All Books
Synopsis: The second book in the series! From the moment Joshua Dread receives an invitation to Gyfted & Talented, the mysterious program for kids with superpowers, his plans for a normal summer turn upside down. Evil maniac Phineas Vex is still alive—and he wants Joshua dead. So if G&T can help prepare Joshua for battle, he's all in. And so are Sophie and Milton.
Except they get more than they bargained for. The truth is that Joshua and his friends have been chosen to form the greatest superhero team of all time. That is, if they make it through G&T's rigorous training.
Suddenly Joshua is thrust into the media spotlight, and it's not as glamorous as people think. And what will happen if his supervillain parents find out that the new celebrity superhero is . . . Joshua?
No one ever said fighting evil would be easy.
Except they get more than they bargained for. The truth is that Joshua and his friends have been chosen to form the greatest superhero team of all time. That is, if they make it through G&T's rigorous training.
Suddenly Joshua is thrust into the media spotlight, and it's not as glamorous as people think. And what will happen if his supervillain parents find out that the new celebrity superhero is . . . Joshua?
No one ever said fighting evil would be easy.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: In this thrilling sci-fi adventure, epic danger and impossible odds are no match for one girl's courage!
Twelve-year-old Hope lives in White Rock, a town of inventors struggling to recover from World War III. But adventurous Hope is terrible at inventing. She would much rather sneak off to cliff dive into the Bomb’s Breath, the deadly band of air that surrounds the town.
When bandits invade White Rock to steal its greatest invention—priceless antibiotics—the town is left with a heartbreaking choice: hand over the medicine and die from disease, or die fighting the bandits. Help lies in a neighboring town, but the bandits count everyone fourteen and older each hour. Now Hope and her friends Aaren and Brock are only ones who can escape through the Bomb’s Breath.
For once, the daring and rebelliousness that usually get Hope into trouble might just save them all.
A Texas Library Association’s Bluebonnet Award Selection
“Eddleman brings a strong sense of atmosphere to this post-apocalyptic coming-of-age piece, and the underlying message—that it’s possible to contribute in unexpected ways—is a positive one.” —Publishers Weekly
Twelve-year-old Hope lives in White Rock, a town of inventors struggling to recover from World War III. But adventurous Hope is terrible at inventing. She would much rather sneak off to cliff dive into the Bomb’s Breath, the deadly band of air that surrounds the town.
When bandits invade White Rock to steal its greatest invention—priceless antibiotics—the town is left with a heartbreaking choice: hand over the medicine and die from disease, or die fighting the bandits. Help lies in a neighboring town, but the bandits count everyone fourteen and older each hour. Now Hope and her friends Aaren and Brock are only ones who can escape through the Bomb’s Breath.
For once, the daring and rebelliousness that usually get Hope into trouble might just save them all.
A Texas Library Association’s Bluebonnet Award Selection
“Eddleman brings a strong sense of atmosphere to this post-apocalyptic coming-of-age piece, and the underlying message—that it’s possible to contribute in unexpected ways—is a positive one.” —Publishers Weekly
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: With its kid-perfect humor and dynamic illustrations, Book 1 of the hilarious Templeton Twins series left young readers clamoring for more. This time, Abigail and John Templeton find themselves at TAPAS (the Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Sciences) where their father, the illustrious Professor Templeton, has been hired to invent a groundbreaking theatrical device. Once again, there is drama (of course!), silliness, and suspense, as the twins (and their ridiculous dog) must thwart the dastardly Dean brothers in order to save the invention as well as their father (and the dog). Oh yes, there is sure to be another recipe. This time for guacamole. Or is it coleslaw?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Abbey and her tomboy sister Case think all their dreams have come true when their family win the lottery. What they didn’t expect was to be sent to an exclusive boarding school with girls that just don’t like them. Desperate to get themselves home again, the girls go on a mission to get themselves into trouble, until a new friend goes missing and they may just have the only clue to what happened.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Mike Hascal can’t wait for the day when he grows up and gets to take over his family’s horror shop. He and his friends go to Hascal’s Horrors every day after school where Mike’s sister, Julie, has run the store ever since their father died. However, a tragedy seven years ago forced the shop to close to the public. A boy, Shawn Mackey, went into the woods to try to take a picture of a ghost for a contest the shop was holding, and he never made it out. The Mackey family then forced the Hascal family to take customers by appointment only and never let any kids into the store.
