Kate Messner Reading Order

2 books (2015–2018)

Kate Messner's Anthologies series consists of two complete collections published between 2015 and 2018. These young adult anthologies blend non-fiction and action-adventure elements across their entries. Read the books in publication order, beginning with Been There, Done That followed by The Creativity Project.

Start with Been There, Done That and read in order.

#	Title
1	Been There, Done That 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	The Creativity Project 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

46 books (1998–2025)

Candlewick Sparks is an ongoing collection of 46 early reader books published from 1998 to 2025, featuring multiple characters and storylines across various authors and illustrators. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Zelda and Ivy and progressing through diverse tales that include friendship adventures, animal characters, and gentle life lessons suitable for beginning readers. Each book stands alone while contributing to the broader catalog of accessible fiction for young elementary students.

Start with Zelda and Ivy(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky), the first of 46 books in the Candlewick Sparks series.

#	Title
1	Zelda and Ivy(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky) 1998Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Zelda and Ivy and the Boy Next Door(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky) 1999Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Zelda and Ivy: One Christmas(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky) 2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Tales from the Waterhole(By: Bob Graham) 2004Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Ant and Honey Bee(By: Megan McDonald) 2005Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Houndsley and Catina(By: James Howe) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	The Monster in the Backpack(By: Noah Z. Jones,Lisa Moser) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Zelda and Ivy: The Runaways(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky) 2006Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Squirrel's World(By: Valeri Gorbachev,Lisa Moser) 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Annie and Simon(By: Catharine O'Neill) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise(By: James Howe,Marie-Louise Gay) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time(By: Marie-Louise Gay) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	The Quiet Time(By: James Howe) 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels: Candlewick Sparks(By: Frank Remkiewicz,Jamie Michalak) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Zelda and Ivy: Keeping Secrets(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky) 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	A Pair of Friends at Halloween(By: Megan McDonald) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Zelda and Ivy: The Big Picture(By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky) 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Houndsley and Catina Plink and Plunk(By: James Howe,Marie-Louise Gay) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
19	Joe and Sparky, Superstars!(By: Frank Remkiewicz,Jamie Michalak) 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
20	Horse Meets Girl(By: Jessie Haas) 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
21	A Pair of Friends in Winter(By: Megan McDonald) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
22	Annie and Simon: The Sneeze and Other Stories(By: Catharine O'Neill) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
23	Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends at Halloween(By: Megan McDonald) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
24	Bramble and Maggie: Horse Meets Girl(By: Jessie Haas) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
25	Give and Take(By: Jessie Haas) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
26	Joe And Sparky Get New Wheels(By: Frank Remkiewicz,Jamie Michalak) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
27	Joe and Sparky Go to School(By: Frank Remkiewicz,Jamie Michalak) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
28	Monkey and Elephant Get Better(By: Carole Lexa Schaefer) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
29	Squirrel's Fun Day(By: Valeri Gorbachev,Lisa Moser) 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
30	Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends in Winter(By: Megan McDonald) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
31	Monkey and Elephant Go Gadding(By: Carole Lexa Schaefer) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
32	Rabbit And Robot: The Sleepover(By: Cece Bell) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
33	Spooky Season(By: Jessie Haas) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
34	Monkey and Elephant and a Secret Birthday Surprise(By: Carole Lexa Schaefer) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
35	Poppy the Pirate Dog and the Missing Treasure(By: Liz Kessler) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
36	Monkey and Elephant and the Babysitting Adventure(By: Carole Lexa Schaefer) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
37	Rabbit and Robot and Ribbit(By: Cece Bell) 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
38	Bramble and Maggie: Snow Day(By: Jessie Haas,Alison Friend) 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
39	Joe and Sparky, Party Animals!(By: Jamie Michalak) 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
40	Through the Seasons(By: James Howe) 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
41	Frank and Bean(By: Bob Kolar,Jamie Michalak) 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
42	Fergus and Zeke and the Field Day Challenge 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
43	Fergus and Zeke at the Science Fair 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
44	Frank and Bean: Food Truck Fiasco(By: Bob Kolar,Jamie Michalak) 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
45	Fergus and Zeke for President 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
46	The Cave and Other Stories(By: Jarvis) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

