Mary Hoffman

Caroline Binch

Although a classmate says that she cannot play Peter Pan in the school play because she is black, Grace discovers that she can do anything she sets her mind to do.

Amazing Grace

Lucy Cousins

Are you ready for the big show? Maisy and her friends show little ones what it’s like to attend their first live performance. Today, Maisy and her friends are off to the theater to see a show starring Flora Fantastica! First they line up to show their tickets. After the usher helps them all find their seats, the lights go down, and Maisy and her friends take in a feast for the senses: dramatic flashing lights, colorful costumes, amazing songs, and lots of exciting characters. From the rise of the curtain through intermission (and snacks) to a standing ovation at the end, Maisy takes her fans on a trip to the theater that makes a new experience familiar and fun.

Maisy Goes to a Show

Sharon Creech

Leo’s papa stood in the doorway, gazing down at him. “Leo, you make gold from pebbles,” and the way he said it, Leo could tell that this was a good thing. He may have been given a bit part in the school play … but Leo dreams he is the biggest star on Broadway. Sure, his big, noisy family makes him feel like a sardine squashed in a tin … but in his fantasy he gets all the attention he wants. Yes, his papa seems sad and distracted … but Leo imagines him as a boy, tap-dancing and singing with delight. That’s why they call Leo “fog boy.” He’s always dreaming, always replaying things in his brain. He fantasizes about who he is in order to discover who he will become. As an actor in the school play, he is poised and ready for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, Leo is eager to discover what part will be his.

Replay

Tony DiTerlizzi

dragons

unlikely friends

standing up for others

What do you do when your new best buddy has been designated a scourge by the community and marked for imminent extermination? Just ask Kenny Rabbit. When the simple folks in the sleepy little village of Roundbrook catch wind that there’s a dragon running loose in the countryside, they get the wrong idea and the stage is set for a fight to the death. So it’s up to Kenny to give his neighbors front-row seats to one of the best-known battles in history – the legendary showdown between St. George and the dragon – without losing a friend in the fray.

Kenny & the Dragon

Diane DeGroat

Gilbert is nervous about portraying George Washington in front of the class, and he feels even worse when he leaves his main prop at home and allows another student to take the blame.

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

James Dean

Kimberly Dean

Join Pete in New York Times bestselling artist James Dean’s Pete the Cat picture book series as Pete celebrates Thanksgiving in this groovy lift-the-flap book! Starring in the school Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous. But when Pete the Cat gets onstage, he makes learning the story of the first Thanksgiving fun. With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, this book is sure to be a holiday favorite for every Pete the Cat fan.

Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving

Lizi Boyd

It’s time for bed. Everyone is asleep. Or are they? Arlo and his stuffed animal friends like to put on pretend plays. But after Arlo falls asleep, his friends don’t want to stop. Can they work together to put on their play? Through fanciful paintings and a lively text, Lizi Boyd has once again tapped into the imaginary world of children. Her hallmark use of die-cut pages, along with a showstopping gatefold, will have readers of all ages shouting “Bravo!”

Night Play

Erica S Perl

Fans of Tim Federle and Louis Sachar will love this hilarious story of what happens when the non-jocks kidnap their sports-obsessed school’s beloved mascot. Seventh-grade playwright Olive Henry is frustrated by her middle school’s lack of appreciation for anything but sports. While the principal drones on and on during morning announcements about the sports teams’ victories, all non-athletic club meetings are relegated to the school basement, never to be mentioned on the loudspeaker. So Olive and her best friend, Reynaldo, hatch a plan to kidnap the school’s capybara mascot, planning to return it, heroically, just in time for the school’s pep rally and claim a reward: permission for their drama club to practice in the auditorium. And, hopefully, some overdue respect for the school’s non-athletes. But when an animal-rights student activist and an undercover athlete with murky motivations join in the conspiracy, their plans–along with Cappy the capybara–veer wildly out of Olive’s control.

The Capybara Conspiracy

Emma Wunsch

Princess Miranda and Not-a-Princess Maude are total opposites and totally best friends! Fed up with nonstop testing, Miranda and Maude’s teacher makes a surprise announcement: They are going to put on a school play! And, the class decides, it will be called Banana Pants! School is finally a joy, and the project inspires the girls to fight for more positive change. Maude decides to wage a campaign against Styrofoam lunch trays, and she thinks she has the perfect powerful ally in Miranda. But, much to Maude’s frustration, Miranda would rather focus on her own good cause: love! The girls can’t seem to see eye to eye, and in pursuing their good causes separately, they go way too far, resulting in the friendship’s first-ever fight.

