Explains what school is like for different children around the world.

"Inspired by the many bicycle libraries that have opened all across Africa, In a cloud of dust is an uplifting example of how a simple opportunity can make a dramatic change in a child's life"--Page 4 of cover. 5-8 years.

"What happens to the girl left behind? When a masked man with a gun enters a sandwich shop in broad daylight, Meredith Oliver suddenly finds herself ordered to the filthy floor, cowering face-to-face with her nemesis, Lisa Bellow, the most popular girl in her eighth grade class. Lying there, Meredith is utterly convinced she is going to die. Then the man orders Lisa Bellow to stand and come with him, leaving Meredith the girl left behind."--Book jacket....

When Harriet, the cook at Lincoln School, goes on a much-needed vacation, the staff and students send her letters complaining about her replacements and trying to persuade her to return.

Three more stores of Martin's plans unravelling. This time, he has to entertain an unwanted guest, share lunch with a boy who eats erasers and embark on a madcap search for his school's escaped pet parakeet.

Mrs. Green announces that a new student is joining the class, and he is coming from far away. Immediately, everyone makes their guesses about where he is from. Hubie has his own suspicion--the new kid is from Mars!

When the recess gang stumbles upon an abandoned playground, they find themselves kidnapped by kindergartners! Now they must figure a way out of the mess by remembering their own kindergarten days.

A schoolgirl named Shizuku, who longs to discover her true talents, meets the mysterious Seiji, a boy who is determined to follow his dreams, and The Baron, a magical cat who helps her listen to the whispers in her heart.

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.