Austin loves mountain bike racing. But after a terrible accident, he gives up biking for good. What will he do when an emergency puts this decision to the the test?
Maddie and Lori find some very unusual mints that they love at first. But what happens when they learn something entirely unexpected about their favorite candy?
Pressure in the three main types of fault lines builds with a deadly force, giving little warning to people when an earthquake strikes--sending shock waves for hundreds of miles, potentially killing thousands with falling debris and creating deadly tsunamis.
Tyler and his mom and stepdad are fans of Major League Baseball. When the star pitcher on their favorite team signs Tyler's baseball, Tyler proudly displays it in a case that he keeps on his dresser. Tyler's stepbrother is not into baseball. And he doesn't seem to like Tyler either. When the baseball disappears, Tyler knows he didn't lose it. So who took it?
World War II was coming. Soon the United States would join the war. Everyone knew it was a matter of time. African Americans wanted to fight for their country. They wanted to be pilots. But they had to overcome racism to earn their wings.
Paige and Coco are curious about the new boy in school. His name is Orion Wells, and from the beginning, the boy is different. Paige thinks it's Orion's magical green eyes. Could the boy be from another planet? After a few weeks at school, the entire culture has changed. The bully is nice. Lonely kids have made friends. Teachers are calmer. The principal smiles. Even Coco changes. During a major talent show, Coco doesn't get stage fright. She nails her song and wins the contest.
Antonio slid down the rope. He held on for dear life. It got darker as the twister moved closer. It was loud. Like a giant freight train! 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! 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.
School's almost over, and best friends Ava and Sammi are heading to summer camp as volunteer camp counselors.
Chris always does the right thing. But when he knows who messed with Sam in the school yard, he can't speak up. His friends can't either. There's the silent Code that every kid follows. Chris decides he can't live with himself if he doesn't say something, so he makes a stand and is shocked at the outcome. Mean bully Phil is actually ... cool. But then Phil asks him to do something so wrong.
Playing soccer is the only time Feng is in control. On the field, he can forget the rest of the world. When an injury puts Feng on the sidelines, he is forced to face the problems in his life head-on. Will he realize that he doesn't have to do it all alone?
In 1981, the world is moving forward, especially for Rob Baker. He's starting his first job at a record store. Plus, excitement abounds when a woman is nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court for the first time. Rob's family situation reflects the changing times too. Can he and his family withstand the resulting pressures at home? Or will the stress prove too much for them to handle?
BFFs Danya and Emma are known around school as Demma. The girls are total opposites, but they know each other so well that they finish each other's sentences. Danya is plagued with guilt when the girls and Rosie, Emma's mom, are involved in a terrible car accident that leaves Emma in a wheelchair. Danya believes the wreck was her fault because she distracted Rosie from the road and had to be scolded. For a while, Emma believes it too. And she can't forgive her friend.
The family treasure has caused a rift between sisters. Isa's mom proudly shows Grandma's picture above the mantel in the Rodriguez living room. It's the last gift that Isa's grandfather ever gave. And it is proudly displayed, infuriating Isa's aunt. Then it is stolen. But why? Isa learns that to keep a valued friendship, sometimes it's better to think of others before yourself.
Jenny does not like her new stepmother. She doesn't like their new house either. And she's always getting into trouble. She hates it when her stepmom bosses her around. So she makes a wish to the garden troll in the back garden. She wants her stepmom to get in trouble too. Soon there are a lot of mishaps. A freezer is turned off. The trash cans get dumped in the front yard. Is it the troll's doing? How can Jenny take back her wish before something really bad happens?
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.
Mai Pham cannot wait to return to Summit after the holiday break. She remembers how she used to dread it. School was a lonely place. But now Mai has two besties: Carson and Emma. Ever since Carson showed up, life has been different. Mai's new school ties don't please her dad. Friendships are a distraction. Can Mai prove him wrong?
Dan and Pete are excited to have a sleepover at Dan's house while their parents are away. Their excitement turns to fear when the dam breaks and a killer flood smashes through town. The boys decide to stay put until they realize that Dan's elderly neighbors may be in danger. When they reach the neighbors' house, they find one of them near death. His lifesaving medicine is under water, and his wife is too old to make her way to town to get more. Both boys brave the flood to go find help.
A wish comes true in a mysterious restaurant. Two boys switch places. Brian Stark is a normal middle school kid. He is bored with his family. School is a drag. Watching his little sister is a total pain. Jamie Hawk is an international pop star sensation with a ton of money, but he has no normal life. His dad bosses him around. He has no privacy. He never sees his mom. Zap! With a crack of lightning and a selfie, it all changes.
"I know you're tired of the beach. This is just like being in the Heights. Only warmer. What do you want to do?"
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?
Carson Schwartz is used to being the best at everything. When he gets the hottest new toy, a Cube Spinner, all he can think about is becoming the best spinner in the world. But something about this Cube Spinner is different. Each time Carson uses it, strange things happen. People even get hurt. Can Carson put aside being the best in order to keep his friends and family safe?
Joey Tran and his best friend, Max, love technology. When Joey’s dad comes home with a car that safely drives itself, they are thrilled and amazed. Their friends from school want to take a ride. This leads to a very unexpected adventure.
Using the graphics, students can activate prior knowledge--bridge what they already know with what they have yet to learn. Graphically illustrated biographies also teach inference skills, character development, dialogue, transitions, and drawing conclusions. Graphic biographies in the classroom provide an intervention with proven success for the struggling reader.
