Meet Gracie Wei—a go-getting fourth grader who's determined to win it all at her school’s spelling bee competition! A charming new chapter book series for fans of Ivy and Bean or Dory Fantasmagory.Gracie Wei wants nothing more than to make it onto the Wei’s Special Wall, which displays awards from every family member, even her baby brother—all except for Gracie. Which is why she
must win the Grapevine Elementary 4th Grade Class Spelling Bee competition.
Gracie has studied hard, there's just one problem—well, person—in her way. And her name is Elena Yarberry, who’s had it out for Gracie since kindergarten. Can Gracie finally beat Elena and earn a coveted spot on the Wei’s Special Wall?
In a day full of ups and downs, Gracie will learn what it truly means to be special and that winning may be different from what she expected.
Kristen Mei Chase is known for her writing about family life, relationships, and modern motherhood. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, NBCNews.com and more. She is the co-founder of the Cool Mom Picks Network, which includes the award-winning podcast, SPAWNED, which reaches millions of moms every month. Kristen is also a frequent guest on various television news shows like NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, HLN, and CNN.
Kristen's books include her debut novel,
A Thousand Miles to Graceland, her forthcoming debut children’s picture book
We Are American, Too, and her debut children’s chapter book series, Gracie Wei. Along with writing, Kristen can be found driving around her four kids, and taking care of two dogs, one lizard, and a very loud bird in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Basia Tran is a Polish-Vietnamese children's book illustrator based in Jersey City, NJ, where she lives with her husband Evan, baby Naomi, and puppy Latke. With graphite and pixes she creates illustrations that share her love of lore and laughter. Other times, she explores the world, visiting family, bouldering gyms, and indulging in local cuisines and teas.
"Gracie Wei’s single-minded pursuit to please her family and the pressure she puts on herself
will resonate with young readers, as will the affirming depictions of the lasting effects of loving support." —
Publishers Weekly
