Books for Readers 8-12

The story of the Alamo encompasses far more than a thirteen-day siege that ended in a battle on March 6, 1836. In Voices of the Alamo, that story begins in the 1500s with the Native Americans who inhabited the area we now call Texas. Page by page, different voices—among them Spanish, Tejano, Texian, Mexican, and American—are heard, as they describe history from their individual viewpoints.

Acclaimed author Sherry Garland and artist Ronald Himler have joined together to create a beautiful book. Voices of the Alamo sensitively depicts history from the perspectives of the men and women who lived it. It is an unforgettable tribute to one of our nation’s most enduring symbols.

A guessing game to explore Louisiana state symbols. From the state crustacean to the state bird, the symbols of Louisiana come to life in this engaging book of brightly illustrated riddles. A fun question and answer format allows children to test their knowledge about the state as each colorful page reveals interesting facts about Louisiana history, wildlife, and traditions.

Max loves story time at the library. One day he spots a large speckled egg on a bookshelf. No one believes Max when he says a dragon has emerged and is now growing up in the library. Young readers will learn about book care as they follow the dragon's antics.

Give a crab a crawfish, and he won’t eat for the day!

A long time ago, when Crab and Crawfish were still best friends, Crawfish was feeling particularly lazy—and particularly hungry-as he loafed around the muggy bayou. When Crab arrived with a fish, Crawfish took one listen to his empty belly and decided to trick his good-natured friend. After Crab realizes Crawfish has made a fool of him again, he isn't happy, and before he knows it, Crawfish gets exactly what he deserves. A charming tale cautioning children about the consequences of cheating your friends, this colorful picture book from the critically acclaimed Johnette Downing will delight readers of all ages with its timeless and gentle lesson about integrity.

In this tale for young readers, a child is riding down the trail on a pony. A prairie dog, armadillo, jackrabbit, rattlesnake, and other critters appear along the way. The surprise ending will bring delight.

Gaston� the Green-Nosed Alligator, the Deep South's most celebrated children's book character, is off on another adventure, this time to cowboy country. Taken in by a group of rough-looking cowboys, he learns firsthand the difficult life of a cowboy on the range, but he meets the challenge, winning the grudging respect of his fellow cowhands.

“A story best memorized and shared over some warm cornbread recipe included.”—Kirkus Reviews

Rascally raccoons, feisty foxes, and artful alligators aren’t the only creatures running wild in the bayou. With a peppercorn nose, a boudin mouth, chili-pepper eyes, and no small amount of cayenne pepper, the Cajun cornbread boy sprints through the

swamps in shrimp boots and a cast-iron skillet hat, shouting as he dodges a number of perils along his way. When the boy meets an alligator who’d really like to have him for lunch, one of them is in for a truly spicy surprise!

In this flavorful rendition of the classic Gingerbread Man tale, award-winning international storyteller and folksinger Dianne de Las Casas presents a clever story in true Cajun style. Accompanied by Marita Gentry’s fresh and fun illustrations, this engaging and beautifully narrated folktale will be an unforgettable and delicious delight to all. Complete with a glossary of Cajun terms and a cornbread recipe, this zesty story will make mouths water as it brings the flavors of the Cajun country to every home.

When the cotton candy machine at the Texas State Fair malfunctions, Jake leaves a very sticky situation in his wake.

In this inventive retelling of There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly, an old Cajun accidentally swallows a gnat.

Colorful illustrations of the rich cultural celebration re-create the look and mood of Carnival.

Phillip Steele has collected 26 stories in an attempt to preserve the rich lore indigenous to the Ozarks.

Combine classic Mother Goose with a south Louisiana setting and the artistry of renowned Cajun humorist Justin Wilson, and the result is a captivating book that will delight children and adults of all ages.

Afraid of life in the zoo, the little giraffe escapes. She finds herself in the French Quarter, where she is befriended by Claude and Angelle, who agree to help Jenny.

Join Huey the river rat on a Louisiana adventure of bridges, levees, and landmarks

Huey and his family of river rats live along the batture of the Mississippi River near New Orleans. He dreams of riding the bridge train atop the Huey P. Long bridge and exploring the world beyond his family’s home on the levee. Follow along on an adventure that weaves through some of Louisiana’s most fascinating characters and famous landmarks. 

Clever Chuan devises a simple way for his father to quickly and accurately count all the warlord�s treasure.