Banana Pants!

Tomson Highway

Sue Todd

Timely, Fun, Challenging and Wise!
Tomson Highway’s musical cabaret, The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito, couldn’t be more vividly presented unless you were sitting in the middle seat of the front row watching the Cree playwright, performer, musician and poet himself. The story of a wingless little mosquito from Manitoba has all the whimsy and wise humour any audience could ask for.

The ageless theme of a misfit, who finds her voice through song and who learns to make friends by communicating directly with her audience, is a timely treat for anyone who has felt like an outsider, dealt with bullying, moved to a new place, or was different from the rest of the pack.

The entire script is here, complete with song lyrics, stage directions, Cree vocabulary, and challenging tongue twisters to delight all ages. A perfect book for drama students, teachers, and theatre enthusiasts, this beautiful full-colour volume serves as an interactive read-aloud for the young, or a great way to introduce students to the joys of staging a musical production.

The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito

Jody Wheeler

Viola Davis

When Lisa takes Corduroy to the theater for the very first time, it’s so magnificent and exciting that he just can’t help heading out on his own to explore. From the orchestra pit to the prop table to the dressing rooms, Corduroy sees it all. Could there be a place for Corduroy on stage, too?

Corduroy Takes A Bow

Brandi Dougherty

Sanja Rescek

Max wants to be the star in his class’s Christmas play. And he is the star . . . of Bethlehem. Upset with his small part, Max tries to help by painting scenery or singing with the chorus, but those are not his jobs. The day of the play finally arrives, and when the light shines on Max–and Max alone–he realizes just how big his part is!

The Littlest Christmas Star

Kimberly Willis Holt

There are places where you want to go and places where you want to leave. There are also places where you want to stay. Nine-year-old Daniel must move across the country with his mom after his parents’ divorce. He’s leaving behind his whole life—everything—and he’s taking a suitcase of anger with him. But Daniel is in for a surprise when he settles into While-a-Way Lane and meets his new neighbors—the Lemonade Girl, the hopscotching mailman, the tiny creatures, and especially Tilda Butter. Tilda knows how to look and listen closely, and it’s that gift that helps Daniel find his way in that curious place called While-a-Way Lane. Kimberly Willis Holt explores themes of divorce, acceptance, intergenerational friendship, and the power that comes with listening thoughtfully in this insightful novel.

The Lost Boy's Gift

Nathan Hale

Sid, Axl, and Ivan volunteer to make a late-night fast-food run for the high school theater crew, and when they return, they find themselves. Not in a deep, metaphoric sense: They find copies of themselves onstage. As they look closer, they begin to realize that the world around them isn’t quite right. Turns out, when they went to the taco place across town, they actually crossed into an alien dimension that’s eerily similar to their world. The aliens have made sinister copies of cars, buildings, and people–and they all want to get Sid, Axl, and Ivan. Now the group will have to use their wits, their truck, and even their windshield scraper to escape! But they may be too late. They may now be copies themselves . . .

Apocalypse Taco

Tim Federle

An eighth-grader who dreams of performing in a Broadway musical devises a plan to run away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot in the musical version of E.T.

Better Nate Than Ever

Victoria Jamieson

Ladybug knows she was born to be a star. She can’t wait to sing and dance in her newest musical, which will be her best show ever. Ladybug won’t let anyone get in the way of her performance…especially her little brother, Fly. He’s a pest! But Fly is determined to be part of the act, no matter what. Is the show big enough for this sibling rivalry?

This sing-along, read-aloud, funny tribute to the budding Broadway star in all of us is sure to be a smash hit, and shows that working together really does pay off.

Pest in Show

Nikki Shannon Smith

Gloria Felix

Azaleah’s big sister, Nia, has been cast as Willa Wonka in the school musical, and the entire Lane family is looking forward to the show. Azaleah has even helped plan a surprise dinner party for Nia at Avec Amour, Mama’s restaurant. But then the real drama starts. At the first rehearsal, all sorts of things go wrong: missing batteries, sets falling over, props misplaced . . . It’s so many things, in fact, that Azaleah suspects “foul play.” And when the special effects on Nia’s costume don’t work at dress rehearsal, Nia is a nervous wreck. To top it all off, the high school journalism class is covering the performance for the school blog, and the director doesn’t have time to replace Nia’s costume. Nia has to wear it without the special effects. Azaleah becomes determined to make sure the musical isn’t ruined for Nia. Azaleah has to get to the bottom of the mysterious rehearsal troubles, and finish party preparations, before the curtain goes up.

The Dramatic Life of Azaleah Lane

Tammi Sauer

Jackie Urbanovic

The scarecrow from Old Mac Donald’s farm emcees a barnyard theater production that collapses into hilarious chaos in this rollicking rendition of “The House That Jack Built.”  
   
It’s showtime on Old Mac Donald’s Farm! The barnyard animals are putting on a play—a farm version of “The House That Jack Built”— but other animals keep taking the stage and interrupting the production. First some rambunctious monkeys, then breakdancing kangaroos . . . there’s even a pair of singing elephants. Everyone knows that monkeys, kangaroos, and elephants do NOT belong on a farm . . . so what to do?  
   
Bursting with sound effects and rollicking repetition that will have kids clamoring for repeat readings, this hilarious mashup of two favorite nursery rhymes shows that perseverance and teamwork pay off, and that sometimes you just have to roll with the unexpected and try to have fun with it.

The Farm That Mac Built

This story, featuring Gilbert the beloved opossum, is a wise and funny tale of truth and lies and butterflies! that’s a perfect tie-in for President’s Day, Independence Day, and school units on biography.

Raina Telgemeier

From Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile and Sisters!Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school’s production of Moon over Mississippi, she can’t really sing. Instead she’s the set designer for the drama department’s stage crew, and this year she’s determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn’t know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Drama

“Tenderly and courageously told, Gracefully Grayson is a small miracle of a book. Its story is so compelling I found myself holding my breath as I read it and so intimate I felt as if what was happening to Grayson was happening to me. Thank you, Ami Polonsky, for creating this memorable character who will open hearts and minds and very possibly be the miracle that changes lives.” -James Howe, award-winning and best-selling author of The Misfits What if who you are on the outside doesn’t match who you are on the inside?  Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: “he” is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender’s body. The weight of this secret is crushing, but sharing it would mean facing ridicule, scorn, rejection, or worse. Despite the risks, Grayson’s true self itches to break free. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher’s wisdom be enough to help Grayson step into the spotlight she was born to inhabit? Debut author Ami Polonsky’s moving, beautifully-written novel about identity, self-esteem, and friendship shines with the strength of a young person’s spirit and the enduring power of acceptance. Praise for Gracefully Grayson “Don’t be intimidated when I say that Gracefully Grayson is an important book. (It is.) It’s also a brave, exhilarating, heart-stopping, roller-coaster ride of self-discovery that will leave you cheering.” -Dean Pitchford, Oscar-winning songwriter and award-winning author of Captain Nobody and Nickel Bay Nick “In this sweet and thoughtful debut, an introverted sixth grader begins to come into her own as a transgender girl. The writing is clear and effortless, with a straightforward plot and likable characters. Grayson is a charming narrator who balances uncertainty with clarity, bravery with anxiety. This title has less obvious and didactic intent than other novels featuring transgender protagonists. A welcome addition to a burgeoning genre.” -School Library Journal “Thoughtfully told through Grayson’s eyes, the story conveys his angst, hurt, loss, and emerging confidence as he struggles with a whirlwind of emotions. His new friends allow him to find the courage to become who “she” really is, and we are privileged to watch the transformation take place. With great courage, Polonsky’s debut novel reminds us with much sensitivity that we are all unique and deserve to become who we are meant to be.”  -Booklist  “Polonsky captures the loneliness of a child resigned to disappear rather than be rejected, and then the courageous risk that child eventually takes to be seen for who she is. The first-person narration successfully positions readers to experience Grayson’s confusion, fear, pain, and triumphs as they happen, lending an immediate and intimate feel to the narrative.” -Horn Book

Gracefully Grayson

From the author of the acclaimed Roll with It comes a moving novel about a girl with a sensory processing disorder who has to find her own voice after her whole world turns upside down. Lou Montgomery has the voice of an angel, or so her mother tells her and anyone else who will listen. But Lou can only hear the fear in her own voice. She’s never liked crowds or loud noises or even high fives; in fact, she’s terrified of them, which makes her pretty sure there’s something wrong with her. When Lou crashes their pickup on a dark and snowy road, child services separate the mother-daughter duo. Now she has to start all over again at a fancy private school far away from anything she’s ever known. With help from an outgoing new friend, her aunt and uncle, and the school counselor, she begins to see things differently. A sensory processing disorder isn’t something to be ashamed of, and music might just be the thing that saves Lou–and maybe her mom, too.

