Gillian McDunn

intellectual disabilities

fishing

family problems

responsibility

Cat and her brother Chicken have always had a very special bond. When Chicken has a “meltdown”, Cat’s the one who scratches his back and reads his favorite story. She’s always knows what he needs. Since their mom has had to work double-hard to keep their family afloat after their father passed away, Cat is the glue holding her family together. When a summer trip doesn’t go as planned, Cat and Chicken end up spending three weeks with grandparents they’ve never met. With their help, Cat can be a kid again for the first time in years, and the journey she takes shows that even the most broken relationships can be healed if people take the time to walk in one another’s shoes.
Perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Ali Benjamin, this special novel features an unforgettable voice and is brimming with heart.

Caterpillar Summer

Kevin Henkes

worrying

self-esteem and self-reliance

growing up

Award-winning, nationally bestselling author Kevin Henkes introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny Newbery Honor story about friendship, sibling rivalry, and elementary school. The Year of Billy Miller includes black-and-white art by Kevin Henkes and is perfect for fans of the Ramona books; Frindle, by Andrew Clements; and the Clementine series. This chapter book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8 who are ready to read independently. It’s a fun way to keep your child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children.The New York Times declared: Henkes’s delightful story is restrained and vivid . . . forgoing the overdramatic or zany, it shows the substance, warmth and adaptability of beautifully common family love. When Billy Miller has a mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he ends up with a big lump on his head. What a way to start second grade, with a lump on your head! As the year goes by, though, Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family and a help to his busy working mom and stay-at-home dad. Newbery Honor author and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes delivers a short, satisfying, laugh-out-loud-funny school and family story that features a diorama homework assignment, a school poetry slam, cancelled sleepovers, and epic sibling temper tantrums. This is a perfect short novel for the early elementary grades.–Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The Year of Billy Miller

Shelly Becker

Eda Kaban

Even superheroes slip up and err. When that happens, do they complain or give up in despair? NO! Whether they’ve nabbed the wrong guy by mistake or bashed into a planet while zooming through space, all superheroes ‘fess up their mess-up and keep on saving the world in the most super way! This follow-up to Even Superheroes Have Bad Days teaches kids another humorous lesson in overcoming adversity.

Even Superheroes Make Mistakes

Thelma Lynne Godin

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

A spunky girl has a hula-hooping competition with her friends in Harlem, and soon everyone in the neighborhood—young and old alike—joins in on the fun.

Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street. But then Mama reminds her that today is their neighbor Miz Adeline’s birthday, and Kameeka has a ton of chores to do to get ready for the party they are hosting. Kameeka’s disappointed to be stuck at home and can only think about the hoopin’ competition. Distracted, Kameeka accidentally ruins Miz Adeline’s birthday cake, and has to confess to her that there won’t be a cake for her special day. But then Miz Adeline’s confesses something too: she’s also got the itch—the hula-hoopin’ itch! Her fingers start snappin’. Her hips start swingin’. Soon everyone’s hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street. The whole neighborhood’s got the itch—the hula-hoopin’ itch!

With vibrant illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen is a charming celebration of family and community ties. Set in Harlem, this intergenerational story shows the importance of staying young at heart.

The Hula Hoopin' Queen

Diane Adams

Claire Keane

Perfect for Valentine’s Day—or any tender moment—this story of a girl and a duckling who share a touching year together will melt hearts old and young. In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned.

Love Is

the environment

nature

On the bank of a river in the Amazon, a boy learns from his grandfather about a father fish that cares for his offspring, and the importance of preserving the species for future generations. A little boy of the Amazon is excited to go on his first fishing trip with his grandad. He wants to catch the biggest fish! After hours of drifting among the water-lilies, at last they capture a huge Arowana. But, as Grandad explains, sometimes catching the biggest fish isn’t the best way to preserve the river’s bounty. This is a story of environmental awareness that also touches on fatherhood and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Perfect for our times.

One Boy's Choice: A Tale of the Amazon

babysitting

pets

Kids age 5-8 will adore this fresh new series featuring best friends, magical pets and a grumpy, talking cat, with plenty of action, mess and adventure, and a sprinkling of the unexpected. Best friends Cassie and Lina would love to take a pet to the Pet Parade but it’s not possible… until they’re asked to pet sit Gus the cat next door. The girls might be ‘ready for anything’ but Gus isn’t quite the cat they were expecting.Also available in audiobook and ebook formats

Gus Makes a Fuss

Andrea Davis Pinkney

Shane W. Evans

refugees

Sudan

“Amira, look at me,” Muma insists.She collects both my hands in hers.”The Janjaweed attack without warning.If ever they come– run.” Finally, Amira is twelve. Old enough to wear a toob, old enough for new responsibilities. And maybe old enough to go to school in Nyala– Amira’s one true dream. But life in her peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when the Janjaweed arrive. The terrifying attackers ravage the town and unleash unspeakable horrors. After she loses nearly everything, Amira needs to dig deep within herself to find the strength to make the long journey– on foot– to safety at a refugee camp. Her days are tough at the camp, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind– and all kinds of possibilities. New York Times bestselling and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Andrea Davis Pinkney’s powerful verse and Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist Shane W. Evans’s breathtaking illustrations combine to tell an inspiring tale of one girl’s triumph against all odds.

The Red Pencil

Jerry Spinelli

Larry Day

A young boy and his family celebrate his favorite day, Independence Day, by seeing a parade, having a picnic, watching a talent show, and enjoying fireworks.

My Fourth of July

Tanya Lloyd Kyi

Twelve-year-old Mya Parsons could save the world and organize her family, if only she had her own cell phone. A Dork Diaries for today’s socially conscious young readers.

Mya Parsons runs her school’s social justice club with her best friend, Cleo. Her lifelong desire is to work for the United Nations and change the world, and then bask in all the ensuing adulation. Her more immediate desire is to get a phone, preferably one like Cleo’s, with a leopard-print case to match. When her distracted dad and her long-distance mom (temporarily in Myanmar taking care of Mya’s grandmother) both say no, no way, and possibly never, Mya launches a campaign to prove herself reliable and deserving. She advertises her babysitting services, takes on more responsibility around the house, and attempts to supervise her sister’s skateboarding lessons. Her efforts leave her ego bruised and the kitchen slightly scorched. She’s no closer to touch-screen victory, let alone the Nobel Peace Prize she deserves. But all that changes after an accident leaves Mya to take charge–an experience which helps her realize how much she’s grown, with or without access to proper communications.

Mya’s Strategy to Save the World

Gordon Korman

From the bestselling author of Swindle and Ungifted comes the funny, fantastic story of an underachiever who ends up achieving much more than any overachiever could ever imagine.Cameron Boxer is very happy to spend his life avoiding homework, hanging out with his friends, and gaming for hours in his basement. It’s not too hard for him to get away with it . . . until he gets so caught up in one game that he almost lets his house burn down around him. Oops. It’s time for some serious damage control – so Cameron and his friends invent a fake school club that will make it seem like they’re doing good deeds instead of slacking off. The problem? Some kids think the club is real – and Cameron is stuck being president. Soon Cameron is part of a mission to save a beaver named Elvis from certain extinction. Along the way, he makes some new friends – and some powerful new enemies. The guy who never cared about anything is now at the center of everything . . . and it’s going to take all his slacker skills to win this round.

Slacker

Andrew Larsen

Every Sunday morning, no matter the weather, Eli could count on Zaida to bring bagels from Merv’s Bakery. Eli loved the time they spent together enjoying their favorite treats. ?Warm. Chewy. Salty, ? Eli thought. ?Bagels were the best thing about Sunday.? But one Sunday, Zaida didn’t come. He had fallen at Merv’s and ?hurt his tuches, ? and the doctor said Zaida had to rest at home for two whole weeks. This meant Eli had no Sunday morning bagels. And neither did Zaida’s friends, who had been receiving their own weekly deliveries from Zaida. Will they all go hungry for bagels on Sunday? Or is there something Eli can do? Award-winning author Andrew Larsen’s picture book story offers a gently humorous take on the special bond between a boy and his grandfather and the simple ritual that looms so large in their lives. It also highlights a terrific character education lesson about how a young child can take responsibility and, with a little initiative, help a family member in need. With a blend of retro and contemporary styles, Sandy Nichols’s softly colored illustrations cleverly convey the story’s timelessness and capture Eli’s diverse neighborhood. This book will spark wonderful discussions about family traditions and community. A mini glossary and pronunciation guide for the Yiddish words that are sprinkled throughout the story (like mensch and oy) provides an opportunity to learn about the many words we use in English that come from other languages, and to explore the connections between culture and languag

Bagel King

Rebecca Elliott

Bo grants the goblin princess a wish in this magical early chapter book from the USA Today bestselling author of Owl Diaries!Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! In the fourth book of USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Elliott’s Unicorn Diaries series, unicorn best friends Bo and Sunny try to cheer up Greta, a bored goblin princess. But Greta wants to do more than just play games-she wants to fly! So Bo grants Greta’s wish and gives her magical Goblin Queen Powers. But as things start to get out of HOOF, can the unicorns find a way to clean up Greta’s messes-and show her the power of imagination? With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of laughs, your young reader won’t be able to put this book down!