When business, gets slow and a woman complains about her grandson, Freddy, hanging out at the store, Julie is forced to ban Mike and his friends from the shop. To save his store, Mike and his friends decide to solve the mystery of what happened to the missing boy, hoping that the Mackey family will let them reopen the shop to the public. Using their knowledge of horror movies, Freddy’s help, and Mike’s family’s supernatural powers, they go on an adventure to save the family’s shop and bring Shawn Mackey’s family peace.
When business, gets slow and a woman complains about her grandson, Freddy, hanging out at the store, Julie is forced to ban Mike and his friends from the shop. To save his store, Mike and his friends decide to solve the mystery of what happened to the missing boy, hoping that the Mackey family will let them reopen the shop to the public. Using their knowledge of horror movies, Freddy’s help, and Mike’s family’s supernatural powers, they go on an adventure to save the family’s shop and bring Shawn Mackey’s family peace.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Aristibule, a philosopher of ancient Greece, is dragged away from his home and taken to the king's palace, as the monarch is in need of clever discussions and advices. Although they don't really understand each other, the king appreciates talking with the philosopher during his meals. They tackle some fundamental socio-moral problems. Aristibule only thinks of going back home, and finally escapes from the palace.
Excerpt :
“My dear Aristibule, We would like to consult you on an issue that is cause for great concern to Us. What shall We do with the poor? They are everywhere, they spit on floors, they litter the streets and courtyards, they drink impure wine, and set a bad example for children.”
Aristibule, who had heard the word “poor,” remarked, “There are many.”
Nozé continued while Aristibule pricked up his ears. “A few years ago, We went to see the priestess of Epidaurus to ask her how to solve this problem. Do you know what the priestess told Us? She answered ‘You must,’ nothing else. What does this mean, Aristibule? We must do what? Can you explain this to Us?”
Aristibule was thinking while Nozé gargled with a sip of wheat alcohol.
“The Priestess of Epidaurus does not like long sentences,” Aristibule began.
Nozé did not give him time to finish. “If We do not punish the poor, there will be more and more!”
Aristibule was now hearing well, as the king had begun to speak very loud. He said thoughtfully, “Being poor is not very pleasant.”
“On the contrary, it is very pleasant to be poor!” exclaimed the king. “There is nothing to do, outside of remaining poor.”
For more philosophical tales : http://philosophical-story.com/
Excerpt :
“My dear Aristibule, We would like to consult you on an issue that is cause for great concern to Us. What shall We do with the poor? They are everywhere, they spit on floors, they litter the streets and courtyards, they drink impure wine, and set a bad example for children.”
Aristibule, who had heard the word “poor,” remarked, “There are many.”
Nozé continued while Aristibule pricked up his ears. “A few years ago, We went to see the priestess of Epidaurus to ask her how to solve this problem. Do you know what the priestess told Us? She answered ‘You must,’ nothing else. What does this mean, Aristibule? We must do what? Can you explain this to Us?”
Aristibule was thinking while Nozé gargled with a sip of wheat alcohol.
“The Priestess of Epidaurus does not like long sentences,” Aristibule began.
Nozé did not give him time to finish. “If We do not punish the poor, there will be more and more!”
Aristibule was now hearing well, as the king had begun to speak very loud. He said thoughtfully, “Being poor is not very pleasant.”
“On the contrary, it is very pleasant to be poor!” exclaimed the king. “There is nothing to do, outside of remaining poor.”
For more philosophical tales : http://philosophical-story.com/
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: For young and/or reluctant readers who love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Chase Cooper, this frighteningly funny mix of Ghostbusters and Monsters Inc. is the perfect blend of humor, horror, mystery, and suspense.
Will Allen may be one of the smallest boys at Ashford Middle School, but he is also one of the smartest. But cleverness alone isn't enough to help him when monsters infest his room!
