This heart-warming story is about Bella, a 13-year-old girl in Tampa, Florida, in the 1930s. Her grandfather is a "lector" at a cigar factory, which means he reads fiction, newspapers, and union news to the workers as they roll cigars. Being a "lector" is an important role in their Cuban American immigrant community. But the hard times of the Depression mean that Bella must go to work in the factory. Her hope of getting the education a "lector" needs seems impossible.

Graphic novel fans, it’s time to visit the Big Apple with A.J. and friends! New York Times bestselling author Dan Gutman and veteran illustrator Jim Paillot have brought you a third zany My Weird School graphic novel! A.J. and his friends are visiting New York City! They’re hitting all the classic tourist stops—Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, the Met, and more. Their tour guide, Mrs. Mentry, is determined to show the kids all her favorite spots. But will A.J. and the gang be able to fend for themselves after they’re separated from their chaperone?  Full of visual gags, hilarious pop culture references, fun facts about New York, and transportive full-color illustrations, this is the weirdest graphic novel in the history of the world! With more than 32 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading!

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills. Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure. Independent Reading Yellow stories are perfect for children aged 4+ who are reading at book band 3 (Yellow) in classroom reading lessons. In this story, there is a new boy in Ahmed's school - and he is out of this world! Will the teacher notice that her new student is really an alien?

Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when there's a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot, and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a story too. Bowen sees the world differently to other children and struggles to fit in. How will he find his place in the world? The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp follows the life of Bowen through school and beyond. At every stage, he finds that he doesn't fit in with his peers, but this eventually becomes his greatest strength. Through thinking differently, he is able to solve problems that no one else could. After all, just because something can't be mended the same as it was, why can't it be mended differently? A very personal story, Bowen's tale is sensitively written and full of colourful, lively illustrations. It aims to offer hope to children who haven't yet found their place in life by showing them that being 'normal' might just be overrated, and that to find success in life we should be valuing our differences. Children, carers, teachers and psychologists alike will find inspiration in this tale of embracing diversity and engaging our full potential. It is a vital reminder that the strength and uniqueness of every child should be encouraged to help them find their place in the world and flourish!

Ben is being bothered by not one, but two bullies at school. The twin boys with the red hair scares him sometimes, and they make Ben feel unhappy. Because of this, Ben doesn’t even want to go to school anymore. But then his mom reminds him that Jesus is always with
him and that there are other ways to handle bullies.

This beautiful story by Zuléka Smit sensitively explores the topic of being bullied, especially at school, and is based on her years of experience as an educator as well as being a mother.

Perse and her twin, Portia, are about to turn 11. How will they celebrate their birthday? Will shy Perse want the same outrageous party as Portia? Birthday Bonanza is full of surprises.Follow the next hilarious Totally Twins adventure as Perse and Portia plan their party and receive a few unexpected presents.Part of a four book series, Totally Twins is a comical series following the lives of twins Persephone and Portia as they navigate sibling rivalry, school and adjusting to life in a single parent family. Ideal for readers aged 8+ and fans of Tracy Beaker.

2018 Audie Award Finalist for Middle Grade
A YALSA 2018 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Selection
ALSC 2018 Notable Children's Recordings List 

A newbie to the track team, Patina must learn to rely on her teammates as she tries to outrun her personal demons in this follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Ghost by New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds.

Ghost. Lu. Patina. Sunny. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds, with personalities that are explosive when they clash. But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school track team - a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other but to themselves.

Patina, or Patty, runs like a flash. She runs for many reasons - to escape the taunts from the kids at the fancy-schmancy new school she's been sent to since she and her little sister had to stop living with their mom. She runs from the reason why she's not able to live with her "real" mom any more: Her mom has The Sugar, and Patty is terrified that the disease that took her mom's legs will one day take her away forever. So Patty's also running for her mom, who can't. But can you ever really run away from any of this? As the stress builds up, it's building up a pretty bad attitude as well. Coach won't tolerate bad attitude. No day, no way. And now he wants Patty to run relay...where you have to depend on other people. How's she going to do that?

From debut author Lisa Moore Ramée comes this funny and big-hearted debut middle grade novel about friendship, family, and standing up for what’s right, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give and the novels of Renée Watson and Jason Reynolds.

Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she’d also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead.)

But in junior high, it’s like all the rules have changed. Now she’s suddenly questioning who her best friends are and some people at school are saying she’s not black enough. Wait, what?

Shay’s sister, Hana, is involved in Black Lives Matter, but Shay doesn't think that's for her. After experiencing a powerful protest, though, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives movement. Soon everyone is taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum.

Shay is scared to do the wrong thing (and even more scared to do the right thing), but if she doesn't face her fear, she'll be forever tripping over the next hurdle. Now that’s trouble, for real.

