Books with author Roderick J. Robinson

When the janitor allows Kirk and Tommy to place recycling barrels in the school cafeteria, the two thirteen-year-olds just hope to make some pocket change. But when the other schools and town facilities ask for recycling barrels too, their business takes off. They earn much more than pocket change. And the funny thing is, nobody but the janitors know the recycling barrels are owned by the two young entrepreneurs. The money rolls in…but trouble follows. The principal suspects they’re up to something. The eighth grade bully tries to capitalize on their new found wealth. And the competition, the town’s largest recycling contractor—tries to put them out of business. Their real trouble begins though, when the principal, superintendent of schools, and mayor learn the recycling barrels are owned by two middle school students. They think they’ve been misled; a suspension hearing ensues. Everything Kirk and Tommy have worked so hard for is in jeopardy. They’re on the brink of loosing it all—but if they can survive the ordeal, they just might become…Middle School Millionaires.

A middle grade novel for ages 8-12 from the author of The Principal's Son and Middle School Millionaires. When Travis Macgregor headed down to the river that day, he didn’t pay any attention to the weather. His mind was on fishing; he did not notice the approaching storm clouds. Suddenly, the sky unleashed heavy winds and rain; he was ill prepared. Luck is on his side though. In the ravine, behind the secluded cove he had been fishing, Travis finds a cave—a dry place to wait for the storm to pass. Inside the cave is a pool of water. Crystal clear water. Travis doesn’t give the water a second thought; he never would have guessed that his life would soon be turned upside down because of the water…REVIEW"The story has an engaging theme. The narration and descriptions are delightful. The story will make an interesting read for all kids who like adventures. The author has taken something we use every day and made a magical story out of it which will appeal to any child. " Readers' Favorite

A middle school novel for ages 9-13 from the author of The Principal's Son and The Lunch Lady's DaughterWhen the janitor allows Kirk and Tommy to place recycling barrels in the school cafeteria, the two thirteen-year-olds just hope to make some pocket change. But when the other schools and town facilities ask for recycling barrels too, their business takes off. They earn much more than pocket change. And the funny thing is, nobody but the janitors know the recycling barrels are owned by the two young entrepreneurs. The money rolls in…but trouble follows. The principal suspects they’re up to something. The eighth grade bully tries to capitalize on their new found wealth. And the competition, the town’s largest recycling contractor—tries to put them out of business. Their real trouble begins though, when the principal, superintendent of schools, and mayor learn the recycling barrels are owned by two middle school students. They think they’ve been misled; a suspension hearing ensues. Everything Kirk and Tommy have worked so hard for is in jeopardy. They’re on the brink of loosing it all—but if they can survive the ordeal, they just might become…Middle School Millionaires.REVIEWS "Lighthearted and with a positive message about working hard to pursue one's dream, Middle School Millionaires is an excellent pick for grade school and public library children's fiction collections." The Midwest Book Review"There is never a dull moment. The book is both interesting and adventurous. It is something that all teens can relate to." Readers' Favorite

Klem Antrim would go to the ends of the Earth to see his father alive again—but he’ll have to travel much farther than that.Klem’s life in picturesque Sea Scarp has just taken a turn for the worse. The car crash that killed his father knocked Klem straight out of reality, and since that day nothing in his life has seemed quite right.Not only is Klem being followed, he keeps stumbling into invisible tunnels that snake through town. But when he peers through one tunnel’s glassy walls and catches a glimpse of his father—alive and well—Klem realizes the town outside the tunnels isn’t his Sea Scarp at all. Such things aren’t possible, of course. But if Klem is losing his mind, then how has the mysterious stranger who’s been tailing him already mapped out every invisible hole in town?Now Klem will set out to find the one tunnel that leads to his father. But unraveling the truth behind his father’s death is about to unravel a much more dire truth—a truth that’s been hidden in plain sight.

