Books in Great American Short Stories series

Samantha organizes a talent show to support the library, but wonders what her special talent is, in a tale that includes historical notes on vaudeville as well as instructions for juggling scarves.

Ten-year-old Kirsten regrets the promise she has made to a ragged boy she discovers alone near a wrecked covered wagon not far from her Minnesota home.

Addy's jubilation over her family's new freedoms is cut short by the news that President Lincoln has been shot and killed and she fears that freedom will never really come.

Adaptations of four tales of horror and the supernatural by Edgar Allan Poe, plus an introduction to the author and discussion questions.

In 1904, when ten-year-old Samantha has trouble riding her new bicycle which was a gift from Uncle Gard and Aunt Cornelia, her grandmother offers a surprising solution. 35,000 first printing.

Adaptations of five humorous tales by Mark Twain, plus an introduction to the author and discussion questions.

Ten-year-old Kit dreams of having a special tree house someday, but she is disappointed with the one her father and her friend build for her, in a tale that includes notes on housing during the Depression.

Adaptations of two mysterious tales by Edith Wharton, plus an introduction to the author and discussion questions.

In 1866, eleven-year-old Addy and her family gather in Cape Island, later known as Cape May, New Jersey, where she encounters an impoverished white girl who treats her badly.

Kaya becomes jealous of a girl from another tribe until they are forced to work together in a dangerous situation, in a tale that includes historical notes on Indian trading along the Columbia River in 1764.

In 1945, ten-year-old Molly does not want to share her puppy Bennett with her brother, but finds she might need to change her mind.

In 1824 New Mexico, Josefina and her sisters argue as they weave, until Josefina thinks of a way to make their work more fun, in a tale that includes historical notes on blanket weaving in 1924 New Mexico.