Book excerpt: Alexander Bopp is ready to battle Stermont's biggest monster yet -- the P-Rex! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In this fifth book, Alexander stumbles into a VERY large footprint. And his friend Rip keeps finding candy in the street. What kind of monster leaves HUGE footprints behind? And where is all the candy coming from? Alexander, Rip, and Nikki must find out fast--before it's too late! This book is filled with humor, suspense, and zany black-and-white illustrations throughout!