New Releases by James Preller

Famous landmarks, moving memorials and quirky culture all await in Only in Washington, D.C., your go-to guide to the capital city of the United States.

Kristy Barrett is a soccer star. She''s been a star since elementary school, and now is so good that she''s been told she may someday make the women''s Olympic team. Everything changes in an instant, when a blow to her head during a game results in a severe concussion. It''s not her first head injury, but it''s the worst one she''s ever had. The doctors say it will take time to recover; they don''t know how long. All Kristy knows is that her team is moving on without her, and her purpose—soccer—is gone, and she doesn''t know what to do, or even who she is. Her days are marked by pain and panic attacks. Through two unexpected new friendships and insightful therapists, Kristy starts to rebuild her life. The question is, will her new life include soccer? Sports injuries are a reality of competitive play, for both male and female athletes. Here is a story that athletes and other readers will relate to as they navigate middle-school and their own identities.

From award-winning author James Preller comes the first book in a Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about a moose looking for birds of a feather! Moose really wants to join two birds at the top of a tree. But how does a moose climb up a tree, and what will he do when he gets to the top? Find out in this delightfully silly story about a moose on a mission…and the birds that are in for a pleasant, moonlit surprise!

Welcome back to the EXIT 13 Motel! We are so so happy you decided to return. After all, why would you ever want to leave? If you''d like, we can even make sure that your stay is... permanent. With black-and-white comic pages throughout, EXIT 13 is perfect for mystery and horror loving kids everywhere! Try as they might, the McGinn family can''t seem to escape from the clutches of the EXIT 13 Motel. Other guests come and go, totally unaware of the fact that Ash, Willow, and the rest of their family aren''t able to leave, no matter how hard they try. But as they attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery of the Motel, things only seem to get more bizarre. Ash is hearing and seeing strange things almost every night, and Willow''s attempts to learn more about Kristoff - the dark and brooding Motel receptionist - uncover a massive secret that has so far remained hidden underneath the Motel itself. New guests, new frights, and new animals in need of saving mean that the McGinn siblings - and Daisy the goldendoodle - have their work cut out for them. Can they get to the bottom of it all before the Motel closes its doors on them, once and for all? Return to the weird and creepy world of EXIT 13 in this hair-raising sequel. Whether you''re a fan of mystery, a lover of horror, or even a graphic novel super reader, EXIT 13 is sure to grab you. This illustrated novel -- the second in the series -- includes black-and-white comic pages throughout!

Welcome to the EXIT 13 Motel! Pets welcome! And don''t worry, we''ve been waiting for you, so stay as long as you like. With black-and-white comic pages throughout, EXIT 13 is perfect for mystery and horror loving kids everywhere! The McGinns were supposed to be going on a perfectly normal family vacation. Sure, Ash''s older sister Willow was a pain, their dog Daisy was a whiny scaredy cat, and their parents were being kind of lame. All of that was to be expected. Perfectly normal! But when the family decides to make an unplanned stop one night, it quickly becomes clear that this family vacation is about to get more than a little weird, because there is nothing normal about the EXIT 13 Motel.Rooms and hallways that don''t go where they''re supposed to, a receptionist that looks like he came straight out of a horror movie, and creepy woods that Ash swears have some kind of monster lurking in them - maybe even more than one. Something has been going on ever since the McGinns checked in to this motel, and if Ash and Willow can''t get to the bottom of it, they might never be able to check out.Explore the weird and creepy world of EXIT 13 in this spine-chilling series. Whether you''re a fan of mystery, a lover of horror, or even a graphic novel super reader, EXIT 13 is sure to grab you. This illustrated novel -- the first in a new series -- includes black-and-white comic pages throughout!

Girl bullies, internet bullying, and substance use are themes in this James Preller middle grade standalone companion to Bystander Mary O’Malley is tired of keeping secrets. Secrets like her older brother, Jonny’s, drug use. Starting seventh grade is tough enough without the upheaval her brother is bringing to their family. It seems the only person who might understand is Griffen Connolly, whose older sister runs with Jonny in the wrong crowd. Mary thought Griff was too cool, too popular for her. But now he wants to hang out with her, and listen. When two girls Mary thought were her friends decide to slam another girl online, Mary tries to look the other way. Then the girls turn on Mary, and suddenly, she doesn’t have a safety zone. Her brother is out of control, her family’s energies are all spent on him. There is only one person she can turn to. But can she trust Griff? Or is he one of the bullies?

