Books in High-Fliers series

Mountain escape! -We mustn't get left behind!- Driven out by war, Fayim and his little donkey are traveling the terrifying path through the mountains of Afghanistan. Will they make it? This book contains a historical fiction event, written within a descriptive nonfiction text. Text Type: ExplanationTheme/Topic: Conflict and Challenge, World Connections: Asia

When Jake finds the best running shoes he has ever seen sitting on a trash can, he decides they are just what he needs for his upcoming track meet. When he runs in them, he goes faster than he ever has before. Anna soon figures out that the shoes are not normal, and that they are doing the running for Jake. Kevin Beadle, Jake's enemy, decides to steal the shoes. Kevin wins the big race, but not before the shoes' true owners show up ... from the future. The shoes go back to where they belong, Kevin is taught a lesson about greed, and Jake decides next year he'll win on his own terms.Text Type: Fantasy FictionTheme/Topic: Sports, Friendship

The ghost of Captain Blood contacts Mark because he needs some help -- his reputation as a fierce pirate is being tarnished by a professor who has been studying his life. It turns out the professor and a couple of thugs are after Captain Blood's treasure. Mark, Captain Blood, and Hector find the treasure chest first, the professor has a change of heart (after seeing the pirate's ghost ship), and Captain Blood rejoins his old crew.Text Type: Fantasy FictionTheme/Topic: Personal Responsibility, Human History

What makes an adventurer? Most people see a classic adventurer as a large, strong man, braving new lands and seeking riches and fame. Sometimes the true definition of an adventurer couldn't be more different. Meet Tania Aebi, a brave eighteen year old girl, who left behind her life in the big city and began a death-defying journey. Tania Aebi had just set out on a trip that few had ever attempted. She was going to sail around the world, by herself. Suddenly a wave crashed over her tiny boat. As she and her ship rolled in the huge waves, she didn't even know if she'd survive the night. Text Type: Explanation, RecountTheme/Topic: World Connections, Personal Responsibility

Patrick's inventions are always getting him into trouble -- he can't help having a creative mind! Then he and his sister go to a special class for inventors, taught by Dr. Scriffle, creator of the Mean Dream Wonder Machine washing machine. Patrick is only trying to help his family with the laundry and take care of his tiny sister Hannah when he fiddles with the washing machine and turns it into something else altogether. Even though this gets him kicked out of the special class, it introduces Dr. Scriffle to Patrick's mom, which almost makes the kind doctor a member of the family!Text Type: Science FictionTheme/Topic: Physical Science, Adventure

Medicine? Leeches to suck the blood clean, cow dung to heal cuts, and the nettles to cure sprains! Thanks to the lifesavers in this book and the discoveries they made, we no longer need such treatments to make us better. This pioneering work has helped us live longer, healthier lives than before.Text Type: Expository, Explanation, ReportTheme/Topic: Medicine, Life Science

Does your tongue have to be wet to taste? Can you catch sounds in your hands? Can you make cold water feel warm? Learn about experiments and make some surprising discoveries about yourself! Experiments on Myself uses explanatory and procedural text, which allow students to experience and integration of text types and structures.Text Type: ExplanationTheme/Topic: Medicine, Life Science

Melleron and his friends are back in this sequel to Melleron's Monsters, Saelez and Horrimal are determined to get their revenge on Melleron, Rose, and Grit and kidnap them. Through cunning and loyalty, the three friends escape and make their way deep into the land of the monsters to get help to stop Saelez and Horrimal once and for all. In adventure after adventure, Melleron is brave and resourceful, and he even learns a little magic along the way. In the end, Melleron thwarts Saelez and Horrimal, befriends the Chief of the Monsters, and is safely flown home with Rose and Grit. Text Type: Fantasy FictionTheme/Topic: Friendship, Conflict and Challenge