With unexpected twists and compelling characters, Don’t Feed the Lion explores how young people grapple with antisemitism, prejudice, allyship, and the courage to speak up.

"This book . . . gives kids the tools to recognize and stand up to hate.” —Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor and New York Times Best-Selling Author

Annie and Theo Kaplan have a family ritual: every Friday night they celebrate Shabbat with their energetic, immigrant grandparents. But this Shabbat, which happens to fall on Annie’s eleventh birthday, isn’t like the others. Thirteen-year-old Theo’s soccer hero—Wes Mitchell—has posted an antisemitic message that quickly goes viral, leaving his parents disgusted, his sister enraged, and Theo himself clobbered by a torrent of confusion, anger, sadness, and a deep desire to just ignore it. 

Antisemitism quickly affects the entire Kaplan family in various ways. Theo’s teammates think Mitchell’s comments were no big deal, and Theo notices an uptick in anti-Jewish commentary around school. A rare act of rebellion draws Annie into the fray, and a new classmate shows that ignoring pain is no way to get through it.

Don’t Feed the Lion asks readers of all backgrounds: What will you do when it’s your turn to choose?

Twelve-year-old Gracie Watson is unusually—some might even say morbidly—excited about her upcoming move to Savannah, one of the most haunted cities in the country.

Gracie isn’t one to make friends with the living, but she quickly bonds with a graveyard groundskeeper’s son, who vows to help her on her quest. Together, they set out to find the ghost of another Gracie Watson, who happens to be buried at Bonaventure Cemetery. Like any great adventure, what they find is nothing like what they expected.

When Jesus Christ arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he rode a donkey through a throng of admiring people. Just days later, Christ endured the unimaginable pain of betrayal and crucifixion before rising from the grave on Easter Sunday. This artful and inspired children's book recounts Jesus' Last Supper with his apostles, the Agony in the Garden, the sorrow of the Crucifixion, and the glorious Resurrection as remembered by the donkey who remained at his side.

One day, a little old lady decides to bake a Gingerbread Man. But he turns out to be not just any Gingerbread Man--this one has special powers, like the ability to fly. He flies to a bakery and helps save the other baked goods from a crazed macaroon, in this hilarious picture book for young readers.

Annie longs to know more about her family. One rainy day, Grandma Marilyn takes out dusty photos, faded letters, and a fragile wedding bouquet while telling the stories that bind them together. Annie learns that her Aunt Claire was famous for the beauty creams she created in her kitchen and that an uncle won a medal in the war. Connected to her past, Annie creates a special scrapbook with room at the end to add to as her family grows.

Ghost stories from Kansas City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Kansas City!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that spirits patrol the grounds of the historic John Wornall House? Or that ghostly figures have been seen lurking inside St. Mary's Episcopal Church? Can you believe some guests at the former Hotel Savoy enjoyed their stay so much . . . they never checked out?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Kansas City forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

"...a fun and engaging read for football fans and realistic fiction fans alike." —Kirkus Reviews

A Team Against All Odds

Hatcher has big football dreams. He wants to be a play-calling star. A legend. So, he joins a city youth team with the hopes of helping them design plays to win a championship. But when his inability to read plays correctly gets him cut to the B-team––a group of scrappy misfits––his dream of winning turns to surviving a season of Cajun craziness. 

Enter cousin Heatha, who, forced to live with them, attempts to discover the root of Hatcher’s problems. How can latchkey kids Hatcher and Heatha work together to defy the odds?

Ghost stories from the Twin Cities have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky Twin Cities!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that St. Paul's Wabasha Street Caves are haunted? Or that at the historic St. Paul theater, spirits sometimes take center stage? Can you believe the Minneapolis Institute of Art is not only home to incredible art . . . but unforgettable ghosts?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the Twin Cities forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Orlando have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Orlando, Florida! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that restless spirits who went down with the ship may haunt Orlando's Titanic exhibit? Or that in Kissimmee, a headless horseman rides in search of his missing head? Can you believe that "the most magical place on earth" . . . might actually be crawling with ghosts?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Orlando forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from New Hampshire's White Mountains have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky White Mountains of New Hampshire!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that playful ghosts haunt the Moat Mountain House in Conway? Or that the historic Blair Bridge in Campton is said to be cursed? Can you believe that on snowy nights in Woodstock and Lincoln, you may still hear the ghostly echoes of a plane lost long ago?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see New Hampshire's White Mountains forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Fredericksburg have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Fredericksburg, Virginia!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that every seven years, a spectral woman in white walks the grounds of Chatham Manor? Or that at the Rising Sun Tavern, a rowdy spirit has been spooking people for centuries? Can you believe the ghost of Mary Washington still tends her beloved garden, waiting for her son George to visit?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Fredericksburg forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from St. Charles have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky St. Charles, Missouri!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that on moonlit nights, ghostly pioneers stroll St. Charles's historic Main Street? Or that at Grandma's Cookies, you might just meet a spirit with a sweet tooth? Can you believe that whispers from the past still echo at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see St. Charles forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Staten Island have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Staten Island, New York!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that the Moravian Cemetery in New Dorp is haunted? Or that at the Old Bermuda Inn, the spirit of Martha Mersereau waits at the window each evening for her long-dead husband? Can you believe a spectral hitchhiker stalks some of the island's most desolate roads?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Staten Island forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

