Astrid plopped down on the porch swing. She looked up as her Uncle Tim came up the porch steps. "Hi, Astrid," he said. "Do I see a frown on this beautiful day? What's up?" Astrid sighed. "My friend Ella's rich grandpa paid for a vacation in Florida for her whole family. I heard all the details at...

Rain pelted against Jack's face as he tried to ride his bike. Three more blocks and he would be home. However, it seemed like he wasn't getting anywhere with the wind pressing against him. He peddled hard but wasn't moving fast. It's even hard to see, Jack thought and finally pulled to the side...

"Hey, you want a monkey for a pet?" asked Anthony's friend Obi one day. "Sure, but how would I catch one?" asked Anthony. He and his parents had recently arrived in Africa as missionaries. "It's easy. You trap him," said Obi, handing Anthony a gourd. "First, make a hole in this gourd--make it...