Big Nate meets Timmy Failure in Funny Kid for President, the first book in an uproarious new middle grade series by Matt Stanton, Australia's bestselling children's book author. When Max gets blamed for pooping in the storeroom (which he did NOT do) , tensions hit an all-time high between him and his terrifyingly large teacher, Mr. Armstrong. But then, the most unexpected thing happens - the school principal, Mrs. Sniggles, suggests Max run for class president.Max isn't the only kid on the ballot, however. His archenemy, Abby Purcell, is also up for election - and she's out to defeat him at all costs. To win, Max is going to need the 24/7 help of his best friend, Hugo, and he's going to have to run the campaign of a lifetime.Max may not be the smartest or fastest kid, or the handsomest, but he just might be the funniest kid you'll ever meet - and it's this talent that could turn him from underdog to top dog. Max for President! Matt Stanton brings his veteran children's book chops to this hilarious new series, perfect for early middle grade readers looking for side-splitting laughs!
Publisher: n/a
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9780062572912
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Hardcover
Galactic Hot Dogs
By Brallier, Max
"Galactic Hot Dogs is an insanely entertaining, eye-popping adventure!" - Lincoln Peirce, bestselling author of the Big Nate seriesMeet Cosmoe, the Earth-Boy. He's captain of the Neon Weiner, the finest flying food truck in the galaxy. Along with his bud, Big Humphree, he spends his days cruising the cosmos and staying crazy busy ... 1. Cooking up a Mega-Dog. (Dude, this hot dog is the size of a jeep!) 2. Escaping mutant worm monsters, zombie space pirates, and grumpy robots. (What the butt?!) 3. Playing Super Moon Ninja Death Jab (Turbo Ear Slap! 9,000 points!!) 4. And ... PROTECTING THE GALAXY from the Ultimate Evil. (He's kind of an awesome space guy.)
Publisher: n/a
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9781481424943
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Print book
Do Not Open!
By Parisi, Mark
"Funny and engaging. Marty Pants is a surefire hit!" - Lincoln Peirce, author of the Big Nate seriesMove over, Wimpy Kid. Here comes the imaginative, the inquisitive, the unstoppable Marty Pants!Marty Pants is different from your typical middle schooler. He has the soul of an artist, and as an artist, he notices things-except when he doesn't.When Marty discovers a note suggesting an alien is watching him, this is something he can't ignore. But no one, not his friends, his family, his arch-enemy, nor the chief of police, can see what he sees. So, it's up to Marty to save the world - his way!This hilarious new series follows the endearing, frazzled, embarrassed, and ultimately fearless footsteps of literature's most unlikely hero: Marty Pants.
Publisher: n/a
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9780062427762
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Hardcover
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
By Pichon, Liz
The top-selling U.K. series for middle-grade readers now crosses the pond!Meet Tom Gates. When his teachers don't have their beady eyes on him, he likes to draw pictures and write about stuff, like last summer's worst camping vacation ever (five merits!) , or how much he hates sitting next to nosy Marcus Meldrew, the most annoying boy at school. All Tom really wants is to score tickets to see the best band ever, Dude3, when they come to town, and to impress Amy Porter, who is very nice and smart (but is currently ignoring him) . Tom's teachers think he is easily distracted and "lacks focus," but that's a bit harsh - can he help it if his grumpy big sister, Delia, made him late for school (again) , or that last night's homework had to be sacrificed to stave off a vicious dog attack? Master of excuses, creative storyteller, and middle-school comedian extraordinaire, Tom Gates is guaranteed to get kids turning the pages - and keep them laughing.
Publisher: n/a
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9780763674724
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Hardcover
Kate the Great, Except When She's Not
By Becker, Suzy
Fans of Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries will love this illustrated series by the New York Times bestselling author of All I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat. Meet Kate Geller, a sassy flute-playing artist, who comes up with an original way to redefine friendship. Kate's older sister is way too perfect. Her younger sister is way too cute. And her mom wants her to be pals with her frenemy, Nora. Her art teacher, Mrs. Petty, is way too uncreative, and how can Kate pay attention at Junior Guides when her pod leader has a sweat stain the size of the town beach? Now she has to get through her Christopher Columbus role during Discovery Day and her "Colonial Buddies" report, but little does she know how much "help" she'll be getting from Eleanor Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. This humorous debut novel features more than 350 illustrations.Praise for Kate the Great:"She's funny. Quirky. Original. Kate's the greatest." -Lincoln Peirce, author of Big Nate"May Kate continue to be this great." -TheHorn Book"Becker's first illustrated novel falls neatly in line with many others of its ilk, series such as Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid ... " -Booklist"Becker does an excellent job of channeling the behind-adults'-backs humor and friendship frustrations of the middle-school crowd ... " -Publishers Weekly"Debut novelist Becker employs doodles, cartoons, and comic strips reminiscent of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a WimpyKid and Lincoln Peirce's Big Nate." -School Library JournalFrom the Hardcover edition.
