Children's Book World

About Kristen Mei Chase

Kristen Mei Chase is known for her writing about family life, relationships, and modern motherhood. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, NBCNews.com and more. She is the co-founder of the Cool Mom Picks Network, which includes the award-winning podcast, SPAWNED, which reaches millions of moms every month. Kristen is also a frequent guest on various television news shows like NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, HLN, and CNN.

Kristen’s books include her debut novel, A Thousand Miles to Graceland, her forthcoming debut children’s picture book We Are American, Too, and her debut children’s chapter book series, Gracie Wei. Along with writing, Kristen can be found driving around her four kids, and taking care of two dogs, one lizard, and a very loud bird in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

Meet Gracie Wei — a go-getting fourth grader who’s determined to win it all at her school’s spelling bee competition! A charming new chapter book series for fans of Ivy and Bean or Dory Fantasmagory.

Gracie Wei wants nothing more than to make it onto the Wei’s Special Wall, which displays awards from every family member, even her baby brother–all except for Gracie. Which is why she must win the Grapevine Elementary 4th Grade Class Spelling Bee competition. Gracie has studied hard, there’s just one problem — well, person — in her way. And her name is Elena Yarberry, who’s had it out for Gracie since kindergarten. Can Gracie finally beat Elena and earn a coveted spot on the Wei’s Special Wall?

In a day full of ups and downs, Gracie will learn what it truly means to be special and that winning may be different from what she expected.

Everyone’s favorite fourth grader, Gracie Wei, is back for her second chapter book adventure, and she’s determined to have the most AWESOME summer ever–if only she can work up the nerve to get back on her bike–for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory.

Gracie Wei is the boss and she has everything figured out for a fun time in her Summer of Awesome Club. Slime time! Water balloon fights. Dance offs and plenty of snacks.

But her friends Elena, Keira, and Lydia have different ideas. They want to ride bikes, which sounds awful to Gracie, who had a horrible tumble the first time on her bicycle. Can Gracie Wei tell her brain who’s boss and muster up the courage to ride again? Or will her fear get in the way of her summer of awesome?