Carolyn Haywood's stories about her irrepressible character Betsy have never been out of print, and now, thanks to dynamic new covers, the Betsy books will find their way onto the bookshelves of modern young readers-and into the hearts of a whole new generation. Third grade begins with disappointment-Betsy's beloved teacher, Miss Grey, won't be teachng anymore. But the new year is packed with fun and surprises, including one great piece of news that...

When a family tragedy occurs, ten-year-old Alyssa "Blister" Reed changes schools, moves to an apartment with her depressed mother while her father gets his own place, and tries to believe her grandmother, who tells her she is "elastic" and can handle it all.