Grade: 3

Twelve million cars are recycled in the United States and Canada every year. This book shows the recycling process from the moment the car is hauled to the junkyard until its crushed chassis is delivered to a recycling shredding center. A glossary of terms and recycling facts are included.

The three children of Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw, grandchildren of the great leader Firestar, have thrived in their apprenticeships: Lionpaw’s strength and energy serve him well as a warrior in training, Hollypaw hones her understanding of the warrior code, and Jaypaw explores his mysterious powers and connection to StarClan as the medicine cat apprentice. With more experience comes both power and danger: Lionpaw makes a friendship—and a discovery—that must be kept hidden; Jaypaw learns a secret that could benefit ThunderClan by damaging others; and Hollypaw knows something that could avert a battle, if she could convince the rest of her Clan. The three are torn apart as each discovers darkness: in themselves, in the Clans, and in the past. And, as conflict begins over what it means to be a warrior, rising tensions threaten to overflow, washing away the peace that has existed for many moons.

“Toe bone connected to da foot bone . . .” Children have been singing this popular African-American spiritual for ages. As it bounces from page to page, Barner relates some amazing facts about the bones in the human body. For example, did you and your students know that the 22 bones in the foot can support the entire weight of your body? Your students will enjoy Barner’s colorful illustrations of skeletons as they dance through this anatomy book for youngsters.

Hunky Dory’s mother always told her, “You’ll be the wickedest witch wherever the four winds blow.” And why not? She’s at the top of her class in charm school. She can make flowers wilt like wet spaghetti. And she can turn any prince into a frog–but she always changes him back. That’s when she knows she has a problem. Hunky Dory’s interest in wishcraft over witchcraft gets her kicked out of charm school. Now she’s determined to follow her heart and become a fairy godmother. But how to go about doing it? She gives a woodsman a new mustache, and grants Wolf his strange wish for a grandmother costume. Finally, motivated by jealousy over her friend Rumpelstiltskin’s crush on the girl in the roomful of straw, she meets the ticket to realizing her career dream–Cinderella. This fresh, funny twist on fairy tales is just right for girls who have not quite outgrown the magic of classic stories–and who are open to unconventional happily-ever-afters!

For any child thoughtful about growing up and who may be looking for a champion, Jeff Kinney has delivered it. In this hilarious diary told through the eyes of a “wimpy kid,” the author tells the story of middle-schooler Greg Heffley, whose friend Rowley begins to move up in the social sphere. Greg decides to take advantage of the situation, and while his and Rowley’s friendship is put to the test as a result, readers are laughing all the way. The first book in a series based on the author’s online comic, this is a knee-slapping read that keeps fans anxious for more.

This series covers a range of nonfiction topics that interest younger and older students — from cats to comic book characters. Each book includes full-color photographs and illustrations, and appropriate text for one of four graduated reading levels. There are over 20 books in each level. Titles include:

Level 1 (Beginning to read) Rockets and Spaceships, A Day in the Life of a Dancer, Whatever the Weather

Level 2 (Beginning to read alone) Firefighter!, Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!, The Story of Pocahontas

Level 3 (Reading alone) Anne Frank, Extreme Sports, Shark Attack!

Level 4 (Proficient readers) Horses, Creating the X-Men, Volcanoes, NFL: Rumbling Running Backs

It’s a zoo in here! Have you ever . . . Seen a Gritchen in your kitchen? Dared to dance with the One-Legged Zantz? Declined to dine with the Glub-Toothed Sline? You haven’t? Well then, step inside—but only if you are ready to be amazed, tickled, astonished and entertained by this most unusual bestiary of silly and scary creatures.

Mr. Frimdimpny, an alligator, has made up some unusual rules. Rule #1, “Do Not Laugh!” is followed by Rule #2, “Do Not Even Smile.” If a reader breaks a rule, he or she must go back to the front of the book and begin reading again. Just try not to chuckle.