FROM AMONG THE SHADED ROW HOUSES OF WASHINGTON D.C. rise the weathered brick walls of the United States Marine Corps barracks at 8th and I. For over 200 years the barracks has stood ready to protect the nation's capitol and faultlessly maintained its reputation as the ultimate example of military order and discipline. PFC Dayton Stone feels fortunate to be selected for duty at this most prestigious of posts and sees it as an opportunity to understand for himself what it means to be a "model marine." He soon learns, however, that the barracks' reputation for pomp and perfection is not all it...

Christmas is a time of magic. While children are sleeping peacefully on Christmas Eve, Santa flies around the globe delivering presents. But can he get to everyone?

When fifteen-year-old Nick receives a letter from Santa Claus that changes everything he's been taught, he hopes it's a joke. It can't be true that he's become too old to get any more gifts. How can this be? And this news comes at the worst possible time. His dad moved out, and now his parents are separated. So Nick needs Santa more than ever. He needs Santa to grant him one last wish.

In a bold adventure, Nick...