The Goblin Princess

Julia Cook

Things just don’t seem to be going Noodle’s way. But it’s not his fault that he didn’t finish his homework or that her forgot to turn in his library book.  Join Noodle on his journey as he learns not to blame others or try to find fault; but instead practices accepting responsibility.

But It's Not My Fault!

Gary Soto

Teresa was so excited when her grandpa gave her a fantastic little carrito for her birthday. Everyone admired it when she rode down the sidewalk and it won Best Car at the playground hands down. Over time, though, she stops taking care of it and it practically falls apart. But when it helps her escape from a neighborhood dog, she is reminded of how much she loves it. And her grandpa is just the person to help her fix it up. After all, he’s old, too, but he’s still fun to play with.A funny, touching story with zippy illustrations, this is a painless way to show kids that it’s important to take care of the things (and people) you love.

My Little Car: Mi Carrito

Lucy Cousins

What is it like to get your first pet? Little Black Cat becomes Maisy’s new companion in a purr-fect First Experiences story. Penguin’s cat has had kittens, and they’re all so small! Maisy wants to take one home, but which should she choose? One is playful, one is bold, one is soft – but then a little black kitten climbs right onto Maisy’s lap and starts to purr. . . . Maisy is eager to learn how to care for her new pet, from chores like changing its water and cleaning its litter to games like dangling a string or shining a light beam around on the floor for it to chase. Little fans with new pets in the offing will find themselves well prepared with the obliging Maisy leading the way.

Maisy Gets a Pet

Kate Egan

Mike Lane

Eric Wight

Want to see something incredible?I can twist my arm all the way around.All it takes is a little magic… Life is a little easier for Mike now that he’s found The White Rabbit magic shop. But after missing a special show from a visiting magician, Mike realizes he needs a way to get to the shop by himself. Unfortunately, he’s exhausted after only a week of being a model student, and Nora, his magician assistant and expert on good behavior, is distracted by a new friendship. Convincing his parents he’s responsible enough to ride his bike downtown alone will take a miracle…or maybe, magic.

The Incredible Twisting Arm

Molly Idle

Caldecott Honor author-illustrator Molly Idle dazzles with an original mermaid tale about how small, persistent actions can achieve great things.  Sometimes the tiniest light can shine the brightest! Like the other mermaids of the deep, Pearl longs to care for the endless beaches, coral reefs, and towering kelp forests of her vast ocean world. So when her mother asks her to tend to a mere grain of sand, Pearl is heartbroken. It takes all her patience and determination to discover how even the littlest mermaid can transform the world.  Caldecott Honor-winning author and artist Molly Idle has masterfully crafted a modern classic in this mesmerizing tale about the immense power of small actions.

Pearl

A curious chrysalis changes Jackie’s life forever.Ten-year-old Jackie excels at being in charge. Her skills keep everything from gardens to five unruly brothers in line. So, when a curious chrysalis appears in Jackie’s front yard, she naturally decides to take charge of it. The creature that emerges is not like anything Jackie has ever seen, and she soon realizes that she must protect it at all costs, even from her own family.Dumas’ classic story-telling style is perfect for fans of Catherynne Valente, Gail Carson Levine, Kate DiCamillo, and the like, and the smart, female main character who loves who loves science and takes charge of her life, makes it a must-read. Ages 8-12.

Jupiter Storm

Jane Eccles

Vanessa Curtis

Thirteen-year-old Amelie Day loves to bake so she’s thrilled when she’s invited to compete in the Best Teen Baker of the Year contest. But Amelie has Cystic Fibrosis, and some days she can barely breathe. Determined not to let her condition or her mom stop her from taking part, Amelie musters all her Flour Power. But will it be enough to get her to the top?

The Baking Life of Amelie Day

Jory John

Jared Chapman

The New York Times bestselling author of The Bad Seed and The Good Egg takes a lighthearted approach to how to respond to the all-too-common claim It’s not my fault! Emotional literacy is embedded in this funny cautionary tale: Why is your homework so messy?It’s not my fault! I blame my pen.Why can’t I read these test answers?I blame my pen.Why is your assignment so late?Um…I blame my pen? A boy steadfastly refuses to take responsibility for any of his mistakes. He just blames everything on his pen, his backpack, his comb, his pillow–whatever happens to be at hand. For a while, this approach works at home and at school. He’s positively convinced he has it all figured out until…all the inanimate objects rise up and revolt. What can he do when a talking pen and talking backpack decide to rebel? The #1 New York Times bestselling picture-book author Jory John encourages kids to accept responsibility while keeping the laughs coming in this fun-filled tale.

