Jim Paillot

"A. J. and the Ella Mentry School gang learn some unusual self-defense moves from a wacky teacher who thinks he's an action hero"--

The After School Kids' Care director wants to get into The Guiness Book of World Records, and A. J. and the gang jump in to help him.

When the students of Ella Mentry School receive a million-dollar donation and vote to create an in-school, state-of-the-art TV station so the morning announcements can be broadcast to all the classes, A.J. and the gang wonder about the agenda of their new teacher, Ms. Cuddy, who decides the announcement ratings are too low and has some quirky ideas about how to increase the station's popularity.

"Mr. Klutz is retiring! (A surprise even to him, courtesy of scheming Dr. Carbles.) Vice principal Mrs. Jafee thinks it's her time to shine, but Dr. Carbles has hired someone else for the job! Stand-up comedian Mrs. Stoker is ready to defend her place as principal in a joke-off against Mrs. Jafee. Will Mrs. Stoker have the last laugh? Or will she lose her audience when things get serious?"--Provided by publisher.

With guidance from Miss Brown, a teacher who is an expert on creativity, the third grade class at Ella Mentry School builds a car and a bridge to compete in a Brain Games competition against Dirk School.

"A.J. and his friends are starting fourth grade. A new school year means a new teacher, and Miss Banks may be their weirdest one yet. She won't stop playing practical jokes on the class, and A.J. has reached his breaking point. Will he and the gang learn to not fall for their teacher's tricks? Or will Miss Banks prevail as the ultimate prankster?"--

When Mr. Will, the local ice cream man, brings treats to the students at Ella Mentry School, Dr. Carbies will stop at nothing to ensure no one breaks his latest rule banning desserts.

"It's very important for kids to learn about fire safety, and Mrs. Meyer of the local fire department has been brought in to teach the students at Ella Mentry School. But she is the weirdest safety expert in the world. She likes fire just a little too much. Will Mrs. Meyer catch on fire? Will she retire? What will transpire?"--Jacket.

On Career Day at Ella Mentry School, local reporter Mrs. Lilly helps A.J. and his fellow third-graders start a school newspaper, but their efforts have unexpected, and terrible, consequences.

A local college professor comes to Ella Mentry School to help students learn basic history and improve their scores on a standardized test, using some very unusual techniques.