1 book (2026–2026)

6 books (2017–2024)

Kate Messner's Fergus and Zeke series comprises six books published between 2017 and 2024, with the series remaining ongoing. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Fergus and Zeke and continuing through Fergus and Zeke and the Great Farm Field Trip. This action and adventure series is ideal for young readers who enjoy stories centered around school challenges, competitions, and outdoor activities.

Start with Fergus and Zeke, the first of 6 books in the Fergus and Zeke series.

#	Title
1	Fergus and Zeke 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Fergus and Zeke and the Field Day Challenge 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Fergus and Zeke and the 100th Day of School 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Fergus and Zeke at the Science Fair 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Fergus and Zeke for President 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Fergus and Zeke and the Great Farm Field Trip 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

7 books (2014–2020)

The Hands-On STEM series comprises seven nonfiction books published between 2014 and 2020, offering young readers practical experiments and activities across various science and technology disciplines. Each book in the series can be enjoyed independently, though reading them in publication order allows readers to progress through different STEM topics including general science experiments, edible science, extreme challenges, dog science, coding, engineering, and forensics. The series is now complete and combines hands-on learning with actionable projects designed to engage problem-solvers and curious young minds.

Start with Try This!(By: Karen Romano Young), the first of 7 books in the Hands-On STEM series.

#	Title
1	Try This!(By: Karen Romano Young) 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Edible Science: Experiments You Can Eat(By: Carol Tennant) 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Try This! Extreme(By: Karen Romano Young) 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Dog Science Unleashed(By: Jodi Wheeler-Toppen) 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, and Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You(By: Jennifer Szymanski) 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Make This!(By: Ella Schwartz) 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Solve This! Forensics 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

13 books (2020–2026)

The History Smashers series is an ongoing collection of thirteen young adult nonfiction books that debunk common misconceptions about pivotal historical events and figures. Published between 2020 and 2026, each standalone entry examines a different topic, from the Mayflower and Pearl Harbor to the Salem Witch Trials and the Space Race. Readers should follow the publication order to experience how author Kate Messner systematically corrects myths across American and world history. The series combines action and adventure with factual storytelling to engage young readers in discovering what really happened.

Start with History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote, the first of 13 books in the History Smashers series.

#	Title
1	History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Pearl Harbor 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	The Mayflower 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Women's Right To Vote 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Plagues and Pandemics 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	The American Revolution 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	The Titanic 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	The Underground Railroad 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Christopher Columbus and the Taino People 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Salem Witch Trials 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Ancient Egypt 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Earth Day and the Environment 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	The Space Race 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2011–2014)

The Marty McGuire series comprises three complete books published between 2011 and 2014 by Kate Messner. This young adult adventure series should be read in publication order, beginning with Marty McGuire, followed by Marty McGuire Digs Worms!, and concluding with Marty McGuire Has Too Many Pets!

Start with Marty McGuire and read in order.

#	Title
1	Marty McGuire 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Marty McGuire Digs Worms! 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Marty McGuire Has Too Many Pets! 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

7 books (2019–2023)

Kate Messner's non-fiction series consists of seven books published between 2019 and 2023, covering topics ranging from nature and wildlife to writing instruction and craft. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Insect Superpowers. These books blend action and adventure with educational content suitable for young adult readers, including titles on forensic science, animal tracking, and practical writing guidance for both students and teachers.

Start with Insect Superpowers, the first of 7 books in the Non-Fiction series.