With gorgeous multimedia paintings-and-collages by acclaimed artist Mary GrandPre, James Preller''s All Welcome Here promises to be an evergreen gift picture book for children about to take the big leap into their first days of school. The bus door swishes Open, an invitation. Someone is not sure . . . The first day of school and all its excitement, challenges, and yes, anxieties, are celebrated here in connected haiku poems. A diverse cast of characters all start—and finish—their first days of school, and have experiences that all children will relate to.

"Perfect for fans of adventure novels by Jean Craighead George, Peg Kehret, and Gary Paulsen." Carter and his older sister Grace thought the hike with their dad and their dog would be uneventful. If anything, they figured it was Dad’s way of getting them off their screens for a while. But the hike on Blood Mountain turns ominous, as the siblings are separated from their father, and soon, battling the elements. They are lost. They are being hunted, but who will reach them first? The young ranger leading the search? Or the mysterious mountain man who has gone off the grid?

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter book Jigsaw Jones Mysteries from James Preller have it all. It''s the biggest—okay the most stressful—night of the year . . . Parents'' Night! And Geetha Nair''s painting has just gone missing. The stakes are high, but Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh have never encountered a mystery they couldn''t solve. Can they track down their friend''s art in time for the most important show of the year in The Case of the Vanishing Painting? James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics!

When a new kid moves into town, he brings with him a mystery as big as his house! Reggie Armitage the III has found a box with a list of codes and a golden skeleton key--but he has no idea what the key opens or how to crack the code. It''s a good thin

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter book Jigsaw Jones Mysteries from James Preller have it all. When a new kid moves into town, he brings with him a mystery as big as his house! Reggie Armitage the III has found a box with a list of codes and a golden skeleton key—but he has no idea what the key opens or how to crack the code. It''s a good thing 2nd-grade sleuths, Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh, are investigating The Case of the Golden Key. James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics!

Is there a bear loose in the woods by Jigsaw Jones'' town? For once this second-grade detective and his partner Mila Yeh might be out of their depth! One way or another, these too young sleuths will get to the bottom of who, or what, is growling and s

Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh have solved many cases involving stolen or missing items. But when the search for Kim''s necklace turns up more than they bargained for, Jigsaw can''t trust his eyes. Did the scarecrow on Ms. Rigby''s lawn just . . . move?

It''s the biggest--okay the most stressful--night of the year . . . Parents'' Night! And Geetha Nair''s painting has just gone missing. The stakes are high, but Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh have never encountered a mystery they couldn''t solve. Can they tra

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter book Jigsaw Jones Mysteries from James Preller have it all. Is there a bear loose in the woods by Jigsaw Jones'' town? For once this second-grade detective and his partner Mila Yeh might be out of their depth! One way or another, these two young sleuths will get to the bottom of who, or what, is growling and snapping in those woods in The Case of the Bear Scare. James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics!

Jigsaw Jones is back! A brand new original mystery, The Case of the Hat Burglar is the newest installment of the Jigsaw Jones chapter book series by James Preller. Someone’s been stealing from the lost and found. But the strangest part of this mystery is what they’ve been stealing. Not mittens, or books, or water bottles—only hats! Just when Jigsaw comes up with a plan to catch this hat burglar in the act, the mystery thief strikes again right under his nose! Will this be the first case Jigsaw and Mila can’t solve? Sure to delight and intrigue young minds in equal measure, this never-before-published mystery chapter book is full of charming illustrations and James Preller''s signature humor and warmth.

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter book Jigsaw Jones Mysteries from James Preller have it all. Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh have solved many cases involving stolen or missing items. But when the search for Kim''s necklace turns up more than they bargained for, Jigsaw can''t trust his eyes. Did the scarecrow on Ms. Rigby''s lawn just . . . move? Find out more in The Case of the Haunted Scarecrow. James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics!

Third-graders Deon, Kym, Lizzy, and Connor, armed with Miss Zips'' persuasive tips, set out to convince the PTA to use their cash surplus to put a "buddy bench" on the playground.

The Big Idea Gang is buzzing with excitement! They''re going to show Clay Elementary just how important bees can be in this chapter book series about making a case--and making a difference--by the author of Jigsaw Jones. After Kym and Lizzie get the awesome opportunity to visit a bee colony, they realize all the wonderful things bees do! But how can it be that these amazing insects are disappearing? And what will happen to our food chain without the great pollinators buzzing about? If only everyone else at Clay Elementary could understand how important the bees are for the environment! Now that''s a big idea that needs to be shared! With the help of Connor and Deon, Kym and Lizzie set out to show their school the beauty of bees, and use their powers of persuasion to make a difference in the world.

