Books for Readers 8-12

Ghost stories from the Long Beach Peninsula have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of Pacific County comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Learn about Oysterville Church and the wandering spirits who still call it home. Or discover the history of the Shelburne Hotel, but be careful or you’ll end up trapped for eternity, too. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

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

The haunted history of Baraboo comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Old Baraboo Inn to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or take a drive down the infamous Highway 12, but keep your eye out for the road’s very own spectral hitchhiker. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from Put-in-Bay have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of Pudding Bay comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit Perry’s Cave to catch a glimpse of its mysterious, otherworldly glow. Or look for ghosts amongst the hallways of Cooke’s Castle on Gibraltar Island. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Join Joshua and his grandpa for a heartwarming history of the brave African American Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.

Young readers can sit with Joshua and his friends as his grandfather tells him the story of his service in World War II as a Tuskegee Airman. Topics like war, racism, and segregation may be unfamiliar to young readers, but this story explains complicated topics in ways that any child can understand. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots, and some of the bravest among all of the armed forces, but pilots weren’t the only important faction— both men and women worked as mechanics, instructors, nurses, cooks, and many more invaluable jobs. As Joshua’s grandpa says, “Everybody who helped America to win the war was a hero. Some people fought America’s enemies in battles overseas. Others fought for freedom at home.”

Learn about the service and sacrifice made by Joshua’s grandpa, grandma, and countless others who made the Tuskegee Airmen legacy last for generations.

“Reading Mr. Okra Sells Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, wonderful memories came running through my mind like a river. Being born in New Orleans, the people selling fruits and vegetables were a big part of the community I lived in. This book also brings to life the beauty and history of the city.”

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

The haunted history of the Pacific Northwest’s coast comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Keep your eye out for the spirits of long-lost sailors along the Columbia Bar. Or visit the White Eagle Saloon and Hotel to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Ghost stories from Winston-Salem, North Carolina have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of Camel City comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Take a look at the cursed painting that once hung in the Zinzendorf Hotel. Or look for ghosts in the houses that line Poplar Street. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Arrr ye knotty or nice?

Cap’n McNasty and his crew of roguish rapscallions are back and badder than ever! When the Cap’n kidnapped a little elf from Santa, he didn’t count on the elf inciting a mutiny and high-seas hijinks by telling tales of the wonders of the North Pole. Cast adrift and faced with stormy seas, ravenous sharks, and a striking lass who just might capture his black heart, Cap’n McNasty faces the voyage of his life. His double-dealing crew has ideas of their own and sets their sights from swabbing decks to decking halls—and changing the North Pole forever. From bow to stern, this impishly illustrated yarn of Jolly Rogers and a jolly old elf will give yer funnybone no quarter!

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

The haunted history of The Mountains comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Sagamore Resort to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or look for ghosts amongst the stacks at the Woodgate Free Library. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

May the best dinosaur win!

Where can you see T. rex weight lifting, pteranodon gymnastics, and stegosaur volleyball? At the Prehistoric Games, of course! Every thousand years, the fastest and strongest dinosaurs light the ceremonial torch and fight tooth and claw for the gold medal. Wings will flap, tails will swish, and crowds will cheer as these Cretaceous competitors battle for glory. Clever rhymes and vibrant illustrations make this a perfect book to read aloud with the entire family. A glossary and pronunciation guide ensure that each reading is as educational as it is exhilarating! No matter what era you’re from, this rawr-some book will satisfy your inner dino!

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

The haunted history of the Cape comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Get lost amongst the spirits that haunt the John Pope House. Or catch a glimpse of Jarvesville Historic District’s annual phantom parade. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

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

The haunted history of Spa City comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Lincoln Baths and take a dip alongside the spirits who linger there. Or catch a glimpse of Sacandaga Reservoir’s infamous witch lights. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

From his classroom at school to streets near and far,
Paul looks for a snoball by foot and streetcar.
Sip up and slurp up this sweet, sticky story
that's chock-full of snoballs in their sugary glory.
Bursting with colors like mango and grape
—and spearmint and cherry and rich wedding cake—
these bright pictures sparkle like fresh-shaven ice.
You will read it again—to start, at least twice.
This triple-fun story's a scrumptious delight.
Snoballs for all? That sounds just right!

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

The haunted history of America’s Hometown comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Keep your eye out for the spirits of former Plymouth natives who were buried on Cole’s Hill. Or catch a glimpse of ghostly Revolutionary War soldiers wandering down North Street. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

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

The haunted history of the Magic City of the Plains comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Plains Hotel to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or look for the ghosts of cowboys at the town’s Wrangler Store. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Color your way through New Orleans cultural icons!