#	Title
1	Insect Superpowers 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	How to Write a Story 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Solve This! Forensics 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Tracking Pythons 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Tracking Tortoises 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	59 Reasons to Write: Mini-Lessons, Prompts, and Inspiration for Teachers 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Real Revision: Authors' Strategies to Share with Student Writers 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2007–2008)

Kate Messner's North Country Adventures is a complete two-book series for young adult readers interested in historical action and adventure. Published between 2007 and 2008, the series consists of Spitfire and Champlain and the Silent One, which should be read in publication order. Both titles blend historical fiction with adventure elements set in the North Country region.

Start with Spitfire and read in order.

#	Title
1	Spitfire 2007Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Champlain and the Silent One 2008Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

8 books (2011–2025)

Kate Messner's Over and Under series comprises eight illustrated nonfiction books exploring ecosystems by contrasting above and below perspectives. Published between 2011 and 2025, the series is ongoing and should be read in publication order, beginning with Over and Under the Snow. Each book examines a different environment, from snowy landscapes and gardens to ponds, rainforests, canyons, waves, wetlands, and coral reefs, making them suitable for young readers interested in nature and animal habitats.

Start with Over and Under the Snow, the first of 8 books in the Over and Under series.

#	Title
1	Over and Under the Snow 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Over and Under the Pond 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Over and Under the Rainforest 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Over and Under the Canyon 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Over and Under the Waves 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Over and Under the Wetland 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Over and Under the Coral Reef 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

15 books (2015–2026)

The Picture series by Kate Messner comprises 15 books published between 2015 and 2026, with the series still ongoing. These young adult and nonfiction titles blend action, adventure, and educational content, with several entries featuring collaborative authors. Readers should follow the books in publication order, beginning with How to Read a Story and continuing through The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story.

Start with How to Read a Story, the first of 15 books in the Picture series.

#	Title
1	How to Read a Story 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Tree of Wonder 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Rolling Thunder 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	The Brilliant Deep 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Over and Under the Rainforest 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	The Next President 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Dr. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America's Doctor(With: Alexandra Bye) 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Sloth Wasn't Sleepy 2021Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Only the Best(With: Margaret E. Powell) 2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Once Upon a Book(With: Grace Lin) 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	The Scariest Kitten in the World(With: MacKenzie Haley) 2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	First Ascent 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Axolotl-Ella: A Sort-of Cinderella Story 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Camp Monster 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

12 books (2015–2020)

The Ranger in Time series consists of 12 complete books published between 2015 and 2020, blending action and adventure with historical education. Each standalone entry follows characters through pivotal moments in history, from ancient Rome to contemporary events, and should be read in publication order beginning with Danger in Ancient Rome. The series combines young adult fiction with nonfiction elements to bring real historical events to life through engaging narratives.

Start with Danger in Ancient Rome, the first of 12 books in the Ranger in Time series.

#	Title
1	Danger in Ancient Rome 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Long Road to Freedom 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Rescue on the Oregon Trail 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Race to the South Pole 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	Escape from the Great Earthquake 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	Journey through Ash and Smoke 2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	D-Day: Battle on the Beach 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Hurricane Katrina Rescue 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Disaster on the Titanic 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Night of Soldiers and Spies 2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Attack on Pearl Harbor 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Escape From The Twin Towers 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

2 books (2011–2013)

Kate Messner's Sea Monster series consists of two completed books published between 2011 and 2013. Both books should be read in publication order, beginning with Sea Monster's First Day followed by Sea Monster and the Bossy Fish. This young adult action and adventure series blends non-fiction elements throughout its narrative.

Start with Sea Monster's First Day and read in order.

#	Title
1	Sea Monster's First Day 2011Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Sea Monster And The Bossy Fish 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2012–2014)

The Silver Jaguar Society Mysteries is a completed three-book young adult series by Kate Messner featuring action and adventure across contemporary settings. Published between 2012 and 2014, the series comprises Capture the Flag, Hide and Seek, and Manhunt. Readers should follow the books in publication order to experience the interconnected narratives and character development. This series blends mystery and adventure elements to engage young readers seeking fast-paced storytelling.