Tune It Out

“I’m too fast, you’re too slow. Pan, pan, patty-cake pan, I can get away from you, I can!”  The much-loved story of the Runaway Pancake who pops out of the oven and is sure he can escape all who want to eat him, is given a new spin when Marsupial Sue and her friends put on a play version for their neighborhood. This has all of the wit and whimsy of Marsupial Sue and again features lively illustrations by Jack E. Davis. From the friends’ preparations behind the scenes to the actors’ final bows, readers will be inspired by the production. A CD recording of John Lithgow’s live performance of the song “The Runaway Pancake” is also included.

Marsupial Sue Presents "The Runaway Pancake"

Patricia Polacco

In this inspiring true story, beloved artist Patricia Polacco conquers her fear of public speaking, allowing her to discover her remarkable voice. A wonderful companion to Thank You, Mr. Falker and The Art of Miss Chew, it celebrates the lifelong impact of a great teacher. Speaking in front of an audience terrifies Trisha. Ending up in Mr. Wayne’s drama class is the last thing she wants! But Mr. Wayne gives her a backstage role painting scenery for the winter play. As she paints, she listens to the cast rehearse, memorizing their lines without even realizing it. Then, days before opening night, the lead actress suddenly moves away, and Trisha is the only other person who knows her part. Will the play have to be canceled? It won’t be an easy road–when Trisha tries to recite the lines in front of the cast, nothing comes out! But Mr. Wayne won’t let her give up, and with his coaching, Trisha is able to become one of his true masterpieces.

Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece

Rebecca Elliott

It’s Eva Wingdale’s time to shine!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!Treetop Owlementary is putting on a play! Eva and her friends can’t wait to try out for parts, learn their lines, and build the sets! But when Sue gets cast in the starring role, Eva worries she won’t have a chance to shine. Will Eva have her moment in the spotlight, too?

Eva in the Spotlight

Joan Holub

Suzanne Williams

Red Riding Hood might have a terrible sense of direction, but her grimmtastic friends are always there to help! Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia… Red Riding Hood is thrilled to try out for the school play. Acting is her dream, and she’s great at it–too bad she has stage fright! After a grimmiserable audition, Red decides to focus on helping her friends Cinda, Snow, and Rapunzel save Grimm Academy from the E.V.I.L. Society. But when Red gets lost in Neverwood forest and runs into Wolfgang, who might be part of E.V.I.L., she needs her magic basket and a grimmazingly dramatic performance to figure out what’s going on!

Red Riding Hood Gets Lost

Ally Condie

The first middle grade novel from internationally bestselling author Ally Condie comes to paperback.  It’s the first real summer since the accident that killed Cedar’s father and younger brother, Ben. Cedar and what’s left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer. They’re just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery. The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.  Infused with emotion and rich with understanding, Summerlost is the touching new novel from Ally Condie, the international bestselling author of the Matched series that highlights the strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy. Great for fans of Bridge to Terabithia and The Thing About Jellyfish. “Kids are awesome. And they are diverse. There are children with different abilities and backgrounds and experiences, and every one of them deserves to find themselves in children’s literature and to know that they matter.” -Ally Condie, on Summerlost  “Funny, sad, sweet, and heartwarming.” -Parents.com, Special Needs Now blog  ★ “Condie is at her best . . . grabbing readers’ interest from the first page.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review  “A nuanced portrait of grief deeply grounded in the middle-school mind-set.” –Booklist  “Honest, lovely, and sad.” –Kirkus Reviews  ★ “Thoughtful, poetic chapter endings guide readers new to psychological depth toward meaningful connections between plot events and thematic reflections.” –BCCB, starred review

Summerlost

When an outbreak of the deadly Black Plague closes the Globe Theatre, William Shakespeare’s acting troupe sets off on a tour of England. Widge, the orphan-turned-actor, knows that he’ll be useful on the trip. Not only does he love the stage, but his knack for a unique shorthand has proven him one of the most valuable apprentices in the troupe. But then a mysterious man appears, claiming to know a secret from Widge’s past-a secret that may forever force him from the theatre he loves. “An exciting, well-written tale that is sure to leave [readers] clamoring for more.” (School Library Journal, starred review)

