Gracie Wei #1: You're a Winner, Gracie Wei

Name: Gracie Wei #1: You're a Winner, Gracie Wei
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: Kristen Mei Chase
ISBN: 9798217172641

Author: Kristen Mei Chase

Series: Gracie Wei #1

Narrator: Emily Marso

Unabridged: 1 hr 16 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Listening Library

Published: 03/03/2026

Categories: Children's Fiction, Beginner Readers, School

Synopsis

Meet Gracie Wei—a go-getting fourth grader who's determined to win it all at her school’s spelling bee competition! A charming new chapter book series for fans of Ivy and Bean or Dory Fantasmagory.

Gracie Wei wants nothing more than to make it onto the Wei’s Special Wall, which displays awards from every family member, even her baby brother—all except for Gracie. Which is why she must win the Grapevine Elementary 4th Grade Class Spelling Bee competition.
Gracie has studied hard, there's just one problem—well, person—in her way. And her name is Elena Yarberry, who’s had it out for Gracie since kindergarten. Can Gracie finally beat Elena and earn a coveted spot on the Wei’s Special Wall?
In a day full of ups and downs, Gracie will learn what it truly means to be special and that winning may be different from what she expected.

About The Author

Kristen Mei Chase is known for her writing about family life, relationships, and modern motherhood. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, NBCNews.com and more. She is the co-founder of the Cool Mom Picks Network, which includes the award-winning podcast, SPAWNED, which reaches millions of moms every month. Kristen is also a frequent guest on various television news shows like NBC’s Today Show, CNBC, HLN, and CNN. Kristen's books include her debut novel, A Thousand Miles to Graceland, her forthcoming debut children’s picture book We Are American, Too, and her debut children’s chapter book series, Gracie Wei. Along with writing, Kristen can be found driving around her four kids, and taking care of two dogs, one lizard, and a very loud bird in the suburbs of Philadelphia.Basia Tran is a Polish-Vietnamese children's book illustrator based in Jersey City, NJ, where she lives with her husband Evan, baby Naomi, and puppy Latke. With graphite and pixes she creates illustrations that share her love of lore and laughter. Other times, she explores the world, visiting family, bouldering gyms, and indulging in local cuisines and teas.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Barbara on March 15, 2026

Get ready to embrace Gracie Wei, the protagonist of a new chapter book series perfect for third and fourth graders. The daughter of a father from China and a mother from Germany, she's somewhat intimidated by her older sister Anastasia's achievements and the fact that all the members of her family a......more

Goodreads review by Rachel on November 18, 2025

Well now. I certainly didn't expect a middle grade story about a spelling bee to get me all misty-eyed. But here we are. Gracie Wei feels a bit invisible in her family full of award-winners. The fourth grade spelling bee is coming up and it's finally her time to get the recognition she deserves. But......more

Goodreads review by Jane on January 01, 2026

Gracie is a 4th grader who is excited to participate in her school's spelling bee competition because she wants to earn an award to display on her family's special wall. However, Gracie learns that there are sometimes more important things to life than earning a trophy. I really enjoyed this book. T......more

Goodreads review by Mo on January 06, 2026

Fourth grader Gracie Wei wants more than anything to win an award--something worthy of displaying on the Wei Special Wall. But when her dream of winning the spelling bee is sidetracked by helping a friend in need, Gracie learns that the things we do that are most important, that matter, aren't the k......more

Goodreads review by Carrie on February 25, 2026

This is a sweet story about prioritizing friendship over competition.......more

Quotes

★ "A lovely beginning chapter book....celebrating unconventional wins is a wonderful choice for those seeking transitional chapter books." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Gracie Wei’s single-minded pursuit to please her family and the pressure she puts on herself will resonate with young readers, as will the affirming depictions of the lasting effects of loving support." —Publishers Weekly

"The story....ultimately delivers a reassuring reminder for young readers: being special isn’t about winning but about how we treat others." —Booklist

"Thoughtfully explores ambition, compassion, and the rewards of internal growth." —Kirkus Reviews

"Gracie’s wit and slight snark soften the bluntness with kid-authentic humor that will surely garner some giggles....The short sentences, heavy dialogue, and cartoony black-and-white pencil art put this somewhere between Princess Posey and Alvin Ho for newly solo readers." —The Bulletin