The neighborhood is planning a fiesta, but so many arguments erupt between relatives and friends that Benjamin decides that only he can save the fiesta.
In 1755, as the French and Indian War begins, ten-year-old Regina is kidnapped by Indians in western Pennsylvania, and she must struggle to hold onto memories of her earlier life as she grows up under the name of Takinnak and starts to become Indian herself.
Stephanie's relationship with her best friend, Rachel, changes during her first year in junior high as she tries to conceal a family problem and meets a new girl from California.
Anastasia continues the perilous process of growing up as her thirteenth year involves her in conquering the art of rope climbing, playing Cupid for a recently widowered uncle, and surviving a crush on her gym teacher.
Her family's new organized schedule for easy housekeeping makes thirteen-year-old Anastasia confident that she can run the household while her mother is out of town, until she hits unexpected complications.
Paddington returns from Peru and tries his hand at such things as the stock market, barbering, and even ballet, but he decides he would rather be his bear self.
Eight-year-old Sammy tries to come to terms with several difficult situations including the death of his dog, the divorce of his aunt and uncle, the suicide of his best friend's brother, coping with his terminally ill grandmother, and cheating on a school test.
Presents further misadventures in England of the bear from "Darkest Peru" in which he takes a driving test, visits a Stately Home, gets a rise, and takes part in a magic act.
The journal from Henry's trip across the country with the Glass family, telling of the sights they saw and the strange things which resulted when Henry and Midge became involved in innocent and blameless goings-on.
Billy isn't one to back down from a bet. But this one is gross: If he eats fifteen worms in fifteen days, Alan will pay him fifty dollars. Billy takes the bet and tries worms smothered in ketchup, drowned in mustard, even breaded and fried. Worm by worm, Billy gets closer to victory. But Alan won't let him win that easily...