Now in paperback! When 6th grader Zella's class prank flops, she's given a second chance to leave a lasting impact through redemption, friendship, and kindness.

A perfect book club pick to inspire discussion, 9-12-year-old fans of Katherine Applegate's Wishtree will love this hopeful story about the power of connection.

It's the end of 6th grade and Zella wants to be the one who thinks of the best class prank--a long-held tradition that administrators allow, with parameters.

In alternating chapters told by Zella, best friends Bowie and Janea, Shelby the school sleuth, and the town of Kettleby, Zella's story reveals her quest to uphold her image as class clown and bask in the spotlight.

As a result, she loses sight of what's going on in the lives of her two best friends and begins to cause more stress for her mom--who manages their family's failing ice cream shop while caring for Pops. Zella doesn't mean to cause trouble, but being 12 is hard. Everything is changing, and everyone seems so much cooler and better understood.

When her prank doesn't go as planned, the entire class is punished, and Zella is to blame. But when Zella's given a second chance, her small, subtle acts of thoughtfulness begin to grow. It turns out that redemption, friendship, and a remarkable chain of kindness tastes even sweeter than her family's famous raspberry ripple ice cream.

With humor and heart, The Ripple Effect's themes of kindness and connection will inspire young readers to even greater compassion and generosity in their own lives.

About the Author

Rebecca Caprara graduated from Cornell University and practiced architecture before shifting her focus from bricks to books. She writes stories for readers of all ages and loves experimenting with narrative forms and new genres. Her work ranges from poetry and picture books to middle grade and young adult novels. She is the author of several acclaimed books for children and young adults, including Worst-Case Collin, The Magic of Melwick Orchard, and Spin. Learn more at www.rebeccacaprara.com

Specifications

Dimensions (Overall): 8.99 Inches (H) x 5.92 Inches (W) x 1.27 Inches (D)

Weight: 1.05 Pounds

Suggested Age: 9-12 Years

Number of Pages: 336

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Sub-Genre: Family

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Theme: Multigenerational

Format: Paperback

Author: Rebecca Caprara

Language: English

Street Date: May 5, 2026

TCIN: 1006772010

UPC: 9781623547721

Item Number (DPCI): 247-34-1290

Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

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Shipping & Returns

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.27 inches length x 5.92 inches width x 8.99 inches height

Estimated ship weight: 1.05 pounds

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