Even with all the things that can weigh on us—crime, pollution, illness, and everyday worries—people still find ways to make each other laugh. Listen on a street corner, in a café, or around a kitchen table anywhere in America, and you’ll hear someone sharing a joke or a funny story. That kind of hometown humor helps us get through tough times.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

Follow seventeen-year-old Aurora as she fights for survival in a drowning world, navigating a never-ending storm and the search for a mysterious sanctuary known only as "The Hill".

Follow eleven-year-old Matt as he navigates the perils of sixth grade and a mysterious hometown myth in this heartwarming, illustrated middle school comedy.

This biography introduces readers to Frances Perkins, the first woman ever to serve in a U.S. Cabinet. As Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins helped shape the New Deal and championed workers’ rights, social justice, and economic security at a pivotal moment in American history.

This high-interest nonfiction book brings the March on Washington to life while building literacy and higher-order thinking skills through rich text features, engaging visuals, and standards-aligned content.