Grades: FIRST

This hilarious trickster tale, fifth in the popular Anansi series, once again combines the talents of Eric A. Kimmel and Janet Stevens.

Anansi and Turtle are good friends. But when Anansi invites Turtle to a party, he plays so many tricks on him that Turtle can't have any fun. So Turtle decides to get even—with an outrageous party of his own.

"Children will delight in hearing this tale. . . . Laughs abound."—School Library Journal

"Stevens's mixed-media artwork adds to the story's comic intensity."—Booklist

Check out the online Anansi Party Kit to plan the best party ever! It’s chock full of party decorations, puzzles, games, recipes, and more!

Grades: FIFTH

This inspiring and suspenseful account of Simon Wiesenthal's search for the Gestapo officer who arrested Anne Frank and her family testifies to the difference that one man's dedication can make.

In October 1958 renowned Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal received a disturbing phone call at his home in Linz, Austria. He rushed to the Landes Theater, where a group of teenagers were disrupting a performance of The Diary of Anne Frank. Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor, had made it his life work to ensure that Anne Frank and others who had died in the Holocaust were not forgotten. He was deeply concerned that many local teenagers seemed to agree with the neo-Nazi protesters that Anne's diary was a hoax. Determined to find definitive proof that the diary was authentic, Wiesenthal began a five-year-long search for the Gestapo officer who arrested the Frank family.

See the reviews for The Anne Frank Case.

Grades: FIRST

It's report card day in Isabel's classroom, and at first Isabel is sure that her report card is going to be excellent; but then she has doubts. Nancy Poydar helps to calm the nerves of students fearing the worst about their own report cards in this humorous and reassuring picture book.

Grades: FIRST

The Big Test is coming. The older kids claim that The Big Test booklet is as huge as a telephone book! This humorous and assuring picture book for students facing their own Big Tests takes the terror out of test-taking.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"With the increased emphasis on testing, there is a real need for cooks like this one that spoof and reassure simultaneously."—School Library Journal

"Poydar works her magic here."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FIRST

This beautiful book presents a comprehensive look at life in a coral reef. Marine biologists believe coral reefs existed 400 million years ago, well before the age of dinosaurs. Today, this active environment is home to about 200,000 kinds of brilliantly colored coral, plants, and animals.

Grades: FIRST

What is the story behind corn?

Corn is used in many favorite foods, such as popcorn, corn on the cob, corn dogs, and cornflakes. This cornucopia of information in Gail Gibbons?s tried-and-true style presents the history and uses of corn as well as details concerning planting, cultivation, and harvesting.

"A simple, yet informative and engaging look at an important food source."—School Library Journal

"Well-organized, accessible narrative."—Booklist

Grades: SECOND

Similes set off an exciting chase scene in an adventure in language arts.

Rufus the fox has an important job to do. He runs across the meadow as fast as lightning, sneaks up to the sheep Babette like a thief in the night, and roars like a lion. Babette, mad as a hornet, chases Rufus all over town. But is Rufus being chased or actually leading Babette to a very nice birthday surprise? Rufus really is—crazy like a fox! Sure to make the reader as happy as a clam, this bright simile story also includes a clear explanation of similes and shows how to include similes in a story.

Grades: SECOND

This energetic simile story has a surprise ending that will leave the reader happy as a clam.

Rufus the fox runs across the meadow as fast as lightning, sneaks up on Babette like a thief in the night, and roars like a lion. Babette is as mad as a hornet! But is Rufus acting as pesky as a gnat for no reason, or does he have a plan - is he crazy like a fox?

The book includes an explanation of similes and shows how to use similes in your own writing.

"The brilliantly colored digital illustrations cleverly depict the similes. . . . As welcome as springtime to teachers, aspiring writers and any who appreciate wordplay." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Grades: SIXTH

Based on actual historical figures and events, this is a gripping survival story filled with fast friendships and cruel betrayals, cowardice and greed, and courage and generosity. Pierre Talon's remarkable adventure will captivate young readers.

When eleven-year-old Pierre Talon sets out in 1684 on what became the last, ill-fated expedition of the great French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, he hopes to find help for his family, who are struggling in a settlement being decimated by hunger, illness, and Indian attacks. But the expedition to relocate the Mississippi River unravels when La Salle and his closest aides are murdered. Pierre falls deathly ill, and into the hands of the Hasinai Indians. To his surprise, he finds that the Hasinai have a well-ordered, prosperous, and peaceful community. Soon Pierre must choose between embracing the Hasinai ways or risking his life to hold on to his European identity.