Publisher: n/a
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9780385387439
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Print book
The Frankenstein Journals
By Sonneborn, Scott
Fourteen-year-old J.D. discovers why he never fit in at the creepy orphanage -- hes the son of Frankensteins monster! The boy always wanted a big family. Now hes got a doozy the donors of his jigsaw puzzle-papa! Fans of adventure and classic monster movies will gasp with delight as they follow J.D. through this diary-style thriller. Old photos, maps, artifacts, and entries from the mad scientists own journals will plunge the reader into J.D.s quest to track down his Frankenstein family. But will he be in time? A shadowy stalker seeks the journals -- and J.D. -- to build a new, more powerful monster!,
Publisher: n/a
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9781434291301
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Hardcover
Clueless McGee
By Mack, Jeff
Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Encyclopedia Brown!Clueless McGee is just your average fifth-grader: snarky, awkward, and a magnet for trouble. The only difference: he's also an amateur detective. Determined to make his absent father proud, he uses the skills he's learned playing video games to solve mysteries. Only he's no Sherlock Holmes. Or Encyclopedia Brown. Or even Scooby-Doo. When the school bully is framed for filling the orchestra teacher's tuba with macaroni and cheese, Clueless is on the case. But can he catch the culprit before he strikes again? His only obstacle, as Jeff Mack shows us in his hilarious new illustrated series, is his own ineptitude . . . questionable talent . . . and limited intelligence. No problem!
Publisher: n/a
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9780399257490
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Print book
Otis Dooda
By Potter, Ellen
HARDY-HAR-HAR!Meet Otis Dooda. Yes, that's his name. Go on and have a good laugh. He's heard it all before. He's been called things like Otis Poopy Stink and Otis Toilet Twinkie. That's right, yuck it up and get it out of your system. We'll wait.All right then. This is the story of Otis and the Dooda family (including their rat named Smoochie) moving to New York City, and the incredibly strange, but true, things that happened to them. It all started with Otis getting cursed by a guy in a potted plant in their apartment building lobby, and then meeting a bunch of their neighbors, including a farting pony named Peaches who was disguised as a dog. And that was just the first day.
Publisher: n/a
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9781250011763
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Hardcover
Timmy Failure
By Pastis, Stephan
Want to aspire to greatness? Check out this new edition of Timmy Failure's first adventure - featuring the bonus section "How to Draw Timmy and Total."He may be clueless, but the comically self-confident Timmy Failure is CEO of the best detective agency in town, perhaps even the nation. Now Timmy's legion of fans are invited to set off on their own path to mastery with the help from Stephan Pastis. Added material includes step-by-step instructions on how to draw Timmy and his impressively lazy business partner, the polar bear Total - including a trick to making them both look a tiny bit nuts (hint: the secret is in the eyes) . Even better, kids are invited to share the spotlight with Timmy by sending their drawings to his website, for a chance to be featured in the Timmy Failure Gallery of Greatness.
Publisher: n/a
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9780763660505
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Hardcover
Cartboy and the Time Capsule
By Campbell, L.a.
Cartboy and the Time Capsule by L. A. Campbell is a laugh-out-loud debut novel for young readers about sixth-grader Hal Rifkind-unfortunately nicknamed Cartboy-and his horribly historic, hilarious year. Hal hates history class-it literally bores him to tears. But his father is a big history buff, and unless Hal gets a good grade this year, hell never get his own room. Sixth grade gets off to a horrible start when history teacher Mr. Tupkin gives the class an assignment to write journals that will be buried in a time capsule at the end of the year. Things get even worse when his dad makes him take his neighbors old shopping cart to school, earning him the nickname Cartboy. What else could possibly go wrong? Read Hals journal to find out! Filled with photos, drawings, and timelines, Hals time capsule journal chronicles a year in the life of the hopelessly hapless Cartboy.
Publisher: n/a
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9780765333179
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Hardcover
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
By Angleberger, Tom
In this funny, uncannily wise portrait of the dynamics of a sixth-grade class and of the greatness that sometimes comes in unlikely packages, Dwight, a loser, talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda. If that weren't strange enough, the puppet is uncannily wise and prescient. Origami Yoda predicts the date of a pop quiz, guesses who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and saves a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment with some well-timed advice. Dwight's classmate Tommy wonders how Yoda can be so smart when Dwight himself is so clueless. With contributions from his puzzled classmates, Tommy assembles this first case file in the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series, written by Tom Angleberger, author of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side, and hailed by School Library Journal as "honest, funny, and immensely entertaining." F&P Level: T F&P Genre: RF
Publisher: n/a
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9780810984257
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Hardcover
The Odd Squad
By Fry, Michael
Nick is the shortest seventh-grader in the history of the world (hes pretty sure) , doesnt fit in with any groups or clubs (who needs em?) , and spends more time inside than outside his locker (theyre roomier than youd think) .Things only get worse when a well-intentioned guidance counselor forces Nick to join the schools lamest club - along with fellow misfits Molly and Karl - in her quest to cure all three of their "peer allergies." What starts off as a reluctant band of hopeless oddballs morphs into an effective and empowered team ready to face whatever middle school throws at them, including bullies, awkward romance, zany adults, and a brave new world of surprising friendships.Renowned cartoonist Michael Fry brings an unforgettable cast of characters to life in an illustrated novel brimming with honesty, humor, and heart.
