Tricking the Tallyman


Jacqueline Davies - 2009
    Do young readers clamor for stories set in the very, very olden days of the late 18th century? Uh, not really. Okay, but do they like nutty cat-and-mouse trickery, wacky slapstick, and animals disguised as people? You bet! So let them have all that, and if they end up learning a thing or two about our country, its history, and the ways our government works, shhh . . . we won’t tell!Tricking the Tallyman accomplishes the tricky task of showing kids the way the 1790 census was tabulated (or tallied) and how the country’s new citizens came to understand (after much misunderstanding) how it worked to help them and the country. Excellent for classroom use or to put in the hands of bright kids with a taste for the quirky and irreverent, young readers may enjoy this story so much they might not even notice how much they’ve learned!

Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam


Cynthia Kadohata - 2007
    The fate of entire platoons rests on her keen sense of smell. She's a Big Deal, and she likes it that way. Sometimes Cracker remembers when she was younger, and her previous owner would feed her hot dogs and let her sleep in his bed. That was nice, too. Rick Hanski is headed to Vietnam. There, he's going to whip the world and prove to his family and his sergeant -- and everyone else who didn't think he was cut out for war -- wrong. But sometimes Rick can't help but wonder that maybe everyone else is right. Maybe he should have just stayed at home and worked in his dad's hardware store. When Cracker is paired with Rick, she isn't so sure about this new owner. He's going to have to prove himself to her before she's going to prove herself to him. They need to be friends before they can be a team, and they have to be a team if they want to get home alive. Told in part through the uncanny point of view of a German shepherd, Cracker! is an action-packed glimpse into the Vietnam War as seen through the eyes of a dog and her handler. It's an utterly unique powerhouse of a book by the Newbery Medal-winning author of Kira-Kira.

The Boggart


Susan Cooper - 1993
    When Emily and Jess Volnik's family inherits a remote, crumbling Scottish castle, they also inherit the Boggart - an invisible, mischievous spirit who's been playing tricks on residents of Castle Keep for generations. Then the Boggart is trapped in a rolltop desk and inadvertently shipped to the Volniks' home in Toronto, where nothing will ever be the same - for the Volniks or the Boggart.In a world that doesn't believe in magic, the Boggart's pranks wreak havoc. And even the newfound joys of peanut butter and pizza and fudge sauce eventually wear thin for the Boggart. He wants to go home - but his only hope lies in a risky and daring blend of modern technology and ancient magic.

Sensible Kate


Doris Gates - 1943
    How she longs to be pretty and cute! But who would ever think of her—a freckle-faced, red-headed orphan—as cute? So Kate settles for being sensible.Then she goes to live with the Tuttles as a "family helper." And in this small seaside town in California, Sensible Kate Summers meets some wonderful people and makes some surprising discoveries—about herself.

Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims


Clyde Robert Bulla - 1954
    Tells of the adventurous life of the Wampanoag Indian, Squanto.

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Scholastic Literature Guides)


Terry Cooper - 1997
    Each guide includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students.

Math Candy


Katrina Streza - 2011
    They have a lot to learn but when they visit Mr. Candor's Candy Store, math concepts suddenly seem fun and tasty. In this book, educator Katrina Streza focuses on major math concepts such as addition, units of measurement, estimation, money, sorting, multiplication and comparison. Kids see the real-life application of math and enjoy the fun and engaging stories. Math Candy features 7 short chapters with black and white illustrations and is a good bridge for beginning readers or as a read-aloud. Make sure you check out all the Candy School Chapter Books: 1. Math Candy 2. Grammar Candy 3. Map Candy 4. Science Candy 5. History Candy

Froggy's First Kiss


Jonathan London - 1998
    When Frogilina smiles at him through the monkey bars, Froggy falls smack on his head-bonk! So with Valentine's Day just a week away, Froggy gets busy making an extra-special valentine. The fifth book about the irrepressible Froggy, this is sure to keep children giggling with delight.An IRA-CBC Children's Choice Book"The narrative is smoothly written with rhythmic language and the repetition that young children love...A great read-aloud for Valentine's Day, or whenever love is in the air." —School Library Journal

Moon! Earth's Best Friend


Stacy McAnulty - 2019
    Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

The Boy Who Cried Over Everything


Betsy Childs - 2011
    An experience with a slingshot and a sparrow helps him realize that it's okay to cry when you are sad, but it's best not to cry when you're mad.

Bravest Dog Ever: Story of Balto


Natalie Standiford - 1989
    Dozens of children in Nome become sick with diphtheria. Without antitoxin serum, they will perish - and the closest supply is 650 miles away! The only way to get the serum to Nome is by sled, but can the dogs deliver it in time? Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard, Balto leads the race for life.Illus. in full color.

Gregory the Terrible Eater


Mitchell Sharmat - 1980
    A very picky eater, Gregory the goat refuses the usual goat diet staples of shoes and tincans in favor of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and orange juice.

Dora's World Adventure (Dora the Explorer)


Suzanne D. Nimm - 2006
    It's Friendship day, but all of the friendship bracelets won't glow unless everyone around the world has them! Join Dora and Swiper as they travel to France, Tanzania, Russia, and China to save Friendship Day! Includes a glow-in-the-dark friendship bracelet!

The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle


Patricia Relf - 1996
    Frizzle's class is learning all about water. And when Wanda suggests they take a trip to Waterland, Ms Frizzle gets that funny look in her eyes. But instead of taking her class to the water theme park, she takes them on a seriously wet and wild ride - through the water cycle! Join the class as they evaporate, condense, rain, and make their way back to the ocean...only to evaporate all over again!

Henry and Mudge - The First Book


Cynthia Rylant - 1987
    The first book in the acclaimed Ready-to-Read series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge.Henry, feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.