Maya's Story

The third book of the Backyard Witch series stars a spelling bee almost-champion, an imaginary chicken, and Ms. M, the mysterious witch who always appears when you need her.

From acclaimed authors Christine Heppermann and Ron Koertge, this fun-filled friendship story is just right for fans of Ivy + Bean, Dory Fantasmagory, and Clementine.

Maya has been preparing for the school spelling bee F-O-R-E-V-E-R. She spells every unusual word she hears and even enlists her best friends, Sadie and Jess, to help her practice. But on the day of the bee, something terrible happens--Maya loses. To Sadie.

Enter Ms. M, who is substituting for the school librarian. Ms. M always knows just how to make everyone feel better . . . but she also always brings a little mischief. This time it involves a library poltergeist and an imaginary chicken!

Short chapters filled with illustrator Deborah Marcero's striking, lively black-and-white illustrations make the Backyard Witch series a must-have for young middle grade readers.

Losing to your best friend is tough. But with a little magic from a friendly witch, anything can happen.

• A Relatable School Story: Maya is the best speller in school, until the one person she never expected beats her: her own best friend, Sadie.
• Dealing with Big Feelings: A gentle and funny look at what happens when jealousy gets in the way of friendship, and how to find your way back.
• A Funny Witch: Luckily, the new substitute librarian is Ms. M, a friendly witch who knows that sometimes a little mischief is the best medicine.
• Imaginary Friends: Featuring a mysterious library poltergeist and a very important (and very invisible) chicken named Caitlyn!