COMING OUT SOON

The Bad News Bestie

Words by Hollie Michaels

Illustrations by Athena Handoko

Becoming Besties is a new series from Capstone. Each book is written by a different author but the series has a fun pseudonym Kahlia Jane.

When Mae witnesses a girl steal a book from Mae’s grandmother’s shop, she never expects that she’ll end up spending the summer with her! Gran arranges for the girl, named Freddie, to work with Mae at the shop, and neither girl can get out of it. The two girls could not be more different, and Mae is getting fed up with Freddie’s pranks and tricks. So she’s surprised when Freddie volunteers the two of them to spend the night in a rumored haunted house in order to save the historic home. Will the spooky sleepover lead to friendship, or will it be more of the same from Bad-News Freddie?

OUT NOW

Golda and Ezra

Chapter book series

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Fisher Family, Hurricane Hosts

Capstone January 2026

Illustrated by Claudio Cerri

The Fishers’ neighbors, the Albertos, need a place to stay after a hurricane floods their house. Golda is quick to suggest the Alberto family stay with them. But Ezra is feeling overwhelmed by the extra guests, including an active dog that chases the Fishers’ cats. Will the Fisher family find a way to be good hosts, while caring for Ezra’s concerns?

Golda the Brave

Capstone January 2026

Illustrated by Claudio Cerri

Golda is supposed to play Queen Esther at her family’s Purim party, but she doesn’t feel brave enough to play Esther. After all, Golda was too nervous to ask for a book about Purim at the library. But Ezra reminds Golda that Queen Esther wasn’t brave at first either. Is Golda ready to step into her brave role?

Golda and Ezra’s Park Plan

Capstone January 2026

Illustrated by Claudio Cerri

Golda and Ezra’s charity tzedakah box is filled, and they have the perfect idea for how to spend the money. They’d like to purchase a storage box for the park, so people can always have access to balls and other play equipment. The only problem? They have to get permission from Coach Martin, the super strict head of the parks department.

Golda and Ezra’s Dinner Dilemma

Capstone January 2025

Illustrated by Claudio Cerri

When Golda and Ezra visit their neighbor Ms. Ortega to return a dish, they learn that Ms. Ortega has to go out of town unexpectedly. But she was supposed to cook a big meal for the senior center using the harvest from her garden—like she does every Sunday. That’s a problem Golda is certain they can solve! Can Golda and Ezra figure out how to make sure the seniors at the senior center get their special dinner anyway?

A Forgiveness Stone for Ezra

Capstone January 2025

Illustrated by Claudio Cerri

One day at school, Golda sees Ezra slip from the monkey bars in front of his classmates. He hurts his wrist. But—mostly—he’s embarrassed and doesn’t want to go back to school. So Golda gets to work, of course! Can Golda and Ezra’s classmates help him feel better about returning to school after a terrible tumble?

The Fisher Family Beach Project

Capstone January 2025

Illustrated by Claudio Cerri

It’s beach day! And Golda and Ezra are looking forward to having a sandcastle-building competition with their friends. But when Ezra, Golda, and their parents arrive at the beach, things aren’t pretty—there’s trash everywhere. Can Golda, Ezra, their parents, and their friends save their beach day?

Golda’s Showtime Scare

Capstone January 2025

Illustrated by Claudio Cerri

Golda and Ezra are helping out with the winter show at their community center. Golda’s helping with the set. And Ezra’s helping run the show—naturally. But when the kids who were supposed to perform the dreidel song get sick, Golda and Ezra step in. Just one problem: Golda’s not so good at performing on stage. Can Ezra help his sister get over her stage fright and wow the community with their performance?

Praise for Golda and Ezra

School and Library Journal: “Gr 1-3–Golda Gene Fisher—GG for short—lives with her stepbrother Ezra and their parents: Ima, their multilingual mom, and Aba, their band-teacher dad. Together, GG and Ezra take on various community-focused projects, from cooking dinner for the senior center to organizing a beach cleanup after noticing litter. They step in for a performance when the real actors fall ill and find a way to cheer up Ezra after he’s embarrassed by an injury. The large font and well-spaced text make for an easy, engaging read without sacrificing character. Bright, colorful illustrations dominate most pages, making this a great choice for readers transitioning to chapter books. Jewish themes are subtly woven throughout, with a glossary of terms and discussion questions included at the end of each title. VERDICT A heartwarming, community-focused read that’s perfect for young chapter book readers and offers a gentle introduction to Jewish culture.”

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Children of Hooverville

About the Play

Drama. 45-55 minutes. 10 females, 3 males (with opportunity to add up to 7 additional non-speaking roles; 13-20 performers possible). Suitable for middle school and older.

Premiered at M.S. 51 (Brooklyn, NY).

Synopsis

After 13-year-old Elsie Davis loses her family farm to the bank and her brother to the dust storms, she joins family and friends on a forced journey along Route 66 in search of a better life in California. Together they must survive unimaginable hardships and overcome theft, illness and unsympathetic authorities. But when at last they arrive in the Golden State, it may not be the promised land they had hoped for…

COMICS

LET’S GO! An anthology

Check out my short comic WIMBLY in the comic anthology LET’S GO! An anthology for all ages.

This exciting collection brings together 28 never-before-published, creator-owned short comics for middle-grade readers (approximately 7-12 years).

This anthology embodies the spirit of a famous quote by travel writer Tim Cahill:
“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.”