Publisher: n/a
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9781423169246
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Hardcover
Stick Dog
By Watson, Tom
Introducing everyones new best friend: Stick Dog! Dont miss the very first book in this bestselling funny illustrated series.Hell make you laugh...hell make you cry...but above all, hell make you hungry!Follow Stick Dog as he goes on an epic quest for the perfect burger. With hilarious text and stick-figure drawings, reluctant readers eat this one up!Perfect for fans of such series as The Last Kids on Earth, Dog Man, Big Nate, Timmy Failure, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this is the first book in the bestselling Stick Dog series. A favorite of readers ages 6 to 12, both avid and less so, Stick Dog is a winner for those looking for their next funny illustrated middle grade book series.Other favorites in the series include Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog, Stick Dog Chases a Pizza, and many more!
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9780062110787
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Audiobook
Charlie Joe Jacksons Guide to Not Reading
By Greenwald, Tom
Charlie Joe Jacksons Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald is the hilarious story of an avid non-reader and the extreme lengths to which hell go to get out of reading a book. Charlie Joe Jackson may be the most reluctant reader ever born. And so far, hes managed to get through life without ever reading an entire book from cover to cover. But now that hes in middle school, avoiding reading isnt as easy as it used to be. And when his friend Timmy McGibney decides that hes tired of covering for him, Charlie Joe finds himself resorting to desperate measures to keep his perfect record intact.
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9781596436916
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Paperback
The Popularity Papers
By Ignatow, Amy
Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang are best friends with one goal: to crack the code of popularity. Lydia's the bold one: aspiring theater star, stick-fighting enthusiast, human guinea pig. Julie's the shy one: observer and artist, accidental field hockey star, faithful recorder. In this notebook they write down their observations and carry out experiments to try to determine what makes the popular girls tick. But somehow, when Lydia and Julie try to imitate the popular girls, their efforts don't translate into instant popularity. Lydia ends up with a bald spot, their parents won't stop yelling, and Julie finds herself the number-one crush of Roland Asbjrnsen. Worse, they seem to be drifting farther and farther from their goal - and each other. Amy Ignatow's hilarious debut novel introduces the intrepid fifth-graders Julie and Lydia, whose quest to understand popularity may not succeed in the ways they want, but will succeed in keeping readers in stitches.From Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books:Lydia and Julie, BFFs since birth, are now preparing to enter junior high, and they're on a mission to become popular. First, however, they have to determine exactly how popularity is achieved, so they decide to approach the matter as any good scientist would: observe those creatures already at the height of popularity and apply said observations to themselves, in the hopes of cracking into that mysterious world of junior-high stardom. The two record their observations and the often spectacularly unsuccessful outcomes of their various social experiments in a scrapbook-like journal, complete with notes passed at school, lists of projected popularity goals, and credibly goofy and kidlike drawings. The story here is fairly familiar: the girls fail miserably at their first attempts at the A-list (Lydia's hair falls out after a botched dye job, among other disasters) but eventually find acceptance in the upper echelon, only to learn the valuable lesson that it's the people you're most comfortable around who make the best friends. The diary format, however, adds an extra dimension of funny, and as in Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid series about Greg Heffley, it allows Julie and Lydia to come alive through their witty dialogue, their perceptive commentary, and even their characteristic handwriting. Secondary characters shine as well, particularly Julie's embarrassing but ultimately charming two dads, along with Lydia's goth-punk sister, a font of random quips and junior high wisdom. The popular kids end up being far from perfect and each has issues of her own to contend with, making the actual friendships that form among the girls all the more endearing. Those waiting for the next installment of Greg Heffley's adventures will be well served by this amusing experiment in sixth-grade celebrity. KQG
Publisher: n/a
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9780810984219
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Hardcover
Herberts Wormhole
By Nelson, Peter
Greetings. This story concerns a scientific anomaly that opens a portal, allowing us to traverse the space-time continuum and triggering an adventure that those of limited intelligence might simply describe as "awesome."Hey! This is a book about how we get sucked into this wormhole thingy and it drops us in the future where theres all this really cool futuristic stuff, but also these super-freaky aliens and we mess everything up and have to save the world. How awesome is that?
Publisher: n/a
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9780061688683
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Hardcover
Gossip From the Girls Room
By Cooper, Rose
Its Diary of a Wimpy Kid for girls! Find out just what happens when class is not in session in this first book in the BLOGTASTIC! series.. Gossip from the Girls Room fills readers in on all there is to learn about middle school life at Middlebrooke, where Sofia has her very own blog and discusses all the juicy gossip that comes out of the Girls room. In Sofias words . . . . Mia St. Claire is only the most popular girl in all of Middlebrooke Middle School. For three very obvious reasons:. 1. Shes very rich.2. She has tons of money.3. She can buy anything and everything she wants. And she does.. Im sure people like her for other reasons too, but none of those reasons are obvious enough for me to really know. Or care about, for that matter.
