Books in The Other Side of the Story series

Aesop had his say. Now it's time to give the mic to some of his characters and get their first-person take on his classic fables. A collection of sweet-natured twists on enduring morality tales, The Other Side of the Fable spurs discussion on point of view, with each title including a condensed version of the featured fable for readers to compare and contrast.

Inside every beast beats the heart of an actor - or so the Beast would have you believe in “No Lie, I Acted Like a Beast!” This retelling of the classic story “Beauty and the Beast,” told from the Beast’s point of view, paints a picture of a kind-hearted prince who wants nothing more than his turn on the stage. A fun ride that flips what you know of the fairy tale on its ear.

Think Snow White was the most perfect girl in the world? Think again! In this fun, quirky picture book, discover another perspective of this popular fairy tale. Along with bright, bold illustrations, the bestselling OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY series gives young readers a fresh perspective on familiar tales. Read others in this series by acclaimed author Nancy Loewen, including TRUST ME, HANSEL AND GRETEL ARE SWEET and BELIEVE ME, GOLDILOCKS ROCKS!

Salem, 1692. Devils and witches are an accepted fact of life and religion. When some girls in the village begin having fits and tremors, their torments are attributed to the action of witches. Elizabeth Putnam and her parents are different from many of the other village folk, and they doubt the superstitions that terrify the town. As Elizabeth struggles to find her way among the alarming events, she also finds herself at odds with George, her best friend and companion since babyhood. Things come to a head when Elizabeth herself is accused of witchcraft, and George must make a difficult choice between what his community believes and what he knows to be true. Readers start the story in Elizabeth's voice and finish thestory in George's voice, where they learn how he finds a resolution to his heartwrenching predicament and the conclusion of his own side of the story.

This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies features Ira Aldridge, an African American actor considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers of the nineteenth century, and an outspoken advocate for the abolitionist movement in the United States.Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage, performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he got at the local theaters, memorizing each actor's lines for all of the great plays. Ira knew he could be a famous performer if given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. African American actors had to play in musicals at the all-black theater in New York City. Despite the discouragement of his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off for England, the land of Shakespeare. There he honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors in Europe, and a public supporter of the abolitionist movement. This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

In this new adventure with Tess and Max, internationally bestselling author Amy Ephron takes readers to London at Christmastime, where a new fantastical journey awaits.It's Christmas break and Tess and Max are in London, staying at the posh Sanborn House with their Aunt Evie. As they wait for their parents to arrive, there is an unusual snowstorm that makes the city seem as if it's caught in a snow globe. Perfect weather for an adventure in Hyde Park. But when Max, Tess, and Aunt Evie leave to search for a cab, they find a horse and carriage and driver curiously waiting for them at the curb. And that's just the beginning... Soon Tess is charmed by a mysterious boy named Colin who lives at the hotel all year round--on the 8th floor. But Max is sure the elevator only had 7 floors the day before. And how come everyone at the hotel seems to ignore Colin? Things seem to get stranger and stranger. There's a 1920s costume party in Colin's parents' apartment. A marble that seems to be more than it appears. And a shadow that passes mysteriously by Tess and Max's hotel window. Tess wants to figure out what's going on, but finds only more questions: Is it just a coincidence that Colin's last name is Sanborn, the same as the hotel? Why does the cat's-eye marble look eerily similar to the crystal at the top of their hotel room key? And, most importantly, what happened in that hotel one Christmas long, long ago?In this mysterious story sprinkled with holiday enchantment, Amy Ephron transports readers into the magic of London at wintertime, where it's just possible that what seems imaginary is real, and your wishes might come true.Praise for The Other Side of the Wall:"The story is both charming and vaguely creepy." --School Library Journal"A very entertaining middle-grade read [that] will captivate and entice you to read more....This is a good old classic family adventure that you will want to both read and own." --Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books