Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Abby doesn't like to stay inside to do her schoolwork. She is a nature lover. But now, she might have to repeat 6th grade. Abby's teacher gives her an extra credit project which involves learning about another country from a penpal.

I listened to the story on one of our playaways. If you haven't tried a playaway, you are missing a great way to read a story.

A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements

12 year old Mark has recently moved to a new school. He is considered to be the "rich new kid". In the beginning of the story, Mark doesn't try to make new friends. He just wants the school year to be over. Slowly he changes his mind and then the adventure begins. It is time for a week in the woods.

The Secret School by Avi

This book reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie stories. The setting is a one room schoolhouse. All is going well until the teacher has a family emergency and has to leave which will close down the school for the rest of the term. Now comes the beginning of the "secret school".