Peter Brantwill is shy. Very shy. He’s the quietest fifth-grader at Birch Ridge Elementary School. Peter just blends into the crowd, never does anything to draw attention. Attention is the last thing he wants. But when his father becomes the principal of his school, Peter’s whole world is suddenly turned upside down. Students tease him. Kids he doesn’t know stare at him in the hallways. Teachers treat him differently. And then there’s Darren Kalder, the troublemaker who torments Peter. Things turn even worse when Peter and Darren are paired up for a homework assignment—they must prepare a fictitious petition. They decide on a petition to reinstate recess at their school. And what starts out as a simple homework assignment turns into much more when their classmates ask to sign the petition. It’s up to Peter and Darren to follow through and present the petition to the school committee. But this involves speaking at a televised public meeting. And when Darren backs out at the last minute, Peter must decide whether to back out…or make a bold move that will forever change him. REVIEWS "Plot and action unfold quickly in this fast paced, 134-page chapter book, and interest in the outcome is kept high by excellent story crafting. 'The Principal's Son' has lots of intrigue, action, character development, and turning points to keep reader interest/involvement at a steady maximum." The Midwest Book Review"I enjoyed the story thoroughly. The book has a very positive feel to it which makes it a winner all the way." Readers' Favorite

Going to a new school is hard when you’re shy. And Sarah McKinliy is very shy. During her first week of fifth grade at H.C. Stonewelle Elementary School, Sarah does her best to just blend into the crowd. She never does anything to draw attention. Attention is the last thing she wants. Things go well enough that first week. Sarah even makes friends with the most popular girl at school. But things quickly head downhill when her mother becomes a lunch lady at the school cafeteria. Randall Kepliere, the class clown, finds out her mother is one of the lunch ladies and he embarrasses Sarah in front of the entire fifth grade class. Kids she doesn’t even know stare at her in the hallways. And the most popular girl at school turns on her and excludes Sarah from her group. It looks like it’s going to be a long year…if Sarah can survive it. REVIEW"...an eye opener. It's an ideal book for children. Both the characters of Sarah and her mom remain in your heart for a long time." Readers' Favorite

A chapter book for grades 3-5 from the author of The Principal's Son and Middle School Millionaires. Pedro has come along way since the start of school. Back in September, before he proved himself on the soccer field, Pedro had been an outcast. He was the new kid at school. But he quickly turned things around and made a few friends in the process. Pedro still has a lot to learn about life in America though. Each season brings new challenges, and when October gives way to November, Pedro is faced with a whole new series of obstacles…including a group of bullies. Once again, it looks like fourth grade is going to be a long year…unless Pedro can find a way to persevere.

Sarah, Mariana and Lizzy have high hopes for winter break. They’re staying at Sarah’s aunt and uncle’s ski lodge in Vermont. But when her aunt and uncle unexpectedly have to leave town, the resort is short-staffed, and Sarah, Mariana and Lizzy are put to work. They have their hands full catering to the needs of the guests. Then Bonnie shows up with Claire and Lauren and things quickly head downhill. As a guest at the resort, Bonnie expects the royal treatment. Catering to Bonnie is the last thing Sarah, Mariana, and Lizzy want to do. They have too much work as it is. It looks like it’s going to be a long week…unless Sarah, Mariana and Lizzy can figure a way to turn things around.

Sarah McKinliy has come a long way since school began back in September. She had felt like an outcast then—especially when her mother became a lunch lady in the school cafeteria and Randy Kelpliere embarrassed her in front of the entire fifth grade class. But Sarah turned things around and made a few friends in process. However, just when things are finally going smoothly, Sarah and her two friends, Mariana and Lizzy, are faced with a whole new challenge. It all started with a gift basket. A simple gift basket. When Sarah, Mariana, and Lizzy made a gift basket for a friend, they had no intention of getting into the gift basket business. They knew nothing about the gift basket business. Starting a business was the last thing on their minds…But then someone saw the gift basket they made and requested three of them. That first order led to another order. And that order led to another order. The next thing they know they’re in the gift basket business. And the money rolls in. But problems do too. And the girls are soon in over their heads when they receive more orders than they can fill. It looks like things are not going to work out…unless Sarah can find a way to turn things around once again…

Sarah, Mariana, and Lizzy are looking forward to the annual Nature Days Field Trip to Camp Kissimmee. But when they arrive, the girls quickly find out that Camp Kissimmee is not what they had expected. The camp is old and outdated. There isn’t enough hot water for showers. And the canoe’s leak. But things turn even bleaker when the girls learn that they will be sharing a cabin with Bonnie and her friends. It looks like it’s going to be a long field trip…

A chapter book for kids age 9-12 from the author of The Lunch Lady's Daughter series. Cheri McDaniel was looking forward to summer vacation. Cheri had big plans for the summer. But that was before her mother arranged for her to spend the summer on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Spending her summer vacation cooped up on a small island where there was no electricity or internet was the last thing Cheri wanted to do. She wouldn’t even be able to call or text her friends. There was no cell phone reception on the island. The place was too remote. As far as Cheri is concerned it’s going to be the most boring summer ever. But she has no idea about what lies ahead…