John J. Shipherd and Philo P. Stewart built the town and college of Oberlin, Ohio, based on the idea that they could make a difference. The town was established in 1833, and the college was revolutionary, letting women and African Americans attend.
Mama comes home on her birthday to find a surprise party from her family. Her older sons and husband give her presents--but her youngest son, Charles, is too little to give her a present. At dinner, Mama finds a drawing from Charles on her chair. He's not so little after all!
Ahmad's Market is one of Demetriana's favorite neighborhood places until the market is vandalized, resulting in broken windows and mean words painted on the front of the store. Afterward Mr. Ahmad bars kids from entering the store without their parents until Demetriana helps him realize it is unfair to punish everyone for the actions of a few. In the end, Demetriana and others in the community come together to help Mr. Ahmad clean up the damage to the store and paint over the mean words with a beautiful mural that celebrates diversity.
This book provides brief overviews of a variety of historical sites in all areas of the United States. It reviews how the land and the people shaped the history of the nation.
Andy and Avery plan to go fishing but it rains. Their friend Henry comes over and shows them how to fish in a different way: by playing the card game "Go Fish."
Mr. Dutton has his students work together to create a class book. They draw a picture and write a page about the things they like to do and don't like to do. They all have different responses. When class puts the pages together, everyone agrees on the cover.
Maria is moving to California, and her best friend Emma feels like it is the end of the world. The story compares and contrasts the responses of the two girls to this upsetting but inevitable event. In the end, the girls promise to write to each other.
