Books with author Dan Elish

Daphna Whispers is insanely gifted.At age two and a half, she composed her first sonata.At age eight, she completed an opera.And now, at eleven and three-quarters, she is orchestrating a piano rhapsody.With a résumé like that, it's no wonder she is a student at the prestigious Blatt School for the Insanely Gifted. But as sixth grade draws to a close, Daphna's mind is far from the upcoming "Insanity Cup" competition. She's preoccupied by her mother's disappearance two months ago. When a mysterious man breaks into Daphna's small New York apartment, Daphna discovers that her mother's disappearance wasn't a random accident. Her mother knew something—and now somebody is after Daphna. What starts out as a simple fact-finding trip to the basement with her friends spirals into an international expedition. And while Daphna hopes to uncover the secret of her mother's disappearance on her global trek, the last thing she expects to uncover is an outrageous secret about the Blatt School.And one insanely shocking secret about herself.

"Elish delivers a fast-paced, entertaining story with appealing characters, a healthy dose of action, and a dash of humor" ~Publishers WeeklyBorn To ... Fight?Ike Rupert Hollingsberry is haunted by the past because complete strangers won't let him forget when his famous father died on the set of The Fighting Dragons, a cult favorite that still has people talking.But when he's attacked by a large locust, like the one that killed his dad, Ike is helped by the geekiest nerd of all, Elmira Hand.Killing the giant locust was only the beginning of the surprises in store for Ike as he is whisked away from New York City to an isolated Florida compound to assume his role as the next in line to lead the Royal Order of the Fighting Dragons—that are NOT supposed to exist—and learns his dad's death was a cover-up for a far greater purpose ..."… destined to be a kid-pleasing classic. Readers will be captivated as Ike is drawn into the mysterious and dangerous world … I dare any fan of Harry Potter, Roald Dahl, Wonder Woman, Superman—any rollicking adventure story—to pick up The Royal Order of Fighting Dragons and not get hooked.~Deborah Heiligman, Award-winning author of Vincent and Theo

Daphna Whispers is insanely gifted.At age two and a half, she composed her first sonata.At age eight, she completed an opera.And now, at eleven and three-quarters, she is orchestrating a piano rhapsody.With a résumé like that, it's no wonder she is a student at the prestigious Blatt School for the Insanely Gifted. But as sixth grade draws to a close, Daphna's mind is far from the upcoming "Insanity Cup" competition. She's preoccupied by her mother's disappearance two months ago. When a mysterious man breaks into Daphna's small New York apartment, Daphna discovers that her mother's disappearance wasn't a random accident. Her mother knew something—and now somebody is after Daphna. What starts out as a simple fact-finding trip to the basement with her friends spirals into an international expedition. And while Daphna hopes to uncover the secret of her mother's disappearance on her global trek, the last thing she expects to uncover is an outrageous secret about the Blatt School.And one insanely shocking secret about herself.

For eleven years in a row, John Applefeller has entered his highly original apple desserts in The Worldwide Dessert Contest. And every year he's watched his delectable treats turn into disasters while the evil Sylvester Sweet wins first prize. But this year, when John's greatest creation, the world's largest pancake, flops, he and his sidekicks decide to seek help from the king of dessert chefs, the magical Captain B. Rollie Ragoon.

For eleven years in a row, John Applefeller has entered his highly original apple desserts in The Worldwide Dessert Contest. And every year hes watched his delectable treats turn into disasters while the evil Sylvester Sweet wins first prize. But this year, when Johns greatest creation, the worlds largest pancake, flops, he and his sidekicks decide to seek help from the king of dessert chefs, the magical Captain B. Rollie Ragoon.

- One of few series that covers a broad range of major events throughout U.S. history.- Primary source quotes are included.- Includes expanded subject coverage, subheadings, informative sidebars, glossary terms, terelines, and additional resources, as well as an attractive new design and dramatic photographs.- Core-curriculum subjects.Curriculum Standards: Social Studies Standards, Grades 5-8Time, Continuity, and Change: II- Develop critical sensitivities such as empathy and skepticism regarding attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in different historical contexts.Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: V- Identify and analyze examples of tensions between belief systems and government policies and laws.Power, Authority & Governance: VI- Give examples and explain how governments attempt to achieve their stated ideals at home and abroad.