Maya's Story — Christine Heppermann; Ron Koertge

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.