Beth Ain is an author of fiction for all ages, including the Starring Jules chapter book series, and two middle grade novels in verse: Izzy Kline Has Butterflies and The Cure for Cold Feet. Her writing has appeared in Scary Mommy, Kveller, and Dame Magazine, and she has taught Creative Writing at Hofstra University. She is currently working on her first novel for adults. She lives in Port Washington, New York with her husband and two children.
Jill Grinberg
There are plenty of reasons for the butterflies in Izzy Kline’s stomach to flap their wings. There’s a new girl in her class who might be a new best friend. The whole grade is performing “Free to Be . . . You and Me” and Izzy really wants a starring role. And new changes at home are making Izzy feel like her family is falling apart. First-day jitters, new friends, an audition . . . How many butterfly problems can one girl take?
Praise for Izzy Kline Has Butterflies
“Bright and believable, just right for young middle graders.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Buoyant. Ain’s verse format is ideally suited to the novel’s examination of profound concepts while maintaining a lighthearted tone.” –Booklist
“Izzy Kline takes readers through a year of vulnerability, self-searching, and triumph… Heartwarming.” –Publishers Weekly
Random House Books for Young Readers
March 7, 2017
Middle Grade
Contemporary/Verse
JGLM
Hiding out in the girls’ bathroom . . .
FaceTiming one friend while group chatting two others . . .
Forced to ballroom dance with a boy for a social studies unit . . .
There is a LOT going on in middle school.
New experiences and shifting dynamics are around every turn. And it’s not just her friends–Izzy’s family is shifting as well. It’s anxiety-inducing but also thrilling as Izzy learns to stake her claim.
For fans of Fish in a Tree and verse novels like Brown Girl Dreaming, Beth Ain’s books perfectly capture the drama of adolescence with a ton of light humor and deep heart.
Praise for The Cure for Cold Feet
“While stories of school and family hardships abound, this is unique in its weaving of so many issues into a tight narrative. Kids need not have read Izzy’s first outing to have a full and positive experience of this companion novel. VERDICT For both its unique format and content, this title deserves a home on library shelves. A recommended purchase.” –School Library Journal
Random House Books for Young Readers
May 8, 2018
Middle Grade
Contemporary/Verse
JGLM
Jules doesn’t want to ruin THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME, and she’s willing to turn to anyone for help–even her know-it-all ex-best friend! If only that lovely new girl in class would turn out to be the new best friend of her dreams, maybe, just maybe, Jules will be ready for her close-up….
Praise for the Starring Jules series
“Ain gives Jules a truly funny narrative voice; her personality, misunderstandings, and tendency to overthink things are the driving force behind the story…” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Debut author Ain introduces a new chapter-book darling with pizzazz and quite a stage presence.” –Kirkus Reviews
Scholastic
March 1, 2013
Middle Grade
Contemporary
JGLM
When Jules lands a role on a new TV show, she gets stuck choosing between taking part in her class moving up ceremony at school and shooting a sitcom. And that’s only half the drama!
With a quiet best friend who won’t ever hoot and holler and an ex-best friend who may be moving to the burbs, Jules’s insides are all mixed-up. She’ll need a little bit of nerve and a whole lot of pizzazz if she wants to make it through the last month of second grade without turning into a drama queen!
Praise for the Starring Jules series
“Ain gives Jules a truly funny narrative voice; her personality, misunderstandings, and tendency to overthink things are the driving force behind the story…” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Debut author Ain introduces a new chapter-book darling with pizzazz and quite a stage presence.” –Kirkus Reviews
Scholastic
August 27, 2013
Middle Grade
Contemporary
JGLM
Lights! Camera! Action! Jules is back to take center stage!
School is out, and Jules is hitting the road! She’s off to Montreal where she’ll film her first ever movie, The Spy in the Attic. But that means no friends around on her birthday and no birthday party. And with only a hockey player and diva starlet as cast mates in a town where no one speaks her language, Jules is feeling awfully lonely. Good thing her best friend Elinor is sending super-secret spy missions to keep Jules busy. With a little stealth and a whole lot of gumption, she just might be able to turn her bummer summer into a blockbuster.
Praise for the Starring Jules series
“Ain gives Jules a truly funny narrative voice; her personality, misunderstandings, and tendency to overthink things are the driving force behind the story…” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Debut author Ain introduces a new chapter-book darling with pizzazz and quite a stage presence.” –Kirkus Reviews
Scholastic
February 25, 2014
Middle Grade
Contemporary
JGLM
Jules is a third grader at last! But so far, the reviews aren’t good. Her new teacher makes her feel totally tongue-tied. Charlotte shows up on the first day wearing the one thing Jules really wants but will never get. And she already has homework – researching a famous person to become for the class wax museum project. But how will she decide who to be?
Even worse, her after-school sitcom rehearsals are harder than ever-especially since the TV show is about to air for all the world to see. Jules needs to find her inner superstar if third grade is ever going to be a smash hit.
Praise for the Starring Jules series
“Ain gives Jules a truly funny narrative voice; her personality, misunderstandings, and tendency to overthink things are the driving force behind the story…” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Debut author Ain introduces a new chapter-book darling with pizzazz and quite a stage presence.” –Kirkus Reviews
Scholastic
August 26, 2014
Middle Grade
Contemporary
JGLM
