Paige Classey, a graduate of the Masuk Class of 2006, published an award winning novel “Everything You Left Me” three years ago, and now has a new book coming out on April 28. “Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer,” a suspenseful novel, was published by Random House Books for Young Readers and has been named a Junior Library Guild selection.
It received a positive review from Kirkus, which called Classey’s book “an intense and riveting read.”
Similar to her first book, Classey wrote the second in-verse, meaning poems are linked together for a single narrative. Young readers will follow the story through entries in the main character’s diary, from Anna-Jane’s excitement anticipating summer camp, to mysterious occurrences.
Locals start to go missing outside the camp, then the internet, cell service and all other forms of communication are cut off, leading to a struggle for survival. Across the lake, the kids spot a strange flashing light. And animals begin turning up with yellowed eyes and disfigured limbs. A growing distrust among campers increases the danger.
To pre-order a copy of “Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer” click here.
Classey is a media specialist at Polson Middle School in Madison, where she lives with her husband, James Przybylski, and two sons. Since being featured in The Sun in 2023, Classey was named Teacher of the Year for Madison Public Schools for the 2024-2025 school year, which she said was a great honor.
The Sun recently caught up with Classey for an interview about her new book.
What inspired you to write “Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer”? Did you go to camp growing up? Did a scenario pop into your head and lead to questions? Do you like watching/reading stories about survival?
Classey: “Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer” (releasing from Random House Books for Young Readers on April 28, 2026) was the outcome of childhood summers, as well as more recent experiences as an adult. I spent summers in the late 90s and early 2000s at sleepaway camp (first at YMCA Camp Mohawk in Litchfield, and later at YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester).
The relationships, group dynamics, and milestones of these summers remain so vivid in my memory. I also think this story grew out of my fears during the pandemic, as well as my concerns about the increase in censorship efforts we’re currently seeing across the nation.
I am definitely a survival story fan. I love classics like “Hatchet, My Side of the Mountain,” and “The Road,” but also newer survival stories like “Alone” by Megan E. Freeman, “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel, and “Wilder Girls” by Rory Power. I also love post-apocalyptic shows like “The Walking Dead.”
What made you decide to write this story through entries in Anna-Jane’s diary? What were some of the advantages and challenges?
Classey: Think of it as diary entries meets poetry! Writing in verse pushes me to convey as much as possible in very few words. Every line break and stanza break impacts meaning as well. I love that verse is accessible and engaging for all types of readers.
How would you describe your book? And what do you hope will resonate most with your young readers?
Classey: I call this my “summer camp apocalypse” book! I hope young readers walk away with a sense of empowerment and capability. Most of the children in this book work hard to bring out the best in each other and achieve incredible results. I also hope readers leave with a greater appreciation of the importance of the arts.
Are you already working on another project? Is there another type of story or writing style that you want to challenge yourself with?
Classey: I am always working on other projects, ranging from picture books to YA. I am very open to trying new things in my writing. Lately, I’ve been really inspired by books in mixed media formats, like “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson and “Game Changer” by Tommy Greenwald (another Connecticut author!).
Is there anything I didn’t ask that you want to mention?
Classey: The CT Shoreline branch of SCBWI continues to be a tremendous support. I also recently won an Artist Fellowship grant from the Connecticut Office of the Arts that has been immensely helpful in furthering my growth as an author.
“Anna-Jane” has received a starred review from the School Library Journal, who called the book a “true triumph of the genre” and “a must for all library collections.” Readers can preorder a copy from Penguin Random House’s website.
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We are so proud of you, Paige!