In June 1996, Scholastic published the first book in what would become the bestselling sci-fi series of its time: Animorphs.
Written by Katherine Applegate and her husband, Michael Grant, under the name K. A. Applegate, Animorphs became a phenomenon. With millions of copies in print, a TV show, and a devoted fan base, the series spanned 54 books, ending with The Beginning in 2001.
Now, 25 years after the final book was published and just in time for the 30th anniversary of The Invasion, Scholastic is introducing the series to a new generation of readers with an all-new look. The first three books — The Invasion, The Visitor, and The Encounter were released May 5 at an $8.99 price point.
The stories follow Jake, Rachel, Cassie, Tobias and Marco who are given the ability to transform into animals. And with those powers, they set out to save Earth. You can learn more about the books below.
ANIMORPHS #1: THE INVASION, by K. A. Applegate, Scholastic Inc., May 5, 2026, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 9-12)
Sometimes weird things happen to people. Ask Jake. He could tell you about the night he and his friends saw a strange light in the sky that seemed to be heading right for them. That was the night five normal kids learned that humanity is under a silent attack — and they were given the power to fight back.
Now Jake, Rachel, Cassie, Tobias, and Marco can transform into some of the most dangerous creatures on Earth. And they must use that power to outsmart an evil greater than anything the world has ever seen… —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Inc.
ANIMORPHS #2: THE VISITOR, by K. A. Applegate, Scholastic Inc., May 5, 2026, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 9-12)
If someone told you Earth was under a secret invasion, what would you think? Rachel had a hard time believing it, even after she and her friends saw what they saw — and received an incredible power. The power to become any animal they touch.
Rachel knew they were in danger from the start, so when it’s suggested that they use their new powers to spy on one of their enemies, she rises to the challenge. But when she discovers what the Animorphs must do to win, will it be more than Rachel can handle? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Inc.
ANIMORPHS #3: THE ENCOUNTER, by K. A. Applegate, Scholastic Inc., May 5, 2026, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 9-12)
When Tobias and his friends were given the power to morph, they were also given an important warning: Never stay in a morph for more than two hours. But Tobias broke the time limit, and now he’s trapped in the body of a hawk — forever.
Tobias won’t give up, though. The Animorphs made a promise to fight. So when he discovers an important Yeerk secret, he knows he has to do everything in his power to destroy it. But to do so, Tobias will have to contend with a part of himself that’s wrestling for control — a part that isn’t human. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Inc.
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