Explores the pressures on today's teachers and examines how the public school system--driven by statistics and finances--undermines its educators, while offering suggestions on how lasting school reform can be achieved.

Take a peek! What kinds of things really happen inside an elementary school? The stories in Confessions of an Elementary School Principal will make you laugh. A few may make you cry. Other stories will provide insight into children and teaching. Many will give you pause and something to ponder. Stories span the career of Meril Smith. He is one of the lucky people who never went to work. He loved almost every ten-hour day he spent with students, teachers, and parents. All the stories are true. Only some of the names in the stories have been changed to "protect the guilty."

Jack's hilarious online videos might get thousands of views . . . but is fame worth the price of friendship? Now in paperback, the humor of I Funny meets the multiple perspectives of Because of Mr. Terupt. Meet Jack Reynolds. Making people laugh is his life's work. Jack's wacky MyTube channel is really starting to take off. The only problem is, for the truly epic posts, he needs a collaborator. And, well, he doesn't exactly have any friends. So Jack has to swallow his pride and join the new after-school club Speed Friendshipping. But who would make the best partner in comedy? Brielle, Miss Perfect candidate for student body president? Mario, whose mom won't even let him have a smart phone? Or Tasha, the quiet, mysterious girl with a shaved head and a crocheted hat for every day of the week? One of these kids could help catapult Jack to internet fame . . . or even become a true friend. But what will it cost him to go viral? With an unfailing knack for the middle-grade voice, Arianne Costner, author of My Life as a Potato, explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the ways social media can put pressure on today's kids.

Travis is out of shape. And he's sick of it. He's sick of looking like a fool in gym class. He's sick of the gym teacher making fun of him. And he's sick of seeing Rocco, the school jock, with the girl he likes. So Travis has decided to start working out. His days of being a wimp are over. But it's not that easy. Travis quickly learns that the old saying is true. No pain, no gain. -- Cover.

"Chloe Snow chonicles a year in her high school life, sharing the highs and lows of family, friendship, school, and love"--

This book takes you on a fun journey through the eyes of an elementary school teacher. The many daily laughs and challenges that the everyday teacher goes through may go unnoticed, until now. From classroom cursing, parent conferences, and even dealing with the "B" word (bullying), the author takes you on a laugh-out-loud look at teachers today and the struggles and joys that the classroom can bring. It brings a sincere amount of appreciation for all that teachers do while giving everyone a much needed laugh at the end of their work day.

Avi's treasured Newbery Honor Book now in expanded After Words edition!Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is excited to return home from her school in England to her family in Rhode Island in the summer of 1832. But when the two families she was supposed to travel with mysteriously cancel their trips, Charlotte finds herself the lone passenger on a long sea voyage with a cruel captain and a mutinous crew. Worse yet, soon after stepping aboard the ship, she becomes enmeshed in a conflict between them! What begins as an eagerly anticipated ocean crossing turns into a harrowing journey, where Charlotte gains a villainous enemy . . . and is put on trial for murder!After Words material includes author Q & A, journal writing tips, and other activities that bring Charlotte's world to life!