Three Chicago students, Melissa, Wilf, and Bondi, are unlikely participants in a competition for a ten thousand-dollar scholarship, unaware that there is much more at stake.

Born into a family of over-achievers, fifth-grader Allie Velasco has never finished first in anything, and lately things have been going badly: her science project is ruined by a well-meaning student, her former best friend is hanging out with another girl--but now she is determined to win the Trailblazer contest with a photographic presentation about her great grandfather, the first Congressional Medal of Honor winner from their town.

"Scary-story enthusiast Billy Shivers helps out when the Haunted House of Books threatens to go out of business"--

Tractor Mac enters the tractor pull at the county fair.

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen -- and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice ... and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Arthur's essay wins a contest and he has to read it to the President in a special ceremony at the White House.

When Judy Moody gets serious about protecting the environment, her little brother Stink thinks she is overdoing it, but she manages to inspire her third grade class to undertake an award-winning, environment-saving project.

"Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she's had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad--Emrys Myrddin's epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him--is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin's family announces a contest to redesign the late author's estate, Effy feels certain it's her destiny. But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an...

Dash the Mint Fairy wants to try something new, but still compete for the Sugar Cup, so she decides to switch places with Cocoa and enter the painting event for herself, while Cocoa enters the sled race, usually Dash's forte.

When Phoenix's friends decide to hold a talent contest to find the most talented animal in the forest, Phoenix discovers his friends are better than him at everything they do.