Book One - Pa Lia's first day at her new school, Jackson Magnet isn't going so well. She doesn't know anyone there. She can't find her second grade classroom. But worst of all, she accidentally gets the only kids who have ever been nice to her in trouble. Will Pa Lia ever fit in?
Jr. Library Guild Selection; Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award
Book Two- Mrs. Fennessey's second-grade class is planning a big celebration for Grandparents Day, and everyone's really excited about it-everyone except Calliope James. Her best friends, Howie and Pa Lia, are bringing their grandmas. Even Stinky Stern's grandpa is coming. But Calliope's grandparents are no longer alive. How can she celebrate Grandparents Day without a grandparent?
Junior Library Guild Selection, The Center for Children's Books Best Books 2001
Book Three -Jackson Magnet is having a talent show. Howie is excited because everyone—mothers, fathers, grandparents, neighbors, teachers, kids, even the Channel Seven News Team—will be there to hear her sing. But at the final dress rehearsal in front of the entire school, she gets so scared that she can't perform her song. Will Howie make it through Opening Night?
Book Four- It's a regular day at Jackson Magnet. The students in room 201 are working on an art project, and Stinky Stern is up to his old tricks. But when the bell rings and school lets out, something happens that will change Mrs. Fennessey's class forever.
Junior Library Guild Selection, The Center for Children's Books Gryphon Award, The Patterson Award, MinnesotaBook Award Finialist, Maryland's Blue Crab Special Recognition Award, Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book, CCBC Choices, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, A SCBA Book of the Year