Shakespeare's Scribe

Jeffrey Ebbeler

Meet elementary school superstar Dylan St. Claire in this laugh-out-loud book about a live-out-loud boy. Dylan’s getting ready to audition for the school play, a musical about outer space, and he’s got his sights set on playing the star . . . figuratively and literally. But when he ends up being cast as a squirrel, the real theatrics begin. Follow this extremely secure and unique boy through his daily dramas as he tackles each dilemma with pizzazz and skill. Giving a fabulous voice to the kind of boys who are under-represented in children’s books, Dylan St. Claire confidently walks between “masculine” and “feminine” behavior: He cries openly and expresses his emotions but also cracks jokes and finds his inner strength when the going gets rough. Full of laughs and a one-of-a-kind character kids will cheer for, this hilarious story is a celebration of individuality, persistence, overcoming disappointment, and what it takes to be a true star.

One and Only Dylan St. Claire

Marc Brown

BESTSELLING CLASSIC SERIES! More than 5 million Arthur Adventure books sold! Celebrate Thanksgiving with Arthur! When Arthur is picked to direct his school’s Thanksgiving play, all his friends beg him for the lead role. But not everyone can be the star, and someone has to be the turkey! Can Arthur find the perfect lead, the perfect turkey, and save the day?

Arthur's Thanksgiving

Tanya Lee Stone

Gerald Kelley

Little ones will love learning about Thanksgiving in Tanya Lee Stone’s newest shaped alphabet book. Join in as the elementary school puts on a play that tells the true story of the first Thanksgiving. Rhyming couplets that flow through the alphabet help kids celebrate everything from Harvest to Pilgrims to Turkey.

T is for Turkey: A True Thanksgiving Story

Mike Berenstain

When Brother, Sister, and Honey need a summer job, they see that the old theater in town is hiring. The theater is dark and spooky, and full of strange things. What will they find?Beginning readers will love this 32-page spooky tale starring their favorite family of bears. The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Theater is a 32-page Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and read full sentences.

Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Theater

The Ghost in the First Row

James Patterson

Chris Grabenstein

Adapted from James Patterson’s #1 bestselling story, this hilarious and heartwarming graphic novel introduces Jacky Ha-Ha, a class clown who makes people laugh with her so they can’t laugh at her! With her irresistible urge to tell a joke in every situation–even when it’s a bad idea–Jacky Ha-Ha loves to make people laugh. And cracking wise helps distract her from thinking about not-so-funny things in her life, like her mom serving in a dangerous, faraway war, and a dad who’s hardly ever home. But no matter how much fun Jacky has, she can’t entirely escape her worries. So one starlit night, she makes a promise to keep her family together…even if she has to give up the one thing that makes her happy. But can she stop being Jacky Ha-Ha, if that’s who she really is?Bright, funny, and fast-paced artwork will have readers laughing their way through Jacky’s ha-ha-heartwarming story!

Jacky Ha-Ha: A Graphic Novel

Stacy Davidowitz

Ali Stroker

A heartfelt middle-grade novel about a theater-loving girl who uses a wheelchair for mobility and her quest to defy expectations–and gravity–from Tony award-winning actress Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz  Thirteen-year-old Nat Beacon loves a lot of things: her dog Warbucks, her best friend Chloe, and competing on her wheelchair racing team, the Zoomers, to name a few. But there’s one thing she’s absolutely OBSESSED with: MUSICALS! From Hamilton to Les Mis, there’s not a cast album she hasn’t memorized and belted along to. She’s never actually been in a musical though, or even seen an actor who uses a wheelchair for mobility on stage. Would someone like Nat ever get cast?  But when Nat’s family moves from California to New Jersey, Nat stumbles upon auditions for a kids’ production of Wicked, one of her favorite musicals ever! And she gets into the ensemble! The other cast members are super cool and inclusive (well, most of them)– especially Malik, the male lead and cutest boy Nat’s ever seen. But when things go awry a week before opening night, will Nat be able to cast her fears and insecurities aside and “Defy Gravity” in every sense of the song title?

