When his teacher requires that everyone in class take part in the talent show, a boy asks his mother for suggestions and she insists he start taking piano lessons.

"Emma can't wait to audition for her school play. She already knows exactly what part she wants: the enchanted princess! She'll wear a beautiful blue gown and sparkly tiara, and everyone will admire her as she glides gracefully across the stage. But when she's cast as the cackling, warty old witch instead, Emma can't believe it! She's ready to quit the play. Can Emma learn that the show must go on?"--p. [4] of cover.

Isabel Dawson, who thinks purple is the best color in the whole world, decides to go on a quest to show her brothers that she is just as good as they are. Reading level: RL 2 ; Ages: 6-9

Eleven-year-old Barry Hunter and his family attempt to ride out Hurricane Katrina at home in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans when his little sister gets ill, but when the levees break, Barry gets swept away from his family.