The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class: Sebastian Metzger Solves a Sticky Situation

Meet the kids in Mrs. Z's wacky and wonderful third grade class! Sebastian Metzger is overjoyed when he checks out a brand-new book on octopodes from the school library, but everything goes awry when the book gets ruined.

Sebastian Metzger loves learning new things, especially about animals. He's actually been experiencing many new things recently: third grade marks his first year living as a boy. Some things don't change, though. His imaginary friend, Jimothy the chipmunk, is always by his side!

When Sebastian spots a new book in the school library on octopodes, he just knows he has to check it out. The only problem is: this book is so new, the librarian hasn't even prepared it to be checked out! Sebastian promises to take great care of it, and the librarian makes an exception.

But when his little sister accidentally ruins the book, Sebastian is devastated. Will Sebastian find a way to save the library book and redeem himself?

Both sweetly poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, with black-and-white illustrations by Pura Belpré Honor artist Kat Fajardo, Sebastian's story invites readers into Mrs. Z's class where friendship and fun rule the school, from award-winning author Kyle Lukoff.

Perfect for!
★ My Weirdtastic School fans
★ Reluctant readers
★ Classroom read-alouds
★ Andrew Clements fans
★ Animal/Octopus enthusiasts
★ Book lovers

Read them all! The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class have plenty of stories to share!
Emma McKenna, Full Out (#1)
Rohan Murthy Has a Plan (#2)
Poppy Song Bakes a Way (#3)
The Legend of Memo Castillo (#4)
Wyatt Hill Brings a Lizard to School (#5)
Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage (#6)
Olive Little Gets Crafty (#7)
Synclaire Fields Knows the Score (#8)
Theo Chang is Not a Cat (#9)
Thunder Nelson Does the Impossumble (#10)
Sebastian Metzger Solves a Sticky Situation (#11)--available for preorder now!
Fia Hosein Finds Her Beat (#12)--available for preorder now!

The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class is an innovative series where every book is written by a different all-star author and features a different kid in the same third-grade class. They can be read in any order!

Author: Kyle Lukoff
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 03/10/2026
Pages: 128
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.25lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.40w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780316594318
Audience: Ages 9-12

About the Author

Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle grade novel, Too Bright to See, received a Newbery Honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became a Brother also won the Stonewall. He has forthcoming books about history, unicycles, breakups, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian.