Students analyze what they read as they answer questions based on a passage and then provide supporting evidence from the text for their answers.

A variety of high interest mystery stories. Promotes logical and creative thinking. Encourages data collection skills and the drawing of conclusions.

Standards-based higher-order activities develop analysis, synthesis, and vocabulary skills reguired for exceptional reading comprehension.

Meet Randi Rhodes, the world’s first ninja detective! Mystery abounds in this “assured, entertaining whodunit” (Publishers Weekly), a 2014 IndieNext pick and the first in a new middle grade series from Academy Award–winning actress Octavia Spencer. Deer Creek is a small town whose only hope for survival is the success of their Founder’s Day Festival. But the festival’s main attraction, a time capsule that many people believe hold the town’s treasure, has gone missing. Twelve-year-old Randi Rhodes and her best friend, D.C., are Bruce Lee–inspired ninjas and local detectives determined to solve the case. Even if it means investigating a haunted cabin and facing mean old Angus McCarthy, prime suspect. They have three days to find the treasure…the future of their whole town is at stake! Will these kids be able to save the day?

Science Detective uses topics and skills drawn from national science standards to prepare your child for more advanced science courses and new assessments that measure reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing in science. Grades 3-4.

An egotistical royal cat and his dung beetle sidekick track a jewelry thief in this hilarious new series set in ancient Egypt. Nominated for an Edgar Award! Can a lazy cat and a dung-obsessed beetle really crack a mystery? Ra relishes his role as the Pharaoh's beloved—and spoiled—cat. So when an amulet goes missing from the palace, Ra plans to keep enjoying his snacks and nap in the sun. But Ra's friend Khepri, a wise and industrious scarab beetle, insists on investigating in order to save the young servant girl who has been framed for the crime. Once Ra gets going, he decides that being a Great Detective isn't so bad; in fact, he doesn't mind being hailed as “Protector of the Weak and Defender of Justice.” The comically mismatched duo is on the case! Wacky illustrations with fun historical details bring these oddball characters to life. Includes a glossary, pronunciation guide, and detailed author's note. “An ingenious mystery full of entertaining details for fans of ancient Egypt.”—Paula Harrison, author of the Rescue Princesses series