Justice Jones, super-smart super-sleuth, is back for her fourth spine-tingling adventure! For fans of Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine and Enid Blyton. It's 1939 and war has broken out. Everything has changed at Highbury House school. The pupils have to help cook, clean and wash up, for a start! Then a boys' school is evacuated to Highbury House, and the girls have to share the building. Justice and her friends are delighted that there are still mysteries to solve, however. Like: why can they hear voices coming from an empty room? And how can there be a face at the window two storeys up? Then Justice faces her biggest challenge yet. Could there be a spy in their midst? Elly Griffiths is a bestselling, prize-winning adult crime writer best known for the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries.

If Wilson Williams thought multiplication was difficult, he is finding fractions impossible. And when his parents hire a math tutor for him, he is sure he's the only kid in the history of Hill Elementary to have one. Wilson is determined to make sure that no one finds out, not even his best friend, Josh. At least his pet hamster, Pip, is sympathetic. Pip is going to be part of Wilson's science fair project, because any project with hamsters in it is bound to be wonderful. But Josh has the coolest project of all: at what temperature does a pickle explode? Unfortunately, it looks as if Wilson's secret may end up exploding their friendship.

Claudia Mills' "Fractions = Trouble" is a fun and thoroughly relatable story that "Kirkus Reviews" calls an "excellent selection for early chapter-book readers."

The unique writing of Ivy + Bean meets the pep of Clementine and the authentic humor of Dory Fantasmagory in this chapter book series about two girls with the same name and absolutely, definitely, NOTHING else in common. Over the course of a week in school, this bighearted, true-to-life chapter book will resonate with any young reader who's ever felt overlooked, second-best, or defined according to someone else. The first in a series, Best Friends-Ish provides a fresh take on the joys and traumas of elementary school drama. More than anything, second-grader Audrey wants to be the best at something. It always feels like she's not-quite-enough-not smart enough, not fast enough, not funny enough. When her beloved Miss Fincastle announces that a new girl, another AUDREY, is joining the class, Audrey suddenly becomes Audrey L., which makes her feel worse than ever. But is the new Audrey all bad? Might the two Audreys have more in common than just their name? And if the girls become friends, how will Audrey ever figure out how to be her best self-if she can't even be the best Audrey? Visually dynamic and narratively unique, this chapter book series is perfect for fans of the Ivy + Bean, Deckawoo Drive, and The Penderwicks series. TONS OF ILLUSTRATIONS: The book has many black and white illustrations throughout, providing newer readers with the perfect on-ramp from early readers into novels. There's something visual on every page. EMPATHY READ FOR BEGINNING READERS: This book is about embracing people's differences, understanding their similarities, and making new friends. COMING-OF-AGE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: This book encourages young readers to consider and celebrate the things that make them unique, while recognizing that sharing some of those traits with someone else isn't a bad thing. A DILEMMA EVERY KID FACES: Having to share a name with a classmate is one of the biggest nightmares for a kid. That extra last name initial becomes a part of who you are for years to come. It's an annoying, funny subject that kids everywhere will relate to. UNFORGETTABLE, FUNNY WRITING: Carter Higgins's writing is special. This storytelling is friendly, funny, and genuinely good, with an unforgettable voice that doesn't sound like any other chapter books. Perfect for: Beginning readers, Parents, Educators, Librarians, Grandparents, Anyone looking for a new series, Readers who love books set at school

When Aubrey is stung by a very polite wasp, he realises there is something strange going on in Rushing Wood. And as he's the only boy he knows of who can talk with animals, he is determined to find out what. With help from his friends Ariadne the house spider, Silvio the silverfish and Lupo the husky pup, the young warrior sets out to fight the Terrible Spiders and their genius creator Big B and, just maybe, save the world.

A graphic novel about friendship, belonging and feeling comfortable in your own skin! Trying out for middle school cheerleader means: performing in the giant school gym, with the whole school watching, and risking total humiliation. If Christina can make it through this, she can make it through anything. As one of the only Asian American kids in her small Texas town, Christina just wants to fit in. Luckily, her best friend, Megan, who is Iranian American, can totally relate. The two girls have always been inseparable and relish creating elaborate fantasy worlds together. But middle school is a reality-check, and suddenly popularity is way more important than playing pretend. When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and Megan literally jump at the chance to join the squad. But does fitting in actually equal belonging? Will they survive the terrifying tryouts? And most importantly, will their friendship withstand the pressures of heated competition and rivalry? Hilarious and heartfelt, The Tryout is Christina Soontornvat's personal story, sure to make you laugh, cry, and cheer! From two-time Newbery Honoree and Kirkus Prize winner Christina Soontornvat, and stellar new talent, Joanna Cacao Perfect for fans of New Kid, Rollergirl, and Real Friends.

Daniel knows that his mum was very ill once - mentally ill. But he doesn't like to think about it - and anyway, she's fine now. She's even landed a big new job as a head teacher. The problem is, she's head of his new school! It's so embarrassing - everyone is going to make fun of him. But then things get even tougher for Daniel. With his father abroad, his mum stops taking the medication that prevents her illness coming back. As his mum starts to act like she's from another planet, Daniel realises that something is terribly wrong. And that he is the only person who can help her ... Earth to Daniel comes to Bloomsbury for a refreshed cover look and renewed marketing and publicity to bring new readers to this quirky, lovely modern classic. Moving, funny and totally relatable, Earth to Daniel is a story about looking out for yourself, looking out for your family and finding friends in unlikely places. Originally published as My Mum is from Planet Pluto.

'A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge's heart melt' Dame Jacqueline Wilson Funny festive middle grade about the world's most Christmassy family from the founder of Authorfy, perfect for 8+ readers and fans of Matt Haig, Ben Miller, Sibeal Pounder's Tinsel, and the Nativity! films Wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who thinks he's a reindeer, home-schooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes. But when she goes to a new school with a singing Santa backpack and first day Christmas cards (during a heatwave in September!), she realises not everyone shares her enthusiasm for spreading cheer. In fact, when the neighbours try to remove the Carrolls from the street and Holly discovers a group of children that may not get a Christmas at all, her snowglobe world begins to crack. Is the world's most Christmassy girl about to lose her Christmas spirit? The Christmas Carrolls is a heartwarming, hilarious and inclusive tale about the power of spreading cheer, the magic of friendship and what really matters at this most wonderful time of the year.

The second title in the bestselling series from the brilliantly talented Liz Pichon. No school for two whole weeks! (Yeah!) I can forget ALL about lessons (and irritating things like Marcus Meldrew). And concentrate on good stuff like: Inventing new ways to annoy my sister Delia. (So many). Band practice for DOGZOMBIES (with my mate Derek). Watching TV and eating caramel wafers. Eating caramel wafers and watching TV. Excellent. Unfortunately a couple of small problems called the dentist and my big weirdo sister, Delia, seem to be getting in the way of my BRILLIANT plans . . . ABOUT THE SERIES: Written in diary form Full of Tom's doodles and pictures & his amazing sense of humour The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, was the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize! Perfect gifts for boys & girls who love to laugh themselves silly The first series of The Brilliant World of Tom Gates won the Scottish BAFTA for Entertainment! Love Tom Gates? Don't miss Liz Pichon's spectacular Shoe Wars, a laugh-out-loud, gadget-packed adventure!

Join the naughtiest unicorn for magic and mayhem in this hilarious series for 6+ fans of Pamela Butchart, Rabbit and Bear, The Worst Witch and UNICORNS!

Get ready to CELEBRATE! Mira’s been invited to Unicorn School’s 1000th Birthday Party, and can hardly wait for all the games, glitter and gorgeous outfits!

Dave THE NAUGHTIEST UNICORN is more interested in scoffing all the rainbow icing… They’ll be Very Important Visitors there too, and Mira and her friends have been given the important quest of filling party bags with gifts to give them. But it’s not long before disaster strikes! What will they do when the big day arrives?

Morena loves his new school! There are so many fun extramural activities and games to play that he and his friends have set up their own championship. Before school starts and at break Morena and his friends plays marbles, cards, soccer and shoot hoops. After school they take the soccer online or jump into go-karts. Morena is determined to get all the points! But it isn't just sports that he excels at, he can come up with a rap song on the spot and has a hilarious idea for an assignment that involves bringing your favourite traditional food to school. He can't wait to see the teacher's reaction after the whole class experiences the effects of eating samp and beans! If there's one thing Morena takes seriously it is being the captain of his school's softball team. He is good at pitching and his twin sister Rorisang is an excellent batter. But their team keeps losing! Morena isn't scared of a challenge, he'll try his best at any game to be a superstar. How can he help his team to do their best? A heart-warming story that celebrates family, friendship and working together. The book is also available in isiZulu, isiXhosa and Afrikaans.

This is the story of THE LEAGUE OF PICKLEMAKERS
Ben: who began it all by sneaking in one night and filling homeroom with ball-pit balls.
Frank: who figured out that an official club, say a "pickle-making" club, could receive funding from the PTA.
Oliver: Who once convinced half of the class that his real parents had found him and he was going to live in a submarine.
Bean: Who wasn't exactly invited, but her parents own a costume shop, which comes in handy if you want to dress up like a giant squirrel and try to scare people at the zoo. TOGETHER, they are an unstoppable prank-pulling force, and Fountain Point Middle School will never be the same. Latino Interest.

Trudi and Marcus are taking the local steam train to school, as usual not talking to each other. He thinks she's a stuck-up teacher's pet; she thinks he's only capable of playing the fool. Then they see a Formal Notice from the train window. NOTICE OF CLOSURE OF RAILWAY LINE BANSTONE TO ROYDS WELL. CLOSURE OF THE RAILWAY LINE WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY 31ST MARCH 1967. This is a bitter blow. What can they do? How can they stop them? If they don't work together, it will certainly close.

Molly is in her final year of primary school, with secret dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer. Having always lived in the shadow of her manipulative friend, Chloe, Molly finally has the chance to compete in a regional swimming contest and define herself on her own terms. But with the pressure of fitting in, and the sudden arrival of her mysterious mum, will she give up on her dreams for a shot at popularity? A hugely exciting debut with a classic underdog story, a wonderfully relatable protagonist, and an important message of friendship, body positivity, and celebrating who you are.