Publisher: n/a
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9780385739474
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Hardcover
My Life as a Book
By Tashjian, Janet
Summers finally here, and Derek Fallon is looking forward to pelting the UPS truck with water balloons, climbing onto the garage roof, and conducting silly investigations. But when his parents decide to send him to Learning Camp, Dereks dreams of fun come to an end. Ever since hes been labeled a "reluctant reader," his mom has pushed him to read "real" books-something other than his beloved Calvin & Hobbes. As Derek forges unexpected friendships and uncovers a family secret involving himself (in diapers! no less) , he realizes that adventures and surprises are around the corner, complete with curve balls. My Life as a Book is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Childrens Book of the Year.
Publisher: n/a
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9780805089035
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Hardcover
Milo
By Silberberg, Alan
MILO is the funny and poignant story, told through text and cartoons, of a 13-year-old boy's struggle to come to terms with the loss that hit the reset button on his life. Loveable geek Milo Cruikshank finds reasons for frustration at every turn, like people who carve Halloween pumpkins way too soon (the pumpkins just rot and get lopsided) or the fact that the girl of his dreams, Summer, barely acknowledges his existence while next-door neighbor Hilary won't leave him alone. The truth is - ever since Milo's mother died nothing has gone right. Now, instead of the kitchen being full of music, his whole house has been filled with Fog. Nothing's the same. Not his Dad. Not his sister. And definitely not him. In love with the girl he sneezed on the first day of school and best pals with Marshall, the "One Eyed Jack" of friends, Milo copes with being the new kid (again) as he struggles to survive a school year that is filled with reminders of what his life "used to be."
Publisher: n/a
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9781416994305
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Hardcover
Big Nate
By Peirce, Lincoln
"Big Nate is funny, big time."--Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy KidFor fans of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Get ready to meet Big Nate! In the first novel in the New York Times bestselling series, Big Nate is in a class by himself!Nate knows he's meant for big things. REALLY big things. But things don't always go your way just because you're awesome. Nate barely survives his dad's toxic oatmeal before rushing off to school - minus his lunch. He body slams the no-nonsense principal. He accidentally insults his least favorite teacher, the horrifying Mrs. Godfrey (aka Godzilla) . And school has barely started!Trouble always seems to find him, but Nate keeps his cool. He knows he's destined for greatness. A fortune cookie told him so.Here comes BIG NATE, accidental mischief maker and definitely NOT the teacher's pet. Get your reader into this beloved series with Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, the perfect book for anyone who's ever been to middle school.
Publisher: n/a
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9780061944352
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Library Binding
Zombiekins
By Bolger, Kevin
The little town of Dementedyville is asboring as they come--but a mysterious stuffed animal is about to liven things up . . .Stanley Nudelman buys Zombiekins at the yard sale of his neighbor, the Widow Imavitch. It looks cuddly and creepy-cute--but expose the TEDDY OF TERROR to moonlight, and strange thingshappen. . . . When Zombiekins gets loose at his school, Stanley finds himself in GRAVE danger. Because if his teacher Mr. Baldengrumpy discovers he turned the whole school into zombies, Stanley will be in detention till hes, like, 80!Can Stanley and his best friend Miranda save their schoolmates from eternal zombiefication If not, will Mr. Baldengrumpy even notice,
Publisher: n/a
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9781595141774
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Print book
SPHDZ Book #1!
By Scieszka, Jon
The perfect combination of the age old experience of holding and poring over a physical book with newest media technology that kids love! Michael K. just started fifth grade at a new school. As if that wasn't hard enough, the kids he seems to have made friends with apparently aren't kids at all. They are aliens. Real aliens who have invaded our planet in the form of school children and a hamster. They have a mission to complete: to convince 3,140,001 kids to BE SPHDZ. But with a hamster as their leader, "kids" who talk like walking advertisements, and Michael K as their first convert, will the SPHDZ be able to keep their cover and pull off their assignment?
Publisher: n/a
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9781416979517
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Hardcover
Vordak the Incomprehensible
By Incomprehensible, Vordak T.
Slip on your acid-free gloves, make sure you have a duplicate copy of How to Grow Up and Rule the World (just in case something should happen to this one) and try to follow along as the incomparable, superior-in-all-ways Vordak the Incomprehensible teaches you a thing or two about villainy. Now you, too, can try (and fail) to attain Vordak's level of infamy.From selecting the most dastardly name, to choosing the ideal henchmen, to engaging in witty repartee with disgustingly chipper superheroes, experienced supervillain Vordak the Incomprehensible guides readers step-by-step toward the ultimate goal of world domination (from his parents' basement in Trenton, New Jersey) . With chapter titles like "Bringing Out the Evil" and "Building a Top-Notch Evil Organization," numerous bold illustrations, and detailed quizzes to assess your level of dastardliness, this book provides everything necessary to rise above the masses, and then rub your ascent in their faces.In return for this wealth of knowledge, Vordak requests nothing more than an honored place in the evil regime of he who achieves control of the world. (And, of course, the opportunity to assume command, should things not work out.) Publisher's Weekly Starred ReviewWriting as the ultra-evil Vordak the Incomprehensible, Seegert offers a comical step-by-step guide world domination. With a hyperbolically inflated self-image and no shortage of bathroom humor, Vordak guides readers through such topics as how to choose a costume ("the more flamboyant the better") , build a lair, and acquire enough minions to build a top-notch evil organization ("At times they can be difficult to control, but at their best they can be a relentless plague upon civilization") , all of which are paired with Martin's appropriately cartoonish artwork. Seegert gives Vordak a voice so magnetic and absurd that readers, especially young male ones, are going to soak up his warped wisdom like a sponge and circulate it at recess, even as Vordak insults them with admonishments like, "You are just a sniveling, whiny little goober, after all." No one is going to rule the world after Vordak's farcical directives, but readers will have a grand time turning pages to see what outlandish thing he'll say or suggest next, while perfecting their own villainous laughs. Muahahahaha! Ages 8-up. (Aug.)
