This spine-chilling collection features terrifying tales where computers take "delete" keys literally and unruly students are turned into chalk dust. Perfect for middle-schoolers who love a good scare, these stories prove that high school can be much more frightening than just exams and homework.

Some stories are hard to tell because they talk about things that are sad, scary, or confusing. These kinds of stories can be tough for the person telling them and for the person listening. But when they’re shared with kindness and care, they can help people understand each other and even feel braver.

Have you ever stopped to really look at a spider’s web? If it’s only meant to catch flies, why does it shimmer with such delicate, beautiful patterns? Have you ever wondered what makes thunder rumble, why the ocean tastes salty, or how tigers came to wear their bold stripes? This collection gathers delightful “why” stories from many cultures and time periods—tales that imagine how animals, plants, and natural wonders came to look or behave the way they do.

When Barbara McBride‑Smith first heard the ancient Greek myths as a young girl, she didn’t quite catch them the way her teacher intended. Instead of imagining the “cradle of Western civilization,” she pictured Western civilization—central Texas, near Waco—where those larger‑than‑life characters seemed right at home.

Set in familiar places like schools, farms, and campgrounds, these tales turn ordinary moments into chilling encounters with vengeful spirits and supernatural creatures.

Uncover the true stories of history's most notorious outlaws in this exciting collection of pirate tales by expert treasure hunter W.C. Jameson. Move beyond the movies to explore the real-life adventures, sunken ships, and buried gold of swashbucklers like Blackbeard and Calico Jack.

Experience the legendary American folktale of John Henry, a powerful steel-driving man who became a symbol of courage and strength.

Discover the transformative power of Kindness Tales: World Folktales to Talk About, a captivating collection of over 40 folktales from global oral traditions. Award-winning author Margaret Read MacDonald curates these stories to show how simple acts of sharing and caring can make the world a gentler, safer place.

A spellbinding gathering of eerie and enchanting tales, this collection brings together ghostly encounters and supernatural wonders from cultures around the world. Master storytellers—Mariella Bertelli, Alice Kane, Cathy Miyata, Stanley Sparkles, and many others—share stories that shimmer with mystery and imagination.

Ghosts of the Pacific Northwest can be just as mischievous as any others—shattering glass, waking people in the middle of the night, and sending families fleeing from their homes—but, truth be told, most of them are a pretty cheerful crew. In Ellensburg, Washington, one ghost even tags along on his granddaughter’s dates to make sure there’s no funny business.

This collection of supernatural tales stands apart from most ghost-story anthologies: every narrative comes directly from the folk traditions of the American South. While many of the stories were gathered over the past twenty‑five years, their settings stretch from the days of the Revolutionary War to modern times. Most have never appeared in print before, preserved instead through generations of oral storytelling.

Kids love a good scare—and these stories, gathered from children themselves, are some of their all‑time favorites. These are the classic spooky tales kids ask for again and again. They’ll lean in to hear how Wylie outsmarted the dreadful Hairy Man, or how Skunnee Wundee and an unlikely friend managed to defeat the mighty Stone Giant.

This collection brings together 30 stories about wise judges, quick‑thinking lawyers, and crafty tricksters. The tales come from many corners of the world—ancient Greece, Morocco, Germany, China, Ireland, and even the early American colonies. Some are so old they were told long before the Bible was written. Instead of offering a single definition of justice, the author lets the stories speak for themselves. Each one invites readers to decide for themselves: “That’s not fair!” or “Fair is fair.”

Latin America is a place shaped by many influences—Indigenous traditions, Spanish and European cultures, and the heritage of Africa. For more than thirty years, Pleasant DeSpain has traveled through this vibrant region, exploring its landscapes, meeting its people, and collecting its stories. In this collection, he shares his carefully crafted retellings of folktales, myths, and legends from countries across Latin America, including Guatemala, Haiti, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Chile.

Experience the vibrant energy of Hispanic culture in FIESTA!: A Celebration of Latino Festivals, a colorful month-by-month guide to traditional holidays. This engaging picture book uses bold illustrations and spirited poetry to introduce children to diverse Latin American traditions and celebrations.

Eleven Nature Tales: A Multicultural Journey is an engaging collection of ancient legends that celebrate the beauty and balance of our natural world. Author Pleasant DeSpain shares traditional stories from diverse cultures, including China, Australia, and Native American tribes, to teach vital lessons about the environment.

This action-packed book shares true stories of famous bandits like Jesse James and Belle Starr and the secret riches they hid across the country. It is the perfect read for anyone who loves history, mysteries, and the adventure of searching for lost gold.

These ancient stories follow clever characters as they use their wits and courage to solve problems and overcome big challenges. It is a great book for young readers who want to learn about different cultures while finding inspiration in timeless tales of kindness and bravery.

Oprah Winfrey is known all around the world as a talk‑show host, actress, producer, and helper of many people. But her life didn’t start out easy. When she was young, she faced a lot of hard times. Instead of giving up, she used those challenges to grow stronger and kinder. Today, people admire Oprah because she shows what courage, kindness, and determination can do. She became one of the most successful African American leaders of the twentieth century, and many people call her one of the most influential women in the world.

Asha and Baz are spending the day at their community garden when their teacher presents a new challenge: use a compass rose and a map to track down pieces of a secret message hidden among the plants. But following the map’s directions turns out to be trickier than they expected. Feeling stuck, the friends look to the past for help—and suddenly find themselves transported to 1978, face‑to‑face with mathematician Gladys West.

Famous storyteller Donald Davis shares eight funny and touching stories about his mother growing up in North Carolina.

Renowned storyteller Donald Davis shares a humorous collection of nostalgic anecdotes about growing up in rural Appalachia during the holidays.

In this fractured fairy tale, a bully goat with "Random Hostility Syndrome" is outsmarted by a resourceful baby troll using only a pillow and bed sheets.