Jim Paillot

Fearless nine-year-old "Scab" McNally tries to get his twin sister's help in convincing their parents to let them get a dog, but when he embarrasses her in school with a particularly obnoxious invention, it looks like he has lost her cooperation forever.

When the new vice principal is put in charge of Ella Mentry School for a few days, she tries out some very unusual ideas about how students learn.

After budget cuts threaten the art and music programs at Ella Mentry School, as well as some services, groundskeeper Burke finds gold and "gilver" on the playground, causing a modern-day gold rush.

"It's very important for kids to learn about fire safety, and Mrs. Meyer of the local fire department has been brought in to teach the students at Ella Mentry School. But she is the weirdest safety expert in the world. She likes fire just a little too much. Will Mrs. Meyer catch on fire? Will she retire? What will transpire?"--Page 4 of paperback printing.

Over 100 kid-friendly story math problems on topics from jalapeños and submarines to roller coasters and flamingos, designed to make math a fun part of kids' everyday lives --

When the teachers of Ella Mentry School go on strike, A. J. and the gang meet a new principal who does not believe in rules and says that the students do not have to learn anything if they do not want to.

With guidance from Miss Brown, a teacher who is an expert on creativity, the third grade class at Ella Mentry School builds a car and a bridge to compete in a Brain Games competition against Dirk School.

Retired scientist Miss Tracy comes to Ella Mentry School to teach about the planets and the solar system and casts A.J. as Uranus in the school play.

Mrs. Cooney, the school nurse, is so beautiful that A.J. has a crush on her--even though he suspects she might be an international spy!

"There's a new principal at Ella Mentry School. Yes, it's true! Mr. Klutz is retiring and the president of the Board of Education, Dr. Carbles (Boo! Hiss!), has hired the best person for the job -- or at least the funniest. But stand-up comedian Mrs. Stoker will have to face Vice Principal Mrs. Jafee in a big joke-off duel to defend her new job. Will Mrs. Stoker have the last laugh? Or will shoe lose her audience when things get serious?"