The first book in the Martin Bridge chapter-book series about a boy whose well-meant plans sometimes go awry.

It's hatching season and Jemison Elementary is buzzing about the arrival of the baby chicks. Fifth-grader Jillian must learn to speak and break free of her shell to enter her school's competition and keep her promise to her grandmother.

"It is class picture day and Mrs. Hartwell is doing her best to keep her class looking their neat and well-dressed best, but as the hours pass the students become messier and messier. By picture time at the end of the day, they look like their normal selves--and that works out just fine" --

Kaley Bluster is back! This time she's struggling with a Language Arts assignment to correspond via email with overseas "cyberpals" and looking for a nickname. As usual, the assignments provide entertainment for Mr. Serrano as he grades them.

"Miles McHale is a tattletale. And everybody knows it. But he's not the only one who needs help, so his teacher decides: it's time to fight the Tattle Battle! But will Miles figure out the right time to tell a grown-up about another person's behavior, or is he doomed to be a tattletale forever?"--publisher's website.

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party... until, that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

A.J.'s class is going head-to-head against Dirk School in a charity softball game. The losing team must clean the winning school's toilet with a toothbrush! Mr. Ott, retired baseball pro, intends to lead Ella Mentry School to victory, but will his weird tactics actually make the team lose?

It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him? The school has a rough start, but as the day goes on, he soon recovers when he sees that he's not the only one going through first-day jitters.

On the first day of school, a young boy expects only the worst when he discovers that his new gym teacher is "Coach Kong," Mr. Green.

"Summer is almost over, and you know what that means--time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at Andrea's house. Ugh, disgusting! When everyone in the house starts getting cabin fever, and even back-to-school shopping won't calm the kids down, Andrea and A.J. are sent to Camp Ockatollyquay. The catch? It's a camp to get kids ready for school! But not to worry--Andrea...