Special Collections
Accelerated Reader Middle Grade Collection
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The Night I Flunked My Field Trip
by Henry Winkler and Lin OliverHank is thrilled about the "Best Field Trip of the Year". Everyone from Ms. Adolph's class gets to spend the night on an old-fashioned three-mast sailing ship in New York Harbor! And Hank gets even more excited when the ship's captain chooses him to be the first mate. But being first mate is not all it's cracked up to be, especially for a crazy captain who takes his job a little too seriously. The best field trip of the year is becoming the worst night of Hank's life. How's he going to get out of this one?
Niagara Falls, or Does It?
by Henry Winkler and Lin OliverHank Zipzer wants to do well in fourth grade.
He's smart, creative and funny but writing a five paragraph essay about what he did last summer sounds impossible because he's not so good at writing, spelling or other school subjects. Since he can't write about Niagara Falls, he decides to build it. The idea sounds great and his friends are helping. To his amazement, his project doesn't go over at all well in school and now he may not be able to be in the magic show he and his pals Frankie and Ashley have cooked up.
As hard as Hank tries to do school assignments like other kids, he spends all of his energy trying to stay out of trouble because he can't do the work. Then he winds up in trouble anyway. Finally a teacher he meets while in detention has an idea that might help him in school and his parents begin to understand he actually has talents! Search for the author, Henry Winkler and find more funny books about Henry Zipzer in the Bookshare collection.
I Got a "D" in Salami
by Henry Winkler and Lin OliverIt's report card day-the most dreaded day in Hank's school year. And when Hank gets his grades, they're his worst nightmare come true: a D in spelling, a D in reading, a D in math.
After school, Hank and his friends go to his mom's deli. His mom is on the prowl-she knows a report card day when she sees one. Hank tries to stall her, but she's going for his backpack. He's cornered. Hank hands the report card off to his friend Frankie, who gives it to his friend Ashley, who gives it to Robert, who puts it into a meat grinder! Hank watches as his Ds are ground into a big salami, and this particular salami is being made for a very important client. How will Hank get out of this one?
I Beat The Odds
by Michael Oher and Don YaegerThe football star made famous in the hit film The Blind Sidereflects on how far he has come from the circumstances of his youth. Michael Oher is the young man at the center of the true story depicted in The Blind Sidemovie (and book) that swept up awards and accolades. Though the odds were heavily stacked against him, Michael had a burning desire deep within his soul to break out of the Memphis inner-city ghetto and into a world of opportunity. While many people are now familiar with Oher's amazing journey, this is the first time he shares his account of his story in his own words, revealing his thoughts and feelings with details that only he knows, and offering his point of view on how anyone can achieve a better life. Looking back on how he went from being a homeless child in Memphis to playing in the NFL, Michael talks about the goals he had for himself in order to break out of the cycle of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness that trapped his family for so long. He recounts poignant stories growing up in the projects and running from child services and foster care over and over again in search of some familiarity. Eventually he grasped onto football as his ticket out of the madness and worked hard to make his dream into a reality. But Oher also knew he would not be successful alone. With his adoptive family, the Touhys, and other influential people in mind, he describes the absolute necessity of seeking out positive role models and good friends who share the same values to achieve one's dreams. Sharing untold stories of heartache, determination, courage, and love, I Beat the Odds is an incredibly rousing tale of one young man's quest to achieve the American dream.
Nancy Clancy Sees the Future
by Jane O'ConnorNancy Clancy is back in New York Times bestselling team Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser's third Fancy Nancy chapter book, Nancy Clancy Sees the Future! Nancy thinks she may be able to read the future . . . and all signs point to her being a true clairvoyant--that's fancy for fortune-teller.
In this perfect follow-up to Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth and Nancy Clancy, Secret Admirer, Nancy tries her hand at fortune-telling but quickly learns it's a bit more complicated than she thought. Does Nancy really have special powers, or is it all just a coincidence?
Fancy Nancy fans will love joining Nancy Clancy in the latest edition to the chapter book series. The central theme of all the Nancy Clancy books shines through, showing the power of positive thinking.
Fancy Nancy at the Museum
by Jane O'ConnorNancy's class is going on a trip to the museum, and Nancy wants to be extra fancy for the occasion. After a bumpy bus ride, she doesn't feel very well. Luckily for Nancy, her teacher, Ms. Glass, has a few fancy tricks of her own. Nothing can keep Nancy from making this trip magnifique! (That's a fancy French word for great!)
Fancy Nancy and the Too-Loose Tooth
by Jane O'ConnorNancy is about to lose her first tooth, but if she can prevent it from falling out until she arrives at school she will get a special necklace from the nurse.
Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet
by Jane O'ConnorFancy Nancy is ready for the spotlight!
Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, couldn't be more excited about their upcoming dance show. After all, it's all about mermaids--and who knows how to be a fancy, glamorous mermaid better than Fancy Nancy herself? But when another ballerina wins the coveted role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree.
Can Nancy bring fancy flair to her role, even though it isn't the one she wanted? And when disaster strikes right before the big ballet, who will step in to steal the spotlight?
From bestselling duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser comes a fancy, frilly ballet story with a lot of heart. Tiny fans will shout "Encore!" Picture descriptions present.
Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes
by Jane O'ConnorNancy has been having a little trouble paying attention in class--but when it's time to get ready for the school bake sale, she is all ears. With Mom's help, Nancy remembers to follow all of the directions for a delectable batch of cupcakes . . . except for one very important detail!
