In the vibrant town of Coyolillo, México, Maya is dedicated to celebrating her Afro-Mexican heritage, especially during Carnaval. But when her name is mysteriously added to the list of Carnaval queen candidates, she is torn. Struggling with her self-image and the expectations of tradition, she embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and cultural pride. Cabello que baila: el Carnaval de Coyolillo is a moving story about embracing one's true self and heritage, and finding the courage to shine brightly in a world that often demands conformity.

Fifteen-year-old Makenna Parker had reservations about her father’s new job in Costa Rica, but little did she know that missing her home and her friends would be the least of her worries. She finds herself in the middle of an illegal bird trading scheme, and it‘s a race against time for her father to save her and the treasured macaws.

This Comprehension-based reader, Robo en la noche, strategically weaves high-level language structures into a compelling story based on high-frequency vocabulary. Even upper-level language students need repeated exposure to language structures in order to acquire them, and Wayside's intermediate-level readers maintain a high-frequency factor of core language structures, thus helping learners progress beyond typical proficiency levels.

These digital products are designed exclusively for the 2nd edition of this reader, featuring updated text and audio. They are not compatible with 1st edition softcover books.

Panchito the toucan is beloved by the people in the town of Cataluña, Costa Rica. When a brutal attack leaves him with a badly damaged beak, the community and the nation are outraged. Can a new technology help the toucan survive? This incredible story is based on true events.

This Comprehension-based™ reader, Tucán, strategically weaves high-frequency vocabulary and language structures into a compelling story. Wayside's readers help learners acquire real language and achieve real proficiency while enjoying the reading process.

When Ollie the spectacled bear tries to make friends, all the other animals run away. They all say he’s a dangerous bear! How can he put a stop to the ridiculous rumors they are spreading about him?
This Comprehension-based™ reader, El oso peligroso, strategically weaves high-frequency vocabulary and language structures into a compelling story. Each page is loaded with cognates (words that are similar in English and Spanish), recycled vocabulary, and illustrations, which makes this read highly comprehensible. Wayside's readers help learners acquire real language and achieve real proficiency while enjoying the reading process.

Miko is a young manatee living off the coast of Florida. He’s curious about humans, but when he gets too close to a human boat, disaster strikes! He finds himself lost, alone, and in terrible danger. Will someone rescue him?

This Comprehension-based™ reader, Manatí, strategically weaves high-frequency vocabulary and language structures into a compelling story. Wayside's readers help learners acquire real language and achieve real proficiency while enjoying the reading process.

At 23 years of age, Selena Quintanilla was considered the "Queen of Tejano Music" and was well on her way to becoming one of the most famous musical performers of all time. Her incredible talent and unique Latin style had a profound and lasting impact on the music industry. Learn how this young tenacious woman built a legacy of music, fashion, and family and why she is still so beloved by her many fans today.

A street dog appears on the doorstep of an animal refuge in Nantes, France. He is very sick and needs help. Veterinary students Léo and Gabriel are determined to save the dog, but he is in very bad condition. With no home, no family, and many other animals at the veterinary clinic who need attention, the dog’s chances of recovery are slim. However, this is one extraordinary dog! Will he rise up against all odds and find a forever home with a family who will love him?

Best friends Lewis and Hélène are excited to be staying at the famous hotel Château Frontenac during the Quebec Winter Carnaval. They can’t wait to participate in all the activities! But soon, they are pulled into a mystery involving a ghost and a secret room. Is someone trying to sabotage Carnaval? If so, who?

Explorer bees Gabrielle and Isabelle generally do typical chores—until one day, the Queen Bee sends for them! The queen has a special job for Gabrielle and Isabelle, and the future of the bee colony depends on them. With enemies in their path and unpredictable obstacles along the way, they fearlessly attempt to fulfill the queen’s request and face an even greater challenge. Do they stop to save someone who almost undermined their success and the entire future of their colony?

The exceptionally low unique word count and high-frequency factor (the number of times core structures are embedded in the text) in the Comprehension-based™ reader Abeilles exploratrices make this an ideal read for very beginning French students. Each page is loaded with cognates (words that are similar in English and French), recycled vocabulary, and illustrations, which makes this read highly comprehensible.

From the top of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Stryga the gargoyle watches as French citizens take to the streets to fight for human rights and equal representation. The French people are determined to dismantle the monarchy and will stop at nothing to accomplish their mission for freedom. Unbothered by the unrest, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette continue to ignore the conflict, completely underestimating the power inherent in the will of the people. This is Stryga's account of the Revolution of 1789 and the downfall of the French Monarchy.

This Comprehension-based™ reader, La révolution française: Observations d’une gargouille de Notre-Dame, strategically weaves high-level language structures into a compelling story based on high-frequency vocabulary. Even upper-level language students need repeated exposure to language structures in order to acquire them, and Wayside's intermediate-level readers maintain a high-frequency factor of core language structures, thus helping learners progress beyond typical proficiency levels.

