Jada Jones

With pockets full of rocks and a purple-dragon T-shirt, science-loving Jada Jones makes her debut in this early chapter book series. When her best friend moves away, school is the last place Jada wants to be, until her teacher announces a project about rocks and minerals. The only problem—she’s in a group with two BFF’s who don’t seem to like her or her ideas. Readers will love reading about Jada’s journey to new friendships and becoming a fourth-grade rock star—setting her up for new challenges in subsequent titles. I love the fact that Lyons created a science-loving girl.

Fourth-grader Jada’s best friend, Mari, just moved away. On top of missing Mari, Jada is having issues with another girl in her class, Simone. Jada wants to be friends, but Simone keeps shutting her out. This book tackles how unsettling it can feel when friend groups change. Another thing I love about the Jada Jones series is its STEM focus. In Rock Star, Jada shares her interest in cool rocks with her class. Opening up about her passion is part of what helps her make it through her emotional rough patch in one piece.