2025 Moonbeam Bronze Medalist, ABA Pick of the List title, and a Storytelling World Honor Award Honoree

Now in paperback, this beloved anthology for the whole family consists of five original tales, each linked to an important Jewish holiday and featuring the prophet Elijah. In each tale, Elijah comforts those who are generous, wise, and fair while challenging those who are faithless.

Born in 1812, free woman of color Henriette Delille resisted her family's efforts to steer her toward a traditional life as the mistress of a white man. Instead she pursued a calling to care for slaves, the sick, and the poor, and established a religious community for women of color. As a result of her work, she is the first African-American candidate for canonization. This middle-reader historical novel offers a fascinating glimpse into her life and into the history and unique culture of the free people of color in New Orleans.

Set in the New Orleans French Quarter during the nineteenth century, this fictional biography follows the spiritual journey of Henriette Delille, a strong-willed free woman of color who founded the Sisters of the Holy Family.

The story begins in 1823 when Henriette is ten years old. Though dazzled by the opulence of quadroon balls and affluent New Orleans society, she dedicates her life to helping the less fortunate, especially slaves. Henriette remains steadfast in her desire to live a moral life, despite her family's disapproval.

In an attempt to extend her acts of kindness, she organizes a community of women who help her with charitable works. The Sisters of the Holy Family aim to educate slaves, care for the sick, and feed the hungry. During the Civil War, Henriette's health deteriorates; however, she works through her weakness, never wavering from her duty to help others, until she passes away in 1862.

Using the unique culture of New Orleans as a backdrop, Henriette Delille: Rebellious Saint provides a glimpse into such customs as the pla�age system, voodoo practices, and the culture clash between Americans and the French and Spanish. The text is interspersed with French phrases, offering an authentic feel to this engaging story of a young woman whose acts set her on the path to sainthood.

Every Sunday, Mike and Yvette could be found sitting on the porch listening to Pop recount stories of growing up near the Catahoula swamp. Tall tales of creatures that could only live in nightmares…an old hag with long, boney fingers, a tree that comes to life, and a wild girl who keeps “toe-kens” from her human encounters. Tall tales, yes, and none of them true…right?!

Yet when the family outing to visit Tante Nana, deep in the backwoods of Catahoula goes awry, Yvette soon discovers that strange things happen where the black trees grow.

A beast of a tale, for true!

Twelve-year-old Hatcher Hampton eagerly embarks on his first “men’s” fishing trip, a family tradition. He accompanies Grampa Grump and his older brother Hunter to the Big Fish Fishing Rodeo on Bayou Vivré. The $500 prize is just enough to save his family from eviction. Hatch is determined to show up his brother and win the cash reward.  Misadventure soon unfolds in the bayou backcountry. The Hamptons go up against the one-armed man Lazarre and discover a legend of the swamp. Hatch comes face-to-face with his greatest fear and learns important lessons about self and family. This middle-reader is a rollicking and offbeat tale that will surely delight the boy in everyone.

Young D.J. is going to be a page for the queen of Zulu, the oldest African-American parade in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Now in paperback!

Substitute teacher Victor Kennedy begins a middle-school American history class by writing one word on the chalkboard: Tuskegee. Over the next several days, the elderly veteran teaches students about the Tuskegee Airmen, brave men who fought racism and prejudice to fly more than 1,500 missions during World War II. The students learn about segregation and how the victories of the Tuskegee Airmen helped move the United States on a path toward racial equality. In Tuskegee Airmen: American Heroes, exciting battles against evil abroad and at home come alive for a new generation.

Ghostly adventures await! Dive into your favorite, SPINE-TINGLIEST tales from America's Great Lakes region!

Welcome to the Ghostly Great Lakes! In this thrilling anthology, spooky stories and ghostly tales bring the Great Lakes region to life! Discover haunted lighthouses, ghost ships, and creepy forests filled with secrets! From the spooky shores of Michigan and Wisconsin to the haunted hills of Ohio and New York, each tale will take you on a chilling adventure pulled right from history, changing the way you see the Great Lakes region forever.

Whether you’re a brave ghost hunter or just curious about the supernatural, the GHOSTLIEST TALES anthologies from ACB’s bestselling Spooky America series will give you goosebumps . . . and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Ghost stories from North Carolina's Haunted Coast have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky shores of the North Carolina coast!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that ghost ships and their undead crews stalk the waters along North Carolina's coast? Or that a mysterious "Gray Man" appears on the windswept shores of Cape Hatteras just before deadly storms strike? Can you believe that the restless spirit of Blackbeard himself haunts the shadowy paths of Springer's Point . . . in search of his missing head?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see the haunted North Carolina coast forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghostly adventures await! Dive into your favorite, SPINE-TINGLIEST tales from Texas!

Welcome to Spooky Texas! In this thrilling anthology, spooky stories and ghostly tales bring the Lone Star State to life! Discover haunted cathedrals, phantom pirates, and eerie cities filled with secrets! From the "spirited" streets of Austin to the spooky shores of Galveston, each tale will take you on a chilling adventure pulled right from history, changing the way you see Texas forever.

Whether you’re a brave ghost hunter or just curious about the supernatural, the GHOSTLIEST TALES anthologies from ACB’s bestselling Spooky America series will give you goosebumps. . . and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Ghostly adventures await! Dive into your favorite, SPINE-TINGLIEST tales from America's Haunted Cemeteries!

Welcome to America's Haunted Cemeteries! In this thrilling anthology, spooky stories and ghostly tales bring the nation's cemeteries to life! Discover wandering spirits, creepy crypts, and misty graveyards filled with secrets! From the infamous witch trial burial sights of Salem to the hauntingly beautiful, above-ground tombs of New Orleans, each tale will take you on a chilling adventure pulled right from history, changing the way you see America's Haunted Cemeteries forever.

Whether you’re a brave ghost hunter or just curious about the supernatural, the GHOSTLIEST TALES anthologies from ACB’s bestselling Spooky America series will give you goosebumps . . . and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Ghostly adventures await! Dive into your favorite, SPINE-TINGLIEST tales from America's Haunted Lighthouses!

Welcome to America's Haunted Lighthouses! In this thrilling anthology, spooky stories and ghostly tales bring the nation's coastal beacons to life! Discover phantom keepers, spectral shipwrecks, and misty shores filled with secrets! From the eerie lighthouses of New England to the fog-veiled towers of the Pacific Northwest, each tale will take you on a chilling adventure pulled right from maritime history, changing the way you see America's Haunted Lighthouses forever.

Whether you’re a brave ghost hunter or just curious about the supernatural, the GHOSTLIEST TALES anthologies from ACB’s bestselling Spooky America series will give you goosebumps . . . and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Ghost stories from Oklahoma's Haunted Route 66 have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to Oklahoma's spooky Route 66!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that a ghostly boy plays games with guests at the historic Coleman Theatre? Or that the body of Elmer McCurdy traveled up and down Route 66 for years as part of a creepy carnival attraction? Can you believe that in El Reno, screams of the dead still echo at Dead Man's Curve?

Pulled right from history, these spooky tales will change the way you see Oklahoma's Haunted Route 66 forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Ghost stories from Nashua, New Hampshire have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Nashua, New Hampshire!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that Nashua's historic Clocktower Place is buzzing with supernatural activity? Or that when the sun goes down in Mine Falls Park, ghostly miners wander the woods in search of hidden treasure? Can you believe that on autumn nights, when the moon shines bright, a mischievous spirit takes the shape of a raccoon?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Nashua forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Grand Rapids have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that the Grand Rapids Children's Museum is home to a friendly spirit? Or that a man in a derby hat haunts the old Coliseum? Can you believe the mysterious phone calls coming from the Michigan Bell Building . . . may be the work of ghosts?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Grand Rapids forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Atchison, Kansas have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky streets of Atchison, Kansas!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that Amelia Earhart's adventurous spirit still lives on at her childhood home? Or that Atchison's famously haunted "Sallie House" is named for a little girl who may have died there? Can you believe the whistle of a ghost train echoes at the Santa Fe Depot?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Atchison forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Now in paperback!

Decode the story of the Sioux who helped win the war.

In World War II, code making and code breaking reached a feverish peak. The fabled Enigma cipher had been broken, and all sides were looking for a secure, reliable means of communication. Many have heard of the role of the Navajo Code Talkers, but less well-known are the Sioux Code Talkers, who used the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota dialects. Told by the great-niece of John Bear King, who served in the First Cavalry as a Sioux Code Talker, this informative title explores not only the importance of the indigenous peoples to the war but also their culture and values. Follow the seven Sioux who put aside a long history of prejudice against their people and joined the fight against Japan.

In this middle-grade adaptation of Shark Attacks of New York, author Patricia Heyer dives into the history and lore of shark attacks along New York's coast. Every summer, thousands of people flock to Coney Island, the Rockaway, and all along Long Island's southern coast for some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. But some come face to face with much more.

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, B Is for Boston Board Book shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Boston. From the New England Aquarium to the Zakim Bridge, this alphabetical tour of the city includes stops at the Old North Church, Boston Harbor, the New England Aquarium and the Public Gardens. Boston sports fans won't be disappointed either with a stop at the Green Monster of Fenway Park and iconic Boston sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Boston children's book is a durable version of the beloved picture book B Is for Boston and is great for traveling and little hands. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

Do ghosts lurk at the historic Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead?

Welcome to spooky Northeast South Dakota! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that a ghostly Lady in White haunts Fort Sisseton Historic State Park? Or that at South Dakota State University, a music-loving spirit sometimes plays the pipe organ? Can you believe a terrifying, Bigfoot-like beast stalks the citizens of Little Eagle?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Northeast South Dakota forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Ghosts and Legends of Northeast South Dakota by Deborah Cuyle

Spooky stories and behind-the-scene incidents from the award-winning PBS documentary "The Haunting of Louisiana

Welcome to spooky Louisiana!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that ghost pirates haunt Louisiana's bayous in search of buried treasure? Or that at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, you might find a trail of ghostly footprints? Can you believe that in New Orleans, ghosts and spirits come alive in the famously haunted Cities of the Dead?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Louisiana forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Adapted from Haunted Louisiana by Barbara Sillery

Encounter the spirits of North Central Texas—wealthy families lingering in their mansions, notorious outlaws still trapped in their jail cells.

Welcome to spooky North Central Texas! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that on stormy nights, ghosts bound in chains roam the halls at The Old Collin County Prison? Or that in Arlington, a haunted bridge echoes with screams of the dead? Can you believe the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas is home to a haunted elevator?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see North Central Texas forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Haunted North Central Texas by Teresa Nordheim

Take a spine-tingling plunge into Florida's pirate-filled past! 

Meet Florida's spooky pirates!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that the city of St. Augustine is positively packed with ghostly pirates? Or that on Gasparilla Island, you might just spot a headless buccaneer and his "spirited" steed galloping down the beach? Can you believe a three-hundred-year-old ghost ship and its cursed crew still haunts the waterways of the Florida Everglades? Shiver me timbers!

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Florida forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Ghosts and Legends of Florida's Pirates by Heather Leigh, PhD

Welcome to the spooky shores of Puget Sound! 

Stay Alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that ghostly shipwrecks and phantom sailors lurk beneath the waves of Puget Sound? Or that restless pioneers lost on the Oregon Trail haunt Olympia's Sylvester Park? Can you believe a long-dead brown bear takes evening strolls through the streets of Tacoma?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Puget Sound forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Haunted Puget Sound by Ira Wesley Kitmacher

This abbreviated board book edition is the perfect introduction to this classic tale!

Gaston the green-nosed alligator has returned from the swamp and is taking adventurous readers on a tour of Mardi Gras.

Ghost stories from Amherst, New Hampshire have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky roads of Amherst, New Hampshire! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know Town Hall once had skeletons in the basement? Or that a haunted cottage sits near the shores of Baboosic Lake? Can you believe ghostly wolves roam the forests at night, their eerie howls echoing until dawn? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Amherst, New Hampshire forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

This abbreviated board book edition is the perfect introduction to this classic tale!