Not just for kids anymore, coloring books are the newest way for adults to de-stress and let their minds rest. What better way to do that then beside your youngster with this coloring book featuring 31 iconic images of New Orleans life? From the zoo, the City Park carousel, and the Superdome to king cakes, streetcars, and beignets, classic cultural images are waiting to be colored! Created by a graphic artist and mom to celebrate the culture and traditions of New Orleans, this coloring book allows everyone to share in the Crescent-City experience. Perfect for locals and tourists of all ages, these stylized outlines of childhood memories will be treasured for years to come.

Joey, left at home alone one night, sees and hears strange things, but he has the superior wit to convince any and all possible monsters that his brother, Dan, is the better choice for dinner.

“No, mon ami! You can’t catch me!”

When an old Creole woman bakes dessert on King’s Day, she has no idea what shenanigans will ensue. In this New Orleans adaptation of The Gingerbread Man, a mischievous king cake baby escapes his cake! He outruns a praline lady and a waiter at Café du Monde, but can he outsmart the clever baker? Chock full of Louisiana phrases and comic-book-style illustrations, this new take on an old tale brings the Crescent City to life from Jackson Square to the Creole Queen riverboat. This lively story is a great way to introduce children to the sights, sounds, and especially tastes of New Orleans. It even comes with a recipe for homemade king cake—just make sure to keep track of the baby!

Ghost stories from New Mexico’s hotels and getaways have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

The haunted history of the Land of Enchantment comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Visit the Painted Lady and Brew to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or look for ghosts of cowboys and farmers in Carlsbad at the infamous Trinity Hotel. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

This entertaining seek-and-find alphabet book invites you to explore twenty-six must-see places at Biltmore Estate, offering beautiful photographs, clever rhymes and hidden animals on every page.

Children will discover everything from colorful gardens and underground tunnels to towering rooftops and lively farm animals. Included are fun facts about Biltmore's history in an illustrated glossary and a kid-friendly map for planning your journey. Whether you use this book as a guide for an upcoming visit to Biltmore or as a souvenir to commemorate your stay, a magical adventure awaits you and your family!

A wacky spin on an Old West favorite. This tall tale about a famous American cowboy takes readers on a romp into the Wild West. When Pecos Bill cannot seem to find the best hat to fit his head, he searches for creative ways to keep his noggin covered. His often humorous ideas lead to the invention of the cowboy hat. A glossary includes cowboy terms.

Full of whip-crackin' cow-huntin' fun. Iris Wall was anything but an average girl. Average girls in 1948 were learning how to embroider and crochet. However, Iris was having the time of her life riding in rodeos, taming horses, and hunting cows with her daddy. The ultimate outdoor heroine, she was part of the Old Florida heritage that is synonymous with endurance, pride, and strength. A glossary of terms about cracker cowhunters is included in this biography.

The patriotic sacrifice of Texas remembered. This tribute to the famous 13 day siege gives the stories of real-life heroes including David Crockett, Sam Houston, and William King (who, at 15 years old, was the youngest defender to die during the conflict.) These accounts, lacking in sensationalism, reveal the true characters in one of the most important events in Texas history. This reference includes a timeline of events.

�Aye Chihuahua! The sky is falling. Join the colorful desert bird, Chachalaca Chiquita, and her feathered friends in this Southwestern spin on the Chicken Little tale. The story incorporates Spanish vocabulary for un peque�o fun as the amigos set off to tell the jefe that the sky is falling. The story takes a turn when they meet sly Tacito Ocelote.

Sometimes the coolest places are right outside your front door. Learning about Seattle’s interesting and unique culture has never been so super fun!

Did you know about the Seattle Underground right beneath the Emerald City’s busy streets? Or that Seattle was a stop along the way during the gold rush? Have you ever seen the infamous—and gross!—gum wall? From the iconic Space Needle, to the Pike Place Market, Super Cities!: Seattle covers it all, and is sure to engage any reader with fun facts about the history, culture, and people who make this city great. Dive into Puget Sound, grab a ticket to the World’s Fair, and rock out with Jimi Hendrix, all right here. Take a peek inside to learn more about the impressive, unusual, super history of Seattle!

Sometimes the coolest places are right outside your front door. Learning about Houston’s interesting and unique culture has never been so super fun!

Did you know that NASA’s Manned Space Center has a home in Houston? Or that camels and ostriches race at the Sam Houston Race Park? Have you ever been to the annual Livestock Show and Rodeo? From the Astrodome, to the Texas Medical Center, Super Cities!: Houston covers it all, and is sure to engage any reader with fun facts about the history, culture, and people who make the Space City great. Dive into Galveston Bay, shop till you drop at the Galleria, and attend a Beyonce concert, all right here. Take a peek inside to learn more about the impressive, unusual, super history of Houston!

Bursting with laugh-out-loud jokes and fun facts, LOL Jokes: Texas combines the best of humor and history for young readers!

