Step into the action-packed world of Mia Mayhem, where an ordinary 8-year-old discovers she’s anything but! The Mia Mayhem series by Kara West, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez, is a delightful chapter book adventure that blends superhero thrills with everyday kid challenges. Perfect for young readers aged 5–9, this series follows Mia Macarooney as she navigates her newfound superpowers and secret identity, delivering heart, humor, and heroism in every page.
With its vibrant storytelling and diverse cast, Mia Mayhem captures the imagination of emerging readers, inviting them to join Mia at The Program for In Training Superheroes (The PITS). Whether she’s learning to fly or facing a super bully, Mia’s journey is a celebration of self-discovery and friendship that resonates with kids everywhere.
How Mia Mayhem Began
Kara West, a Chicago-based author with a playful dream of becoming a superhero to chat with nervous squirrels, launched the Mia Mayhem series in 2018. Teaming up with award-winning illustrator Leeza Hernandez, West crafted a world where a Black girl could shine as a superhero-in-training. Published by Little Simon, the series was designed to bridge the gap for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books, offering bold text, short chapters, and lively illustrations. West’s inspiration? To create a relatable, high-energy heroine whose klutziness hides extraordinary potential.
The Heart of Mia Mayhem
The series kicks off with Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero!, where Mia learns her parents are superheroes and she’s invited to The PITS. Her chaotic cat, Chaos, mirrors her own knack for causing mayhem as she discovers her super-strength. In Mia Mayhem Learns to Fly!, Mia struggles in a beginner’s flying class but, with help from her best friend Eddie, soars to new heights. Mia Mayhem vs. the Super Bully tackles teamwork and humility as Mia faces a rival at The PITS, while Mia Mayhem Breaks Down Walls sees her mastering her super-strength, albeit with a few broken walls along the way.
At its core, Mia Mayhem weaves themes of courage, self-acceptance, and friendship into its fast-paced plots. The setting alternates between Normal Elementary School, where Mia hides her powers, and The PITS, a secret academy buzzing with superhero antics. West’s inclusive storytelling shines, featuring a diverse cast, including characters with disabilities, like a student with prosthetic legs, portrayed naturally. With its accessible language and Hernandez’s expressive black-and-white illustrations, the series is a gateway for reluctant readers, blending superhero excitement with real-world kid struggles.
Why Mia Mayhem Resonates
Mia Mayhem has carved a niche in children’s literature by offering representation and relatability. Young readers, especially those underrepresented in traditional superhero tales, see themselves in Mia—a Black girl whose clumsiness transforms into strength. Parents and educators praise the series for its positive messages and accessibility, with reviews highlighting its role in boosting confidence in early readers. The series’ emphasis on learning from mistakes and embracing one’s unique abilities makes it a timeless pick for classrooms and bedtime stories.
As of 2025, the series spans over a dozen books, each building on Mia’s growth as a hero and friend. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to make every reader feel super, proving that heroism starts with believing in yourself.
- First Book Published: 2018
- Number of Books: 13+
- Target Age: 5–9 (Grades 1–3)
- Illustrator: Leeza Hernandez
Grab Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! and dive into a world where every kid can be a hero! Whether you’re a budding reader or a superhero fan, Mia’s adventures promise laughter, lessons, and unstoppable fun.