Sara Pennypacker & Marla Frazee ~ Sepember 24

When it comes to tackling third grade, Clementine is at the top of her game-okay, so maybe not all  the time.  After her teacher announces that the third and fourth graders will be putting on a talent show, Clementine panics.  She doesn't sing or dance or play an instrument.  She can't even hop  with finesse.  And as if she didn't feel bad enough, her perfect best friend, Margaret, has so many talents, she has to alphabetize them to keep them straight.

As the night of the big "Talent-palooza" draws closer, Clementine is desperate for an act, any act.  But the unexpected talent she demonstrates at the show surprises everyone--most of all herself.

Ages 7 & up.

Clementine can't believe her ears - her beloved teacher, Mr. D'Matz, might be leaving them for the rest of the year to go on a research trip to Egypt! No other teacher has ever understood her impulsiveness, her itch to draw constantly, or her need to play "Beat the Clock" when the day feels too long. And in his place, he's left a substitute with a whole new set of rules that Clementine just can't figure out. The only solution, she decides, is to hatch a plan to get Mr. D'Matz back. If it means ruining her teacher's once-in-a-lifetime chance -- well, it's worth it. Isn't it?

Ages 7 & up.

Clementine is having not so good of a week.

    * On Monday she's sent to the principal's office for cutting off Margaret's hair.
    * Tuesday, Margaret's mother is mad at her.
    * Wednesday, she's sent to the principal.again.
    * Thursday, Margaret stops speaking to her.
    * Friday starts with yucky eggs and gets worse.
    * And by Saturday, even her mother is mad at her.

 Okay, fine. Clementine is having a DISASTROUS week.

Ages 7 & up.