KRKB
Kate Messner
Author Profile

Kate Messner

12 Books
Kate Messner is an award-winning American author known for her extensive and diverse body of work for young readers, ranging from picture books to middle-grade novels. She is celebrated for engaging stories that often weave in history, nature, and social issues, such as the Ranger in Time series, Breakout, and the Over and Under nature picture books. A former middle school teacher, Messner brings a deep understanding of her audience to her writing, crafting narratives that are both educational and highly entertaining.
Ranger is a brave golden retriever with highly skilled search-and-rescue training. But he is not just a regular dog. He can travel through time! When he is suddenly transported back to Colonial America, Ranger lands right in the middle of the freezing Revolutionary War just before the famous Battle of Trenton. There, he meets Isaac Pope, a brave fisherman who has become a soldier for the Continental Army. General George Washington desperately needs someone to sneak across enemy lines, and Isaac is chosen for the incredibly dangerous mission. Now, it is up to Ranger to use his sharp nose and rescue skills to keep his new friend safe. If Isaac gets caught by the enemy, the battle is doomed. Can Ranger help him complete his secret mission before time runs out?
6-8 Years 160 Pages
New
The ground is shaking, and Ranger the time traveling golden retriever is ready for another rescue mission. This time, you will find yourself in the bustling streets of San Francisco just as the Great Earthquake strikes. Ranger quickly leaps into action, saving a young Chinese immigrant named Lily Chen from the falling beams of her mission house. Lily dreams of becoming a doctor, and her quick thinking pairs perfectly with Rangers search and rescue training. Together, they rush through the ruined city and rescue another girl, May Wong, from a collapsed family market. The danger is far from over as the three companions navigate crumbling buildings and massive, raging fires. Along the way, they must also confront harsh anti-Chinese discrimination from the people around them. You will be on the edge of your seat as Lily, May, and Ranger fight to survive the chaotic aftermath of one of historys biggest natural disasters.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 160 Pages
New