HISTORICAL FICTION

Grades: SEVENTH

Set against the exciting backdrop of early American history, this riveting novel shows what it takes to be a friend.

It is 1839. Nine-year-old Ethan does not want to be an indentured servant. But his family has no other way to pay off their debt, so Ethan must work for the wealthy shopkeeper in their Massachusetts town. Soon Ethan and the other indentured servant, Daniel, a moody Irish teenager, are suffering vicious beatings from their master. The boys take a desperate measure to protect themselves, but will their astonishing plan only make things worse?

Excerpt from A Difficult Boy. Copyright © 2008 by M.P. Barker. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

REVIEWS

"A memorable tale of friendship and a fascinating glimpse into mid-19th-century Massachusetts. . . . This is an eye-opening look at indentured servitude in American history."—School Library Journal

“Readers will cheer for the two charming, perseverant protagonists." —Booklist

"Barker's gift for historical detail illuminates this absorbing first novel."—Publishers Weekly

ABOUT THE AUTHOR For nearly ten years, M. P. Barker worked as a costumed historical interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. She got a firsthand taste of 19th-century New England rural life by milking cows, mucking out barns, and doing other tasks that helped her bring realism and immediacy to the setting and characters of A Difficult Boy. A Difficult Boy, M. P. Barker’s first novel, is a PEN New England Children’s Book Caucus Discovery Award winner. As an archivist at the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, Barker visits a different time and place with every diary, letter, and photograph she catalogs. Find out more at www.mpbarker.net.

Check out the educators' guide.

HISTORICAL FICTION—Now in paperback!

Grades: KINDERGART

Here is everything the youngest reader needs to know about dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs ruled Earth for millions of years. Some were small and could run very, very fast. Others were big and were covered in spikes and plates for protection. And some were huge, terrifying other dinosaurs with their long, sharp teeth. Today, paleontologists piece together fossilized dinosaur skeletons and study ancient dinosaur footprints to learn more about how these amazing creatures lived.

Perfect for very young paleontologists, Gibbons's simple yet informative text and vividly detailed illustrations depict the most up-to-date information available about these magnificent creatures.

Grades: FOURTH

Can a not-so-old dog learn a new trick—friendship? Other dogs are K-9s. But K-10 is a cut above other dogs—and he has the name to prove it. K-10 spends his days running away from owners and doing time in dog shelters. He doesn't need friends. But after K-10 escapes from a shelter with some other dogs, he discovers that it's not so bad to be part of a pack. Excerpt from A Dog on His Own. Copyright © 2008 by Mary Jane Auch. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. "Humorous, action-packed. . . . Sure to please dog-loving kids."—School Library Journal "The characters stands out as real individuals. . . . Delightful."—Kirkus Reviews "The dog's experiences facing their fears and learning the true meaning of friendship and family will resonate with kids."—Booklist MIDDLE-GRADE FICTION—Now in paperback! See the reviews!

Grades: THIRD

Eggs may hold an insect or a spiderling, a fish, a baby reptile or bird, or even a mammal. As different as they are from one another, each egg is a wondrous world where a developing creature can breathe, grow, and be nourished.

Grades: FIRST

Best-selling nonfiction author and illustrator Gail Gibbons explores elephants, the world's largest land animal. Elephants are very intelligent and social, with a trunk that serves as nose, foot, hand, and tool. Using her signature combination of clear information and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons presents important facts about these mesmerizing animals, describing elephant behavior, habitats, diet, and more!

Grades: SECOND

Bird lovers of all ages will feel right at home with Irene Kelly's latest nature title.

How does a bird make its nest? Very carefully! Many birds build intricate nests out of twigs, leaves, feathers, mud—even dollar bills and clothespins. Some nests are gigantic, housing hundreds of birds or weighing as much as a car, while others are just large enough to keep one egg safe and warm. Whether simple or fancy, every species finds a unique way and clever place to raise its young.

Grades: FIRST

Ivy Green experiences the anticipation, apprehensions, and excitement of the first day of school.

Ivy is all ready with her new shoes and shiny lunch box, but as the big day approaches, she starts to get nervous. Will she get over the first-day jitters? Yes!

Grades: THIRD

With a gust of wind a dandelion seed takes off soaring through the sky. Who knows where it will land? Seeds use ingenious methods to travel to new places, from bobbing along through waves to spinning like green helicopters. A glossary is included.