Start with Capture the Flag and read in order.

#	Title
1	Capture the Flag 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Hide and Seek 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Manhunt 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

11 books (2009–2027)

Kate Messner's collection of standalone novels spans from 2009 to 2025 with ten books that blend young adult fiction, adventure, and thoughtful storytelling. Each novel stands independently with its own characters and plot, allowing readers to begin anywhere, though publication order is recommended to follow the author's development over time. The series remains ongoing, with titles including The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z., Sugar and Ice, Eye of the Storm, Wake Up Missing, The Exact Location of Home, All the Answers, The Seventh Wish, Breakout, Chirp, and The Trouble with Heroes, concluding with Keep the Ghost Light On. Messner's works often feature young protagonists navigating complex situations across various genres from environmental adventure to contemporary coming-of-age narratives.

Start with The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z., the first of 10 books in the Standalone Novels series.

#	Title
1	The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. 2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Sugar and Ice 2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Eye of the Storm 2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Wake Up Missing 2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	The Exact Location of Home 2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	All the Answers 2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	The Seventh Wish 2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Breakout 2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Chirp 2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	The Trouble with Heroes 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Keep the Ghost Light On 2027Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

21 books (2024–2026)

The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class is an ongoing series of 12 books launched in 2024 and continuing through 2026, with each installment following a different student from the same classroom. Created by Kate Messner in collaboration with various authors and illustrators, the series should be read in publication order beginning with Emma McKenna, Full Out. Each book stands alone as a complete story while contributing to a shared universe of young characters discovering their talents and passions.

Start with Emma McKenna, Full Out, the first of 12 books in the The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class series.

#	Title
1	Emma McKenna, Full Out 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	Poppy Song Bakes a Way(By: Karina Glaser) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	Poppy Song Bakes a Way(By: Kat Fajardo,Karina Glaser) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4	Rohan Murthy Has a Plan(By: Rajani LaRocca) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5	The Legend of Memo Castillo(By: William Alexander) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6	The Legend of Memo Castillo(By: William Alexander,Kat Fajardo) 2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7	Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage(By: Kekla Magoon) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8	Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage(With: Kat Fajardo,Kekla Magoon) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9	Olive Little Gets Crafty(By: Kat Fajardo,Linda Urban) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10	Olive Little Gets Crafty(By: Linda Urban) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11	Synclaire Fields Knows the Score(By: Kat Fajardo,Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12	Synclaire Fields Knows the Score(By: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
13	Theo Chang Is Not a Cat(By: Mike Jung) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
14	Thunder Nelson Does the Impossumble(By: Martha Brockenbrough) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
15	Thunder Nelson Does the Impossumble(With: Kat Fajardo,Martha Brockenbrough) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
16	Wyatt Hill Brings a Lizard to School(By: Eliot Schrefer) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
17	Wyatt Hill Brings a Lizard to School(By: Kat Fajardo,Eliot Schrefer) 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
18	Fia Hosein Finds Her Beat(By: Tracey Baptiste) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
19	Fia Hosein Finds Her Beat(With: Kat Fajardo,Tracey Baptiste) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
20	Sebastian Metzger Solves a Sticky Situation(By: Kyle Lukoff) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
21	Sebastian Metzger Solves a Sticky Situation(With: Kat Fajardo,Kyle Lukoff) 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

3 books (2025–2026)

Kate Messner's Wildlife Rescue series consists of three books published between 2025 and 2026, with the series ongoing. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with How to Save an Otter, followed by How to Save an Owl, and How to Save a Tortoise. This young adult action and adventure series combines elements of non-fiction with engaging storytelling.

Start with How to Save an Otter and read in order.

#	Title
1	How to Save an Otter 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2	How to Save an Owl 2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3	How to Save a Tortoise 2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible