A unique new early-chapter series — The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class — has just hit bookshelves.
This series will feature 18 books about 18 kids who have in total 18 secrets. Each book is written by a different author about a different kid in the same third-grade class. Each book’s main character then becomes a supporting character in subsequent books in the series.
The first two books, Emma McKenna, Full Out, by Kate Messner, and Rohan Murthy Has a Plan, by Rajani LaRocca, published April 30 in hardcover ($15.99), paperback ($6.99), eBook ($6.99) and audio ($14.95). The next two books, Poppy Song Bakes a Way, by Karina Yan Glaser, and The Legend of Memo Castillo, by William Alexander, have a release date of Oct. 8. Kat Fajardo is the series illustrator.
By design, the utilization of 18 different authors ensures that the series reflects the diversity of classrooms in America today.
As an early-chapter series, readers can expect short chapters with accessible language and lots of fun illustrations. Each book is just over 100 pages, making them inviting for kids who are moving out of picture books and early readers, but aren’t quite ready for a full-on novel.
Both Messner and LaRocca write with ease. Their text is full of energy and excitement. Their writing is perfectly tailored for the intended audience. So, too are the illustrations that not only celebrate the main characters, but give kids a glimpse of students who will be featured later on. Readers will especially be drawn to the books’ front pages, which feature pictures of each of the 18 kids in Mrs. Z’s class.
Learn more about the first two books below.
EMMA MCKENNA, FULL OUT, by Kate Messner and Kat Fajardo, Algonquin Young Readers, April 30, 2024, Paperback, $6.99 (ages 6-9)
Emma McKenna can’t wait for third grade at the brand-new Curiosity Academy. She’ll have a cool teacher who wears high-tops and science earrings. She’ll meet interesting classmates from all over Peppermint Falls. Best of all, she’ll get a fresh start after last year’s talent-show disaster left her with that awful nickname. It’s going to be the best year ever!
Then Lucy walks into Mrs. Z’s room. Lucy, Emma’s best-friend-turned-enemy. Lucy, who gave Emma that nickname and spread it all over school! Emma’s fresh start is doomed . . . unless she can make friends before Lucy ruins everything.
So Emma sets out to be pals with everyone, just like her favorite animal, the capybara. As her classmates argue over the choice of a new school mascot, Emma stays quiet and doesn’t pick sides. (The last thing she needs is another enemy.) But maybe speaking up could be the thing that helps her really connect with her class—and saves her at last from third-grade doom. —Synopsis provided by Algonquin Young Readers
ROHAN MURTHY HAS A PLAN, by Rajani LaRocca and Kat Fajardo, Algonquin Young Readers, April 30, 2024, Paperback, $6.99 (ages 6-9)
Rohan Murthy dreams of running a successful business like his creative and kind mom. When Mrs. Z announces that Curiosity Academy needs to raise money for a school garden, Rohan sees the chance to launch his dreams right away! He’ll start a pet care company to help the people of Peppermint Falls look after their dogs, hamsters, fish, snakes, lizards . . . anything but cats. With hard work, some glittery posters, and the help of his friends from Mrs. Z’s class, Rohan knows he can do a lot for the school garden.
His parents point out just one small problem: Rohan has never taken care of an animal before. They think he doesn’t even like touching animals. (There is a reason cats aren’t on his list.) To prove his parents wrong, Rohan volunteers to spend a weekend watching over Honey, the class guinea pig. But Honey appears surprisingly anxious, which makes Rohan nervous as well. When his big dreams meet his secret fears, what will Rohan do? —Synopsis provided by Algonquin Young Readers
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
