• Age: 5 to 7
• Grade: k to 2

In the third installment of this full-color early chapter book series, Priya plans a top-secret anniversary party and helps save manatees!

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 mom wants to surprise Priya’s dad with an anniversary party. So Priya gets right to work, making party plans and crafting DIY decorations with help from her best friend Melissa. But Priya finds it hard to keep a secret inside her own house, especially with her dad always being curious about EVERYTHING. Can Priya keep her dad from spoiling the surprise AND make it her parents’ best anniversary ever?

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 decorative cardboard hearts 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

• 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