Each Friday I share the first chapter of a book perfect for middle grade readers—and today’s pick is pure magic. Adventurous, funny, mysterious, inclusive, and full of heart… any guesses? It’s Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna!
Stick around for the entire video to catch the mystery quote reveal (unveiled one word at a time!) and a special author interview where Sangu Mandanna shares the inspiration behind Vanya, Auramere, magical librarians, and why ADHD representation mattered so deeply in the writing of this story.
About the Book: Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen has never quite fit in—she’s British-Indian in a mostly white English town, her parents dodge questions about their past, and she has ADHD. Oh, and she talks to books. And the books talk back. When Vanya’s family is attacked by a creature she thought only lived in fairytales, her world cracks open. Suddenly, she’s whisked away to Auramere—a secret enchanted library and school where archivists, archwitches, and magical creatures roam the halls.
But all is not well in Auramere. The legendary Wild Hunt is prowling… and Vanya might be the only one who can stop it.
With humor, mystery, and a neurodivergent heroine you can’t help but cheer for, Vanya and the Wild Hunt is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Roshani Chokshi, magical schools, and monsters that lurk between the shelves.
Teachers: Use this First Chapter Friday to spark discussions about belonging, bravery, neurodiversity, folklore, and the power of stories. Great for fantasy units, character analysis, and SEL connections.
Comment below: If you could talk to any book—and have it talk back—which one would you pick?
Grab your copy of Vanya and the Wild Hunt → https://amzn.to/4p4Pabs
✨ Helpful Classroom Links
First Chapter Friday Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
2025 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheet Pack: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
FULL First Chapter Friday Worksheet Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Engaging-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-8469855
Word Nerd Collaborative: www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
#FirstChapterFriday #VanyaAndTheWildHunt #SanguMandanna #MiddleGradeFantasy #MGLit #ADHDRepresentation #ReadAloud #AuthorInterview #MagicInBooks #FantasyReads #MiddleSchoolELA #BookTalk #ReadingInspiration #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #MysteryQuote #ReadersGonnaRead #amandazieba
Stick around for the entire video to catch the mystery quote reveal (unveiled one word at a time!) and a special author interview where Sangu Mandanna shares the inspiration behind Vanya, Auramere, magical librarians, and why ADHD representation mattered so deeply in the writing of this story.
About the Book: Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen has never quite fit in—she’s British-Indian in a mostly white English town, her parents dodge questions about their past, and she has ADHD. Oh, and she talks to books. And the books talk back. When Vanya’s family is attacked by a creature she thought only lived in fairytales, her world cracks open. Suddenly, she’s whisked away to Auramere—a secret enchanted library and school where archivists, archwitches, and magical creatures roam the halls.
But all is not well in Auramere. The legendary Wild Hunt is prowling… and Vanya might be the only one who can stop it.
With humor, mystery, and a neurodivergent heroine you can’t help but cheer for, Vanya and the Wild Hunt is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Roshani Chokshi, magical schools, and monsters that lurk between the shelves.
Teachers: Use this First Chapter Friday to spark discussions about belonging, bravery, neurodiversity, folklore, and the power of stories. Great for fantasy units, character analysis, and SEL connections.
Comment below: If you could talk to any book—and have it talk back—which one would you pick?
Grab your copy of Vanya and the Wild Hunt → https://amzn.to/4p4Pabs
✨ Helpful Classroom Links
First Chapter Friday Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpVe6VlpCwJZCLWm7CR4yX93l3xN2conB
2025 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheet Pack: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2025-First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-14351512
FULL First Chapter Friday Worksheet Bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/First-Chapter-Friday-Read-Aloud-Videos-Engaging-Middle-School-Reading-Resource-8469855
Word Nerd Collaborative: www.wordnerdcollaborative.com
#FirstChapterFriday #VanyaAndTheWildHunt #SanguMandanna #MiddleGradeFantasy #MGLit #ADHDRepresentation #ReadAloud #AuthorInterview #MagicInBooks #FantasyReads #MiddleSchoolELA #BookTalk #ReadingInspiration #WordNerdCollaborative #LearningWithTheWordNerd #MysteryQuote #ReadersGonnaRead #amandazieba