The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class: Wyatt Hill’s Best Friend Is a Lizard

Illustrated by Kat Fajardo

On Sale: Mar 11, 2025
Page Count: 112 pages
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9781523530014

$16.99

$22.99 CAD

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Wyatt Hill is the quiet giant of Mrs. Z’s class—a third-grader who looks like a fifth grader, nearly as tall as Mrs. Z herself. Because of his size, everyone expects him to play sports or be a tough guy, but that isn’t Wyatt’s way. He adores his stuffed lizard, Lizzie, and the lively conversations they share. He notices who’s having a bad day in class and wonders why boys don’t get to play hopscotch, which looks like a very fun game. And he is starting to put words down on paper in a way that might finally express all his thoughts about the world, which are so hard to say out loud.

Wyatt’s always known who he’s SUPPOSED to be, but not who he is. The answer he discovers just might finally unite the boys and girls at recess—and reveal the zany kid who’s been quietly there the whole time, waiting to speak up.

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The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class

Praise for the Kids in Mrs. Z's Class Series

"Uplifting and encouraging." B>Kirkus Reviews

“[A] wholesome read…buoyant.” B>Publishers Weekly

“Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.” —SLJ

"Believable characters experiencing age-appropriate challenges: making new friends, navigating social groups, overcoming shyness, and dealing with embarrassment. . . Share with fans of Annie Barrows' Ivy and Bean books or Sara Pennypacker's Clementine series." B>Booklist

"This new series is giving [Polk Street School] vibes. I absolutely love that each book is written by a different author and I love how diverse the classroom is. . . The great thing about [these] books is they showcase kids working together and supporting each other."
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Eliot Schrefer

About the Author

ELIOT SCHREFER is a New York Times bestselling author who has twice been a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. He also received the Stonewall Honor for best LGBTQIA+ teen book and a Printz Honor for best young adult book from the American Library Association. His science writing has appeared in Discover, Sierra, USA Today, Nautilus, and The Washington Post Magazine. He has an M.A. in animal studies from NYU, is on the faculty of Hamline University’s MFA for Writing for Children and Young Adults, and lives with his husband in New York City. Visit him online at eliotschrefer.com.

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