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
I'm reviewing page proofs for HISTORY SMASHERS: THE SPACE RACE today & thought you might like to see this photo of Robert Goddard's first liquid fuel rocket.
On its test flight, it flew about 40 feet and then crashed into his aunt's cabbage patch. #GottaStartSomewhere
On its test flight, it flew about 40 feet and then crashed into his aunt's cabbage patch. #GottaStartSomewhere
January 11, 2026 at 7:55 PM
I'm reviewing page proofs for HISTORY SMASHERS: THE SPACE RACE today & thought you might like to see this photo of Robert Goddard's first liquid fuel rocket.
On its test flight, it flew about 40 feet and then crashed into his aunt's cabbage patch. #GottaStartSomewhere
On its test flight, it flew about 40 feet and then crashed into his aunt's cabbage patch. #GottaStartSomewhere
So @bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social is offering the coolest pre-order gift for our graphic novel CAMP MONSTER - your very own Camp Monster baseball cap!
(But you have to be one of the first 500 to order & send your receipt so maybe get on that today!)
Details are here: www.formpl.us/form/6624384...
(But you have to be one of the first 500 to order & send your receipt so maybe get on that today!)
Details are here: www.formpl.us/form/6624384...
CAMP MONSTER preorder promotion
Preorder to receive your Camp Monster hat!
www.formpl.us
January 11, 2026 at 5:35 PM
So @bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social is offering the coolest pre-order gift for our graphic novel CAMP MONSTER - your very own Camp Monster baseball cap!
(But you have to be one of the first 500 to order & send your receipt so maybe get on that today!)
Details are here: www.formpl.us/form/6624384...
(But you have to be one of the first 500 to order & send your receipt so maybe get on that today!)
Details are here: www.formpl.us/form/6624384...
Thrilled and grateful to learn that OVER AND UNDER THE CORAL REEF is a finalist for @scbwi.bsky.social's Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Nonfiction!
January 11, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Thrilled and grateful to learn that OVER AND UNDER THE CORAL REEF is a finalist for @scbwi.bsky.social's Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Nonfiction!
World Read Aloud Day is coming up in less than a month! Here's a collection of virtual read-alouds to share and a list of author volunteers who will be Zooming into classrooms & libraries that day: katemessner.com/zoom-with-an...
January 8, 2026 at 1:17 AM
World Read Aloud Day is coming up in less than a month! Here's a collection of virtual read-alouds to share and a list of author volunteers who will be Zooming into classrooms & libraries that day: katemessner.com/zoom-with-an...
Reposted by Kate Messner
Check out @lithub.com.web.brid.gy's Most Anticipated Books of 2026 - so many great kids' books to pre-order! lithub.com/the-most-ant...
The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of 2026
Which books will the kids in your life fall in love with this year? We hope there will be lots, but to get your reading list started, we invited nine stellar children’s book creators—authors and il…
lithub.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Check out @lithub.com.web.brid.gy's Most Anticipated Books of 2026 - so many great kids' books to pre-order! lithub.com/the-most-ant...
This makes me SO happy! Books and snacks? Especially when THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is in company of these amazing colleagues books? Delicious and magical.
Our 7th graders had so much fun in their first book club discussions of our #DogEaredBookAward2025 novels. They shared food and objects connected to the novels, prepared interpretive questions, and discussed all of the things! @katemessner.com @jencalonita.bsky.social @heidieys.bsky.social
January 7, 2026 at 6:24 PM
This makes me SO happy! Books and snacks? Especially when THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is in company of these amazing colleagues books? Delicious and magical.
Reposted by Kate Messner
Teachers, librarians, & homeschoolers! It's time to sign up for my January virtual author visit - this one's all about graphic novels & includes a mini make-your-own-monster writing workshop!
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
January 3, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Teachers, librarians, & homeschoolers! It's time to sign up for my January virtual author visit - this one's all about graphic novels & includes a mini make-your-own-monster writing workshop!
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Check out @lithub.com.web.brid.gy's Most Anticipated Books of 2026 - so many great kids' books to pre-order! lithub.com/the-most-ant...
The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of 2026
Which books will the kids in your life fall in love with this year? We hope there will be lots, but to get your reading list started, we invited nine stellar children’s book creators—authors and il…
lithub.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Check out @lithub.com.web.brid.gy's Most Anticipated Books of 2026 - so many great kids' books to pre-order! lithub.com/the-most-ant...
Teachers, librarians, & homeschoolers! It's time to sign up for my January virtual author visit - this one's all about graphic novels & includes a mini make-your-own-monster writing workshop!