André’s life is turned upside down when he gets an unexpected and heart-wrenching text message from a friend. It is a text about his beloved girlfriend, and it’s not pretty. At first, André does not think much of the text, as he knows students love to spread rumors and gossip. He would rather focus on his upcomingtest on the capitals ofFrench-speaking countries, than indulge inpetty high school drama. But as he considers the last few days talking to Fabienne, a startling picture starts to emerge. Why has she been incredibly secretive and avoiding him likethe plaguee? André tries to keep his cool. So, instead of going into full panic mode, he hatches a plan. He may be risk in everything to uncover the truth, but he knows that the truth will set him free. Will it be worth it?

Étienne just can’t get a break, even on his birthday! From the forgetful teacher in class to the bully that takes his lunch, he is at his wit’s end. Although his day starts to brighten when his best friend and his love interest wish him “happy birthday,” he is still subject to Robert’s (the bull) attacks. However, a soccer match may set the record straight. Étienne has an uphill battle and must muster the courage to stand up for himself, even on his birthday. Will this be a breakthrough moment for Étienne, or will his fear hold him back?

A lone man set off on foot over the icy Alps. Dressed in a bearskin cap and goatskin jacket, and armed with a copper axe and bow, he was well prepared for the long and treacherous journey ahead, but never reached his destination. Nearly 5,300 years later, Michi and Daniel, two teens from Munich, set off on their own journey. Join them as they travel to the mountains of South Tyrol, Italy to discover the mystery of Ötzi, the Ice Man.

Rather than get caught in the act of disobeying his mother, Brandon decides to lie about his dishonest actions. He quickly discovers that not telling the truth can create big problems and a lot of stress! Will he win in the end, or will he decide that honesty is the best policy?

The exceptionally low unique word count and high-frequency factor (the number of times core structures are embedded in the text) in the Comprehension-based™ reader, 'Brandon Brown sagt die Wahrheit’, make this an ideal read for very beginning German students. Each page is loaded with cognates (words that are similar in English and German), recycled vocabulary, and illustrations, which makes this read highly comprehensible.

Frank lives in East Germany with his parents and younger brother. Frank’s father dreams of living in freedom in the West. Frank is torn between his budding interest in his neighbor Klara and his dad’s terrifying, but genius, plan to slip away from the oppression of the East. The family works together, in secret, to build something so enormous that they can only escape in the dead of night. With the rare gift of a wind from the North, they are on their way… but will their untested creation carry them into the hands of friend or foe?

This Comprehension-based™ reader, Mit dem Wind in den Westen, strategically weaves high-level language structures into a compelling story based on high-frequency vocabulary. Even upper-level language students need repeated exposure to language structures in order to acquire them, and Wayside's intermediate-level readers maintain a high-frequency factor of core language structures, thus helping learners progress beyond typical proficiency levels.

It takes Brandon Brown less than a day to find trouble while on vacation with his family in Bavaria. He quickly learns that in Bavaria, bad decisions, and careless mischief can bring much more than a 12-year-old boy can handle alone. Will he and his new friend, Justin, outwit their parents, or will their mischievous antics eventually catch up with them?

The exceptionally low unique word count and high-frequency factor (the number of times core structures are embedded in the text) in the Comprehension-based™ reader, ‘Brandon Brown entdeckt Bayern’, make this an ideal read for very beginning German students. Each page is loaded with cognates (words that are similar in English and German), recycled vocabulary, and illustrations, which makes this read highly comprehensible.

Brandon Brown wants to drive his father’s 1956 T-bird while his parents are on vacation. Will he fool his parents and drive the car without them knowing and win the girl of his dreams in the process?

The low unique word count and high frequency factor (the number of times core structures are embedded in the text) in the Comprehension-based™ reader, ‘Der neue Houdini’, make this an ideal read for advanced beginning German students. Remember, the principle behind providing this comprehension-based reader in two tenses is not to focus on grammar, but rather to focus on the story in the tense in which the reader and/or teacher feels most comfortable.

Karl hates German class with a passion but finds the will to survive when he lays eyes on Jessica. She is the reason he “tolerates” his boring class. However, his secret crush is compromised when his teacher decides to “shake things up a bit” in class. A simple writing assignment turns out to be a lethal injection to his social life and by extension his chances with Jessica. First, his nosy teacher tries to “set him up with Jessica,” this plan immediately backfires. Then, the unthinkable happens and Karl is stunned. This turns into one of the most embarrassing moments in his life. But all is not lost. If Karl plays his cards right, he could have a winning hand. Karl invites you to come along on this adventure into “Die Stunde der Wahrheit” where...”everyone has a confession” even the teacher!