How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America's Doctor

By Kate Messner Pictures by Alexandra Bye
Before he became a world-famous doctor advising seven United States presidents, Anthony Fauci was just a curious boy growing up in Brooklyn. He spent his days delivering medicine from his father's pharmacy, pedaling his blue Schwinn bicycle through the busy city streets. From a very young age, his father and grandfather taught him to always ask questions, look closely at the facts, and never give up on solving a hard puzzle. Those important lessons helped Anthony grow into a brilliant scientist and a leader in public health. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, Dr. Fauci used his lifelong curiosity and communication skills to help keep people safe. Discover the inspiring true story of a curious kid who grew up to tackle some of the biggest health challenges in history, proving that asking the right questions can change the world.
6-8 Years 48 Pages
New
Jump in Travel back in time with Ranger, a courageous golden retriever trained in search and rescue. When his magical first aid kit hums to life, you are transported to a Maryland plantation during the dangerous days of American slavery. Why it pulls you in You will meet Sarah, a brave young girl facing a heartbreaking reality. When she discovers that the plantation owner plans to sell her little brother Jesse to the Deep South, she knows they must escape before they are separated forever. With Ranger by their side, Sarah and Jesse embark on a terrifying journey north along the Underground Railroad. What you will discover This gripping adventure brings a critical period of history to life through the eyes of a loyal dog. You will hold your breath as Sarah, Jesse, and Ranger navigate dark woods, evade capture, and rely on the kindness of strangers to find true freedom.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 160 Pages
New
Step into the arena with Ranger, a brave golden retriever with search and rescue training. You are about to travel back to the dangerous world of ancient Rome. As soon as Ranger arrives at the towering Colosseum, he saves a young boy named Marcus from a runaway lion. The two quickly become friends and team up with Quintus, a new gladiator eager to prove his bravery. The Colosseum is packed with wild animal hunts and fierce battles, making it a tricky place for a dog. You will follow Ranger as he uses his rescue skills to navigate the dusty arena and busy streets. Discover if this heroic dog can help his new friends escape the brutal games so he can journey back home.
6-8 Years 160 Pages
New
Meet Ranger, an energetic golden retriever who has a nose for trouble and a heart for saving the day. Ranger has extensive search and rescue training, but he just cannot pass his final test because he keeps getting distracted by jumping squirrels. One afternoon, he sniffs out a mysterious first aid kit humming in the garden and is instantly transported back to the year eighteen fifty. You will travel alongside Ranger to the dusty, dangerous Oregon Trail, where he meets a young pioneer boy named Sam Abbott. Almost as soon as he arrives, Ranger leaps into action to help Sam save his little sister from disaster. Ranger assumes his mission is complete and he can go home, but the wild frontier is full of hidden threats like rushing rivers and harsh weather. You will ride along in the covered wagon to see if Ranger can protect the Abbott family all the way out West.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 144 Pages
New
Jump in Becoming a great reader is an adventure all its own. Step one is finding a truly excellent story. Step two is finding a nice buddy to share it with, and step three is picking the coziest spot you can find. Why it pulls you in You will explore the magic of diving into a brand new book. This playful guide walks you through the entire reading process, from carefully pulling a hardcover off the shelf to using exciting character voices out loud. You will learn how to guess what happens next, study the colorful pictures for hidden clues, and feel the satisfaction of finally reaching the very last page. What you will discover With charming advice and heartwarming moments, this story proves that sharing a book is one of the best activities in the world. You will discover that reaching the end of a great tale is really just the beginning of your lifelong love for reading.
6-8 Years 32 Pages
New
Dive into the deep blue sea and join Ernest on a hilarious underwater adventure for his very first day of school. Being the new student is always a little nerve-wracking, but it is especially tricky when you happen to be a giant sea monster. Ernest is eager to make friends, but his massive size and clumsy tail keep getting in the way of a smooth start. Whether he is accidentally causing a tidal wave during recess or trying to play hide-and-seek with local fishermen, Ernest quickly learns that fitting in takes a bit of practice. This funny school story is packed with heart and humor, showing you that it is perfectly normal to feel nervous about new experiences. It is a wonderful read that will have you laughing out loud while realizing that being yourself is the best way to make a splash.
6-8 Years 36 Pages
New
After taking a fascinating field trip to a sanctuary for retired chimpanzees, third grader Marty McGuire is incredibly inspired. She wants to be just like the famous scientist Jane Goodall and help care for these amazing animals. However, adopting and feeding a chimpanzee costs a lot of money. To raise the necessary funds, Marty and her best friends decide to organize a huge school talent show. To earn even more cash, she opens up a neighborhood pet-sitting business right in her own basement. It seems like the perfect plan, until the cages start filling up with a lazy boa constrictor, an insanely energetic hamster, and a foul-mouthed parrot that refuses to behave. Marty quickly realizes that wrangling a basement full of wild personalities is much harder than she ever imagined. With the talent show approaching and the animals causing absolute chaos, she must figure out a way to regain control before her brilliant charity project completely falls apart.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 128 Pages
New
Wander into a bustling backyard garden and uncover a spectacular world buzzing with life from the top of the leaves to deep underground. Every garden holds a beautiful secret, and as the seasons change, a remarkable ecosystem goes to work right beneath your feet. Up in the garden, everything is vibrant and green as you spot ripening vegetables, blooming flowers, and busy insects soaring through the sunlight. But down in the dirt, an entirely different neighborhood is just as active. You will dig into the dark soil to find earthworms tunneling, skunks burrowing, and helpful insects resting in the cool shadows. This beautifully illustrated journey invites you to look closer at nature and appreciate the hidden creatures that help our plants grow. It is a wonderful celebration of the outdoors that will inspire you to grab a trowel and start exploring the marvelous dirt in your own backyard.
6-8 Years 57 Pages
New
Ranger is a golden retriever with special search-and-rescue training and a mysterious time-traveling first aid kit. In this thrilling adventure, his magical collar transports him all the way back to 1912, landing him right on the deck of the famous Titanic. Everyone believes the magnificent ocean liner is completely unsinkable, especially young Patrick Murphy. Patrick grew up near the shipyard where the Titanic was built and is thrilled to be working as part of the crew on its maiden voyage. Ranger quickly befriends Patrick and two young passengers, Maryam and Hamad, as they explore the massive ship. But the excitement turns to terror when the ship strikes an iceberg in the dead of night and begins taking on freezing water. With panic spreading across the decks, Ranger must rely on his rescue training to guide his new friends through the sinking ship. It is a desperate race against time to reach the lifeboats before the unsinkable ship disappears into the icy ocean forever.
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 144 Pages
New
Glide through a quiet winter woods where a secret world is waiting just beneath your skis. When a young girl and her father head out on a cross-country ski trip, they discover that the snowy landscape is not as empty as it seems. Above the snow, the forest is hushed and still. But deep down in the subnivean zone, an entire kingdom of wildlife is busy surviving the chilly winter. Follow along as you peek into the hidden homes of red squirrels, burrowing voles, sleeping bears, and snoozing bullfrogs. You will learn exactly how these fascinating creatures stay warm and safe until spring arrives. With gorgeous illustrations and gentle, educational text, this beautiful exploration of nature shows you the magic of the changing seasons and the incredible ways animals adapt to the cold.
6-8 Years 42 Pages
New
Success – Your message will goes here