James Preller

The Big Idea Gang is buddying up on a new idea for a more welcoming playground in this chapter book series about making a case—and making a difference.
When third-graders Deon, Kym, Lizzy, and Connor formed the Big Idea Gang, their mission was simply to oust the old mascot in favor of something cooler. But sales from the new mascot paraphernalia have led to extra cash for the PTA, and you can bet this gang has big ideas...

Jigsaw Jones is back! In The Case from Outer Space, an original mystery from James Preller, Jigsaw and his crew-Mila, Joey, and Danika-find a clue that implies an alien may be about to visit their school! Can it be true? And what does the Little Free Library have that aliens from outer space might want? (Hint: The school librarian has invited a special guest to talk about space exploration-an astronaut!) Friendship, mystery, and school-day shenanigans...

James Preller's wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones chapter book mysteries are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles and classroom classics! The Case of the Bicycle Bandit Why would anyone steal an old hunk of junk? Ralphie Jordan loves his beat-up bike, Old Rusty. The tires are bent, spokes are missing, and the chain keeps falling off. But Ralphie wouldn't trade it for any other. Then Old Rusty goes...

Girl bullies, internet bullying, and substance use are themes in this James Preller middle grade standalone companion to Bystander. Mary O'Malley is tired of keeping secrets. Secrets like her older brother, Jonny's, drug use. Starting seventh grade is tough enough without the upheaval her brother is bringing to their family. It seems the only person who might understand is Griffen Connolly, whose older sister runs with Jonny in the wrong crowd....

Thirteen-year-old Grace and her eleven-year-old brother Carter are watched by a mountain man when they get lost during a strenuous hike on Blood Mountain.

Meet Carter, Esme, and Arnold, three students accidentally locked together inside an almost deserted school. They are not friends. They scarcely know each other. But In the basement, a mysterious night janitor waits. And outside, moving in the mist, dark shapes shuffle closer.

Featuring friendship, school, family, and a diverse community, these early illustrated chapter book Jigsaw Jones Mysteries from James Preller have it all. Jigsaw Jones and Mila Yeh have solved many cases involving stolen or missing items. But, when the search for Kim's necklace turns up more than they bargained for, Jigsaw can't trust his eyes. Did the scarecrow on Ms. Rigby's lawn just...move? Find out more in The Case of the Haunted Scarecrow. ...

Is there a bear loose in the woods by Jigsaw Jones' town? For once, this second-grade detective and his partner Mila Yeh might be out of their depth! One way or another, these two young sleuths will get to the bottom of who, or what, is growling and snapping in those woods in The Case of the Bear Scare. James Preller's wry, witty, Jigsaw Jones books are once again available to inspire the next generation of young readers, featuring both new titles...

Will has no choice. His father drags him along on a wilderness adventure in the footsteps of legendary explorers Lewis and Clark-whether he likes it or not. All the while, Will senses that something about this trip isn't quite right. Along the journey, Will meets fascinating strangers and experiences new thrills, including mountain cliffs, whitewater rapids, and a heart-hammering bear encounter. It is a journey into the soul of America's past, and...

Four friends put their heads together to convince their school to get a new mascot in The Big Idea Gang-an exciting new chapter book series about making a case... and making a difference! Quick-thinking third-graders Lizzy, her twin, Connor, and their friends Kym and Deon have a big idea: their school desperately needs a new mascot, and they've got the perfect one in mind. Now they have to figure out a way to convince their principal and rally the...