It's Not My Fault!

Brigette Barrager

Perfect for fans of IVY AND BEAN and JUNIE B. JONES, the Louise Trapeze series dazzles and delights emerging young readers with adorable color illustrations and spunky, sweet stories of one girl’s totally brave life in the circus.  Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Feast your eyes on the one, the only, Louise Trapeze! Louise is seven years old now, which means she is super mature. Ready for big responsibilities! Her BFF Stella gets to watch Clementine the Elephant, and even Ferret-Breath Fernando is trusted with errands for the ringmaster. But Louise has nothing important to do at all. Until she gets her chance! She is asked to watch the three juggling chickens. Louise knows she will make a superb babysitter. Too bad Oona, Loona, and Maude have other ideas. . . .

Louise Trapeze Did Not Lose the Juggling Chickens

Disney Storybook Art Team

When Mom gets sniffles that are worse than awful, Nancy decides she can help Mom by tidying up and watching JoJo. After all, Nancy is practically an expert at being a big sister, so how hard could it be?Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy: Mademoiselle Mom is a Level One I Can Read, perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy is an animated family comedy starring six-year-old Nancy, a girl who is fancy in everything from her advanced vocabulary to her creative, elaborate attire. The show is based on the New York Times bestselling book series Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

Mademoiselle Mom

Rob Scotton

You know Splat the Cat from his bestselling picture books and phonics fun in Level One readers. Now get ready to graduate with Splat into Level Two readers! This all-new I Can Read features splat-tastic inventions as Splat tries his paw at a new job–newspaper cat.Splat is so excited to be the new newspaper cat! But getting up super early, keeping track of all those papers, and delivering to all those houses sure isn’t as easy as it looks. With help from Kitten, and some cool inventions, can Splat figure out how to toss papers like a pro?Splat the Cat Gets a Job is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Don’t miss Splat’s very first Level Two adventure!

Splat the Cat Gets a Job!

Nancy Krulik

Aaron Blecha

For this year’s Pay It Forward Day, George and his friends volunteer to help serve dinner to homeless families. But when George finds out that his favorite movie star will be in town on the same day, he’s torn. Should he keep his promise to the shelter, or miss the chance to meet his action star hero? On top of everything, George suspects that his nemesis, Louie, has been reading his private journal. Can George figure out a plan, get back at Louie, and avoid the burp all in one day?

Revenge of the Killer Worms

Matt Christopher

When Stookie Norris asks Jerry Dinh to take care of his gerbils while he’s away on vacation, Jerry is thrilled. He’s wanted to become better friends with Stookie ever since his family moved next to Stookie’s house. But then something terrible happens that ruins all of Jerry’s hopes. Will Stookie ever forgive him?

All Keyed Up

Disney Junior Fancy Nancy: Mademoiselle Mom

Patricia Hermes

Abby Carter

Marmaduke is missing! Once again, Emma has forgotten to put her ferret back in his cage. And with four brothers and sisters and a poodle who chases Marmaduke around the house, Emma finds herself in the middle of this and other family dilemmas. If only she can prove to her parents that she’s responsible, then maybe they’ll let her join the traveling soccer team. When Annie, the new nanny, arrives, Emma feels she’s found someone who’s on her side. Annie’s the coolest nanny ever, but will Mom and Daddy let her stay? Or will they fire her, as they have so many of the other nannies?

Emma Dilemma and the New Nanny

Gotta read ‘em all! It’s the 20th anniversary of this beloved brand, and we’re celebrating with this reader featuring the fascinating Legendary Pokemon Zygarde.Join Ash and his friends on another amazing adventure! This time, they’ll encounter the rare Legendary Pokemon Zygarde. Can they protect Z from the evil Team Flare?

The Rescue Mission

In Teddy’s Cattle Drive,  Marc Simmons tells the story of E. C. Teddy Abbott, an eleven-year-old Nebraska boy whose first cattle drive takes place during the 1870s. Teddy’s father purchases a herd of beef cattle in Texas and reluctantly allows his son to accompany him to Texas to drive the cattle to their ranch in southeastern Nebraska along the Chisholm Trail. After arriving in Texas, his father decides to take the train back to Nebraska instead of accompanying the Longhorns north, leaving Teddy in the care of the sage trail boss, Vito Cross, whom Teddy wants to impress. Teddy is thrust into cowboy life with few skills and is forced to use his own ingenuity to learn the traits necessary for living on the trail. Teddy helps prepare the meals and wrangle loose horses during the day. Before the cattle drive reaches Nebraska, Teddy has worked hard to prove his worth to the band of experienced cowboys and most of all, to his father. Ronald Kil’s illustrations add another dimension to Simmons’s descriptions of Teddy’s cattle trail adventures.

