In "Escape by Night," Ten-year-old Tommy and his sister Annie are intrigued by the new soldiers arriving in their Georgia town. Since the Civil War started, wounded men waiting to be treated at the local church-turned-hospital have been coming in by droves. When Tommy sees a soldier drop his notebook, he sends his dog, Samson, to fetch it. Tommy soon meets the soldier and is faced with the hardest decision he's ever had to make: whether or not he should help a Yankee escape to freedom.
Filled with intriguing suspense and tackling difficult questions about slavery, this story, told in accessible short chapters by Laurie Myers, will appeal to history buffs as well as those who appreciate a faithful dog.

From the first day at a new school, Lisa and her bossy classmate, Angel, begin playing a series of mischievous tricks on each other, with the class guinea pigs as unwitting accomplices, until the teacher steps in.

You never know when disaster is going to strike. It happens when John Jacobs accidentally knocks over his ant farm, causing an "earthquake' that endangers the lives of his buddies Big Jim, Digger, and Pea Brain. It happens again with a second "earthquake" of a different kind: John's all-time favorite teacher, mrs. Lucas, announces that she's moving. John and his friends Buzzy and kate try everything they can think of to keep Mrs. Lucas from leaving. They even concot a daring plan to sneak into the teacher's lounge while avoiding Mrs. Washburn, the biggest and meanest teacher in school. Will it work? If not, will they be able to deal with the consequences?

"Have you ever needed to call 9-1-1, but you couldn't get to a phone? Have you ever needed to run, but your legs were like spaghetti? Have you ever needed to yell "help " but your throat was dry with fear?"
Laugh, cry, and panic with Mr. Magro's class as they listen to twelve exciting SOS tales
Throughout the year, twelve of Mr. Magro's students have written about their biggest emergencies and tucked them into the SOS file. Now it's time to read the stories out loud and try to guess whose contribution has not earned extra credit. Sit back and enjoy twelve humorously illustrated stories that are sure to keep your heart thumping.
"The SOS File" is a 2005 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

It is the first annual meeting of the WOOF Society. Dogs of all different backgrounds and breeds have gathered together to listen to the stories of twelve dogs from around the world and throughout history. Abu is the ruler of ancient Egypt, but Miu, the Royal Cat, continues to challenge him, except at night. Tidbit, the runt of his litter, becomes a star singer at the Grand Ole Opry. Jip leads his blinded master back home from the Civil War. Mimi, a dog living in Paris, shares her tips on bathroom protocol and dinnertime etiquette. And eight more!

Dog Diaries is a winning companion to Cat Diaries, also by Betsy Byars and her daughters Betsy Duffy and Laurie Myers. Humorous and at times touching, this collection of ultra-short stories is perfect for dog-loving reluctant readers.