Take the classic story of jolly old St. Nicholas, place it in a Louisiana bayou setting, dress Santa Claus in muskrat “from his head to his foot,” pile his skiff high with toys, and hitch it to eight friendly alligators. The result is this modern classic. Fifty years after its first appearance, Cajun Night Before Christmas® has sold more than one million copies and has served as the model for Pelican’s ongoing, best-selling Night Before Christmas Series.

The Cajun Night Before Christmas® has been a part of Louisiana’s holiday traditions since it was first published in 1973. A delight to both young and old with its rustic full-color illustrations and lively story, it has become a timeless addition to holiday celebrations far beyond south Louisiana, reaching all corners of the country with its charming presentation of Christmas on the bayou and the break-out star of Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator.

Conceived by J. B. Kling, Jr., Cajun Night Before Christmas® originally appeared as a Christmas message from Bergeron Plymouth Company of New Orleans. Under the pseudonymous byline “Trosclair,” the story won a Clio Award in 1967 from the Academy of Television and Radio Advertising.

Brought to life by the talented James Rice, the humorous illustrations of a colorful bayou Christmas have been nationally recognized as a classic in its genre.

Freed slaves who headed West to start careers in the army after the Civil War were nicknamed buffalo soldiers by the Cheyenne Indians because of their hair and their displays of strength. A buffalo soldier's account of the bravery and courage of the Tenth Calvary during the Indian wars and the Spanish-American War.

M is for Michigan is an A-Z tour of The Great Lakes State. From the automobile industry that built Detroit to the sandy dunes of the shores of Western Michigan and Lake Michigan, M is for Michigan will charm children and adults alike. With bright, bold graphics and whimsical rhymes, highlights include Big Red Lighthouse, Michigan Cherries, University of Michigan and Michigan State football, Mackinac Bridge and the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Perfect for any Michigander, or those that spend their summers on the lakes and beaches of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron or the scores of inland lakes in Michigan. M is for Michigan is a pure delight that celebrates Pure Michigan!

Embark on a magical journey through Florida’s diverse landscapes.

Join our young protagonist aboard the Panhandle Pullman for an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking sights and exciting discoveries. From the emerald waters of St. George Island to the historic streets of St. Augustine, each stop offers new wonders to explore. Taste the Tupelo honey, and marvel at the wildlife of the Florida Keys. Encounter manatees and sea turtles, alligators, crocodiles. Blast off at a NASA rocket launch! All Aboard, Florida! celebrates the beauty, history, and wonders of Florida in a captivating tale for children of all ages. Climb aboard and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.

Deep in the bayou where critters reside lived a lovable little crawfish they all knew as Clyde. The big crawfish said he would always be too small to play, but Clyde had an idea of how his giant cousin up in Maine could help! Young readers will enjoy the trick while also learning the importance of inclusion.

In the swamp, Gary the gator befriends Jerry, a cellphone who has fallen off a swamp boat.

Jerry offers Gary access to many wonders of the world, but Gary misses slowing down and enjoying his bayou life with his friends and family. In this colorful picture book, young readers will discover if Gary and Jerry can strike a good balance between modern technology and the simple life.

Petit Pierre has made a home for himself on the coast where Louisiana meets Mississippi, and now it is time for him to learn how to plunge-dive. Brown pelicans typically pick up this behavior by watching others do it. Will a new friend help Pierre learn how to dive? Young readers will follow his progress and, along the way, find out more about Gulf of Mexico marine life.

Lucille St. Lewis and her family have just moved to Louisiana. When her new friends at school find out she’s never eaten boiled crawfish, she feels left out. Will she like these “mudbugs”? One thing is for certain—she won’t be needing a fork! In this fun picture book, young readers will enjoy witnessing Lucy’s introduction to a Bayou State staple.

Ghost stories from The Glass City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Toledo, Ohio!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that a murdered maid and a bashful child are just two of the restless spirits roaming the haunted Oliver House? Or that the nuns of St. Ursula's Academy, now the Collingwood Arts Center, tend the campus in death as they did in life? Can you believe the Toledo Zoo has amazing animals . . . and amazing ghosts?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Toledo forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Wisconsin's capital city have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Madison, Wisconsin!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know restless spirits roam the campus at the University of Wisconsin? Or that ghostly Confederate soldiers still linger at Camp Randall Stadium? Can you believe the Wisconsin State Capitol is filled with otherworldly entities? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Madison forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Arizona's Haunted Route 66 have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky roads of Arizona's Haunted Route 66!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know Arizona's famously haunted Route 66 is swarming with ghosts? On this spooky roadtrip, you'll meet the spirits of many travelers who tragically met their end along this legendary route, thanks to untimely accidents, mishaps . . . and even murder! Like aspiring actress, Leorena Shipley, whose career was cut short by tragedy. Or the ill-fated tourists who checked in at the Monte Vista Hotel, and never checked out! Just make sure, if you stop for lunch in the spooky town of Oatman, that you remember to tip your ghostly waitress . . . or else you, too, could wind up wandering these roads for all eternity!

