We are so excited to spotlight Miss Classified by Susan Phelan. This contemporary school story brings challenges and honesty into clear focus. Here’s the back cover blurb:
When Blythe hits 7th Grade, it hits back.
She’s always excelled in school, but now she’s struggling, and she can’t join clubs unless her grades are high enough. Her dad expects her to join Math Club, even though her secret passion is photography. The way things are going, she won’t get to do either one.
But her parents can’t know that.
When Bly teams up with her nemesis Cherie to cheat her way to good grades, she doesn’t expect to keep failing anyway. And the more she cheats, the worse she feels. She’s trapped. Confessing the truth about her grades and cheating might cost her the love of her family, her friends, and her chance at the photography contest she’s dreaming of winning. But the cost of continuing her lies could be even worse.
How can she get her life to come into clear focus like one of her developing pictures?
Susan Phelan weaves a wonderful story of being true to yourself and true to the world at the same time.
Meet Susan Phelan
We want you to get to know our author a bit better. Here’s a video where she introduces herself, tells about where she got the idea for Miss Classified, and gives you a feel for what this story holds.
Meet the Author Susan Phelan
Although this is Susan’s debut novel, she has been entertaining audiences for many years as an actress and a film director. She loves books and embraced this new adventure of writing for kids.
Math Photography Challenge
In Miss Classified, Blythe loves math, but she also has a newly discovered passion for photography. Is it okay to love both? Yes! This activity sheet is a Math Photography Challenge! Print out this downloadable PDF, grab a camera, and see if you can find some math to shoot. Just like Bly, you can work to bring the theme of the photo to be recognized in a unique way.
PDF Math Photography Challenge
I love a middle grade story with imperfect characters. Bly is such a relatable protagonist, who struggles, and stumbles, but laughs and sees the beauty of life too. Her interactions with her family members are golden, and she learns along with them to become a better version of herself. With an exploration of neurodiversity, STEM, and honesty, this book is sure to connect.