Have you ever needed to call 9-1-1, but you couldn't get to a phone? Have you ever needed to run, but your legs were like spaghetti? Have you ever needed to yell "help!" but your throat was dry with fear?Laugh, cry, and panic with Mr. Magro's class as they listen to twelve exciting SOS talesThroughout the year, twelve of Mr. Magro's students have written about their biggest emergencies and tucked them into the SOS file. Now it's time to read the stories out loud and try to guess whose contribution has not earned extra credit. Sit back and enjoy twelve humorously illustrated stories that are sure to keep your heart thumping.The SOS File is a 2005 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Betsy Byars is a recipient of the Newbery Medal, and her two daughters, Laurie Myers and Betsy Duffey, are also well-known authors of a number of successful middle-grade novels. Their first collaboration was the popular My Dog, My Hero, illustrated by Loren Long. Ms. Myers's previous book with Holt is Lewis and Clark and Me.Arthur Howard, an illustrator of note, is best known as the illustrator of the Mr. Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant. He has also written and illustrated three picture books of his own, including When I Was Five, an ABA Pick of the Lists. He lives in New York City.