How to Read the Franklin School Friends Series
The Franklin School Friends series, written by Claudia Mills and wonderfully illustrated by Rob Shepperson, consists of five charming chapter books. Because each book follows a different student in the exact same third-grade class over the course of the same school year, the reading order is highly flexible. However, the best way to enjoy the series is in publication order. Reading the books as they were released allows young readers to gradually build their familiarity with the classroom community and watch minor characters step into the spotlight as main protagonists in subsequent installments.
Franklin School Friends Books in Publication Order
Here is the complete list of the Franklin School Friends books in their official publication order:
1. Kelsey Green, Reading Queen (2013)
The series kicks off with Kelsey Green, an avid reader who is determined to lead her class to victory in a school-wide reading contest announced by Principal Boone. Kelsey's obsession with reading the most books leads to a fierce rivalry with her classmate Simon Ellis. Along the way, Kelsey learns that reading isn't just about accumulation and winning; it is about empathy, connection, and helping her struggling classmate, Cody Harmon, discover the joy of books. (Note: While some library databases record a late 2012 copyright date, the book was officially published and distributed in early 2013.)
2. Annika Riz, Math Whiz (2014)
Annika Riz loves everything to do with numbers, from Sudoku puzzles to math games. Unfortunately, her best friends Kelsey Green and Izzy Barr do not share her passion, which makes Annika feel left out. When a school carnival booth needs saving, Annika uses her math skills to turn things around. The story beautifully demonstrates how personal passions can be harnessed to help others, while showing kids that it is okay to have different interests than their closest friends.
3. Izzy Barr, Running Star (2015)
Izzy Barr is the fastest runner in the third grade, and she is thrilled about the upcoming school field day. However, her excitement is clouded by family dynamics. Izzy feels that her father is too focused on her older half-brother's football games and doesn't pay enough attention to her running achievements. As the big day approaches, Izzy navigates sibling rivalry, athletic sportsmanship, and family communication, learning that true success is about doing your best and supporting those around you.
4. Simon Ellis, Spelling Bee Champ (2015)
Simon Ellis is used to being the smartest kid in the room and excels at almost everything he tries. When the third-grade spelling bee is announced, Simon expects to win easily. However, his competitive drive begins to alienate his best friend, Jackson, who feels overshadowed by Simon's constant victories. Simon is forced to reflect on his behavior, learning that friendship, teamwork, and humility are far more valuable than any spelling trophy.
5. Cody Harmon, King of Pets (2016)
The final book in the series centers on Cody Harmon, a shy boy who lives on a farm and struggles with reading, math, and spelling. While schoolwork is difficult for Cody, his talent shines when it comes to animals; he knows everything about caring for his many pets. When Franklin School faces a budget crisis that threatens their outdoor education program, Cody steps up to organize a school pet show fundraiser. It is a heartwarming conclusion to the series that celebrates non-academic talents and self-worth.
Understanding the Chronology: An Overlapping World
Unlike traditional series where time moves forward linearly from one book to the next, the Franklin School Friends books take place concurrently. They all share the same setting of Mrs. Molina’s classroom and reference the same school-year events, such as the principal's reading challenge, class carnivals, and pet fundraisers. Because of this overlapping timeline, you will see characters in the background of one story before they become the focal point of another. For example, Cody's reading difficulties are introduced early in Kelsey's book, setting the stage for his own story in the final volume. This narrative style creates a rich, cozy environment where readers feel like true members of the classroom.
What to Know Before You Start
Author Claudia Mills is a former philosophy professor, and her background in ethics is woven naturally into these stories. Rather than presenting simple black-and-white moral lessons, the books explore realistic ethical dilemmas that children face daily. These include balancing personal ambition with friendship, coping with family conflicts, dealing with academic frustration, and learning how to apologize when you are wrong. Rob Shepperson's whimsical black-and-white illustrations bring these dilemmas to life, capturing the expressive, funny, and sometimes dramatic moments of third-grade life.
Companion Reads: Where to Go Next
If your young reader has finished the Franklin School Friends series and wants more stories with a similar tone and structure, Claudia Mills has written several other excellent chapter book series:
- After-School Superstars: A fantastic spiritual successor that follows a group of kids in an elementary after-school program. Each book spotlights a different student's passion, such as cooking in Nixie Ness: Cooking Star, making comics in Vera Vance: Comics Star, coding in Lucy Lopez: Coding Star, and sign language in Boogie Bass: Sign Language Star.
- The Nora Notebooks: A series focusing on Nora Alston, a young girl who is determined to become a scientist and uses scientific observation to solve her third-grade social problems.
- Mason Dixon: A fun series detailing the everyday adventures of a boy who does not fit the typical expectations of his parents or peers, exploring themes of identity and self-acceptance.