Books in Another Sommer-time Story series

Spike the rebel caused trouble everywhere, and all the kids were afraid of him, except Mary. Mary warned him that one day he would get into big trouble because of his meanness. Spike continued to be mean at school, on the school bus, camping, and in the park. He thought that being tough and mean would make him happy. Instead, it made him miserable and got him into all sorts of trouble. Spike went over a dangerous waterfall with a stolen canoe and survived. One day while riding his bike, he hit one of his self-made bike traps. He broke his leg and bled badly. Debbie, a girl he laughed at for falling off her bike in one of his traps, came with her mother and saved him. Spike's life was transformed. He said to Debbie, "I thought being tough and mean would make me happy, but I've discovered I'm much, much happier having friends and helping others." Grades 1-4 Virtues: Tolerance / Friendship / Cooperation

Stephanie witnesses the deterioration of her inner-city neighborhood and school. There are gangs and violence on the street, and chaos in the school. Stephanie decides to light her candle against the darkness. After convincing her two friends, they begin with one simple act of kindness. Next, they recruit their parents and neighbors to join them in the difficult task of cleaning up their street and bringing order to their school. Follow this heartwarming story of how one girls determination and passion to do good, sparks a Light Your Candle crusade that transforms an entire community. Virtues: Citizenship / Caring / Community Service

When Jane, the farmer's wife, complains to her husband Sam about the crooked rows he has plowed, they decide to switch jobs for a day. Both Sam and Jane expect to have lots of free time after each finishes the other's "easy" job. But they encounter one calamity after another doing each other's chores. After having the hardest day of their lives, they meet each other and end up laughing at their misconceptions. In this hilarious adventure, Carl Sommer teaches the importance of respect for others, responsibility, and forgiveness. Grades 2-4. Virtues: Respect for Others / Responsibility/ Forgiveness Other Virtues: Appreciation, Cheerfulness, Peacefulness, Respect for Work, and Tolerance

As a reward for winning the soccer championship, Davy is chosen mayor for a day. Tired of his parents'rules, Davy's first official act is to eliminate all rules. Davy and his friends thought they would have a wonderful time, but the day was a disaster for everyone. The whole town becomes angry, but Davy finally saves the day. Grades K-4. Virtues: Citizenship / Civic Virtue / Respect for Law

Christopher has great dreams of becoming an inventor, but he dislikes anything requiring work. When he discovers that his neighbor Dr. Finkle has invented a time remote, Christopher uses it to avoid schoolwork, wholesome food, and jobs he doesn't like. The time remote sends him quickly through a life of avoiding problems, right into old age. Christopher finally realizes the misery of an easy life. Discovering a hidden button on his discarded remote, he fortunately gets a chance to start his life over. This fascinating and inspiring story, Carl Sommer teaches the value of diligence, self-discipline, and responsibility. Grades 1-4. Virtues: Diligence / Self-Discipline / Responsibility Other Virtues: Appreciation, Caring, Cheerfulness, Cleanliness, Courage, Diligence, Initiative, Obedience to Parents, Perseverance, Positive Mental Attitude, Responsibility for Others, Self-Respect, Temperance, Trust, and Wellness.

Teased by their friends that "No one will ever know," Johnny and Janie ignore their parents' warnings about the big, bad wolf. Wanting big, delicious acorns, they lie to their parents and sneak out one night to Mr. Smith's farm. Their delightful meal suddenly ends by being chased by a very hungry wolf. Barely escaping with their lives, the young squirrels learn that to disobey is wrong even when you think no one will ever know. This adventurous and thrilling story by Carl Sommer shows the importance of honesty, respect for parents, and trust. Grades k-3

To grow up to be big, little lions have to learn survival skills, but the cub Sangu doesn’t want to listen to Papa and Mama’s lessons—he just wants to play. Getting lost while escaping a charging rhino, Sangu learned how unprepared he really was to be out on his own. Befriended by some kind gazelles, Sangu didn’t have the slightest idea as to what a lion should be. After being taunted by his friends, Sangu finally learned to be assertive, to value learning, to listen to his parents, and to respect himself. Virtues: Self-Esteem / Respect for Parents / Assertiveness