Funny Kid for President
By Stanton, Matt
Big Nate meets Timmy Failure in Funny Kid for President, the first book in an uproarious new middle grade series by Matt Stanton, Australia's bestselling children's book author. When Max gets blamed for pooping in the storeroom (which he did NOT do) , tensions hit an all-time high between him and his terrifyingly large teacher, Mr. Armstrong. But then, the most unexpected thing happens - the school principal, Mrs. Sniggles, suggests Max run for class president.Max isn't the only kid on the ballot, however. His archenemy, Abby Purcell, is also up for election - and she's out to defeat him at all costs. To win, Max is going to need the 24/7 help of his best friend, Hugo, and he's going to have to run the campaign of a lifetime.Max may not be the smartest or fastest kid, or the handsomest, but he just might be the funniest kid you'll ever meet - and it's this talent that could turn him from underdog to top dog. Max for President! Matt Stanton brings his veteran children's book chops to this hilarious new series, perfect for early middle grade readers looking for side-splitting laughs!
Galactic Hot Dogs
By Brallier, Max
"Galactic Hot Dogs is an insanely entertaining, eye-popping adventure!" - Lincoln Peirce, bestselling author of the Big Nate seriesMeet Cosmoe, the Earth-Boy. He's captain of the Neon Weiner, the finest flying food truck in the galaxy. Along with his bud, Big Humphree, he spends his days cruising the cosmos and staying crazy busy ... 1. Cooking up a Mega-Dog. (Dude, this hot dog is the size of a jeep!) 2. Escaping mutant worm monsters, zombie space pirates, and grumpy robots. (What the butt?!) 3. Playing Super Moon Ninja Death Jab (Turbo Ear Slap! 9,000 points!!) 4. And ... PROTECTING THE GALAXY from the Ultimate Evil. (He's kind of an awesome space guy.)
Do Not Open!
By Parisi, Mark
"Funny and engaging. Marty Pants is a surefire hit!" - Lincoln Peirce, author of the Big Nate seriesMove over, Wimpy Kid. Here comes the imaginative, the inquisitive, the unstoppable Marty Pants!Marty Pants is different from your typical middle schooler. He has the soul of an artist, and as an artist, he notices things-except when he doesn't.When Marty discovers a note suggesting an alien is watching him, this is something he can't ignore. But no one, not his friends, his family, his arch-enemy, nor the chief of police, can see what he sees. So, it's up to Marty to save the world - his way!This hilarious new series follows the endearing, frazzled, embarrassed, and ultimately fearless footsteps of literature's most unlikely hero: Marty Pants.
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
By Pichon, Liz
The top-selling U.K. series for middle-grade readers now crosses the pond!Meet Tom Gates. When his teachers don't have their beady eyes on him, he likes to draw pictures and write about stuff, like last summer's worst camping vacation ever (five merits!) , or how much he hates sitting next to nosy Marcus Meldrew, the most annoying boy at school. All Tom really wants is to score tickets to see the best band ever, Dude3, when they come to town, and to impress Amy Porter, who is very nice and smart (but is currently ignoring him) . Tom's teachers think he is easily distracted and "lacks focus," but that's a bit harsh - can he help it if his grumpy big sister, Delia, made him late for school (again) , or that last night's homework had to be sacrificed to stave off a vicious dog attack? Master of excuses, creative storyteller, and middle-school comedian extraordinaire, Tom Gates is guaranteed to get kids turning the pages - and keep them laughing.
Kate the Great, Except When She's Not
By Becker, Suzy
Fans of Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries will love this illustrated series by the New York Times bestselling author of All I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat. Meet Kate Geller, a sassy flute-playing artist, who comes up with an original way to redefine friendship. Kate's older sister is way too perfect. Her younger sister is way too cute. And her mom wants her to be pals with her frenemy, Nora. Her art teacher, Mrs. Petty, is way too uncreative, and how can Kate pay attention at Junior Guides when her pod leader has a sweat stain the size of the town beach? Now she has to get through her Christopher Columbus role during Discovery Day and her "Colonial Buddies" report, but little does she know how much "help" she'll be getting from Eleanor Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. This humorous debut novel features more than 350 illustrations.Praise for Kate the Great:"She's funny. Quirky. Original. Kate's the greatest." -Lincoln Peirce, author of Big Nate"May Kate continue to be this great." -The Horn Book"Becker's first illustrated novel falls neatly in line with many others of its ilk, series such as Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid ... " -Booklist"Becker does an excellent job of channeling the behind-adults'-backs humor and friendship frustrations of the middle-school crowd ... " -Publishers Weekly"Debut novelist Becker employs doodles, cartoons, and comic strips reminiscent of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Lincoln Peirce's Big Nate." -School Library JournalFrom the Hardcover edition.