Four friends inaugurate their Big Idea Gang by starting a campaign to convince their principal and school to get a new mascot.

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter books from James Preller have it all. Got a mystery to solve? Jigsaw Jones is on the case. Eddie Becker has the idea of a lifetime, and creates plans for what he promises is going to be a million-dollar invention. Then the plans get stolen. Worst of all, after Jigsaw does some digging, he suspects the principal may be the thief! Now Jigsaw has to invent a gadget of his own to find out the truth. James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics! This title has Common Core connections.

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter books from James Preller have it all. Got a mystery to solve? Jigsaw Jones is on the case. When Bigs Maloney finds a cryptic note in room 201 that supposedly leads to buried treasure, only Jigsaw can crack the riddle. Soon, the whole class is counting on him and Mila to strike gold. But one clue leads to another and when Jigsaw finally finds the treasure, it''s not exactly what anybody expected. James Preller''s wry, witty Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics! This title has Common Core connections.

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter books from James Preller have it all. Got a mystery to solve? Jigsaw Jones is on the case. When Bobby Solofsky is accused of stealing the grand prize for a pet talent show, it''s up to Jigsaw to clear his greatest rival''s name. Soon, more things start to go missing at the pet store and Jigsaw enters his own dog into the contest to solve the case. Can he find the prize medal in time for the competition? James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics! This title has Common Core connections.

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter books from James Preller have it all. Got a mystery to solve? Jigsaw Jones is on the case. Anything that ever goes missing or lost, Jigsaw and his partner, Mila, can find. Then, during a magic show, they watch a toy dinosaur disappear, right in front of their eyes! Even the magician can''t seem to bring it back. Luckily Jigsaw doesn''t believe in magic, and he''s determined to find that dinosaur! James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics!

After becoming undead, a boy tries to survive middle school. Adrian Lazarus has met with a curious fate. He’s returned from the dead (after a bad bike accident, no helmet), yet not a lot has changed. He’s always been an outcast. But it’s not just being a zombie that makes Adrian feel different. He notices the world has changed, too: bees are vanishing, forest fires are burning, super-flus are spreading. The holographic advertisements in the night sky assure people that all is well. Adrian and his friends – a beekeeping boy, a mysterious new girl, and a seventh-grade sleuth – aren’t so sure. When they discover a birdlike drone has been spying on Adrian, the clues lead to two powerful corporate moguls. What do they really want? James Preller brings his singular humor to Better Off Undead, a middle-grade zombie story that''s about fitting in as much as it''s about the end of the world. This title has Common Core connections.

Second-grade detectives Jigsaw, Mila, and their friends follow clues after Old Rusty, a little boy''s rattletrap bicycle, is stolen.

Second-grade detectives Jigsaw, Mila, and their friends follow clues when a girl reports seeing a glow-in-the-dark ghost dancing at night in their school.

James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones chapter book mysteries are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics! The Case of the Bicycle Bandit Why would anyone steal an old hunk of junk? Ralphie Jordan loves his beat-up bike, Old Rusty. The tires are bent, spokes are missing, and the chain keeps falling off. But Ralphie wouldn''t trade it for any other. Then Old Rusty goes missing just outside the library, and Ralphie is devastated. It''s up to Jigsaw and Mila to find out who stole it—and the thief may be closer than anyone would have guessed!

Jigsaw Jones is back! In The Case from Outer Space, an original mystery from James Preller, Jigsaw and his crew—Mila, Joey, and Danika—find a clue that implies an alien may be about to visit their school! Can it be true? And what does the Little Free Library have that aliens from outer space might want? (Hint: The school librarian has invited a special guest to talk about space exploration—an astronaut!) Friendship, mystery, and school-day shenanigans are what make the Jigsaw Jones chapter book mysteries beloved and read over and over. Includes a word jumble (names of planets in solar system), writing prompts, and information on how to start a little free library (which are taking hold in many parts of the country)! This title has Common Core connections.

James Preller''s wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones chapter book mysteries are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics! The Case of the Mummy Mystery It all started with a dare. . . . Only Joey Pignattano would agree to eat a worm in exchange for a dollar. Problem is, he doesn''t trust Bobby Solofsky to hold up his end of the deal. So he''s hired Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh to make sure Bobby keeps his word. But when the worm goes missing and the primary suspect is a mummy—on Halloween of all days!—Jigsaw Jones is the only one who can solve the case!