Pulled right from history, these spooky tales will change the way you see Arizona's Haunted Route 66 forever, and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Ghost stories from Old Town Spring have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Old Town Spring, Texas!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know the spirit of a girl who died in a barn still plays with her friends in Doering Court? Or that a headless railroad worker is known to chase phantom trains? Can you believe that on some nights, a ghostly bride and her husband can be seen dancing in the moonlight? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Old Town Spring forever, and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Ghost stories from The Witch City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Salem, Massachusetts!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that inside Howard Street Cemetery, the ghost of accused witch Giles Corey wanders among the gravestones? Or that outside the Ropes Mansion, the ghost of Abigail Ropes can be seen peeking out of the windows? Have you heard that the Gardner-Pingree House on Essex Street is home to the spirit of a murdered sea captain?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Salem forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Florida's Haunted Lighthouses have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky shores of Florida!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know St. Augustine is home to the most haunted lighthouse in all of Florida? Or that ghostly pirates stalk the lighthouse on Garden Key in search of buried treasure? Can you believe that when the sun sets at Carysfort Reef Light, the dead... come alive?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Florida's Haunted Lighthouses, and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Adapted from Haunted Florida Lighthouses by Heather Leigh, PhD

Visit Florida from A to Z and discover that the state is more than just a vacationer’s dream. Throughout each brightly colored page, young readers will identify fun and familiar places, food, and activities while learning new words and concepts on their alphabetical journey of the Sunshine State. From alligators and egrets to mangroves and oranges, this friendly introduction to Florida’s weather, geography, and more will be rewarding to read and reread both in classrooms and at home. The state’s wildlife, flowers, landscapes, and more are captured in the breezy, balmy illustrations, which feature fun facts and a  picture search. 

Did you know that more than one thousand shipwrecks have been found off the Florida Keys? Or that the Florida panther, the state animal, can travel more than twenty miles in a single night? These fascinating Florida facts are just a few of the engaging concepts that children (and adults) will learn on their educational jaunt through America’s southernmost state. A list of Florida state symbols completes this delightfully rhyming primer.

Surrounded by the waters of the Mississippi, the blooming magnolias, and the buzzing mosquitoes, a solitary raccoon made his home in a cypress trunk.

As yet another Christmas approached with no friends to share the holiday season, Roux vowed to make a change. He built a tall bonfire, in the Cajun tradition, in hopes that Papa Noel would see the warm light of the flames on his Christmas Eve flight. 

Roux tucked himself into bed that cold, lonely night with not an inkling that Santa would indeed stop by his swampy abode. The jolly man in red brought gifts for the raccoon who had been nice all year, but gifts, he knew, were not what would bring little Roux cheer. As Santa set off to continue his Christmas Eve rounds, he scoured the bayous and towns for what would make Roux’s holiday complete. Can Santa find the perfect present to save Roux’s Christmas? 

This heartwarming story about the power of hope and the magic of friendship is sure to brighten your holiday reading. Children will enjoy this story of an unlikely friendship set in the southern swamps that references customs and traditions familiar to the littlest Cajuns. A recipe for Roux’s Bayou Stew completes this special tale.

Within these colorful pages, it’s Carnival time all year long!

A young storyteller relives the memories from her most recent Mardi Gras, describing ladders on the neutral ground and the perennial favorite of a fried chicken meal on the parade route. From a streetcar ride on Twelfth Night, she rolls on through Fat Tuesday and meets Mardi Gras Indians and revels in king cake and the music of a marching band, capturing all the highlights of a local’s Mardi Gras season. Who can forget spray string and stink bombs, the cotton candy cart, masking in the streets, and flambeaux lighting the way for night parades? As she Mardi Gras mambos and dances in the streets, she calls out for friends and relatives riding on floats to throw her something a little extra special.

