Reading Library

Adapted from the New York Times best seller by Random House's longtime copy chief, this informative and witty guide to writing and grammar, written especially for a younger audience, entertains as well as instructs.

Partly a how-to guide on the nitty-gritty of writing, partly a collection of inspiration to set (and meet) ambitious goals, Brave the Page is the go-to resource for middle-grade writers. Narrated in a fun, refreshingly kid-friendly voice, it champions NaNoWriMo's central mission that everyone's stories deserve to be told. The volume includes chapters on character, plot, setting, and the like; motivating essays from popular authors; advice on how to commit to your goals; a detailed plan for writing a novel or story in a month; and more!

Everyone in Green Lawn is quaking about the ducks that keep crossing River Road. But just when the town raises enough cash to build a special duck bridge, the money is stolen! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are on a quest to find the culprit.

Aly and AJ are off on a whirlwind concert tour, and their first stop is New York City! Before their big show, the sisters will be guest stars at the opening of Girls Rock Academy, a school for girls who love to rock. But when the school’s equipment disappears on the day of the opening, Aly and AJ are on the case. Can the girls solve the mystery of the missing guitars in time for the school’s opening?

When the wild geese migrate over the little pond with its pink flamingos and clipped grass, Skylar and the others watch with envy. They like their pond, but there is something elegant and brave about being a real wild goose. But they've never flown before, and besides, there's never been a reason to go. Then a lost heron wants the pond geese to take him to Lost Pond, and Skylar thinks it's time for this motley crew to spread their wings and try out the great blue yonder. Adventure awaits...but, as they'll soon find out, so does great danger.

Nine-year-old Willis Wilbur is beyond excited to go back to school. Now that he has discovered his destiny as a life coach, he's looking forward to signing on more clients (preferably human ones, not just guinea pigs).

In the twelfth book of the Capital Mysteries—an early chapter book mystery series featuring fun facts and famous sites from Washington, D.C.—a legend says that on a dead president's birthday, his ghost haunts the famous retreat, Camp David. KC and Marshall are going there on October 14, President Eisenhower's birthday. They aren't worried, until strange things start happening. How did a bat get trapped in their cabin? Why is there blood-red dirt in the trunk by the couch? And what is making the weird thumping noise? It's not Eisenhower's ghost...is it?

In the fourth book of the Capital Mysteries—an early chapter book mystery series featuring fun facts and famous sites from Washington, D.C.—KC's mom is getting married...to the President of the United States! KC wants the day to be perfect, but someone keeps leaking wedding secrets. They newspapers have even printed where the president and his bride are going on their honeymoon. To save the wedding, KC and Marshall have to track down the spy in the White House!

When Joe's sister, Anna, accidentally opens The Book, Joe, Sam, and Fred suddenly find themselves in ancient Egypt. Soon, the Time Warpers are dodging crocodiles on the Nile, outwitting the evil high priest, and searching for an escape route from the mummy-making chamber.

Did you know that our word Thursday comes from the Viking god Thor...as in Thor's Day? Neither did the Time Warp Trio. Did you know that if you say "Thursday" over and over again too close to a certain magic book, you will get sucked back 2,000 years to the time of the Vikings? Neither did the Time Warp Trio. Can our trusty heroes, Joe, Sam, and Fred, survive a wild ride with Leif Eriksson, match wits with his evil cousin, and get back home in one piece?

Thanks to the magic of The Book, Joe, Sam, and Fred are back in the wild, wild West - and it's proving to be way too wild. They're almost stampeded by a herd of crazed cattle and nearly suffocated by foul cow fumes! Then they meet a friendly Indian chief, but why do his warriors keep staring at their scalps?

In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. He has been called the father of our country for leading America through its early years. Washington also served in two major wars during his lifetime: the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Washington's fascinating story comes to life - revealing the real man, not just the face on the dollar bill!

Zapped into the 21st century by The Book, Fred, Sam, and Joe discover that the future is worth waiting for. 3-D ads attack them on the street, and ray gun-toting robots demand their ID numbers, or else. And a meeting with their great-grandkids could knock out the old family tree at the roots! Will the trio's future mix-up wipe out their past?

Joe, Sam, and Fred just want a relaxing summer. But when Fred accidentally places their summer reading list inside The Book, the guys find themselves trapped in Hoboken while villains from children's classics run amok! The intrepic trio must find The Book before the Headless Horesman, Long John Silver, and a dastardly Mr. (Teddy) Bear do away with the heroes of their stories.

There's nothing like a good monster movie--except when the second reel gets stolen. It's up to Cam and her friend Eric to piece together clues that leave everyone else in the dark.

No mystery is too great for super-sleuth Cam Jansen and her amazing photographic memory! Mysteries follow super-sleuth Cam Jansen everywhere she goes...even to a park with U.F.O.s in sight! Cam and Eric see flashing lights in the sky, and everyone thinks aliens have landed. But Cam knows there's more to it than meets the eye. Can she solve this unearthly mystery?

When fifth-grader Cam notices that the prizes for the most difficult game at the school carnival are rapidly disappearing, she uses her amazing photographic memory to investigate.

No mystery is too great for super-sleuth Cam Jansen and her amazing photographic memory! Mysteries follow super-sleuth Cam Jansen everywhere she goes...even to a book signing. Cam is waiting in line for a book "pawtograph" from famous TV dog Poochie when he mysteriously disappears and is replaced with an imposter! Can Cam find the real Poochie?

When the twins start a summer basketball league at their local park, they notice the once rundown court is getting freshened up with each passing day. First new nets, then the benches have been completely restored. But who's behind it? Zach and Zoe are on the case!

Mysteries follow super-sleuth Cam Jansen everywhere she goes...even to the zoo. When a few monkeys suddenly go missing from their cage, Cam is sure she knows how the thief took them. Can she find the missing monkeys before they are lost forever?