• Age: 5 to 7
• Grade: k to 2

Priya plans a henna-night party that is out-of-this-world in the second 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 party-planning business is hired to put together a henna-night party for teenagers! Priya gets more and more nervous as she struggles to find a theme for the party. What do TEENAGERS like?! All she knows for sure is that this party will help save endangered pangolins! So can Priya create a perfect henna-night party or will it be a flop?

With speech bubbles, easy-to-read text, and vibrant artwork on every page, this series is perfect for newly independent readers!

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 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

• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre

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