About the Author

Mitali Banerjee Ruths grew up in Houston, Texas, and dreamed of becoming an astronaut someday. She has worked as a babysitter, an ice cream seller, and a medical doctor. She is the author of the picture book Archie Celebrates Diwali, the Scholastic Branches early chapter book series The Party Diaries, and the Scholastic Acorn early reader series The Inside Scouts. Mitali lives in Canada with her husband, three kids, and their dog, Tux.

Aaliya Jaleel is a freelance illustrator, designer, and visual development artist. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a BA in Arts & Technology. She is the illustrator of Maryam's Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, Under My Hijab, Muslim Girls Rise, and the Scholastic Branches series The Party Diaries.

Reviews

Praise for Awesome Orange Birthday (The Party Diaries #1): "This series debut aimed at newly independent readers provides short, colorful, diary-style entries with a sweet central character. Strongly recommended." -- School Library Journal"Priya is a well-rounded, nuanced protagonist whose enthusiasm and anxiety will resonate with readers, and the narrative, peppered with bright images, is fast-moving... A layered, upbeat tale starring a determined, relatable protagonist." -- Kirkus Reviews"Priya's infectious enthusiasm shines through the diary format... This series opener gets an enjoyable party started for beginning readers." -- BooklistPraise for Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths: "This sweet picture book about sharing Diwali will ring true in many households." -- Kirkus Reviews"A reassuring portrayal of childhood anxieties." -- Booklist