Inspired by all the wonderful sights, sounds, and . . . smells of the Lone Star State, this local joke book delivers kid-friendly punchlines that will have readers laughing ’til they cry! Alongside hilarious jokes and puns are fascinating facts, goofy tidbits of local history, and engaging graphics that will keep readers chuckling and sharing with friends. LOL Jokes: Texas is sure to deliver hours of knee-slapping entertainment.

What do you call a Texas cow without any legs?
Ground beef!

Fun Factoid: Texas big! The State Fair of Texas boast’s North America’s highest Ferris wheel. It’s called The Texas Star!

Sometimes the coolest places are right outside your front door. Learning about San Francisco’s interesting and unique culture has never been so super fun!

Did you know that San Francisco was one of the most popular places to secure a fortune during the Gold Rush? Or that you can still visit Alcatraz, the country’s most secure Federal prison, to this day? From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to the Mexican-American War, Super Cities!: San Francisco covers it all, and is sure to engage any reader with fun facts about the history, culture, and people who make this city great. Stroll along Pier 39, explore Chinatown, and try delicious chocolate at Ghirardelli Square, all right here. Take a peek inside to learn more about the impressive, unusual, super history of San Francisco!

Bursting with laugh-out-loud jokes and fun facts, LOL Jokes: San Francisco combines the best of humor and history for young readers!

Inspired by all the wonderful sights, sounds, and . . . smells of the Golden Gate City, this local joke book delivers kid-friendly punchlines that will have readers laughing ’til they cry! Alongside hilarious jokes and puns are fascinating facts, goofy tidbits of local history, and engaging graphics that will keep readers chuckling and sharing with friends. LOL Jokes: San Francisco is sure to deliver hours of knee-slapping entertainment.

Judge: Why did the painting from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art get sent to Alcatraz?
Jury: It was FRAMED!

COMEDY GOLD! The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has been declared “One of the Modern Wonders of the World!” Nearly two miles long, it is one of the most photographed bridges in the world. The span-tastic Golden Gate was built to withstand 90-mile-per-hour winds and magnitude 8.0 earthquakes! 

Bursting with laugh-out-loud jokes and fun facts, LOL Jokes: Portland combines the best of humor and history for young readers!

Inspired by all the wonderful sights, sounds, and . . . smells of the City of Roses, this local joke book delivers kid-friendly punchlines that will have readers laughing ’til they cry! Alongside hilarious jokes and puns are fascinating facts, goofy tidbits of local history, and engaging graphics that will keep readers chuckling and sharing with friends. LOL Jokes: Portland is sure to deliver hours of knee-slapping entertainment.

What building in Portland has the most STORIES?
Powell’s Books!

Fun Factoid: In 1842, the founders of Portland disagreed on what the city should be called. One proposed “Boston, Oregon,” the other came up with “Portland, Oregon.” Amazing, but true: the name was decided by the toss of a coin! And I guess you know which one won!

All is calm in the warlord�s palace, and the artist�s apprentice Chuan sits with his friend Jing Jing, watching the sunset, when an invading army approaches. Jing Jing comes up with an ingenious solution using Chuan�s knowledge of calculating area as well as his handmade paper and ink to frighten the troops into leaving.

Sometimes the coolest places are right outside your front door. Learning about Portland’s interesting and unique culture has never been so super fun!

Did you know about the eerie tunnels right beneath Old Town Portland’s busy streets? Or that Hacky Sack originated in Portland? Have you heard of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens? From the annual Rose Festival, to the Oregon Trail, Super Cities!: Portland covers it all, and is sure to engage any reader with fun facts about the history, culture, and people who make this city great. Kayak along the Willamette River, grab a sweet treat from Voodoo Doughnut, and attend a Portland Timbers game, all right here. Take a peek inside to learn more about the impressive, unusual, super history of Portland!

Sometimes the coolest places are right outside your front door. Learning about Chicago’s interesting and unique culture has never been so super fun!

Did you know that Chicago’s Home Insurance Building was the world’s first skyscraper? Or that lacrosse was originally created by the Algonquian people? Have you ever heard that Walt Disney was born in Chicago? From the Great Chicago Fire, to delicious deep-dish pizza, Super Cities!: Chicago covers it all, and is sure to engage any reader with fun facts about the history, culture, and people who make this city great. Dive into Lake Michigan, explore Little Italy, and join in the fun at Lollapalooza, all right here. Take a peek inside to learn more about the impressive, unusual, super history of Chicago!

Celebrate the exciting life of a World War II naval hero! When Pearl Harbor was bombed, Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt sent Adm. Chester Nimitz to respond. Nimitz was put in charge of all US ships in the Pacific and was commander of the Pacific Fleet at the decisive Battle of Midway. This inspiring biography for young readers traces his remarkable life from his nineteenth-century childhood through his valiant service during World War II.

