Kate Messner
@katemessner.com
NYT bestselling author of 70+ books for kids. Educator. Speaker. Adirondack 46er. Passionately curious. Latest book: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES
www.katemessner.com
www.katemessner.com
Teachers & librarians! If you want to Zoom with an author for World Read Aloud Day, the list of volunteers is going out in my newsletter tomorrow morning - it's not too late to sign up!
Over 200 authors will be Zooming into classrooms & libraries for World Read Aloud Day on 2/4!
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
December 3, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Teachers & librarians! If you want to Zoom with an author for World Read Aloud Day, the list of volunteers is going out in my newsletter tomorrow morning - it's not too late to sign up!
Reposted by Kate Messner
I got to read this book nearly a year ago and called it then… it was going to top all of the lists. This book is heartbreaking, beautiful and hopeful ❤️
And now Kirkus... I have never had a book appear on so many Best Books of the Year lists, and it's honestly a little overwhelming.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
December 2, 2025 at 10:40 PM
I got to read this book nearly a year ago and called it then… it was going to top all of the lists. This book is heartbreaking, beautiful and hopeful ❤️
And now Kirkus AND Evanston Public Library! I have never had a book appear on so many Best Books of the Year lists, and it's honestly a little overwhelming.
Thank you so much to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
Thank you so much to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
December 3, 2025 at 12:48 PM
And now Kirkus AND Evanston Public Library! I have never had a book appear on so many Best Books of the Year lists, and it's honestly a little overwhelming.
Thank you so much to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
Thank you so much to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
Shoutout to the bloggers & Lit-fluencers like Afoma at Reading Middle Grade who make their own Best Books lists and take the care and time to email authors to let them know. Every single time I get an email like this, it absolutely makes my day. ❤️
December 2, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Shoutout to the bloggers & Lit-fluencers like Afoma at Reading Middle Grade who make their own Best Books lists and take the care and time to email authors to let them know. Every single time I get an email like this, it absolutely makes my day. ❤️
And now Kirkus... I have never had a book appear on so many Best Books of the Year lists, and it's honestly a little overwhelming.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
December 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
And now Kirkus... I have never had a book appear on so many Best Books of the Year lists, and it's honestly a little overwhelming.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has shared THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES this year and continues to put it into the hands of just-right readers. ❤️
Thrilled that @childmindinstitute.bsky.social has named THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES as one of the Best Kids' Books about Mental Health in 2025! We need so many more novels that meet kids where they are when it comes to mental health issues. childmind.org/article/the-...
The Best Kids’ Books About Mental Health of 2025 - Child Mind Institute
Explore our favorite 2025 children's books on mental health. Our list covers a variety of topics from ADHD to autism to body image.
childmind.org
December 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Thrilled that @childmindinstitute.bsky.social has named THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES as one of the Best Kids' Books about Mental Health in 2025! We need so many more novels that meet kids where they are when it comes to mental health issues. childmind.org/article/the-...
Reposted by Kate Messner
Over 200 authors will be Zooming into classrooms & libraries for World Read Aloud Day on 2/4!
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
November 25, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Over 200 authors will be Zooming into classrooms & libraries for World Read Aloud Day on 2/4!
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Reposted by Kate Messner
Authors & illustrators! Want to Zoom into classrooms on 2/4/26 to help celebrate LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day? Here's all the info & a link to sign up! katemessner.com/getting-read...
November 4, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Authors & illustrators! Want to Zoom into classrooms on 2/4/26 to help celebrate LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day? Here's all the info & a link to sign up! katemessner.com/getting-read...
Some great holiday gift choices from @goodmenproject.bsky.social - including HISTORY SMASHERS: EARTH DAY & THE ENVIRONMENT! @dylanmeconis.bsky.social @falynnk.bsky.social @randomhousekids.bsky.social goodmenproject.com/featured-con...
14 Incredible New Books to Inspire Your Friends and Family in the Year Ahead
These beautifully produced new books — covering art and photography, cooking, crafts, and more — celebrate our wildlife, health, and sustainable ways to care for our environment.
goodmenproject.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Some great holiday gift choices from @goodmenproject.bsky.social - including HISTORY SMASHERS: EARTH DAY & THE ENVIRONMENT! @dylanmeconis.bsky.social @falynnk.bsky.social @randomhousekids.bsky.social goodmenproject.com/featured-con...
Reminder as we start to talk about panels for next year's NCTE conference: please don't just invite BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creators to be on diversity panels. Invite them to be on panels about craft and STEAM books and history and horror and funny books and and and and... Diverse panels are just better.
November 26, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Reminder as we start to talk about panels for next year's NCTE conference: please don't just invite BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creators to be on diversity panels. Invite them to be on panels about craft and STEAM books and history and horror and funny books and and and and... Diverse panels are just better.
Reposted by Kate Messner
Chapter books, chapter books! Here are my go-to recommendations when people come to the library in search of chapter books. jenny-arch.com/2025/11/25/b... @fuse8.bsky.social @adamrex.bsky.social @shannonhale.bsky.social @katemessner.com
jenny-arch.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Chapter books, chapter books! Here are my go-to recommendations when people come to the library in search of chapter books. jenny-arch.com/2025/11/25/b... @fuse8.bsky.social @adamrex.bsky.social @shannonhale.bsky.social @katemessner.com
As if seeing so many amazing educators and colleagues at #NCTE25 wasn't enough, on Saturday, THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES was named a Charlotte Huck Honor Book for 2026! I'm absolutely thrilled and so, so grateful to the awards committee for recognizing Finn's story. ❤️
November 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
As if seeing so many amazing educators and colleagues at #NCTE25 wasn't enough, on Saturday, THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES was named a Charlotte Huck Honor Book for 2026! I'm absolutely thrilled and so, so grateful to the awards committee for recognizing Finn's story. ❤️
Over 200 authors will be Zooming into classrooms & libraries for World Read Aloud Day on 2/4!
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
November 25, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Over 200 authors will be Zooming into classrooms & libraries for World Read Aloud Day on 2/4!
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Teachers/librarians - Want to be first to see the list so you can book a free visit? It'll go out in my email newsletter in early December! Sign up here: katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
*dances wildly around the kitchen*
Congratulations to the authors of the 2026 Notable Children's Verse Novels, just announced at #NCTE25!
November 24, 2025 at 11:58 PM
*dances wildly around the kitchen*
Note from my editor on the manuscript I'm revising today:
"Just want to confirm - the unicorns skateboard on their hind legs?"
My job is entirely too much fun.
"Just want to confirm - the unicorns skateboard on their hind legs?"
My job is entirely too much fun.
November 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Note from my editor on the manuscript I'm revising today:
"Just want to confirm - the unicorns skateboard on their hind legs?"
My job is entirely too much fun.
"Just want to confirm - the unicorns skateboard on their hind legs?"
My job is entirely too much fun.
Reposted by Kate Messner
@slj.com has released its list of the Best Middle Grade Books of 2025, and TWO titles by authors from The Author Village are included!
Congratulations to all, especially to A WORLD WORTH SAVING by @kylelukoff.bsky.social and THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com.
www.slj.com/story/best-m...
Congratulations to all, especially to A WORLD WORTH SAVING by @kylelukoff.bsky.social and THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com.
www.slj.com/story/best-m...
November 21, 2025 at 10:56 AM
@slj.com has released its list of the Best Middle Grade Books of 2025, and TWO titles by authors from The Author Village are included!
Congratulations to all, especially to A WORLD WORTH SAVING by @kylelukoff.bsky.social and THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com.
www.slj.com/story/best-m...
Congratulations to all, especially to A WORLD WORTH SAVING by @kylelukoff.bsky.social and THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com.
www.slj.com/story/best-m...
If you haven't read Renee Watson's ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY yet, do yourself a favor and pick one up to read & share with kids.
It's beautifully written - and stories about grief are so important at a time when over 10 million children who lost a caregiver in the pandemic are still processing.
It's beautifully written - and stories about grief are so important at a time when over 10 million children who lost a caregiver in the pandemic are still processing.
November 20, 2025 at 11:52 PM
If you haven't read Renee Watson's ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY yet, do yourself a favor and pick one up to read & share with kids.
It's beautifully written - and stories about grief are so important at a time when over 10 million children who lost a caregiver in the pandemic are still processing.
It's beautifully written - and stories about grief are so important at a time when over 10 million children who lost a caregiver in the pandemic are still processing.
I was also utterly charmed by BAD BADGER, written by Mary Rose Wood & illustrated by Giulia Ghigini. This quirky chapter book begs to be read aloud. bookshop.org/p/books/bad-...
