scared and confused. A bus full of students had vanished.
Growing up in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai’s life was turned upside down by the Taliban. It forbade girls her age from going to school, but Malala refused to accept this. Speaking out nearly cost the young activist her life. Still, she didn’t give up. Today, Malala continues to fight for a free, safe education for all girls around the world.
Dez and Jax love sky watching for their school. They’re talented, and they take pride in their work. But can they chase down thieves and return a special item back to its owner before it’s too late?
When his cousin struggled in school, Salman “Sal” Khan decided to help. Since they couldn’t get together, Khan tutored her by computer. Soon he posted lessons online for others too. Seeing the need for online learning, he started the Khan Academy. Through the academy, Khan continues his quest to provide a world-class education to anyone who wants one.
Bruno had seen it all. Five foster homes in his short life. He hoped he could stay with the Browns. They were cool people. He knew he was too old at 10 to be adopted and find his forever family. But Eva and Martin were so nice plus since he had been beaten by a few foster parents. Plus, Martin was helping him with his baseball skills. Everything seemed to be going well until a stranger started lurking around the baseball field.
In graphic-novel format, this brief biography of Martin Luther King Jr. discusses his childhood, his protests and marches, and his "I Have a Dream" speech.
Liv is someone who is careful with money. She plans, saves up, and purchases a phone she has wanted for years. All of her dedication and hard work then pay off in ways she never thought they would.
Rae Mars and Kia Ladd are best friends starting sixth grade at a new school. But when they both decide to run for Student Council, things get complicated. Will this mean the end of their friendship?
Andrew Lu is the coolest kid at Knight Middle School. He's known for his epic pranks and amazing birthday parties. But when Andrew decides to prank his former best friend, the very uncool Zach Bottoms, everything goes wrong. His 12th birthday party and his own popularity hang in the balance. Can Andrew find a way to save his party, or will this prank be his last?
Growing up, Dolores Huerta saw few people in power who looked like her. But her desire to help farm workers drove her to become a leader. After cofounding a labor union in 1962, Huerta helped improve the lives of countless farm workers. Her message of working together for change continues to inspire people around the world.
Dax Davis loves candy. He eats it every day and posts on a social media site for candy fans. But when he steals a rare piece of candy so he can be the first to try it, he has a very strange reaction. Before long, he finds himself in desperate need of help.
Wilma Mankiller knew firsthand the hardships facing the Cherokee people in the mid-20th century. After growing up in poverty, she got involved in the Native American rights movement of the 1960s and resolved to fight for change. As the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, her hard work and determination improved health care, education, and living conditions for her tribe. Mankiller’s legacy of compassion and dedication continues to inspire people in the American Indian community and beyond.
As a minister and an activist, Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to helping others. He fought for equality during a time when Black people in America experienced great injustice. His life and legacy continue to inspire others to push for change.
Robots may seem new, but their roots trace back more than 2000 years. Today, we have more robots than ever before. They work in factories, cook our meals, and even perform surgery. As robots become more like humans, what new changes will they bring to our world?
The 5,000th caller on fraternal twins Ned and David's favorite reality show, Ryan's World, will get to spend an entire week with extreme sports superstar Ryan Wilson. Ned and David both dial and redial. Will they win? It doesn't seem likely. But they do! Ryan will spend the entire week with the sixth graders. And stay in their home! But TV Ryan is not the same as real-life Ryan.
Malia MacLeod is part Hawaiian and part Haole, the Hawaiian word for Caucasian. Raised in Los Angeles, she returns to Oahu to teach high school and learn about her family's history.
"They took my clothes. They shaved my head. I was given a prisoner number. I was no longer a human!"
"The ship is sinking. I don't want to die in the icy sea. When will help come? Who will save us?"
"Life was hard in my village in Poland. So I came to America. I have little money, and I don't speak English. Will my dream of a better life come true?”
Nine high school students in Little Rock, Arkansas were at the heart of the battle to integrate schools in the late 1950s. Many places in the south were slow to change, but things got especially heated in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Learn about the history, potential, and dangers of cloning, from the first cloned salamander to Dolly the sheep and beyond.
Tracy decides to enter the Little Miss Miss pageant when she hears the winner will get a free trip to Washington, D.C. Her best friend, Liza, decides to keep her company. And their new camp counselor, beauty queen and college student Ashley, will be their coach. They are in it to win it. Then they meet pageant pro Jordi and her super mean mom.
Kemba feels like the lamest kid in school. If only he could be cool like the computer game superhero Underdog. But he can’t even save himself from the biggest bully in the sixth grade, let alone protect the weakest of the weak like Underdog does. He has zero friends. Or so he thinks. Kemba hasn’t even had the courage to try until one act of cruelty pushes him over the edge.
In graphic novel format, this is a tale of a Danish prince who seeks vengeance for his father's murder after being visited by his ghost.
These traditional reads are brimming with spirited characters and positive values--but with a little extra excitement and bite, so hold on to your hats! In fact, family is the main theme of these titles. And one particular Latino family is the focus with their uncanny knack for finding humor, hope, and colorful personalities--even in unusual circumstances.
