The Kids in Mrs. Z's class: Emma McKenna, full out by Kate Messner

 This is a new beginning chapter series, featuring different kids, and written by different, well-known middle grade authors. The series starts with Emma McKenna, a white girl who is excited to be starting third grade at a new school, Curiosity Academy. She's especially glad to leave behind her falling out and mean nickname with her old friend Lucy. So she's shocked when Lucy shows up as a new student on her first day!

Emma is now nervous about what Lucy might say about her and intimidated by the other kids, who all seem much more interesting and talented than she is. Her new class has some growing pains too, as a fun activity, to choose a new school mascot, quickly turns into an angry competition. Emma wishes they could all just be like capybaras, friendly and relaxed, but she finds relief from the tensions at school in her cheerleading activities.

After lots of ups and downs, Emma ends the story with new friends and, if not a reconciliation with Lucy, at least a truce and a relaxation of tensions.

Messner is a strong all-around juvenile author and she perfectly captures the stresses and challenges of third grade life. The class is small, 18 kids, but that's not unusual for what sounds like a private or charter school. There are no dramatic denouements, but a steady series of events as the kids work through difficulties and arguments, interact with adults, and pursue their interests.

Verdict: This is a strong series starter and will interest kids who like realistic stories. Group cast series, like the old Kids of the Polk Street School, have long fallen out of favor but this series with updated details and a diverse cast should revive the genre.

ISBN: 9781523525720; Paperback, $4.40 on Baker & Taylor (Reinforced $15.19)

Published April 2024 by Algonquin; Added to library order backlist