The Chance to Fly

Mandy Gonzalez

Better Nate than Ever meets Love Sugar Magic in this spooky middle grade novel from Hamilton and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez about a group of young thespians who must face the ghost haunting their theater. Twelve-year-old Monica Garcia has arrived in NYC with her grandmother and a few suitcases to live her dream on Broadway. She’s been chosen as understudy to the star of Our Time, the famed Ethel Merman Theater’s last chance to produce a hit before it shutters its doors for good. Along with her fellow castmates–a.k.a. “the squad”–Monica has a big and very personal reason to want this show to succeed. But rumors of a long-running curse plague the theater. And when strange and terrible things start to threaten their hopes for a successful opening night, Monica and the rest of the squad must figure out how to reverse the curse before their big Broadway debuts. With the help of her new friends, her family, and a little magic, can Monica help save the show–and save their dreams? From Broadway and television star Mandy Gonzalez comes a story about what it means to dream, be yourself, and be fearless.

Fearless

The fifth installment in the beloved Fairy Tale Reform School series where the teachers are (former) villainsBe careful what you wish for…With big-time villains Rumpelstiltskin and Alva still on the loose and the citizens of Enchantasia on high alert, things at Fairy Tale Reform School have been a little…stressed. So when Maxine finds an old lamp that turns out to house an overly-enthusiastic genie, she knows exactly what to do; wish for everyone to be happy! But the wish has some unexpected consequences…suddenly, ex-villains are singing, trolls and ogres are getting along, and the whole school is more focused on putting on a musical than figuring out how to deal with Rumpelstiltskin. Can Gilly help Maxine break the spell before it’s too late?This series is perfect for read-alongs between parents and kids and engaging reluctant readers.

Wished

Martha Freeman

“Will make a theater lover of any young reader.” –Booklist​​ Perfect for fans of The Wednesday Wars, this raucous and delightful middle grade mystery from Edgar Award-nominated author Martha Freeman is filled with backstage fun, relatable family drama, and maybe even a ghost. Break a leg! That’s what you say to actors when what you mean is Have a good show!. Anything else is bad luck. When Miss Magnus literally breaks her leg, eleven-year-old Noah McNichol and the rest of the Plattsfield Winklebottom Memorial Sixth-Grade Players are left without a director for their production of Hamlet. Coach Fig comes to the rescue–sort of. He’ll direct, even though he is clearly more interested in whatever is happening on his phone than in directing. He doesn’t even know upstage from downstage! But then something weird happens: out of nowhere appears a strangely dressed old guy named Mike. He tells Noah he has theater experience, before disappearing–poof. Noah has some investigating to do and some decisions to make. Like, does he care more that their new director might be a ghost or about getting to make his stage debut? And who is Mike and why has he decided to help? As things get weirder and weirder, one thing becomes clear: The show must go on, and Noah will do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.

Noah McNichol and the Backstage Ghost

Katharine Holabird

Sarah Warburton

Twinkle the fairy is the star of the show in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read story from the acclaimed author of the beloved Angelina Ballerina series! From the author of the global success Angelina Ballerina comes a charming story for all those who love fairies, friendship, and starring in the show! The Fairy School of Magic and Music is putting on a show and Twinkle is the star. Twinkle practices and practices to make sure she is perfect on stage. But some things are even better than being perfect…

Twinkle, Twinkle, Sparkly Star

Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure through Mouseford Academy!To celebrate Mouse Academy’s 600th anniversary, the headmaster and teachers decide to stage a performance of William Squeakspeare’s favorite play Mouseo &amp;amp; Juliet! The Thea Sisters all want the part of Juliet, but so does their rival, Ruby Flashyfur. Who will be the star of the show?

Drama at Mouseford

Callie Barkley

The Critter Club has baby bunnies to care for–but is Ellie too busy aiming for showstopper status to help out her friends? The Critter Club is up and running, and so are the girls–especially Ellie! She’s wanted to perform her entire life, so when she lands the lead role in Santa Vista Elementary School’s Spring Spectacular, it’s her big chance to show her stuff! But as Ellie’s big performance draws near, will she let the play and her determination to succeed get in the way of being a good friend? What about caring for the baby rabbits that were just brought to The Critter Club? Some very helpful advice from an unexpected source reminds Ellie that being a good friend is just as important as doing what you love. With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Critter Club chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

All about Ellie

Stan Kirby

George O’Connor

A new villain threatens to put “the big freeze” on the second grade’s holiday play. Can the Sunnyview Superhero Squad save the show? Eugene and Charlie can hardly wait for Sunnyview Elementary’s holiday spectacular, “The Winter Wonderland.” These superhero pals are prepared to give it all they’ve got as members of the Snowflake Symphony. MI-TEE! Captain Awesome and Nacho Cheese Man’s superhero skills are called into action when an all-new villain threatens to ruin the second graders’ performance. Can the Sunnyview Superhero Squad save the show? With easy-to-read text and illustrations on almost every page, the Captain Awesome chapter books are perfect for beginning readers!

