Helen Plum Library

It's a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you're ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

Let's face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg's father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other "manly" endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father's efforts to change him. But when Greg's dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up . . . or get shipped...

It's summer vacation, the weather's great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where's Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn. Greg, a self-confessed "indoor person," is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg's mom has a different vision for an ideal summer . . . one packed with outdoor activities and "family togetherness."

Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it's cracked up to be? Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older-all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face the "ugly truth"?

There's so much to explore at a school. From the books, backpacks, and classrooms to the friends made while in class, a trip to school is a great way for engaged readers, to take a look inside a familiar world. With the help of accessible text and vibrant color photographs, readers will, love taking a walk in someone else's shoes to explore their lunchroom, gym class, and even a bus ride home!

For a young student, it might seem like most kids have the same general experience at school, but school is different all around the world. Readers of this charming volume take a look at what school is like for children in many different countries across the globe. From classrooms and homework to uniforms and recess, readers see how different facets of their educational experience differ from those of students living in different places. Eye-catching...

Ruthie invents an egg-hatching machine. She has big hopes that not only will it help her hatch chicks, but it will also do well in the science fair. When her invention isn't all it's cracked up to be, and even more disappointments follow, Ruthie feels like her hard work isn't working. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.

Humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each story

Due to an administrative mix-up, troublemaker Donovan Curtis is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction, a special program for gifted and talented students, after pulling a major prank at middle school

After the fence gate is left unlatched, Amy's playful new puppy, Brada, escapes! The other kids want to help Amy and her parents look for Brada. But to find her quickly, they will need to figure out where she's most likely to go. They'll use what they know about where she's gone in the past and probability to find . . . The Runaway Puppy.