Together with his friend Jeannine Fitsimmons, Will searches fruitlessly for help, until a strange business card appears, instructing them how to summon Bigelow Hawkins, the Great Monster Detective. But even with Bigelow's help, along with the use of his very special monster-fighting instruments, the RevealeR and the MonsterScope, can Will learn how to conquer his monsters and reveal the secret of the dreaded HIDDEN BEAST before it's too late?
Will Allen may be one of the smallest boys at Ashford Middle School, but he is also one of the smartest. But cleverness alone isn't enough to help him when monsters infest his room!
Together with his friend Jeannine Fitsimmons, Will searches fruitlessly for help, until a strange business card appears, instructing them how to summon Bigelow Hawkins, the Great Monster Detective. But even with Bigelow's help, along with the use of his very special monster-fighting instruments, the RevealeR and the MonsterScope, can Will learn how to conquer his monsters and reveal the secret of the dreaded HIDDEN BEAST before it's too late?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis:
Inculcate the love of reading in all children.
Help Beginner Readers become Advanced Readers.
Encourage Reluctant Readers to start reading.
Introduce children to different genres.
Daksha lives in a hamlet on the Himalayas. An orphan, she learns native medicine by assisting a vaidya. A chance encounter brings her to the notice of people who move her to town and admit her to a school.
Daksha is unhappy there and wants to return to her hamlet – until a resourceful doctor helps her adjust to her new life.
About the Short Chapter Book Series
The average word count of books in the series is 6000. The books attempt to:
Inculcate the love of reading in all children.
Help Beginner Readers become Advanced Readers.
Encourage Reluctant Readers to start reading.
Introduce children to different genres.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis:
Can a ship carrying Friendship Dolls to Japan be Lexie’s ticket to see her fun-loving mother again? A heartwarming historical novel inspired by a little-known true event.
It’s 1926, and the one thing eleven-year-old Lexie Lewis wants more than anything is to leave Portland, Oregon, where she has been staying with her strict grandparents, and rejoin her mother, a carefree singer in San Francisco’s speakeasies. But Mama’s new husband doesn’t think a little girl should live with parents who work all night and sleep all day. Meanwhile, Lexie’s class has been raising money to ship a doll to the children of Japan in a friendship exchange, and when Lexie learns that the girl who writes the best letter to accompany the doll will be sent to the farewell ceremony in San Francisco, she knows she just has to be the winner. But what if a jealous classmate and Lexie’s own small lies to her grandmother manage to derail her plans? Inspired by a project organized by teacher-missionary Sidney Gulick, in which U.S. children sent more than 12,000 Friendship Dolls to Japan in hopes of avoiding a future war, Shirley Parenteau’s engaging story has sure appeal for young readers who enjoy historical fiction, and for doll lovers of all ages.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: This exciting adventure story has achieved immortal fame thanks to the blockbuster film of the same name, starring Douglas Fairbanks-a cinematic triumph that inspired author Johnston McCulley to dedicate it to Fairbanks. It has since seen numerous film and other adaptations, including a full-cast audio drama featuring the voice talents of Val Kilmer, Ruth Livier, Elizabeth Peña, Armin Shimmerman, and Meshach Taylor. Set in Mexican California during the 1820s, the tale follows the career of Don Diego Vega, by all appearances just a timid and aristocratic dandy. But apearances can be deceiving, and this is nothing more than a mask to conceal his hidden side as a California Robin Hood known as Zorro, whose swift blade strikes down those who exploit the poor and oppressed. The Mark of Zorro remains a paradigm of swashbuckling adventure and a popular novel to this day.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: “Baymo” is the story of a young dog who longs for the freedom and excitement of human life without comprehending the responsibility and worries that go along with such a life. Through a bit of magic from Father Moon, Baymo’s wish comes true – he becomes a man – but his subsequent misadventures teach him that being a man has its price.
Excerpt: But he was a man, a man, a man! Baymo was in a state of bliss, filled with joy and radiant. He stood, he fell, he pushed himself back up again. Tottered, veered, spun, teetering, toppling, a spinning top, out of control, overcome with pleasure.
He was so involved in this new game that he did not notice Spike enter the yard. The little pug stared at him with pop eyes, amazed at the sight of a tall, wobbly, naked, golden-haired man, wearing a grin, weird noises bursting out of his mouth. Spike was so startled by the bizarre apparition that he forgot to be scared.
That is, until the naked man took a step towards Spike and smiled. Spike gave a nervous bark. What to do? And where was Baymo to tell him what to do? Where was his best friend, the golden dog?
Baymo teetered and tottered toward Spike, croaking with pleasure at his newfound manhood. To his amazement, the little dog raced back to the safety and sanity of his house, an escapee from the clutches of the horrible stranger.
Excerpt: But he was a man, a man, a man! Baymo was in a state of bliss, filled with joy and radiant. He stood, he fell, he pushed himself back up again. Tottered, veered, spun, teetering, toppling, a spinning top, out of control, overcome with pleasure.
He was so involved in this new game that he did not notice Spike enter the yard. The little pug stared at him with pop eyes, amazed at the sight of a tall, wobbly, naked, golden-haired man, wearing a grin, weird noises bursting out of his mouth. Spike was so startled by the bizarre apparition that he forgot to be scared.
That is, until the naked man took a step towards Spike and smiled. Spike gave a nervous bark. What to do? And where was Baymo to tell him what to do? Where was his best friend, the golden dog?
Baymo teetered and tottered toward Spike, croaking with pleasure at his newfound manhood. To his amazement, the little dog raced back to the safety and sanity of his house, an escapee from the clutches of the horrible stranger.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Blue Sky can climb like an ibex. She was raised in the highest peaks of the Alps by the herd and named for the color of her eyes. They say her father was a fallen alpinist and her mother his beautiful dying dream… and so, as you may guess, she’s somewhat magical – strong and sure-footed on the peaks, and natural as an ibex in this harsh environment of wind, rock, and ice. Until one day when she rescues a young alpinist from a stormy peak. The boy looks like her, and he tells her of the world of mysteries beyond the crags. Sky longs to follow him. Can a girl raised by ibex in the mountains ever join the world of humans? Blue Sky must first fulfill her promise to the ibex and find the courage to leave everything she’s ever known.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Firefly. Cricket. Vole. Peter. Can four creatures from four very different Nations help one another find their ways in a world that can feel oh-so-big? Delve into this “wise and lovely reading adventure” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) in the tradition of Charlotte’s Web and The Rats of NIMH, from the author of the New York Times bestselling Someday.
“Firefly Hollow will set your heart aglow” (ALA Booklist, starred review).
Firefly doesn’t merely want to fly, she wants to touch the moon. Cricket doesn’t merely want to sing about baseball, he wants to catch. When these two little creatures with big dreams wander out of Firefly Hollow, refusing to listen to their elders, they find themselves face-to-face with the one creature they were always told to stay away from…a giant.
But Peter is a Miniature Giant. They’ve always been told that a Miniature Giant is nothing but a Future Giant, but this one just isn’t quite as big or as scary as the other Giants. Peter has a dream of his own, as well as memories to escape. He is overwhelmed with sadness, and a summer with his new unlikely friends Firefly and Cricket might be just what he needs. Can these friends’ dreams help them overcome the past?
Firefly Hollow is nothing short of enchanting, reminding us all that the very best friend is the one who encourages you to achieve your dreams. Full-color tip-in illustrations and dozens of black-and-white drawings provide added glow.
“Firefly Hollow will set your heart aglow” (ALA Booklist, starred review).
Firefly doesn’t merely want to fly, she wants to touch the moon. Cricket doesn’t merely want to sing about baseball, he wants to catch. When these two little creatures with big dreams wander out of Firefly Hollow, refusing to listen to their elders, they find themselves face-to-face with the one creature they were always told to stay away from…a giant.
But Peter is a Miniature Giant. They’ve always been told that a Miniature Giant is nothing but a Future Giant, but this one just isn’t quite as big or as scary as the other Giants. Peter has a dream of his own, as well as memories to escape. He is overwhelmed with sadness, and a summer with his new unlikely friends Firefly and Cricket might be just what he needs. Can these friends’ dreams help them overcome the past?
