• Age: 5 to 7
• Grade: k to 2

Priya plans a FIN-tastic sleepover for a new friend and raises money to help the corals, in the fifth installment of this full-color early chapter book series!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Priya’s friend Maddie has asked Priya to plan a sleepover party. Priya is excited -- this is her first sleepover with Maddie! As they plan, Priya learns new things about her friend, including that her parents are divorced and that she has a collection of lucky items and loves mermaids. Together, they come up with a lucky mermaid theme for the party, and they decide it will help save coral! Then they think of fun sleepover activities, such as painting seashells and making charm bracelets. Priya also plans one extra-special surprise for Maddie! This party is going to be FIN-tastic!

With color-coded speech bubbles, an engaging diary format, plenty of humor, and vibrant artwork on every page, this series is perfect for newly independent readers! There's even a fun DIY activity at the back of the book, encouraging kids to make their own zine at home!

MITALI BANERJEE RUTHS a grandi à Houston, au Texas, et rêvait de devenir astronaute. Elle a été gardienne d’enfants, vendeuse de crème glacée et médecin. Elle est l’autrice de l’album illustré Archie Celebrates Diwali, ainsi que de la série de premiers romans Les fêtes de Priya et de la série de premières lectures The Inside Scouts, toutes deux publiées chez Scholastic. Mitali vit à Montréal, au Québec.

MITALI BANERJEE RUTHS grew up in Houston, Texas, and dreamed of becoming an astronaut someday. She has worked as a babysitter, an ice cream seller, and a medical doctor. She is the author of the picture book Archie Celebrates Diwali, the Scholastic Branches early chapter book series The Party Diaries, and the Scholastic Acorn early reader series The Inside Scouts. Mitali lives in Canada with her husband, three kids, and their dog, Tux.

Mitali Banerjee Ruths' profile page

AALIYA JALEEL est une illustratrice indépendante, designer et artiste en développement visuel. Elle est titulaire d’un baccalauréat en arts et technologie de l’Université du Texas à Dallas. Elle signe les illustrations des albums Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhanie, Under My Hijab, et Muslim Girls Rise, ainsi que de la série Les fêtes de Priya, chez Scholastic.

AALIYA JALEEL is a freelance illustrator, designer, and visual development artist. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a BA in Arts & Technology. She is the illustrator of Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, Under My Hijab, Muslim Girls Rise, and the Scholastic Branches series The Party Diaries.

Aaliya Jaleel's profile page

Praise for Awesome Orange Birthday (The Party Diaries #1):

"This series debut aimed at newly independent readers provides short, colorful, diary-style entries with a sweet central character. Strongly recommended." -- School Library Journal

"Priya is a well-rounded, nuanced protagonist whose enthusiasm and anxiety will resonate with readers, and the narrative, peppered with bright images, is fast-moving... A layered, upbeat tale starring a determined, relatable protagonist." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Priya's infectious enthusiasm shines through the diary format... This series opener gets an enjoyable party started for beginning readers." -- Booklist

Praise for Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths:

"This sweet picture book about sharing Diwali will ring true in many households." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A reassuring portrayal of childhood anxieties." -- Booklist