The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class: Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage

Meet the kids in Mrs. Zs wacky and wonderful third-grade class! Ayana Ndoum, who prefers blending into the background, will have to take center stage for the class variety showbut it’s hard to concentrate on her talent when her embarrassing dad is volunteering at school, too!

Mrs. Zs class is holding a variety show, and everyone has signed up to demonstrate their special skills! Everyone, that is, except Ayana Ndoum. Shes good at reading, but someones already reciting a poem. Shes good at synchronized swimming, but they can’t get a pool onstage. What could her act be?

Before she can figure it out, she has an even bigger problem to deal with:Why is her dad at school?

Turns out her dad is a variety show volunteer! He talks toeveryoneand askstoo many questions. Its embarrassing for Ayana, who likes to be quiet and help from the sidelines. With her dad taking up the spotlight, will she ever find her own way to shine?

Both sweetly poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, with black-and-white illustrations by Pura Belpr Honor artist Kat Fajardo, Ayanas story invites readers into Mrs. Zs class where friendship and fun rule the school, from award-winning author Kekla Magoon.