But she doesn't know how weird until she catches him peeling off his face -- and realizes that "Mr. Smith" is really an alien! At first no one will believe her except Peter Thompson, the class brain. When Peter and Susan discover Mr. Smith's horrible plans for their classmates, they know they have to act fast. Only they can get rid of their extraterrestrial visitor -- and save the rest of the sixth-grade class from a fate worse than math tests!

    He can't pay attention, he can't follow the rules, and he can't help it -- especially when his meds aren't working. Joey's had problems ever since he was born, problems just like his dad and grandma have. And whether he's wreaking havoc on a class trip or swallowing his house key, Joey's problems are getting worse. In fact, his behavior is so off the wall that his teachers are threatening to send him to the special-ed center downtown.Joey knows he's really a good kid, but no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, something always seems to go wrong. Will he ever get anything right?

    The story of a friendship between a 12-year-old boy and an immigrant handyman, almost wrecked by the good intentions of the townspeople.

    But when Yuri starts flubbing plays and the team's star player threatens to quit as a result, Mike is not sure Yuri is such a good choice after all-for a teammate or for a friend. It appears as if Mike will have to choose between his friendship with Yuri and his loyalty to the team-or is there another solution?

    There they meet Little Weakie, Hookie-the-Goblin, and Mr. and Mrs. Cookie and their two cookie children. It's the Cookie family who award bravery medals to the Raggedys after they save them from one of Hookie's sneak attacks. Then Hookie brings along his friend the Snitznoodle to help him capture the Raggedys, but Snitznoodles don't mess with dolls wearing bravery medals, no siree. Don't worry, though, the Raggedys find a way to make everyone friends and as always, it's a Raggedy-good time in Cookie Land. Delight in the scrumptious adventures of the ever-lovable Raggedys in another of Johnny Gruelle's wondrous storybooks. Full of funny, curious, and kookie creatures, this delectable Raggedy Ann classic will have readers chuckling with every turning page. First published in 1931 and restored to its original condition, Raggedy Ann in Cookie Land, now back in print, is a treat for all ages.

    He just wants to save on toothpaste. Betting he can make a gallon of his own for the same price as one tube from the store, Rufus develops a step-by-step production plan with help from his good friend Kate MacKinstrey. By the time he reaches the eighth grade, Rufus makes more than a gallon -- he makes a million! This fun, breezy story set in 1960s Cleveland, Ohio contains many real-life mathematical problems which the characters must solve to succeed in their budding business. Includes black-and-white illustrations by Jan Palmer.This 35th anniversary edition includes an exclusive author interview and reader's guide with book summary and discussion questions.

    With help from the community, they have a Christmas they will never forget.

    It wasn’t addressed to anyone at all, but Ben knew it was for him. It would lead him to an old, shambolic museum, full of strange and bewitching creatures. A peculiar world of hidden mysteries and curious family secrets . . . and some really dangerous magic.Filled with her own wonderful illustrations, The Hippo at the End of the Hall is Helen Cooper's debut novel.

    The collection involves:- The Brilliant World of Tom Gates- Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff)- Everything’s Amazing (sort of)- Genius Ideas (Mostly)

    Then a mouse. Before long, another apparent victim arrives though the cat-door. Can softhearted Ellie get her beloved pet to change his wild, wild ways before he ends up in even deeper trouble? Especially when Tuffy can't understand what all the fuss is about?Chock-a-block with lighthearted illustrations, readers experience a deliciously sharp and funny view of the world through a cat's eyes.

    Now they're alone--and they have no choice.Every summer, Toughboy and his younger sister stay at their isolated family fish camp on the Yukon River. There, away from their Alaskan village, they help their parents catch and smoke salmon. But that was before their mother died and everything changed. This year, their father brings them back to the camp, but before he can set things up, he vanishes. No one knows that Toughboy and Sister have been left alone in the wilderness to fend for themselves. Days and then weeks pass. Their food runs out, and their radio stops working. What are they going to do now?

    For these arctic friends, every day is a new adventure!

    Weaving together the different personal stories of the kids, their teacher, and the community that surrounds them, award-winning author Shelley Pearsall has written a vividly engaging story about the math, life and good-tasting barbecue. Filled with unexpected humor, poignant characters and quiet brilliance, All of the Above is a surprising gem.

    Ben: who began it all by sneaking in one night and filling homeroom with ball-pit balls.Frank: who figured out that an official club, say a pickle making club, could receive funding from the PTA.Oliver: who once convinced half of the class that his real parents had found him and he was going to live in a submarine.Bean: who wasn't exactly invited, but her parents own a costume shop, which comes in handy if you want to dress up like a giant squirrel and try to scare people at the zoo.TOGETHER, they are an unstoppable prank-pulling force, and Fountain Point Middle School will never be the same.

    Wise men speak of it in hushed tones. Others are ready to kill for it. And now a murderous Tartar chief is bent on possessing it. But despite this, Joseph Charnetski is bound by an ancient oath to protect the jewel at all costs.When Joseph and his family seek refuge in medieval Krakow, they are caught up in the plots and intrigues of alchemists, hypnotists, and a dark messenger of evil. Will Joseph be able to protect the crystal—and the city—from the plundering Tartars?