Grades: SECOND

Fun with Roman Numerals is a straightforward and appealing introduction to a timely topic. Page IV. Super Bowl XLV. Built in MMVII. Roman numerals are everywhere: on clocks, in books, and on buildings. But what do Roman numerals mean? How do you use them? An accessible text and colorful illustrations add up to fun in this vibrant guide by the celebrated author and illustrator of Working with Fractions and You Can, Toucan, Math.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"This team once again hits a home run. . . . Comprehensive, readable and understandable, with a concrete activity, this is the resource for teachers."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FIRST

In this Caldecott Honor Book, the ingenious Hershel rids a village synagogue of goblins by cleverly outwitting them.

It is the first night of Hanukkah. The traveler, Hershel of Ostropol, is tired and hungry and looking forward to reaching the next village. He is sure that bright candles, merry songs, and platters of potato latkes will be waiting for him. But Hershel discovers that the villagers aren't celebrating—they're too scared of the goblins that haunt the old snyagogue at the top of the hill. But Hershel wants to help and comes up with a wonderfully creative plan!

Check out the reproducible holiday activity sheets for Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.

Grades: FIRST

Families will be moved by this endearing story of religious tolerance based on a real court case.

The old man from apartment 3D is building something very special. Every day he collects leaves, bottles, and other treasures; but every day the landlady yells at him. When she discovers a sukkah on her roof, she orders the old man to remove it, then takes him to court. But timing is everything, and the judge's decision may just appease all.

"[A] good choice for introducing children to consideration of intercultural cooperation." —Booklist

"Marilyn Hirsh has scored again with her detailed, humorous yet expressive renderings of the Sukkot Saga. Welcome to author David Adler." —Association of Jewish Libraries

"A moving little story about an old, old Jewish holiday." —America Magazine

Grades: FIRST

Learn how hurricanes are formed, how they are named and classified, and what to do if a dangerous storm is on the way.

Imagine a force that can toss boats around like toys, wash away bridges, and create waves as high as eighteen feet. With fierce winds and torrential rains, hurricanes can do all of these things. They can cause tremendous damage and even change the shape of a shoreline.

For centuries people did not know when a hurricane was coming. But now we have new methods to predict when and where these storms will occur.

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK

Grades: FIRST

Rhythmic text combines with delightfully entertaining illustrations in this humorous story for construction-loving kids about getting what you work for.

Someone has done a lot of work. Someone has been driving a bulldozer, operating a cement mixer, and using a forklift to build a big, strong home for Jack. But is this the house that Jack built? One tired puppy dog disagrees.

"Delivers in spades." —Kirkus Reviews

"A wonderful twist on an age-old rhyme. . . . . This beguiling book will be a hit both at storytimes and in circulating collections, for those who really want to know how Jack's house got built." —School Library Journal

Grades: FIRST

Animal students learn about addition from the world around them.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

"Leedy guides readers through the learning-addition maze by using examples from the everyday world. . . . Leedy's explanations are clear and concise, and her colorful pictures feature a bevy of amusing animals. The math projects presented can spawn ideas for teachers and parents."—Booklist

Grades: ALL

This beginning guide to economics will have readers thinking about the purpose, and not just the value, of money.

What's all this madness about money? Long ago, people traded rocks or sheep for the items they wanted, but rocks were heavy and sheep ran away. Today there are many different kinds of money, including money you can't even see! Each still has value; you can use it to buy things you want and need.

Grades: THIRD

This fun and fact-filled introduction to nutrition and fitness gives kids the lowdown on the new food pyramid and the tools they need to feel terrific.

Beginning with a concise discussion of each food group and the newly redesigned food pyramid, and including sections on exercise, drugs, and self-esteem, this informative and lively book will help kids pick up nourishing foods and get into wholesome habits.

"Cheerful. . . . Useful to start discussions about healthy habits."—Booklist

"Impressive. . . . This lively, visually appealing book about a critical but potentially dry subject belongs in children's hands."—School Library Journal

Grades: SECOND

Nouns and verbs have fun inventing their own games in the classroom during Field Day in this companion to Punctuation Takes a Vacation.

Get ready, get set, GO! It's Field Day in Mr. Wright's class and not just for the students. Nouns and verbs are inventing their own games, such as tug-of-words, and putting on three-legged races. But before the real fun can begin someone is going to have to teach nouns and verbs about the kind of teamwork needed to make a sentence. Young readers will be having so much fun with nouns and verbs that they won't even realize that they are learning all about the two most basic parts of speech.

Grades: SEVENTH

Reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel, this engaging story of a determined young spinster transformed by the power of love offers a vivid portrait of late nineteenth-century Appalachia.

Strangers have come to Viney's mountain, and she is furious! The arrogant invaders are leveling acres of forest in her beloved home in the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee to establish a Utopian democratic settlement in 1880, the dream of English writer and labor pioneer Thomas Hughes. Sixteen-year-old Viney Walker is determined to sabotage their plans, but her sister Lizzie is thrilled, convinced that she will find a wealthy husband among the newcomers. However, the independent-minded Viney hasn't reckoned on Charlie Breckenridge, a handsome Englishman who takes a fancy to her. She feigns a relationship with Charlie to put an end to the pressure from her family to find a man; but her plot backfires in surprising ways, changing Viney and her mountain forever.

HISTORICAL FICTION Check out this blog review!

Grades: FIRST

This warm and humorous picture book gently reminds us to give thanks for the little things.

Thanksgiving leftovers litter the table. Mouse peeps out of his hidey-hole and spots the perfect feast for one mouse—one green pea, one red cranberry, one scoop of mashed potatoes, and one portion of roasted turkey. But can Mouse get this mountainous meal back to his own small table?

"Plenty of action and humor as well as a thoroughly satisfying ending make this a wonderful holiday read-aloud." —School Library Journal

"A slapstick climax children will relish." —Kirkus Reviews

Check out the classroom activities sheet and book trailer!

Grades: EIGHTH

In this dramatic novel set during the French Revolution, a teen aristocrat must question the justice of her own wealth while facing the cataclysmic divisions of her society. Secrets are revealed, sympathies shift, and every choice can change—or end—a life.

Spoiled, beautiful fourteen-year-old Eugenie de Boncoeur is accustomed to outrageous privilege. The French Revolution may rage around her, but Eugenie's luxurious lifestyle is only improved by visits from her brother, Armand, especially doting since the two were orphaned. What Eugenie doesn't know is that their guardian has promised her in marriage to the wealthy, vengeful Le Fantome, a revolutionary nursing a secret grudge against her family. As the Revolution becomes increasingly violent, Eugenie is shipped off to convent school. Finally, there is no place in France that is safe for her. Eugenie dusts off her lightly used brains and rises to the challenge of survival; and soon she is in the thick of turmoil and romance, confronting spies, secret agents, and double-crossing suitors in her quest to get out of France alive.

YA HISTORICAL FICTION

Grades: SECOND

Since The Planets was first published in 1993 and revised in 2005, space exploration has resulted in additional new discoveries that are included in this edition, along with the fact that Pluto was designated a dwarf planet in 2006.

Grades: FOURTH

When a teacher leaves a blank book in the Writer's Corner for her students to find, with the instructions "Please Write in this Book," she hopes it will encourage her students to talk to one another in its pages. They do, and the result is an epic classroom battle.

Grades: THIRD

The importance of punctuation marks and how difficult life can be without them.

Grades: SECOND

Thousands of different kinds of animals and plants live in each of the two types of rain forests (tropical and temperate). Fascinating facts teach beginning readers about rain forests from all over the world.

Grades: SECOND

From the creators of Punctuation Takes a Vacation and Nouns and Verbs Have a Field Day comes another dynamic grammar book!

Wretched . . . dumb . . . a pain! Mr. Wright's class is through with silent letters. The students can't hear them. They make spelling too tricky. Should silent letters be banned forever?

Grades: FIRST

There are about 3,000 kinds of snakes. Here is information about the different functions of these cold-blooded animals' characteristics. One also learns how they live, how they give birth, and how they eat.

Grades: FIFTH

Artfully designed, filled with fascinating photographs, The Snow Baby recalls the adventurous, unorthodox childhood of Admiral Robert E. Peary's spirited daughter. Marie Ahnighito Peary was born in 1893 in a tiny, tar paper-covered house in northern Greenland to the famous explorer Robert E. Peary and Josephine Peary. Even the local Inuit were amazed by the blonde, blue-eyed infant they called "Snow Baby." Marie spent her remarkable childhood moving between two very different worlds-the gentile society of her mother's home in the United States and the rugged Arctic, where she dressed in caribou skins, explored the frozen tundra with her Inuit friends, and spent a winter on a rickety ship trapped by ice. Excerpt from The Snow Baby: The Arctic Childhood of Admiral Robert E. Peary's Daring Daughter. Text copyright © 2007 by Katherine Kirkpatrick. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

A Booklist Editors' Choice Book

A Booklist Top 10 Biography for Youth

An Orbis Pictus Award Recommended Title

A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice Book

A James Madison Book Award Honor Book "This has everything—adventure, longing for a parent, the juxtaposition of cultures—all wrapped up in an attractive package, studded with fabulous photographs." —Booklist (starred review)

Grades: FOURTH

Orville and Wilbur Riot are back in this hilarious fourth book of the Riot Brothers series.

Plastic snakes, lost mummies, and water parks? Hip hip hooroonie! Summer has just begun, and the Riot Brothers are ready for adventures. But their cousin Amelia E. Hart is coming for a weekend visit. Will she be boring? Not a chance! Whether solving mysteries or playing Holey Cheese-n-Peas, this zany trio is always up for an adventure.

"Kids are sure to enjoy the warm family dynamics between the imaginative and exuberant brothers—and their like-minded cousin—and the breakneck pace of this uproariously funny book."—School Library Journal

CHAPTER BOOK

Grades: FOURTH

440 Animal Sayings A Little Bird Told Me. An amusing and informative collection of animal sayings.

Grades: SECOND

Filled with lively art and tasty bits of history and lore, this accessible guidebook makes learning how to care for teeth fun.

Crunch! Munch! Most kids take their teeth for granted. However, without their pearly whites it would be much harder for them to eat, smile, and talk. Edward Miller provides lots of good advice on dental hygiene in the delightful picture book.

"This is one that kids can really sink their teeth into."—Kirkus Reviews

"This book's dynamic presentation will appeal to many children, especially visual learners."—Booklist

Grades: FIRST

Tornadoes are funnel-shaped clouds the can cause massive distraction on the ground. The winds can swirl faster than 261 miles per hour! Using her acclaimed combination of clear text and detailed illustrations, Gail Gibbons explains how tornadoes form, the scale used for classifying them, and what to do in case one should be near you.

Grades: SECOND

Who knew there were so many different kinds of vegetables?

Glossy red peppers; lush, leafy greens; plump, orange pumpkins; and delectable little peas: Vegetables come in many shapes, colors, and forms. Using her signature combination of a clear, informative text and plenty of illustrations, diagrams, and cross sections, this book provides a wealth of information about produce.

"A clear, informative introduction to eight groups of vegetables. . . . A simple, effective approach to the topic."—School Library Journal

Grades: FIRST

Readers of all ages will marvel at the intricately detailed artwork in this masterful retelling of a beloved Irish tale by distinguished folklorist Margaret Hodges.

All of her life Oona dreams of having a cabin of her own. Left on a doorstep as a baby, she grows to be the prettiest, gentlest lass in the county; but no lad will marry the daughter of traveling tinkers. So Oona moves from cabin to cabin, helping wherever there is trouble or need.

When the Great Famine comes and the last of the potatoes is eaten, Oona knows she must leave. She sets out on a snowy Christmas Eve, bidding a silent farewell to the village, and finally drifts off to sleep under a thornbush. But the magic of a white Christmas awaits her, as do hundreds of fairies, all wanting to make her dream come true.

Grades: THIRD

Fractions are everywhere you look—on the playground, at school, even at birthday parties! When it comes to counting money, playing games, or making sure you get your fair share of the pizza, fractions are there to help you.

Here's what the reviewers are saying:

Working with Fractions "will be greeted with cheers by teachers everywhere. In clear, concise language . . . Adler introduces readers to fractions and makes them easy to understand through his use of repetition of vocabulary, examples and explanations, as well as hands-on activities. . . . Miller's computer artwork crisply and cleanly illustrates each concept, using a clown and magician birthday motif. An excellent resource for elementary classrooms, this should find a home in any library."—Kirkus Reviews

Grades: FIRST

Ziiip! Riiip! Cliick! Violet's new backpack is perfect. It has pockets that zip, snap, and strap. It's just what Violet needs to hold her very first homework assignment - or is it? An anxious student discovers that it's more important to tell the truth than to keep it zipped up in this timely tale. Beloved author Nancy Poydar takes a sympathetic look at learning to get organized in this buoyant picture book about homework.