Barthe DeClements

Helen fears that lack of improvement in her reading may leave her stuck in the sixth grade forever, until a good teacher recognizes her reading problem.

After her mother dies, Marianne becomes a daydreamer and begins to fall behind in her schoolwork.

Nine-year-old Jenna cares for new puppies while trying to help her thirteen-year-old brother Mike, whose temper threatens to ruin his chances of becoming a hockey star.

Jerry's adored father seems unable to stay out of jail, causing the sixth grader anguish at home and in school.

Copper Jones is shuttled back and forth between her relatives while her mother is drying out in a rehabilitation center; but when she is sent to live with her Aunt Maggie, who is a witch, she learns that even seventh graders have some power.