Aladdin to Publish New Series by Dork Diaries Author Rachel Renee Russell

Posted on June 28, 2015

Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, has announced plans to publish a new illustrated book series by Rachel Renee Russell, author of the popular Dork Diaries series. The new series is called The Misadventures of Max Crumbly. The first book in the series will launch in April 2016. It will be illustrated with black and white comics.

The new series follows Max Crumbly and his ups and downs at South Ridge Middle School. Max was homeschooled by his grandmother until he was able to finally convince his family to send him to public middle school. However, he begins to rethink his middle school plans when he is repeatedly stuffed in his locker by Tommy Silver. Russell says this is no ordinary locked and it is filled with secrets.

Russell says in the announcement, "I'm excited to introduce Dork Diaries fans to a whole new world and the misadventures of a new hero, Max Crumbly, to root for and laugh with, as he navigates the pitfalls of middle school and the secrets that literally hide behind a NOT so ordinary locker!"

The Dork Diaries series has been a highly successful series for Russell. There are 20 million copies of the series in print. The latest entry in the series, Dork Diaries 9: Tales from a Not-So-Dorky Drama Queen, debuted at #1 on the New York Times series bestseller list on June 21st. Dork Diaries 10 arrives in stores on October 20. Lionsgate is developing a film version of the series.