Books with author Jessica Lee Anderson

Trudy's having a hard time at school: math class isn't going well, and her best friend, the one she pinky-swore she would always be friends with, has found a new group to hang out with. To top things off, her parents are old — really old — and while she loves them with all her heart, she dislikes it when other people mistake them for her grandparents. When Trudy's father starts acting strangely, Trudy and her mother can't figure out what the problem is. But when he forgets to pick Trudy up from school and starts to put groceries away in the wrong place, they decide to take him to the doctor. Once Trudy's father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Trudy and her mother are faced with some tough decisions.This is a touching, beautifully told story that young people relate to, particularly those who have parents or grandparents dealing with an illness. Trudy’s challenges and her strength in dealing with them make her a heroine with whom young readers identify.

The mixed-race son of apple pickers, Manz lives with his hard-drinking mother and her truck-driver boyfriend in the hardscrabble world of dusty Rockhill, Texas. Forced to take a summer job rebuilding fence of a cattle ranch, Manz works alongside his friend Jed and meets a girl named Vanessa — but even among his friends, Manz suffers from an uncontrollable paranoia. As the summer wears on, Manz becomes convinced that "Operation Wetback," a brutal postwar relocation program, is being put back into effect. As the voices in his head grow louder and more insistent, Manz struggles to negotiate the difficulties of adolescence, the perils of an oppressed environment, and the terror of losing his grip on reality.

With the start of seventh grade, Olivia's longtime friend, Beth, has found new interests and new friends in this eBook. Now Olivia thinks if she could just afford the type of clothes that Beth now wears, maybe their friendship could be restored. Motivated by a need for cash, Olivia agrees to babysit for a family of four who recently moved to the neighborhood haunted house. Now she's not sure what's scarier: hearing countless creepy sounds or being responsible for four kids!

After Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender on April 9, 1865, the Civil War finally appeared to be coming to a close. But the nation's joy was about to be cut short by a sinister assassination plot and one of the largest manhunts in U.S. history. Through powerful narrative storytelling, follow the tales of people who experienced the tragedy firsthand. Perfect for Common Core studies of narrative nonfiction and exploring multiple accounts of an event.

For decades, something has lurked in the swampy lakes of East Texas. When a TV show offers a million dollars to the person that can provide conclusive proof of the creature, Everdil, her brother, and two friends form a team to snap a picture of Bigfoot. But tracking a monster, especially one nobody's been able to catch, proves trickier than Everdil expected. With each new adventure, Everdil seems to create more problems with her friends and family than she solves. In the end, she has to hope that her brave, foolish actions will ultimately make things right with everyone, including Bigfoot. This book will remind readers that hope and loyalty are traits that we all share, no matter our size.

The 32-page book, Brownies with Benjamin Franklin, introduces young readers to an important historical figure while strengthening their reading proficiency. The fictionalized storyline creates a relatable scenario of meeting a history-defining American and learning more about their way of life. The charming illustrations and adventure-filled text of the Time Hop Sweets Shop books work together to support young readers. With comprehension questions, biographical information, and websites for further discovery, this series helps children develop strong reading comprehension skills while also gaining important historical knowledge.

Queeneka loves fashion, and a good mystery. So when there were missing kickballs at Watson Elementary she was on the case! Who would take the kickballs? Why is Mr. Hambrick giving her the evil eye? And why are fourth graders so mean? Making a new friend along the way, Queeneka and Keely question suspects, encounter giant fourth graders, and learn that everyone is embarrassed about something. These mysteries are perfectly suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, they are just the right fit for your early fluent reader.• Underlying issues related to friends, family, and growing up• Extensive back matter • Keeps kids guessing with false clues

Klaude is the class clown. He likes to make people laugh but not everyone finds him funny. The Golden Spoon Award is given to students who display proper lunchroom behavior and Klaude is one of the winners! He’s never won anything in his life! But not everyone is excited and they are showing it. During the special luncheon some sabotages his spaghetti, takes a bite out of his cake, and breaks his first trophy ever. Who would be so mean to him? Why is someone so mad at Klaude for winning the Golden Spoon Award? More importantly, will he get a new slice of cake?These mysteries are perfect for your early fluent reader. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, these are suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. • Underlying issues related to friends, family, and growing up• Extensive back matter • Keeps kids guessing with false clues

Queeneka and Klaude are not very happy about their roles in the school play, Candy Dreams. They were both trying for the lead role and shy, quiet Javier beat them both! Things get even stickier at rehearsals when Klaude tries to remember his lines and Javier’s and when Queeneka adds more lines and solos to hers. No one is working as a team to make the play successful. That is, not until Javier goes missing on opening night! Can everyone work together to find Javier? Will Mrs. Holmes cancel the play? And who is that man hiding and lurking around the school?These mysteries are perfectly suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, they are just the right fit for your early fluent reader.• Extensive back matter • Underlying issues related to friends, family, and growing up• Keeps kids guessing with false clues

Queeneka and Klaude are not very happy about their roles in the school play, Candy Dreams. They were both trying for the lead role and shy, quiet Javier beat them both! Things get even stickier at rehearsals when Klaude tries to remember his lines and Javier’s and when Queeneka adds more lines and solos to hers. No one is working as a team to make the play successful. That is, not until Javier goes missing on opening night! Can everyone work together to find Javier? Will Mrs. Holmes cancel the play? And who is that man hiding and lurking around the school?These mysteries are perfectly suited to keep readers guessing as they solve for clues. With longer sentences and fewer illustrations, they are just the right fit for your early fluent reader.-Extensive back matter -Underlying issues related to friends, family, and growing up-Keeps kids guessing with false clues