Kat Fajardo

Synclaire Fields has always known exactly who she is: the Math Kid in Mrs. Z's class. She gets perfect marks on every single quiz, helps her classmates master tricky concepts, and loves showing off her skills after school at her parents' store. But everything changes when she gets two answers wrong on a test. If she is not the Math Kid anymore, who is she? Determined to find a brand new talent, Synclaire sets out on a quest to discover what comes next. Could she be a piano prodigy? A board game champion? A roller skating star? While trying out new hobbies is exciting, she cannot help but feel pulled back to the numbers she loves so much. With the support of her friends and a lot of laughs along the way, Synclaire must figure out if it is okay to make mistakes. Step into Mrs. Z's classroom for a hilarious and heartwarming story about trying new things, leaning on your friends, and discovering that you do not have to be perfect to be amazing.

Rohan Murthy has massive dreams of running a wildly successful business, just like his incredibly creative mom. When his teacher announces that the school needs to raise money for a brand-new garden, Rohan knows exactly what to do. He decides to launch a pet care company to look after the local dogs, hamsters, fish, and lizards, basically anything except cats! Armed with determination and some very sparkly posters, Rohan is ready to succeed. There is just one tiny problem: Rohan has never actually taken care of an animal before, and he is secretly a bit nervous around them. Determined to prove his parents wrong, he volunteers to watch over Honey, the school's guinea pig, for the entire weekend. But when Honey turns out to be surprisingly anxious, Rohan's fears begin to surface. He must learn to stay calm, face his worries, and prove he has what it takes to be a great pet sitter.

Ayana Ndoum has always preferred blending into the background, but staying out of the spotlight is no longer an option. Her class is hosting a major variety show, and every student is required to demonstrate a special skill on stage. While her classmates quickly claim talents like reciting poetry and synchronized swimming, Ayana struggles to figure out an act that feels right for her quiet personality. Finding a talent is only half the battle. To Ayana's horror, her father has decided to sign up as a parent volunteer for the event. He is overly enthusiastic, talks to everyone in the room, and asks a never-ending stream of embarrassing questions. For someone who likes to fly under the radar, having the loudest dad in the auditorium is a total nightmare. With the big performance approaching, Ayana must navigate her father's overwhelming presence and step out of her comfort zone. It is a heartfelt and hilarious journey about finding your own unique way to shine.

Poppy Song knows how to make a classroom feel warmer: share something delicious. In Mrs. Z’s third-grade class at Curiosity Academy, Poppy brings the flavors she learned from her grandmother, Po Po, including pineapple buns, egg tarts, and other special treats. When her classmates ask her to try making Dragon’s Beard candy, Poppy is excited, nervous, and determined. But baking is not the only thing on her mind. Since moving to Peppermint Falls, Po Po has been acting different, misplacing things and mixing up recipes she used to know by heart. Gentle, heartfelt, and full of food and family, this illustrated chapter book follows Poppy as she tries to connect with new classmates while worrying about someone she loves. It is a warm choice for readers who enjoy school stories, family traditions, and characters who show care through creativity.