I started writing the Everything You Need to Know series as a ninth birthday present for my daughter. Kids need to absorb an enormous amount of information when they’re 8, 9 and 10—and some of the stuff is pretty darn serious. I wanted to give my daughter answers that made her feel empowered and confident—not frightened or daunted. I hoped by the end, she’d be curious and keen to learn even more. 

When my kid turned ten, she became my trusted collaborator. By that point, she knew “everything” (as she would happily tell you), and she kept lists of stuff younger kids need to learn (as well as things she just thought kids should know—like how to make edible boogers, what to do if you see a ghost and the right way to fart in public). 

We hope our Everything You Need to Know books will make 8, 9 and 10 the best years EVER!