Teddy's Cattle Drive: A Story from History

Rebecca Purcell

Owl’s friends want him to play, but Owl decides to complete his gardening chores first, and they all reap the rewards. This short, simple picture book is perfect for the youngest readers. It features large type and easy sentences, paired with bold illustrations that help beginning readers decode this story about the rewards of diligence and responsibility. Board book, Owl and Bird series, Emergent Reader, Story elements: setting, plot and character development: Owl and friends, strong illustration support, ask and answer questions, repeated words and phrases, sight word vocabulary. Comprehension strategies: re-tell story, compare and contrast adventures of characters in a series, predict outcomes, identify sequence of events, changes from beginning to end of the story, and cause and effect relationships. Themes: friendship, chores, making decisions

Hey Owl, Do You Want to Play?

Gina Bellisario

Jessika von Innerebner

Ellie Ultra has a lot of responsibilities as a superhero. So when the chance to become Hamster Helper for the class’s hamster, Squeak, comes around, Ellie isn’t so sure she wants to add another thing to her list. But her name is picked and now it’s up to Ellie to make sure Squeak is taken care of. All is fine until a mishap in the lab happens and suddenly Ellie’s not so big any more–literally! A tousle with the Ultra Shrinker makes Ellie three-inches-tall. Now she has to take care of Squeak AND grow herself big again before it’s too late! And as Ellie soon finds out–it’s not easy being small.

Mighty Pet Sitter

Marty Kelley

Molly Mac’s dream of becoming a famous animal trainer may come true! But only if her parents let her watch the class hamster for the weekend. When Molly finally brings the hamster home, he disappears! Will Molly and her best friend, Kayley, find the hamster? Or will Molly’s dream be ruined?

Sammy's Great Escape

Coco Simon

Mia is being cyber-bullied, and she’s determined to find out who is responsible in the latest addition to the Cupcake Diaries series. Mia is upset when her parents tell her she’s too young to go to a concert without adult supervision. She’s old enough to help run a cupcake business! Why can’t her parents see that she’s also responsible enough to do whatever she wants? And just when she’s reached a compromise with her parents (her older brother Dan will go to the concert with her), Mia finds out she’s being cyber-bullied on social media. It’s the Cupcake Club to the rescue as they all help Mia solve her online bullying mystery!

Mia Measures Up

Sierra tries to find a way to balance all of the activities in her life in this third delicious book in the Sprinkle Sundays series from the author of the Cupcake Diaries series! Sierra does lots of things. She’s captain of the softball team, the director of the school play, and she’s on Student Council, but her favorite thing to do is work at the ice cream shop with her best friends Tamiko and Allie. But when her parents decide to foster three kittens and their mama, Sierra’s life gets a lot more catty! Can Sierra do it all—and maybe find homes for the cats, too?

The Purr-fect Scoop

Alan Syliboy

Lindsay R Marshall

The Thundermaker is based on Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy’s spectacular mixed-media exhibit of the same name. In the book, Big Thunder teaches his son, Little Thunder, about the important responsibility he has in making thunder for his people. Little Thunder learns about his Mi’kmaw identity through his father’s teachings and his mother’s traditional stories. Syliboy’s spectacular, vibrant artwork brings the story of Little Thunder to vivid life.

The Thundermaker

Sarah Lynne Reul

A lift-the-flap book that lets little ones farm the farm!

 This interactive novelty board book encourages readers to care for animals at the farm by lifting the sturdy flaps on each spread. Feed the hens, brush the pony’s mane, and open the gate so the cow can graze in the pasture in this inventive and engaging book that teaches little ones how to be responsible.

Farm The Farm

Sierra learns to balance all of her responsibilities in this sixth delicious book in the Sprinkle Sundays series from the author of the Cupcake Diaries series!

 Sierra thinks she has everything under control—she loves staying busy. But between working in the ice cream shop, after-school sports, and now being asked to be the lead singer in a band—has Sierra taken on more than she can handle? What’s a girl who wants to have it all to do?

Too Many Toppings!

Saadia Faruqi

Hatem Aly

When Ms. Alex is called away from the classroom, she leaves Yasmin in charge, but the other children just ignore her and start acting silly and noisy–until Yasmin thinks up a way to motivate them to finish the math assignment, quietly.

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