Firefly Hollow is nothing short of enchanting, reminding us all that the very best friend is the one who encourages you to achieve your dreams. Full-color tip-in illustrations and dozens of black-and-white drawings provide added glow.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: “Clever and funny with an irresistible premise, this middle grade adventure/comic book hybrid will engage even the most reluctant reader.” —Rick Riordan, author of the worldwide bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and the Heroes of Olympus
What if superheroes were real—and you had to become one? A boy is suddenly thrust into the role of a real-life superhero and tasked with saving Earth from an alien invasion in this action-packed novel from New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti and award-winning illustrator Dusty Higgins.
When twelve-year-old Miles Taylor unexpectedly inherits a golden cape that gives him amazing superpowers, his life instantly changes: he becomes a superhero. For real. With some help from a new friend named Henry, Miles does his best to protect his city. But his skills and courage are about to be put to the ultimate test—an alien horde is working its way toward Earth, with their sights set on the golden cape…and total domination. Ready or not, Miles is about to discover whether he has what it takes to save all humankind.
What if superheroes were real—and you had to become one? A boy is suddenly thrust into the role of a real-life superhero and tasked with saving Earth from an alien invasion in this action-packed novel from New York Times bestselling author Robert Venditti and award-winning illustrator Dusty Higgins.
When twelve-year-old Miles Taylor unexpectedly inherits a golden cape that gives him amazing superpowers, his life instantly changes: he becomes a superhero. For real. With some help from a new friend named Henry, Miles does his best to protect his city. But his skills and courage are about to be put to the ultimate test—an alien horde is working its way toward Earth, with their sights set on the golden cape…and total domination. Ready or not, Miles is about to discover whether he has what it takes to save all humankind.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis:
From the Hardcover edition.
In this adventurous retelling of The Prince and the Pauper, the lives of a runaway royal and a carnival worker become intertwined as each is compelled to fight for his life and family. Fans of The Sixty-Eight Rooms and Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy won’t want to miss this.
Lute is a prince, next in line to the throne. Griff is a poor carnival worker who does the heavy lifting while the malevolent ringmaster orders him about. But there’s something special about Griff: he can hear the thoughts of everyone around him. And one day, he begins to connect with Lute’s mind, even though they’ve never met and are miles apart.
When Lute must run for his very life, Griff may be the only one who can help him. In a journey over land and sea, these heroes battle deadly foes and make unlikely allies, including a host of magical creatures and their caretaker, a bitter old dwarf, and a mysterious lady pirate. When the boys finally come together, they will learn they are connected in ways they could never have imagined, ways that may save them—or cost them both their lives.
From the Hardcover edition.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Laura finds out that, Ricky, the boy who created her horrible nickname, "Lard Butt," has moved back into town—and immediately schemes to keep him quiet. After all, she can't let her new swim teammates, especially drool-worthy Noah, hear the horrible name! No way!
She's determined to put a million years between grade school and junior high—even in the face of a father who drives an éclair, a would-be-movie-star mother who suddenly moves back home, and a past that comes back to haunt her with the dreaded nickname.
Although Laura's embarrassed about how she looks in a swimsuit, she tries to stay true to her vow to take risks. She even lets Maria talk her into going to the school dance, where she braves negotiating a truce for a quarreling couple. New friendships form, Laura's mother starts getting too domesticated for Laura's comfort, and hints of romance start to develop—or do they?
Review:
This book should be read by ALL girls no matter what age they are, even if it means reading the book to each other so girls can understand each other's feelings…
This book is so inspiring because as a girl, it is hard not to worry about my size and weight. This book really changed my perception of my body! …
~~Angel, 5 Girls Book Reviews
She's determined to put a million years between grade school and junior high—even in the face of a father who drives an éclair, a would-be-movie-star mother who suddenly moves back home, and a past that comes back to haunt her with the dreaded nickname.
Although Laura's embarrassed about how she looks in a swimsuit, she tries to stay true to her vow to take risks. She even lets Maria talk her into going to the school dance, where she braves negotiating a truce for a quarreling couple. New friendships form, Laura's mother starts getting too domesticated for Laura's comfort, and hints of romance start to develop—or do they?
Review:
This book should be read by ALL girls no matter what age they are, even if it means reading the book to each other so girls can understand each other's feelings…
This book is so inspiring because as a girl, it is hard not to worry about my size and weight. This book really changed my perception of my body! …
~~Angel, 5 Girls Book Reviews
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction