Book Series · 11 Books

The Kids of the Polk Street School Books

In order from The Candy Corn Contest to Pickle Puss.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$599

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1982

The Candy Corn Contest

By Patricia Reilly Giff, Blanche Sims (Illustrator)

Guess the candy count, but each guess requires reading. Can Richard win?

80 pages· 8,159 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

Paperback

Summary: Richard Best is determined to win Ms. Rooney's Candy Corn contest by guessing the exact number of candies. Each guess demands reading a library book page, a challenge for Richard and his friend Matthew, the class's worst readers. As Thanksgiving approaches, Richard's craving for the sweet prize grows. But when he sneaks a taste, the stakes rise. Will his determination lead to victory or trouble?

The complete set

The Kids of the Polk Street School Series

11 books · Published 1982–1986

Series

Sale price

$599

The Candy Corn Contest

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1982

Guess the candy count, but each guess requires reading. Can Richard win?

Series

Sale price

$759

December Secrets

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1982

Emily must befriend her least favorite classmate for a month. Can she survive the challenge?

Series

Sale price

$674

In the Dinosaur's Paw

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1982

A magic ruler grants wishes, but when it vanishes, can Richard fix his troubles?

Series

Sale price

$903

The Valentine Star

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1982

A Valentine's Day card project is threatened by a friendship rift.

Series

Sale price

$674

Snaggle Doodles

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1982

Can Emily's group invent something in time, or face classroom failure?

Series

Sale price

$574

Say Cheese

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1982

Lost in the woods, Emily seeks friendship and a way back before it's too late.

Series

Sale price

$674

The Beast in Ms. Rooney's Room

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1984

Left back, Richard faces teasing and trouble. Can he turn things around?

Series

Sale price

$674

Fish Face

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1984

Emily must prove her new friend is a thief, but no one believes her.

Series

Sale price

$474

Lazy Lions, Lucky Lambs

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1985

A young boy struggles to find a real person to write about for a school project, while navigating the challenges of elementary school and his relationships with his family and friends.

Series

Sale price

$474

Purple Climbing Days

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 1985

A boy's fear of climbing ropes leads to a tense encounter with a feared teacher.

#8 in Series

Sale price

$674

Pickle Puss

Chapter Book · 1986

A reading contest decides who keeps a stray cat. Who will win fairly?

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Kids of the Polk Street School series?

There are 11 books in the Kids of the Polk Street School series. It began with The Candy Corn Contest in 1982, and the newest book, Pickle Puss, was published in 1986.