James Preller

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.

It's pirate ship vs. buddy bench! When third-graders Deon, Kym, Lizzy, and Connor formed the Big Idea Gang, their mission was simply to oust the old mascot in favour of something cooler. But sales from the new mascot paraphernalia have led to extra cash for the PTA, and you can bet this gang has big ideas about how to spend it. A playground pirate ship! An author visit! New basketball hoops! Luckily, their teacher, Miss Zips, is skilled in the art of persuasion. Armed with Miss Zips's persuasive tips, the Big Idea Gang sets out to build a case for a new-and-improved Clay Elementary, and convince the rest of the school that their idea is the best.

It's armadillos vs. dragons! Quick-thinking third-graders Lizzy, her twin, Connor, and their friends Kym and Deon have a big idea: their school desperately needs a new mascot, and they've got the perfect one in mind.Now have to figure out a way to convince their principal and rally the rest of the school behind them. Luckily, their teacher, Miss Zips (short for Zipsokowski - but who can say that?) is skilled in the art of persuasion. Armed with Miss Zips's persuasive tips, the gang of four set out to make their claim, build a case for a new mascot, and convince Clay Elementary that Arnold the Armadillo has had his day.

After becoming undead, a boy tries to survive middle school in this quirky, smart adventure for middle grade readers from James Preller. 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 two powerful corporate moguls. What do they really want? Find out in Better Off Undead, a smart and funny middle-grade novel that brings together environmental concerns, sci-fi elements, and the supernatural. This title has Common Core connections. Praise for Better Off Undead: "This uproarious middle grade call to action has considerable kid appeal and a timely message." --School Library Journal "Against a near-future backdrop, Preller thoughtfully chronicles the anxieties of middle school, using a blend of comedy and horror to send a message of empowerment and self-acceptance." --Publishers Weekly "Adrian may be undead, but this is much more than a zombie tale, as it touches upon cultural issues, media control, family bonds, and environmental issues. Fans of Carl Hiassen's Hoot will be as satisfied by this as will fans of monster books or those who appreciate stories of outcasts and coming-of-age stories. Highly recommended." --Children's Literature More fast-paced adventure from James Preller: The Courage TestThe Fall The Scary Tales series: Home Sweet HorrorI Scream, You Scream Good Night, ZombieNightmarelandOne-Eyed DollSwamp Monster The Jigsaw Jones Mysteries: The Case of the Smelly Sneaker The Case of the Mummy MysteryThe Case of the Glow in the Dark GhostThe Case of the Bicycle BanditThe Case from Outer Space The Case of the Best Pet EverThe Case of the Buried TreasureThe Case of the Million-Dollar MysteryThe Case of the Disappearing Dinosaur

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. 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

In this middle grade novel by James Preller, a father and son journey along the Lewis and Clark Trail--from Fort Mandan to the shining sea--offering readers a genre-bending blend of American history, thrilling action, and the personal discovery that comes with facing an illness. Will has no choice. His father, a professor of American history, drags him along on a wilderness adventure in the footsteps of the legendary explorers Lewis and Clark--whether he likes it or not. All the while, Will senses that something about this trip isn't quite right. His parents are divorced, and he hasn't spent much time with his father. Why now? And why is Will's mother practically pushing him out the door? Along the journey, Will meets fascinating strangers and experiences new thrills, including whitewater rapids and a heart-pounding encounter with a bear. This, along with getting to know his dad, tests Will in ways he hasn't faced before. But the biggest test of his courage isn't on the road; it's facing an illness that will be life-changing. The Courage Test is a heartfelt novel about adversity and resilience, told from the first-person perspective of a young boy. This title has Common Core connections. Praise for The Courage Test: "Preller stirs doses of American history into a first-rate road trip that does traditional double-duty as plot device and coming-of-age metaphor. Will is initially baffled and furious at being abruptly forced to accompany his divorced father, a history professor, on a long journey retracing much of the trail of Lewis and Clark. . . . Will survives a meeting with a bear and a spill into dangerous rapids--tests of courage that will help him weather the bad news that awaits him at home." --Booklist, starred review "Whatever young explorers look for on their literary road trips, they'll find it here." --The Bulletin "The lively narrative is interspersed with Will's entries for a school writing assignment, which contain lots of facts about the original journey, as well as postcards to his mother. Despite the emotional heft, there is plenty of action, including white-water rafting and a close encounter with a bear. A middle grade winner to hand to fans of history, adventure, and family drama." --School Library Journal

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 Smelly Sneaker It's girls versus boys in the biggest football game of the year Jigsaw Jones is referee, while his partner, Mila Yeh, is coaching the girls' team. Bobby Solofsky has no doubt the boys will win, but the girls have a secret weapon. Then one of Bigs Maloney's sneakers goes missing, and Bobby wants to call off the whole game. Can Jigsaw and Mila find this sneaker thief in time to save the game?

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

An innovative new perspective on the tragedy of teen suicide. The summer before school starts, Sam's friend and classmate Morgan Mallen kills herself. Morgan had been bullied. Maybe she kissed the wrong boy. Or said the wrong thing. What about that selfie that made the rounds? Morgan was this, and Morgan was that. But who really knows what happened?As Sam explores the events leading up to the tragedy in journal format, he must face a difficult and life-changing question: Why did he keep his friendship with Morgan a secret? And could he have done something-anything-to prevent her final actions?From James Preller, the author of Bystander, another unflinching book about bullying and its fallout. Preller provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a bully . . . Pair this with Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why. BooklistThis title has Common Core connections."

Welcome. Have a seat. The doll will move if you ask nicely. She's got a story to tell. But be warned. "One-Eyed Doll "isn't just any tale. This is a "Scary Tale." Meet Malick Rice and his sister, Tiana. Two kids who love to hunt for hidden treasure and are about to make their biggest find yet. A small box, locked tight, buried behind a deserted house. A box meant to stay buried forever in this bone-chilling tale from James Preller and Iacopo Bruno."

Meet Aaron Wheeler, who just got a strange and new video game. One that sucks him right in. All alone, caught in a snowstorm, a howl comes from the nearby woods. This time, Aaron is playing for his life . . . This is the fourth book in the series. The other titles are: Home Sweet Horror, I Scream,You Scream and Good Night, Zombie. Scary Tales are books packed with spine-tingling stories and illustrations that will chill your blood. Come on in . . . if you dare!

Enter the world of Samantha Carver, an ordinary kid who loves amusement parks, the smell of popcorn and the joyful terror of a heart-pounding ride. Sam’s got a ticket in her pocket for a very special ride. Soon Sam, along with a boy named Andy, will be screaming for their lives. Scary Tales are books packed with spine-tingling illustrations and stories that will chill your blood. Come on in . . . if you dare

The summer before his senior year, Jude (yes, he's named after the Beatles song) gets his first job, falls in love for the first time, and starts to break away from his parents. Jude's house is kept dark, and no one talks much it's been that way since his little sister drowned in a swimming pool seven years ago when Jude was supposed to be watching her.Now, Jude is finally, finally starting to live. Really live. And then, life spins out of control. Again. Acclaimed author James Preller explores life, death, love, faith, and resilience in his first young adult novel. Before You Go will grip readers from the book's dramatic first few pages to its emotional end."

Welcome. Have a seat. Let us tell you a story. But be warned. Home Sweet Horror isn't just any tale. This is a Scary Tale. Meet Liam Finn, who's just moved into a new home with his father and sister. But this old house that seems empty, isn't . . . Bloody Mary is here. Called back from the dead by a game, she's just dying to talk.

Welcome. Take a seat. Buckle up, nice and tight. We've got a story to tell. But be warned. I Scream, You Scream isn't just any tale. This is a Scary Tale, from James Preller. Meet Sam Carver, an ordinary kid with a very special ticket in her pocket. This ticket will send her and her new friend Andy on a most unusual ride--one that will leave them screaming for more.

Eric is the new kid in seventh grade. Griffin wants to be his friend. When you're new in town, it's hard to know who to hang out with--and who to avoid. Griffin seems cool, confident, and popular. But something isn't right about Griffin. He always seems to be in the middle of bad things. And if Griffin doesn't like you, you'd better watch your back. There might be a target on it. As Eric gets drawn deeper into Griffin's dark world, he begins to see the truth about Griffin: He's a liar, a bully, a thief. Eric wants to break away, do the right thing. But in one shocking moment, he goes from being a bystander . . . to the bully's next victim. This title has Common Core connections.