The Frankenstein Journals
By Sonneborn, Scott
Fourteen-year-old J.D. discovers why he never fit in at the creepy orphanage -- hes the son of Frankensteins monster! The boy always wanted a big family. Now hes got a doozy the donors of his jigsaw puzzle-papa! Fans of adventure and classic monster movies will gasp with delight as they follow J.D. through this diary-style thriller. Old photos, maps, artifacts, and entries from the mad scientists own journals will plunge the reader into J.D.s quest to track down his Frankenstein family. But will he be in time? A shadowy stalker seeks the journals -- and J.D. -- to build a new, more powerful monster!,
Clueless McGee
By Mack, Jeff
Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Encyclopedia Brown!Clueless McGee is just your average fifth-grader: snarky, awkward, and a magnet for trouble. The only difference: he's also an amateur detective. Determined to make his absent father proud, he uses the skills he's learned playing video games to solve mysteries. Only he's no Sherlock Holmes. Or Encyclopedia Brown. Or even Scooby-Doo. When the school bully is framed for filling the orchestra teacher's tuba with macaroni and cheese, Clueless is on the case. But can he catch the culprit before he strikes again? His only obstacle, as Jeff Mack shows us in his hilarious new illustrated series, is his own ineptitude . . . questionable talent . . . and limited intelligence. No problem!
Otis Dooda
By Potter, Ellen
HARDY-HAR-HAR!Meet Otis Dooda. Yes, that's his name. Go on and have a good laugh. He's heard it all before. He's been called things like Otis Poopy Stink and Otis Toilet Twinkie. That's right, yuck it up and get it out of your system. We'll wait.All right then. This is the story of Otis and the Dooda family (including their rat named Smoochie) moving to New York City, and the incredibly strange, but true, things that happened to them. It all started with Otis getting cursed by a guy in a potted plant in their apartment building lobby, and then meeting a bunch of their neighbors, including a farting pony named Peaches who was disguised as a dog. And that was just the first day.
Timmy Failure
By Pastis, Stephan
Want to aspire to greatness? Check out this new edition of Timmy Failure's first adventure - featuring the bonus section "How to Draw Timmy and Total."He may be clueless, but the comically self-confident Timmy Failure is CEO of the best detective agency in town, perhaps even the nation. Now Timmy's legion of fans are invited to set off on their own path to mastery with the help from Stephan Pastis. Added material includes step-by-step instructions on how to draw Timmy and his impressively lazy business partner, the polar bear Total - including a trick to making them both look a tiny bit nuts (hint: the secret is in the eyes) . Even better, kids are invited to share the spotlight with Timmy by sending their drawings to his website, for a chance to be featured in the Timmy Failure Gallery of Greatness.
Cartboy and the Time Capsule
By Campbell, L.a.
Cartboy and the Time Capsule by L. A. Campbell is a laugh-out-loud debut novel for young readers about sixth-grader Hal Rifkind-unfortunately nicknamed Cartboy-and his horribly historic, hilarious year. Hal hates history class-it literally bores him to tears. But his father is a big history buff, and unless Hal gets a good grade this year, hell never get his own room. Sixth grade gets off to a horrible start when history teacher Mr. Tupkin gives the class an assignment to write journals that will be buried in a time capsule at the end of the year. Things get even worse when his dad makes him take his neighbors old shopping cart to school, earning him the nickname Cartboy. What else could possibly go wrong? Read Hals journal to find out! Filled with photos, drawings, and timelines, Hals time capsule journal chronicles a year in the life of the hopelessly hapless Cartboy.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
By Angleberger, Tom
In this funny, uncannily wise portrait of the dynamics of a sixth-grade class and of the greatness that sometimes comes in unlikely packages, Dwight, a loser, talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda. If that weren't strange enough, the puppet is uncannily wise and prescient. Origami Yoda predicts the date of a pop quiz, guesses who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and saves a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment with some well-timed advice. Dwight's classmate Tommy wonders how Yoda can be so smart when Dwight himself is so clueless. With contributions from his puzzled classmates, Tommy assembles this first case file in the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series, written by Tom Angleberger, author of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side, and hailed by School Library Journal as "honest, funny, and immensely entertaining." F&P Level: T F&P Genre: RF
The Odd Squad
By Fry, Michael
Nick is the shortest seventh-grader in the history of the world (hes pretty sure) , doesnt fit in with any groups or clubs (who needs em?) , and spends more time inside than outside his locker (theyre roomier than youd think) .Things only get worse when a well-intentioned guidance counselor forces Nick to join the schools lamest club - along with fellow misfits Molly and Karl - in her quest to cure all three of their "peer allergies." What starts off as a reluctant band of hopeless oddballs morphs into an effective and empowered team ready to face whatever middle school throws at them, including bullies, awkward romance, zany adults, and a brave new world of surprising friendships.Renowned cartoonist Michael Fry brings an unforgettable cast of characters to life in an illustrated novel brimming with honesty, humor, and heart.