Captain Awesome Saves the Winter Wonderland

In the twenty-third adventure, Captain Awesome meets a Mystery Man in Black who is out to ruin his class field trip!  Captain Awesome, Nacho Cheese Man, and Supersonic Sal come up with a mighty plan to help them survive the dreaded field trip of doom to the Sunnyview Playhouse! The play is so boring that even Captain Awesome’s Super Dude Bore-doom Destruction Kit doesn’t help. But then he spots someone stealing a trunk full of treasure in the middle of the play! Will Captain Awesome and the Sunnyview Superhero Squad be able to stop the Man in Black before the last curtain falls? With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Captain Awesome chapter books are perfect for beginning readers!

Captain Awesome, the Show Must Go On!

Russ Bolts

Jay Cooper

Joe and Rob go looking for the Wizard of Bots in this tenth adventure in the hilarious Bots chapter book series. Many years ago, scientists on Earth sent video satellites out to the end of the universe to see what was hiding in deep space. Now, years later, these satellites have begun sending their first videos back to Earth…and the stars of the show are two goofy robots. When Joe and Rob’s school play is about to fall apart, they go off to see the wonderful Wizard of Bots for a helping hand! With easy-to-read language and graphic novel art on almost every page, the Bots chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

The Wizard of Bots

Herman Parish

When Amelia Bedelia helps out with the school Thanksgiving play, she causes quite a scene. Let’s all give thanks for a funny Thanksgiving-themed Amelia Bedelia story!The literal-minded Amelia Bedelia makes kids ages 4 to 8 giggle, and this story is a fun encouragement to keep exploring reading.Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey

Nancy Krulik

When Miriam gets Suzanne’s role in the school play (that is, the role Suzanne thinks belongs to her), Katie knows there will be trouble. But she certainly doesn’t plan on being involved in it! Unfortunately, the magic wind has plans of its own–it turns Katie into Miriam just before the show! Katie doesn’t know the lines and she can’t sing. Will the show go on? Will it go on with Suzanne instead?

No Biz Like Show Biz

Stephen Krensky

Three new chapter books feature Arthur and his friends for fans ready to read on their own. Each book features longer Arthur Adventures at a third-grade reading level and has loads of kid appeal. Arthur is in top form as he attempts to settle a huge argument, hosts the Brain for a weekend, and tries to keep Francine from taking over a class play. Arthur fans will want to read and collect all of these new chapter books!

Francine the Superstar

What’s better than getting one new Katie story? Getting two! With this Super Special, kids can get into the holiday spirit by following Katie’s latest misadventures, first at a Christmas tree farm and then at a Santa’s Workshop theme park, where she switcheroos into . . . Well, we won’t spoil the surprise, but here’s a hint: she doesn’t have a red nose but she sure has antlers!

Holly's Jolly Christmas

Poppy Green

Jennifer A. Bell

Sophie’s friend Hattie tries out for a play at Oak Hollow Theater in this sixteenth charming book of The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series! When Hattie Frog learns that Oak Hollow Theater is putting on a play and anyone can audition, she knows it’s her time to shine. Sophie is surprised because Hattie is usually so shy! But she supports her friend and helps Hattie practice for her audition. And Hattie gets a role! There’s just one problem. Now Hattie isn’t so sure she’s ready to be on stage in front of all of Pine Needle Grove! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Hattie in the Spotlight

R.L. Stine

The infamous, Most Wanted Goosebumps characters are out on the loose and after you. For the first time ever, it’s a Goosebumps Christmas! Kate Welles doesn’t want to be special. She just wants to play the lead in her school’s Christmas play. Her annoying “friend” Courtney is constantly getting in the way of that. Can you even call someone a “friend” if all they do is make fun of you and ruin everything all of the time? But Kate has to get along with Courtney or else neither of them will be allowed to take part in The 12 Screams of Christmas. Kate and Courtney’s teacher decides they need to find a special place to rehearse. A certain house with a special history. The kind of place that Kate would normally be pretty frightened to go into. The kind of place that gives new meaning to the term: Christmas Spirit.

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