Chapter Books

Jada Jones: Rock Star #1

Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in this easy-to-read chapter book.

When Jada Jones’s best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She’d much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add to her collection, since finding rocks is much easier than finding friends. So when Jada’s teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals, Jada finally feels like she’s in her element. The only problem: one of her teammates doesn’t seem to like any of Jada’s ideas. She doesn’t seem to like Jada all that much, either. Can Jada figure out a way to make a winning science project and a new friend?

The early chapter book bridges between leveled readers and chapter books for fluent readers adjusting to the chapter book format. At about 5,000 words, with short chapters and two-color art on almost every page, it will appeal to this unique reader. The two-color art throughout will help readers transition from the familiar four-color art of leveled readers and ease them into black-and-white chapter books.

Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star:

“Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere.” —Kirkus

“Readers who love “Ivy and Bean” or “Katie Woo” will want to meet Jada Jones.” —School Library Journal

Amazon Teachers’ Pick
Wisconsin State Reading Association’s Just One More Page Recommendation List
Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Honor Book for Transitional Fiction
Everybody Wins! Book List
Scholastic Book Club

Author Kelly Starling Lyons on Daring to Shine Like Jada Jones | Brightly (readbrightly.com)

Educator Guide

Jada Jones: Rock Star & Jada Jones: Class Act

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Chapter Books

What readers say:

I bought this book for my daughter and I think she read it in one sitting. She says she loved it!

— Robyn Roberts

Jada Jones: Rock Star #1

My son is 7 and can read higher level books but still prefers books with some pictures when he reads on his own. This is a great story and reader for those easing out of graphic novels into more text in books that quick reads. We loved reading about Willie O’Ree and started watching Soul on Ice to learn more. We’re big fans of this author.

— AG

Miles Lewis: King of the Ice #1

This book profiles the uplifting voice of an activist worth recognizing in her own right [and] Lyons manages to weave in a healthy amount of emotion into this account . . . A brief but effective account of not-often-taught figure that would nicely complement curriculum units on the Civil Rights Movement.

— School Library Journal

She Persisted: Coretta Scott King

Ms. Lyons has written a sensational book that will inspire and uplift all readers regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.

— Elwood Scales III

NEATE Book 4: Eddie’s Ordeal

This was purchased for my 9 year old. She has been enjoying the Jada series.

— James Whitt III

Jada Jones: Class Act #2

An honest, inspiring STEM-focused story starring an incredibly relatable future scientist.

— Kirkus

Miles Lewis: Whiz Kid #2

I was so enthralled with Eddie’s Ordeal. There are so few books for youth that explore the communication between fathers and sons. This book crosses cultural boundaries as it addresses the commonalities in relationships with Dads and their sons and the importance of developing understanding between generations. It is a foundation builder and an uplifting story for children.

— Deborah Pollard

NEATE Book 4: Eddie’s Ordeal

I purchased the Jada Jones series book 1-4, for my 9 year old granddaughter she read all 4 of them the same day of delivery. She asked if the series was continuing I asked her to reread then complete a book report which she has done for all 4 books.

— Santa Price

Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist #3

Another great addition to this heartwarming series that introduces young readers to STEM activities along with a lesson about giving back to one’s community.

— School Library Journal

Miles Lewis: Matchmaker #3

Like the overall plot! Good book for my 8 year old daughter.

— Kierra

Jada Jones: Dancing Queen #4

The books are for my granddaughter and she loves them.

— Priscilla Poitier

Jada Jones: Sky Watcher #5

For my 3rd grader – pretty easy breezy, but interesting! Nice job!!

— zenstella

Jada Jones: Nature Lover #6

Other Books

Chapter Books

Jada Jones: Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in these easy-to-read chapter books.

Miles Lewis: From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans!

She Persisted: Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds.

NEATE: Naimah, Elizabeth, Anthony, Tayesha and Eddie are the friends who make up NEATE. In this installment, Eddie and his dad are at odds. Eddie thinks his dad expects too much. His dad thinks Eddie works too little. Will they ever get along?