Scholastic Book Fairs Podcast

When Flissy Bathburn's parents first dropped her off in Bottlebay, Maine, she hated everything about it. She hated the big gloomy house she was to live in. She hated meeting her long-lost and highly eccentric relatives. And most of all, she hated knowing that she was safe in America while her parents faced the guns of WWII in Europe. But a year has passed now, and Flissy has grown to love her life in Bottlebay and especially Derek, the boy the Bathburns have adopted. Then a man claiming to be Derek's true father arrives, and soon he's asking all sorts of strange questions. Flissy has a nose for trouble. Has Derek's new father come to take him away or is there something even more sinister happening in Bottlebay, Maine?

The Oso family is going out for a stroll, and Rubia has her eye on their empty casita. A nice bowl of sopa, a comfortable chair, a perfecta little bed… Who wouldn’t want to open la puerta and come in? This is the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, retold in a musical combination of English and Spanish, illustrated with great humor and heart by a Caldecott Honor-winning artist, and featuring a surprise ending that’s downright fabuloso. Just right for bilingual families, new Spanish speakers, and anyone who likes a bueno twist on a classic.

When twelve-year-old Sugar's grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren't so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar's mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog named Shush, a foster family, a supportive teacher, a love of poetry, and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can't control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.

Take a rhyming journey around the globe to explore the little known world of albino animals. Along the way, learn how different animals can end up without any natural protective coloring and the effect that has on their lives. This beautifully done book adds to our knowledge of the animal world. Written and illustrated by 2nd grade students from Longfellow Elementary in West Allis, Wisconsin.

On odd days, Tripp Broody uses a school practice room to let loose on a borrowed guitar. Eyes closed, strumming that beat-up instrument, Tripp escapes to a world where only the music matters. On even days, Lyla Marks uses the same practice room. To Tripp, she’s trying to become even more perfect—she’s already a straight-A student and an award-winning cellist. But when Lyla begins leaving notes for him in between the strings of the guitar, his life intersects with hers in a way he never expected. What starts as a series of snippy notes quickly blossoms into the sharing of interests and secrets and dreams, and the forging of a very unlikely friendship. Challenging each other to write songs, they begin to connect, even though circumstances threaten to tear them apart. From beloved author Mary Amato comes a YA novel of wit and wisdom, both heartfelt and heart­breaking, about the power of music and the unexpected chords that draw people together. The back cover includes a QR code that directs readers to Mary Amato's website, where they can listen to songs from the story.

It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy.

In this story, three siblings come upon an elephant named Phil and decide to bring him home. But can they convince their parents to keep Phil, or will they have to take him back where he belongs? Eye-catching illustrations will make readers laugh out loud, and the dialogue is both poignant and clever. The love between these kids and Phil is palpable and will leave the reader itching for more!

When Mom and Dad bring home a new puppy, everyone is so excited! All the kids love Ruby. But who gets to walk Ruby? Who gets to play with Ruby? Who gets to brush Ruby? In this sweet story, the Dungy children learn to stop saying, “Ruby is my dog,” and say instead, “Ruby is our dog!” Based on a true family story, this charming book, penned by former NFL coach Tony Dungy and his wife, Lauren, teaches the importance of sharing in a sweet and humorous way

Georgia Khatchadorian plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. She's even bet him that she'll quickly become one of the most popular girls in school. But Rafe left a big mark at HVMS, and no one will give Georgia a chance! Even worse, Rafe has sneakily signed up her band to play at the school dance, and she's terrified to embarrass herself in front of the snooty "Princesses" who run the school and the boy who's caught her eye. Will she be able to overcome her fears and win her bet with Rafe? Find out THE TRUTH about Rafe Khatchadorian's sister in the first Middle School story from the point of view of the hilarious Georgia girl who's ready to speak her mind!

Basher's US PRESIDENTS shows readers the nation's leaders as they've never been seen before. Every president, from George Washington to the winner of the 2012 election, has his own entry and speaks directly to the reader. In Basher's humorous fashion, these lively and enlightening articles bring history to life. Meet James Monroe, known as the "Last Cocked Hat" because he pranced around in an outdated wig, hat, and breeches! Readers will learn more about "Uncle Jumbo" (better known as Grover Cleveland): the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. They'll also find out how Ronald Reagan helped end the Cold War. Quirky facts add interest: John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator and Teddy Roosevelt (and his whole family) could walk on stilts!

Otto and Leni thought they were safe: They escaped from war-torn Europe and are living as refugees in England. But now the Crown has recruited them: Great Britain wants them to go back. As spies! Dropped behind enemy lines, they embark on a top-secret operation. Code name: Wolfsangel. Their mission? Capture the one person who can defeat the ultimate evil of Nazism! Der Fuhrer has destroyed Otto's and Leni's families, but what if the tables were turned? What if Hitler's ultimate legacy was in their hands?

Did you know that penguins don't walk, they waddle? Or that giraffes travel in a herd? Each spread is narrated from the animal's point of view with rhyming text that not only entertains the reader, but teaches something about that animal group. With its heartwarming illustrations, this novelty book with gatefold flaps brings fun animal facts to life in a way that's sure to have readers entertained for hours!

Matteo Alacrán was not born; he was harvested. His DNA came from El Patrón, lord of a country called Opium - a strip of poppy fields lying between the United States and what was once called Mexico. Matt's first cell split and divided inside a petri dish. Then he was placed in the womb of a cow, where he continued the miraculous journey from embryo to fetus to baby. He is a boy now, but most consider him a monster - except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself. As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister cast of characters, including El Patrón's power-hungry family, and he is surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive. But escape from the Alacrán Estate is no guarantee of freedom, because Matt is marked by his difference in ways he doesn't even suspect.

The great Bille Holiday--Lady Day--was a legendary jazz singer with a troubled life. She had fame, style, a stellar voice, big gardenias in her hair, and lots of dogs, but her favorite was a boxer named Mister. The love between her and her dog adds child appeal and accessibility to her story.

What better way for Bear to say thanks than to have a big dinner with all his friends!. There’s just one problem - Bear’s cupboards are bare! What is he to do? The playful text and charming illustrations bring to life this celebration of family and friendship. Young readers will delight in discovering the special gift Bear has to share.