UNITED WE RISE features four distinct stories "dreamed up" with 80 fourth graders at Larchmont Elementary School in Mount Laurel, NJ. The stories, written by author S F Hochman based on the students' plotting and characters, carve out highly creative paths to welcome new and very different kinds of students to the mythical Mont Larch School. Larchmont Elementary plans to use the book to introduce students to their values and the "Larchmont family." That said, you do not have to be a Mount Laurel student to enjoy and learn from these stories. In fact, you don't even have to be a fourth grader. All you need is a good imagination, an open heart, an offbeat sense of humor, and about an hour per story to read and contemplate. In "Haht Dauhg & Mustard," a new child arrives from a far away land with strange clothing and customs. Hahtvashtigubba Dauhg is friendly and kind, yet something about him ruffles the easily ruffled Margitte Mustardi, who is also fairly new and different. She resists and ridicules Haht day after day until she flushes out a dark secret. Once his past becomes known, both Haht and Margitte are changed and seemingly linked forever. "Vote for Chubbee" is a fantasy about an an overly curious student who on his way to school happens upon a simultaneously disturbing and lovable character. While some kids join Nick in welcoming this charismatic character, others fear him. The sides collide and a major battle ensues. "Borscht " could have just as rightly been titled "Even Geniuses Make Mistakes." It evolves from the idea that in the absence of information, rumors fill the void. In this case, some of the brightest and best intentioned students create problems when they rush to judge someone. Is what they think true? Or is it just a bunch of baloney or in this case... Borscht "United We Rise " is also the school's credo. In this fable, a very, very different student, perceived to be the enemy of the others, is invited to school by the esteemed master teacher. Only one student, little Dalabani, dares to befriend the different one. Against great odds, they demonstrate that through ACCEPTANCE, COOPERATION, KINDNESS... United We Rise This book is supplemented by comprehension and vocabulary games that can be accessed online. For more information, visit www.doandyouwilllearn.com"