Book Review: The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class books 1 and 2

Publisher’s description for Emma McKenna, Full Out (The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class #1) by Kate Messner, Kat Fajardo (Illustrator)

From a New York Times bestselling author, cheerleader Emma McKenna is thrilled for her first day at a new school–but when her former best friend (now her enemy) shows up in class, Emma’s quest to start over socially may take a tumble.

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.

Both sweetly poignant in its attention to kids’ worries and friendships and laugh-out-loud funny in its storytelling, with black-and-white illustrations throughout by Pura Belpré Honor artist Kat Fajardo, Emma McKenna, Full Out is the perfect launch for the exciting new Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class chapter-book series.

Publisher’s description for Rohan Murthy Has a Plan (The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class #2)
by Rajani LaRocca, Kat Fajardo (Illustrator)

A creative kid with ambitious dreams of launching his own pet business starts babysitting the class guinea pig in this big-hearted story from an award-winning author.

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? 

Amanda’s thoughts

When I was growing up, I was obsessed with the series Polk Street School by Patricia Reilly Giff. This new series is giving PSS vibes. I absolutely love that each book is written by a different author and I love how diverse the classroom is. I read these books on a sick day and I wished I had the whole series in front of me to burn through at once.

In Emma McKenna, Full Out, Emma has to figure out how to be friends with everyone at her new school while not letting an old nemesis ruin things for her fresh start. Emma has a BIG personality and works to learn the best way to share her thoughts and make new friends. In Rohan Murthy Has a Plan, Rohan has a great plan to start a petsitting business to help raise funds for a project at school. The only problem is that he’s never taken care of a pet before. And doesn’t really like or feel comfortable with many animals.

The great thing about both books is they showcase kids working together and supporting each other. I’m enjoying meeting their classroom community and starting to get to know each child. Also, their teacher is cool. I can’t wait for young readers to get to discover this awesome new series!

Review copies (ARCs) courtesy of the publisher

Emma McKenna

ISBN-13: 9781523525713
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Publication date: 04/30/2024
Series: The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class #1
Age Range: 6 – 9 Years

Rohan Murthy

ISBN-13: 9781523526581
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Publication date: 04/30/2024
Series: The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class #2
Age Range: 6 – 9 Years

Filed under: Book Reviews