Stick Dog
By Watson, Tom
Introducing everyones new best friend: Stick Dog! Dont miss the very first book in this bestselling funny illustrated series.Hell make you laugh...hell make you cry...but above all, hell make you hungry!Follow Stick Dog as he goes on an epic quest for the perfect burger. With hilarious text and stick-figure drawings, reluctant readers eat this one up!Perfect for fans of such series as The Last Kids on Earth, Dog Man, Big Nate, Timmy Failure, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this is the first book in the bestselling Stick Dog series. A favorite of readers ages 6 to 12, both avid and less so, Stick Dog is a winner for those looking for their next funny illustrated middle grade book series.Other favorites in the series include Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog, Stick Dog Chases a Pizza, and many more!
Charlie Joe Jacksons Guide to Not Reading
By Greenwald, Tom
Charlie Joe Jacksons Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald is the hilarious story of an avid non-reader and the extreme lengths to which hell go to get out of reading a book. Charlie Joe Jackson may be the most reluctant reader ever born. And so far, hes managed to get through life without ever reading an entire book from cover to cover. But now that hes in middle school, avoiding reading isnt as easy as it used to be. And when his friend Timmy McGibney decides that hes tired of covering for him, Charlie Joe finds himself resorting to desperate measures to keep his perfect record intact.
The Popularity Papers
By Ignatow, Amy
Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang are best friends with one goal: to crack the code of popularity. Lydia's the bold one: aspiring theater star, stick-fighting enthusiast, human guinea pig. Julie's the shy one: observer and artist, accidental field hockey star, faithful recorder. In this notebook they write down their observations and carry out experiments to try to determine what makes the popular girls tick. But somehow, when Lydia and Julie try to imitate the popular girls, their efforts don't translate into instant popularity. Lydia ends up with a bald spot, their parents won't stop yelling, and Julie finds herself the number-one crush of Roland Asbjrnsen. Worse, they seem to be drifting farther and farther from their goal - and each other. Amy Ignatow's hilarious debut novel introduces the intrepid fifth-graders Julie and Lydia, whose quest to understand popularity may not succeed in the ways they want, but will succeed in keeping readers in stitches.From Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books:Lydia and Julie, BFFs since birth, are now preparing to enter junior high, and they're on a mission to become popular. First, however, they have to determine exactly how popularity is achieved, so they decide to approach the matter as any good scientist would: observe those creatures already at the height of popularity and apply said observations to themselves, in the hopes of cracking into that mysterious world of junior-high stardom. The two record their observations and the often spectacularly unsuccessful outcomes of their various social experiments in a scrapbook-like journal, complete with notes passed at school, lists of projected popularity goals, and credibly goofy and kidlike drawings. The story here is fairly familiar: the girls fail miserably at their first attempts at the A-list (Lydia's hair falls out after a botched dye job, among other disasters) but eventually find acceptance in the upper echelon, only to learn the valuable lesson that it's the people you're most comfortable around who make the best friends. The diary format, however, adds an extra dimension of funny, and as in Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid series about Greg Heffley, it allows Julie and Lydia to come alive through their witty dialogue, their perceptive commentary, and even their characteristic handwriting. Secondary characters shine as well, particularly Julie's embarrassing but ultimately charming two dads, along with Lydia's goth-punk sister, a font of random quips and junior high wisdom. The popular kids end up being far from perfect and each has issues of her own to contend with, making the actual friendships that form among the girls all the more endearing. Those waiting for the next installment of Greg Heffley's adventures will be well served by this amusing experiment in sixth-grade celebrity. KQG
Herberts Wormhole
By Nelson, Peter
Greetings. This story concerns a scientific anomaly that opens a portal, allowing us to traverse the space-time continuum and triggering an adventure that those of limited intelligence might simply describe as "awesome."Hey! This is a book about how we get sucked into this wormhole thingy and it drops us in the future where theres all this really cool futuristic stuff, but also these super-freaky aliens and we mess everything up and have to save the world. How awesome is that?
Gossip From the Girls Room
By Cooper, Rose
Its Diary of a Wimpy Kid for girls! Find out just what happens when class is not in session in this first book in the BLOGTASTIC! series.. Gossip from the Girls Room fills readers in on all there is to learn about middle school life at Middlebrooke, where Sofia has her very own blog and discusses all the juicy gossip that comes out of the Girls room. In Sofias words . . . . Mia St. Claire is only the most popular girl in all of Middlebrooke Middle School. For three very obvious reasons:. 1. Shes very rich.2. She has tons of money.3. She can buy anything and everything she wants. And she does.. Im sure people like her for other reasons too, but none of those reasons are obvious enough for me to really know. Or care about, for that matter.
My Life as a Book
By Tashjian, Janet
Summers finally here, and Derek Fallon is looking forward to pelting the UPS truck with water balloons, climbing onto the garage roof, and conducting silly investigations. But when his parents decide to send him to Learning Camp, Dereks dreams of fun come to an end. Ever since hes been labeled a "reluctant reader," his mom has pushed him to read "real" books-something other than his beloved Calvin & Hobbes. As Derek forges unexpected friendships and uncovers a family secret involving himself (in diapers! no less) , he realizes that adventures and surprises are around the corner, complete with curve balls. My Life as a Book is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Childrens Book of the Year.