The warlord�s presence is requested at the emperor�s banquet in two weeks, but he is sixteen days away by horseback. Using their math skills, ingenuity, and the wind, Chuan and Jing Jing reach the warlord�s camp and encourage him to use their sailing cart to travel to the feast. The Warlord�s Messengers is the sixth book in the acclaimed Warlord�s Series, and includes directions for making your own windsock as well as suggestions for velocity-related math activities.

Inspirational anecdotes from exceptional Americans. Ten leadership lessons are taught here through the dramatic true stories of American men and women in World War II. From Dwight D. Eisenhower and Chester Nimitz to everyday Americans who rose to leadership during the world's greatest war, these stories reflect the core values of this remarkable generation. With these inspiring accounts, today's managers and leaders will learn essential leadership tactics, such as having a vision, being a self-starter, taking care of your people, and leading by example.

Not so fast Rudolph-Willy guides Santa's sleigh in Texas! When Santa visits Texas, he encounters dense fog and needs a local's help to deliver gifts. Willy, a longhorn longing to fly with Santa, jumps at the opportunity to help. With the help of glowing blue paint, his horns light the way. Follow Willy and Santa on their journey to every house in the Lone Star State as they fly over Texas landmarks to deliver presents and a Texas-sized portion of cheer.

You're not gonna taste this little beignet! In this confectionary folktale adaptation, a lonely baker gets his wish when he sprinkles magic sugar on a beignet and it comes to life. The little beignet boy runs away but is in danger of being eaten by the hungry people of New Orleans. He leads a wild chase through the French Quarter, visiting famous sights along the way. This delightful book, with wacky illustrations and a sassy refrain, will run straight into readers' hearts.

Plant a prize-winning seed and help it grow! Join Gavin as he attempts to win first place at the local fair by growing the largest gourd in the world! Children will learn how to plant, fertilize, and pollinate a seed just as Gavin does. With the help of his friends and neighbors, Gavin becomes an expert on pumpkins. Through advice and hands-on experience, he learns how to care for his garden. Full of helpful facts and easy tips, this is an educational and amusing story that emphasizes the skill involved in gardening. A perfect companion for the classroom, this book teaches children about the science of cultivation, the commitment required to care for a living plant, and how to make homemade pumpkin pie.

WINNER OF THE SCBWI CRYSTAL KITE AWARD

AN IN THE MARGINS LIST NOMINEE

This incisive coming-of-age story is set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina and its severe devastation to US soil. A compelling tale of growth and independence, this debut novel brings a fresh, evocative voice to the stage: Hollis Williams, whose resilience, strength of character, and personal growth are powerfully portrayed by the author's authentic narrative. This book will last for generations, giving voice to every young reader struggling to find his or her place in the world.

Hollis Williams is a middle-school student in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. His father absent and his mother dead, Hollis and his siblings live with his grandmother. He dreams of reconnecting with his father, but Hurricane Katrina strikes and devastates his home and his plans. The young boy's family is trapped on the roof of their house, hoping and waiting to be rescued. When help finally arrives, Hollis and his family are separated and sent hundreds of miles apart. Taken to a shelter in a West Virginia church, Hollis must reunite his family against all odds.

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

The haunted history of Albuquerque comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Hear the clinking of spurs against ghostly cowboy boots walking through the High Noon Restaurant. Or witness the lights flicker at the Church Street Café. Stop by La Hacienda restaurant and perhaps dine with a presence from another realm! Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

Georg� Porg� ate crab cakes,
saw one move, cried, Heaven's sakes!
When he found out the crab still lived,
His plate, he dropped-his face, he hid.

Merriment and madness reign as king and queen of Carnival in this playful romp around the Crescent City. Mother Goose takes on Metairie, Mid City, the Mississippi, and more in these delightful twists on classic poems. Rhyme down on the bayou with the Mischievous Nutria and three shrimp in a tub. Cheerful illustrations fill this sweet and silly collection, perfect for Who Dats of all ages.

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

The haunted history of Chattanooga comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Dare to visit Raccoon Mountain Caverns to see if a ghostly night watchman returns for his shift. See the spirits who haunt several area schools. Or explore the Chickamauga Battlefield to learn Civil War history—and perhaps meet the ghosts of fallen soldiers. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

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

The haunted history of Snohomish comes to life—even when the main players are dead. Climb up Fiddler’s Bluff and hear the scratchy tunes played by a musically challenged phantom. Visit the Cabbage Patch restaurant for a slice of pie and see if a ghostly girl tries to get to your dessert before you. Throughout Snohomish meet the ghosts of soldiers, pioneers, policemen, and even a librarian who loved the town so much they wouldn’t leave, even after death. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.