Sixth-grader Carter must adjust to the unwelcome presence of a know-it-all butler who is determined to help him become a gentleman, and also to deal with burdens from the past.

Justin, Jordan, and Jade's mother agrees to buy cupcakes if the trio will wait until after dinner to eat them, but one cupcake goes missing and until the mystery is solved, no one will get dessert.

Because Claudine thinks Santa is rude, she tries to keep him from coming down her chimney by getting on his naughty list.

When a mysterious bag is left on Lulu's doorstep, the last thing her grandmother expects to be in it is a cat--a huge, neon orange cat. But Lulu knows this cat doesn't mean any harm and in fact it needs a lovely new home.--

Livi imagines herself as an elephant, a Sherpa leading an expedition up Mount Everest, and a movie star signing autographs as she tries to avoid going to school.

Sydney's charismatic older brother Peyton has always been the center of attention in the family, but when he's sent to jail, Sydney struggles to find her place at home and the world until she meets the Chathams, including gentle, protective Mac, who makes her feel seen for the first time.

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text reveal that whether one is feeling frightened, grumpy, or shy, three special words can make things better.

When Max suspects that Mitzi's father has snuck vegetables into her muffin they hurry to the lab of her neighbors, Juan and Juanita, to investigate.

"Mommy and Lila are going to visit Grandpa, but Lila is busy playing in her own imaginary world. Grandpa decides to join Lila--because using your imagination is even more fun when you play together!"--

"Judith stopped talking long ago when Mom left her in the care of beloved Aunt Cora. Going back into a regular fifth-grade classroom won't be easy, but she has her Dog and new friend who will help her through"--