Young readers will laugh out loud at Nancy's cupcake calamity in this funny I Can Read story!
Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris
by Jane O'ConnorThere's a new boy in school, and he's from Paris.
Nancy cannot believe her luck. But this Parisian may not be as fancy as Nancy expects!
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorNancy absolutely adores stars. She loves how they sparkle in the sky, and she can even name the constellations. Nancy can hardly wait for her class visit to the planetarium! Young readers will delight in this newest addition to the Fancy Nancy I Can Read series, sharing in Nancy's anticipation and disappointment when the trip doesn't go as planned. But with her trademark panache, Nancy manages to make even this frustrating situation fun-and, of course, fancy. Picture descriptions present.
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorNancy is determined to make the cover of her very first book report as fancy as she can, but she spends so much time on it that she has no time to write about the book.
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorWhere spelling is concerned, Nancy is better than great--she's splendid! But when Ms. Glass's spelling test is harder than Nancy anticipated, the self-professed spelling prodigy faces a tough decision.
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorNancy's mom says Nancy has too many tutus! But what happens when her class hosts a swap-and-shop and Nancy finds the perfect tutu?
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorA young girl who loves fancy things helps her family to be fancy for one special night.
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorBeing green is important to Nancy--so important that she wants her family to take care of the Earth morning, noon, and night!
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorNancy is all set to wear something special for Pajama Day at school. But when Bree and Clara show up in matching outfits, Nancy feels left out. Will this Pajama Day be as fun as she thought?
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorWith the 100th day of school just around the corner, Nancy finds herself utterly stumped. She can't think of anything exciting, special, or imaginative enough to bring in to class to commemorate the day. Just as Nancy begins to lose hope, she finds inspiration from an unexpected source--and learns that even sad events can bring with them a glimmer of beauty.
Fancy Nancy
by Jane O'ConnorWhen Nancy picks flowers for Ms. Glass's surprise party, she is overjoyed--until she discovers an unpleasant surprise of her own! How could Nancy, practically a poison ivy expert, come down with something so unfancy?
In this hilarious new addition to the Fancy Nancy I Can Read series, Nancy realizes that even experts can always learn something new. With her boundless spirit and dynamic flair, Nancy is sure to leave young readers itching for more!
The Turtle of Oman
by Naomi Shihab NyePraised by the Horn Book as “both quiet and exhilarating,” this novel by the acclaimed poet and National Book Award Finalist Naomi Shihab Nye follows Aref Al-Amri as he says goodbye to everything and everyone he loves in his hometown of Muscat, Oman, as his family prepares to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan. This book was awarded a 2015 Middle East Book Award, was named a Notable Book by the American Library Association, and includes extra material by the author. Aref Al-Amri does not want to leave Oman. He does not want to leave his elementary school, his friends, or his beloved grandfather, Siddi. He does not want to live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where his parents will go to graduate school. His mother is desperate for him to pack his suitcase, but he refuses. Finally, she calls Siddi for help. But rather than pack, Aref and Siddi go on a series of adventures. They visit the camp of a thousand stars deep in the desert, they sleep on Siddi's roof, they fish in the Gulf of Oman and dream about going to India, and they travel to the nature reserve to watch the sea turtles. At each stop, Siddi finds a small stone that he later slips into Aref's suitcase—mementos of home.Naomi Shihab Nye's warmth, attention to detail, and belief in the power of empathy and connection shines from every page. Features black-and-white spot art and decorations by Betsy Peterschmidt.
Helen Keller
by Grace NorwichMeet the extraordinary young woman who learned to read, write, and speak—even though she was deaf and blind.I am two years old when I become deaf and blind. I live in a world of darkness. I am finally able to read and write with the help of my teacher Annie Sullivan. I am Helen Keller.Learn all about this remarkable young woman whose accomplishments are truly inspiring, with this biography including:illustrations throughouta timelinean introduction to the other people you’ll meet in the book, including Helen’s amazing teacher and the men who fell in love with hermapssidebarsa top ten list of important things to know, and more
Shimmer
by Alyson NoëlHaving solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?
Radiance
by Alyson NoëlRiley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife--a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she's summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn't just an eternity of leisure. She's been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who's definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley's first assignment, a Radiant Boy who's been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .
Blue Moon
by Alyson NoëlEager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way, but just as her powers are increasing, his are in decline.
Impyrium
by Henry H. Neff"A rare jewel. A new classic in the fantasy genre." -- Eoin Colfer, author of the bestselling Artemis Fowl series"A magnificent, rich, exhilarating book. I say this with all honesty: I haven't read about a world so deep, so purely magical, so well-developed, since Harry Potter." -- James Dashner, author of the bestselling Maze Runner seriesIn the first book of Henry H. Neff's new high-stakes middle grade fantasy series, two unlikely allies confront a conspiracy that will shake the world of Impyrium to its core.For over three thousand years, the Faeregine dynasty has ruled Impyrium. But the family's magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Whether it's treachery from a rival house, the demon Lirlanders, or rebel forces, many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.Hazel, the youngest member of the royal family, is happy to leave ruling to her sisters so that she can study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel's talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique. Hob, a commoner from the remote provinces, has been sent to the city to serve the Faeregines--and to spy on them.One wants to protect the dynasty. The other wants to destroy it. But when Hazel and Hob form an improbable friendship, their bond may save the realm as they know it...or end it for good.