Jim Paillot

Retired scientist Miss Tracy comes to Ella Mentry School to teach about the planets and the solar system and casts A.J. as Uranus in the school play.

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.

"Alexia's mom, Ms. Sue, leads the kids of Ella Mentry School in the weirdest fundraiser in the history of the world!"-- Provided by publisher.

"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.

Ella Mentry School counselor Dr. Brad believes wisecracking A.J. may be a genius and subjects him to some very weird tests to find out for sure.

New third grade teacher Mr. Granite has so many strange ideas about how to make Ella Mentary School environmentally friendly that the students are sure he must be an alien.

When Ella Mentry School invites a local dentist to speak on National Dessert Day, A.J. and his friends uncover the dentist's secret plot to promote cavities for more business.

A.J. has trouble coming up with a talent to put on display in his class's upcoming talent show.

"After noticing that A.J. and his friends' geography knowledge could use some work, Mr. Cooper invites to class just the person to help. Globetrotter Mrs. Barr speaks seven languages and has visited nearly two hundred countries! But why does she carry a suitcase everywhere she goes? And why does she open a window whenever she walks into a room? Perhaps Mrs. Barr has something to hide"--Provided by publisher.

Alexia is delighted when Mr. Cooper brings in Bob, a hognose snake, as class pet, but when Bob keels over, is Andrea's toy poodle or Alexia's neglect to blame?