Bad Badger: A Love Story
A Love Story
bookshop.org
November 19, 2025 at 10:55 PM
I was also utterly charmed by BAD BADGER, written by Mary Rose Wood & illustrated by Giulia Ghigini. This quirky chapter book begs to be read aloud. bookshop.org/p/books/bad-...
I loved THE LEAVING ROOM by Amber McBride - every book of hers that I've read is just gorgeous and ethereal, as if you're reading something written by a very talented ghost. This one's YA & written in verse. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
The Leaving Room
Check out The Leaving Room - <p><b>**NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST!**<br><br>"Intimate and astonishing."--Jason Reynolds, <i>New York Times </i>Bestselling Author</b><br><b><br>For fans of <i>You've Re...
bookshop.org
November 19, 2025 at 10:52 PM
I loved THE LEAVING ROOM by Amber McBride - every book of hers that I've read is just gorgeous and ethereal, as if you're reading something written by a very talented ghost. This one's YA & written in verse. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
I also thoroughly enjoyed THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST by Audrey Hartman. A little bit creepy, a little bit cozy, and a lot of truly evocative writing. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
Check out The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest - ★ "<b>Heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive." ―<i>Kirkus</i>, starred review</b> <p/><b>In one of the best-reviewed book...
bookshop.org
November 19, 2025 at 10:51 PM
I also thoroughly enjoyed THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST by Audrey Hartman. A little bit creepy, a little bit cozy, and a lot of truly evocative writing. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
I've been catching up on my 2025 reading on recent plane rides & want to share some favorites! First up - THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND by Daniel Nayeri. Like WILL'S FACE FOR HOME by Jewell Parker Rhodes, it's is a master class in writing short MG that delivers the goods. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story
A World War II Story
bookshop.org
November 19, 2025 at 10:49 PM
I've been catching up on my 2025 reading on recent plane rides & want to share some favorites! First up - THE TEACHER OF NOMAD LAND by Daniel Nayeri. Like WILL'S FACE FOR HOME by Jewell Parker Rhodes, it's is a master class in writing short MG that delivers the goods. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
This might be an author-first for me - TWO books on @slj.com's Best Books of 2025 List!! So grateful to the librarians who selected THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES and HISTORY SMASHERS: ANCIENT EGYPT to be part of this amazing collection! www.schoollibraryjournal.com/page/best-bo...
Best Books 2025
We hope that SLJ’s Best Books of 2025, filled with adventurous and fantastical stories, silly and breathtaking picture books, true-crime mysteries and stirring romances, and universally consumed manga...
www.schoollibraryjournal.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
This might be an author-first for me - TWO books on @slj.com's Best Books of 2025 List!! So grateful to the librarians who selected THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES and HISTORY SMASHERS: ANCIENT EGYPT to be part of this amazing collection! www.schoollibraryjournal.com/page/best-bo...
Reposted by Kate Messner
Teachers & librarians! Our list of authors volunteers to Zoom into schools for World Read Aloud Day will be ready in early December so you can start planning.
Want the link a day early? Sign up for my email newsletter & you'll get it in your inbox! katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Want the link a day early? Sign up for my email newsletter & you'll get it in your inbox! katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
November 18, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Teachers & librarians! Our list of authors volunteers to Zoom into schools for World Read Aloud Day will be ready in early December so you can start planning.
Want the link a day early? Sign up for my email newsletter & you'll get it in your inbox! katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Want the link a day early? Sign up for my email newsletter & you'll get it in your inbox! katemessner.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Reposted by Kate Messner
Thank you, Chicago librarians! I couldn't be more honored to have THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES on your Best of the Best Books list for 2025!
And alongside so many amazing colleagues' books, too.
(My library holds list just got a LOT longer - congrats to all!)
www.chipublib.org/news/cpl-bes...
And alongside so many amazing colleagues' books, too.
(My library holds list just got a LOT longer - congrats to all!)
www.chipublib.org/news/cpl-bes...
November 17, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Thank you, Chicago librarians! I couldn't be more honored to have THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES on your Best of the Best Books list for 2025!
And alongside so many amazing colleagues' books, too.
(My library holds list just got a LOT longer - congrats to all!)
www.chipublib.org/news/cpl-bes...
And alongside so many amazing colleagues' books, too.
(My library holds list just got a LOT longer - congrats to all!)
www.chipublib.org/news/cpl-bes...