Jada Jones by Kelly Starling Lyons (2019-2022)

Jada Jones is the perfect chapter book series for a 2nd or 3rd grader to devour on their own. I read this aloud to my Kindergartner and she loved it! She keeps asking for more Jada Jones. Jada Jones is an illustrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) chapter book. There are currently 6 books in the series. I love the first book in the series, “Jada Jones: Rock Star.” We meet Jada, who loves to collect rocks with her best friend. Sadly, her best friend moves away and Jada is forced to branch out and make new friends. She struggles to find friends who are equally as passionate about rock collecting and science in general. When she makes new friends, she learns that she can show them her passion for science, but she also must take an interest in some of their hobbies. My kids and I love to go “rock hunting” so my daughter and I immediately connected with this book!

Heart: My favorite thing about this series is how seamlessly it blends science themes and friendship dilemmas. In “Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist,” Jada has the “perfect” sleepover planned! But, it turns out that not all of the friends are excited about the “Best Friends Lab!” Jada learns that she must also consider her friends’ opinions when planning social activities. There are lots of great teachable social-emotional moments - it’s not just science! :) 

Head: This is a great book for kids who are just starting to get into reading chapter books independently and often - there are 6 books in the series, the vocabulary is great for a 2nd or 3rd grader. If your child loves Ivy & Bean, I would highly recommend this - I love books that give kids creative science ideas to do at home and school!