Milo
By Silberberg, Alan
MILO is the funny and poignant story, told through text and cartoons, of a 13-year-old boy's struggle to come to terms with the loss that hit the reset button on his life. Loveable geek Milo Cruikshank finds reasons for frustration at every turn, like people who carve Halloween pumpkins way too soon (the pumpkins just rot and get lopsided) or the fact that the girl of his dreams, Summer, barely acknowledges his existence while next-door neighbor Hilary won't leave him alone. The truth is - ever since Milo's mother died nothing has gone right. Now, instead of the kitchen being full of music, his whole house has been filled with Fog. Nothing's the same. Not his Dad. Not his sister. And definitely not him. In love with the girl he sneezed on the first day of school and best pals with Marshall, the "One Eyed Jack" of friends, Milo copes with being the new kid (again) as he struggles to survive a school year that is filled with reminders of what his life "used to be."
Big Nate
By Peirce, Lincoln
"Big Nate is funny, big time."--Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy KidFor fans of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Get ready to meet Big Nate! In the first novel in the New York Times bestselling series, Big Nate is in a class by himself!Nate knows he's meant for big things. REALLY big things. But things don't always go your way just because you're awesome. Nate barely survives his dad's toxic oatmeal before rushing off to school - minus his lunch. He body slams the no-nonsense principal. He accidentally insults his least favorite teacher, the horrifying Mrs. Godfrey (aka Godzilla) . And school has barely started!Trouble always seems to find him, but Nate keeps his cool. He knows he's destined for greatness. A fortune cookie told him so.Here comes BIG NATE, accidental mischief maker and definitely NOT the teacher's pet. Get your reader into this beloved series with Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, the perfect book for anyone who's ever been to middle school.
Zombiekins
By Bolger, Kevin
The little town of Dementedyville is asboring as they come--but a mysterious stuffed animal is about to liven things up . . .Stanley Nudelman buys Zombiekins at the yard sale of his neighbor, the Widow Imavitch. It looks cuddly and creepy-cute--but expose the TEDDY OF TERROR to moonlight, and strange thingshappen. . . . When Zombiekins gets loose at his school, Stanley finds himself in GRAVE danger. Because if his teacher Mr. Baldengrumpy discovers he turned the whole school into zombies, Stanley will be in detention till hes, like, 80!Can Stanley and his best friend Miranda save their schoolmates from eternal zombiefication If not, will Mr. Baldengrumpy even notice,
SPHDZ Book #1!
By Scieszka, Jon
The perfect combination of the age old experience of holding and poring over a physical book with newest media technology that kids love! Michael K. just started fifth grade at a new school. As if that wasn't hard enough, the kids he seems to have made friends with apparently aren't kids at all. They are aliens. Real aliens who have invaded our planet in the form of school children and a hamster. They have a mission to complete: to convince 3,140,001 kids to BE SPHDZ. But with a hamster as their leader, "kids" who talk like walking advertisements, and Michael K as their first convert, will the SPHDZ be able to keep their cover and pull off their assignment?
Vordak the Incomprehensible
By Incomprehensible, Vordak T.
Slip on your acid-free gloves, make sure you have a duplicate copy of How to Grow Up and Rule the World (just in case something should happen to this one) and try to follow along as the incomparable, superior-in-all-ways Vordak the Incomprehensible teaches you a thing or two about villainy. Now you, too, can try (and fail) to attain Vordak's level of infamy.From selecting the most dastardly name, to choosing the ideal henchmen, to engaging in witty repartee with disgustingly chipper superheroes, experienced supervillain Vordak the Incomprehensible guides readers step-by-step toward the ultimate goal of world domination (from his parents' basement in Trenton, New Jersey) . With chapter titles like "Bringing Out the Evil" and "Building a Top-Notch Evil Organization," numerous bold illustrations, and detailed quizzes to assess your level of dastardliness, this book provides everything necessary to rise above the masses, and then rub your ascent in their faces.In return for this wealth of knowledge, Vordak requests nothing more than an honored place in the evil regime of he who achieves control of the world. (And, of course, the opportunity to assume command, should things not work out.) Publisher's Weekly Starred ReviewWriting as the ultra-evil Vordak the Incomprehensible, Seegert offers a comical step-by-step guide world domination. With a hyperbolically inflated self-image and no shortage of bathroom humor, Vordak guides readers through such topics as how to choose a costume ("the more flamboyant the better") , build a lair, and acquire enough minions to build a top-notch evil organization ("At times they can be difficult to control, but at their best they can be a relentless plague upon civilization") , all of which are paired with Martin's appropriately cartoonish artwork. Seegert gives Vordak a voice so magnetic and absurd that readers, especially young male ones, are going to soak up his warped wisdom like a sponge and circulate it at recess, even as Vordak insults them with admonishments like, "You are just a sniveling, whiny little goober, after all." No one is going to rule the world after Vordak's farcical directives, but readers will have a grand time turning pages to see what outlandish thing he'll say or suggest next, while perfecting their own villainous laughs. Muahahahaha! Ages 8-up. (Aug.)