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
January 3, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Teachers, librarians, & homeschoolers! It's time to sign up for my January virtual author visit - this one's all about graphic novels & includes a mini make-your-own-monster writing workshop!
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details & registration link are here:
us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Kate Messner
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. ❤️
Reposted by Kate Messner
December 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Reposted by Kate Messner
The Middle Ground at #NTTBF26 will be a blast with Mari Mancusi @marimancusi.bsky.social, Yamile Saied Méndez @yamilesmendez.bsky.social, Kate Messner @katemessner.com, and Chanel Miller!
December 18, 2025 at 8:36 PM
The Middle Ground at #NTTBF26 will be a blast with Mari Mancusi @marimancusi.bsky.social, Yamile Saied Méndez @yamilesmendez.bsky.social, Kate Messner @katemessner.com, and Chanel Miller!
Still looking for the perfect book for someone on your holiday list? Here's a great roundup from @arizonapbs.bsky.social!
azpbs.org/horizon/2025...
azpbs.org/horizon/2025...
Perfect books to gift this holiday season
As the holiday season rolls around, deciding what gifts to buy can feel stressful, but books remain a thoughtful and versatile option.
azpbs.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Still looking for the perfect book for someone on your holiday list? Here's a great roundup from @arizonapbs.bsky.social!
azpbs.org/horizon/2025...
azpbs.org/horizon/2025...
Reposted by Kate Messner
#KidLitChat School Librarian friends!
I have a few openings on my School Librarian Advisory Team for 2026 – if you're interested in taking the occasional survey, getting early copies of new books, & taking a peek behind the scenes of making kids’ books, it might be a good fit for you & your readers! Details: forms.gle/mkA9L5EuvjTu...
Kate Messner's School Librarian Advisory Team
With recent shifts in social media, support for libraries, and school budgets, it feels more challenging than ever to connect kids with books they’ll love. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how au...
forms.gle
December 17, 2025 at 2:23 AM
#KidLitChat School Librarian friends!
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is one of NoveList's Best Books of 2025!
Congrats to all the creators on this list. So many great titles here for all ages - my to-read list just keeps getting longer !
about.ebsco.com/blogs/noveli...
Congrats to all the creators on this list. So many great titles here for all ages - my to-read list just keeps getting longer !
about.ebsco.com/blogs/noveli...
December 16, 2025 at 5:04 PM
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is one of NoveList's Best Books of 2025!
Congrats to all the creators on this list. So many great titles here for all ages - my to-read list just keeps getting longer !
about.ebsco.com/blogs/noveli...
Congrats to all the creators on this list. So many great titles here for all ages - my to-read list just keeps getting longer !
about.ebsco.com/blogs/noveli...
This week I've been prepping for my workshop at the @scbwi.bsky.social Winter Conference, "Nonfiction Glow Up: Crafting Informational Picture Books that Captivate Today’s Readers (and Editors, too!)" Will I see you in NY next month? #SCBWINY26
December 16, 2025 at 4:03 PM
This week I've been prepping for my workshop at the @scbwi.bsky.social Winter Conference, "Nonfiction Glow Up: Crafting Informational Picture Books that Captivate Today’s Readers (and Editors, too!)" Will I see you in NY next month? #SCBWINY26
My friend @laurelsnyder.bsky.social has the most beautiful new book out for Hanukkah and whether you're Jewish or not, I promise reading these poems about darkness and light and finding the quiet will make you feel a little better about the world. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah
Eight Poems for Hanukkah
bookshop.org
December 16, 2025 at 12:41 PM
My friend @laurelsnyder.bsky.social has the most beautiful new book out for Hanukkah and whether you're Jewish or not, I promise reading these poems about darkness and light and finding the quiet will make you feel a little better about the world. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...
Reposted by Kate Messner
Time for #LibFaves25! Day 6 (I missed the weekend).
My 10 will appear in no particular order...
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com
I laughed, I cried, I loved this book!
My 10 will appear in no particular order...
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com
I laughed, I cried, I loved this book!
December 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Time for #LibFaves25! Day 6 (I missed the weekend).
My 10 will appear in no particular order...
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com
I laughed, I cried, I loved this book!
My 10 will appear in no particular order...
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by @katemessner.com
I laughed, I cried, I loved this book!
Reposted by Kate Messner
I have a few openings on my School Librarian Advisory Team for 2026 – if you're interested in taking the occasional survey, getting early copies of new books, & taking a peek behind the scenes of making kids’ books, it might be a good fit for you & your readers! Details: forms.gle/mkA9L5EuvjTu...
Kate Messner's School Librarian Advisory Team
With recent shifts in social media, support for libraries, and school budgets, it feels more challenging than ever to connect kids with books they’ll love. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how au...
forms.gle
December 15, 2025 at 11:28 AM
I have a few openings on my School Librarian Advisory Team for 2026 – if you're interested in taking the occasional survey, getting early copies of new books, & taking a peek behind the scenes of making kids’ books, it might be a good fit for you & your readers! Details: forms.gle/mkA9L5EuvjTu...
I have a few openings on my School Librarian Advisory Team for 2026 – if you're interested in taking the occasional survey, getting early copies of new books, & taking a peek behind the scenes of making kids’ books, it might be a good fit for you & your readers! Details: forms.gle/mkA9L5EuvjTu...
Kate Messner's School Librarian Advisory Team
With recent shifts in social media, support for libraries, and school budgets, it feels more challenging than ever to connect kids with books they’ll love. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how au...
forms.gle
December 15, 2025 at 11:28 AM
I have a few openings on my School Librarian Advisory Team for 2026 – if you're interested in taking the occasional survey, getting early copies of new books, & taking a peek behind the scenes of making kids’ books, it might be a good fit for you & your readers! Details: forms.gle/mkA9L5EuvjTu...
Thrilled to find THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES on @imaginationsoup.bsky.social's Best Middle Grade Books of 2025 list! Sooooo many amazing titles here - including lots of my 2025 favs! imaginationsoup.net/best-middle-...
30 Best Middle Grade Books of 2025 - Imagination Soup
What are my favorite middle grade books of 2025? These are compelling, engaging, well-written books for ages 9 to 12 that will hook your readers on their stories, the character arcs, and the immersive...
imaginationsoup.net
December 13, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Thrilled to find THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES on @imaginationsoup.bsky.social's Best Middle Grade Books of 2025 list! Sooooo many amazing titles here - including lots of my 2025 favs! imaginationsoup.net/best-middle-...
Still holiday shopping? Publishers Weekly has a great roundup of recommended kids' books! www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
It’s a Holiday Smorgasbord of Children’s Books
Booksellers are heralding a cornucopia of holiday and everyday choices for children and teens this December. We checked in with them about which titles are flying off the shelves, from seasonal pictur...
www.publishersweekly.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Still holiday shopping? Publishers Weekly has a great roundup of recommended kids' books! www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Teachers & librarians - it's time to make plans for LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day!
Here's the list of authors & illustrators who have volunteered to Zoom into classrooms & libraries that day - please read info & directions for requesting a visit before emailing! katemessner.com/zoom-with-an...
Here's the list of authors & illustrators who have volunteered to Zoom into classrooms & libraries that day - please read info & directions for requesting a visit before emailing! katemessner.com/zoom-with-an...
Zoom with an Author or Illustrator for World Read Aloud Day 2026! – Kate Messner
katemessner.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Teachers & librarians - it's time to make plans for LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day!
Here's the list of authors & illustrators who have volunteered to Zoom into classrooms & libraries that day - please read info & directions for requesting a visit before emailing! katemessner.com/zoom-with-an...
Here's the list of authors & illustrators who have volunteered to Zoom into classrooms & libraries that day - please read info & directions for requesting a visit before emailing! katemessner.com/zoom-with-an...
Woke up to news that THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES has been selected for the 2026-2027 Texas Lone Star Reading List for middle schoolers! (I didn't know a book could appear on this list AND the Texas Bluebonnet Award List, but I sure am grateful - thank you, Texas librarians!! txla.org/news/2026-lo...
2026 Lone Star Reading List Announced - Texas Library Association
The Lone Star Reading List is developed by public and school librarians from the Texas Library Association’s Young Adult Round Table. The purpose of the list is to encourage students […]
txla.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Woke up to news that THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES has been selected for the 2026-2027 Texas Lone Star Reading List for middle schoolers! (I didn't know a book could appear on this list AND the Texas Bluebonnet Award List, but I sure am grateful - thank you, Texas librarians!! txla.org/news/2026-lo...
Reposted by Kate Messner
Listen to the Children’s bookshelf podcast featuring I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story @lbschool.bsky.social Booth 701 #NCSS2025 radio.wcmu.org/show/the-chi...
The Children's Bookshelf: I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story - January 10, 2022
I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story written by Martha Brockenbrough with Grace Lin and illustrated by Julia Kuo is a true story about one person’s struggle to win his rightful place as an America...
radio.wcmu.org
December 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Listen to the Children’s bookshelf podcast featuring I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story @lbschool.bsky.social Booth 701 #NCSS2025 radio.wcmu.org/show/the-chi...