This homage in verse captures a true local’s version of a family-friendly Mardi Gras and celebrates a city’s joy in its traditions. Children will find similarities between their own Carnival experiences and reflect on their own family’s customs. For those new to the festivities, the images—saturated with all things purple, green, and gold—will introduce visitors and newcomers alike to the real Mardi Gras. The celebration is so much more than a party and parades. It’s a holiday steeped in the culture of New Orleans and the joie de vivre of families and friends who come together during a special time of year to share in the revelry.

Two adorable bears set out to find the source of an irresistible aroma and wind up smack dab in the middle of the most exciting place on earth—a festival! 

Join Hannah Bear and LuLu on a thrilling journey as they explore the blinking lights, the spinning rides, and delicious food! The adventurous cubs sample every delectable delight at the big autumn event, from spicy cracklins, pecans, and pralines to other Louisiana treats. As the wind picks up, Hannah Bear and LuLu catch a whiff of something truly special that leads them through the pumpkin patch and across Bayou Bridge. They even encounter an alligator! Follow Hannah Bear and LuLu to the perfect spot with the most delicious smell of all.

With humor, curiosity, and a dash of mischief, Hannah Bear and LuLu's Festival to Remember celebrates the joy of exploration, the love of family, and the warmth of home. Get ready for a wild ride with these adorable fuzzy cubs!

Sing along with the Carnival version of the favored nursery rhyme “The Wheels on the Bus.” This playful parody entertains with festive flair, as during Mardi Gras, it’s not a bus but a decorated float brimming with beads that delight the youngest parade-goers. Through engaging art and fun prose, children are transported to the parade route, enchanted by the magical sights and scenes of the season. 

Excitement fills every page! Tractors honk to the crowds as they pass, pulling the floats all Mardi Gras long. As beads fly through the air and crowds cheer, “Throw me something, mister!” drums boom and dance teams twirl. The best of a young reveler’s favorite Carnival parades are all found here. Join in the fun as the floats roll all through the town!

The rhythmic flow of the verse and colorful illustrations immerse readers in the joyous and culturally rich experience of Mardi Gras. Perfect for read-aloud sessions and interactive story times, this whimsical yet educational introduction to the Carnival celebration is an ideal addition to preschools, library shelves, and home collections. 

It’s Christmas time in Louisiana! This year Elise and her mother are traveling from New Orleans to join her family in Natchitoches to celebrate the season in a very special way.

Along north Louisiana’s Cane River, holiday traditions include parades—even a boat parade!—along the river and a Christmas festival with arts and crafts and carolers singing. The light-bedecked city of Natchitoches enchants Elise. Christmas lights blink from every lamppost and storefront. The twinkling colors are reflected in the river, and fireworks light up the sky. The sugary scent of funnel cakes and cotton candy saturates the evening breeze. But Elise’s favorite holiday treat is the famous Natchitoches meat pie that Maw-Maw sells at her festival booth every year. Can you guess her secret ingredient?

Natchitoches, Louisiana’s oldest city, has celebrated the Christmas season with a festival for a century. Today, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lasts six weeks long and features hundreds of thousands of lights, days of entertainment for children and adults, and visits from Santa. And everyone’s favorite festival food? The Natchitoches meat pie, of course! The official recipe for this yummy snack concludes the tale of Elise’s family Christmas.

In Louisiana’s Cajun Country, a celebration like no other occurs each Mardi Gras. The families of Acadiana come together on Fat Tuesday to host a centuries-old tradition: the Courir de Mardi Gras. During the running of the Mardi Gras, brightly costumed participants run, beg, sing, and dance for their neighbors as they gather tasty ingredients for the gumbo that will be shared at a dance party under a shining Mardi Gras moon. 

But once upon a time, many years ago, the moon vanished, nearly putting an end to the fais-do-do! A fiendish duo hooked the festive moon and towed it away, depriving the revelers of their purple, green, and gold moonbeams.

So young Leloup set off on a quest to recover the shining sentry. A sprinkling of familiar bayou characters and critters are scattered throughout this fairytale. Through teamwork, and some silly shenanigans, they help our hero as he returns the moon to its proper place in the Cajun sky, just in time to enjoy a celebratory gumbo and dance to some zydeco tunes. He might have even found some Mardi Gras treasure along the way!

Leloup’s story is full of fun references to the Acadian culture and is complete with a glossary of Cajun words, phrases, and places.

It is time for nap at Sassy’s house. But she is wide awake! Young readers will follow along as Sassy travels the state of Louisiana, enjoying music in New Orleans, picking strawberries in Ponchatoula, and touring the swamps. Wait, was she sleeping and dreaming the whole time?