J. Ryan Hersey
ALLi Author Member
Location: United States of America
Genres: Children's fiction, Children's general
J. Ryan Hersey is the author of the Max E. James children’s chapter book series—funny, fast-paced, and filled with real-life adventures that kids love and parents genuinely enjoy reading aloud. Growing up in Maryland, Ryan was a relentlessly curious, always-outside kid. If there was a creek to explore, a fishing line to cast, or a dirt bike to ride, he was there—usually coming home muddy, wet, or laughing about something that probably didn’t go according to plan. Those everyday adventures, big imaginations, and inevitable mishaps now fuel the heart of the Max E. James stories. Now living in Hampton Roads, Virginia, Ryan hasn’t slowed down much. His playground has simply expanded from rivers to oceans, and he’s joined by his two sons—who share the same boundless energy and need for fresh air. His wife of many years is wonderfully supportive… and especially appreciative that all that “outside time” often doubles as her quiet time. Inspired by childhood memories and daily family life, the Max E. James series celebrates brotherhood, humor, and the small moments that turn into big memories. With short chapters, relatable situations, and laugh-out-loud storytelling, Ryan’s books are especially loved by reluctant readers and families looking for engaging bedtime reads. Ryan believes the best stories don’t need dragons or time machines—just kids, imagination, and a day that doesn’t quite go as planned.
J. Ryan Hersey's books
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
A Funny Chapter Book About Bravery and Big Thrills It’s opening day at Blackwater Rampage, home to the biggest, fastest water slide in the country. Cody can’t wait to ride it—but Max isn’t so sure. Fourteen stories high. Sixty-five miles an hour. Absolutely terrifying. Is Max brave enough to face the thrill of a lifetime, or is this monster slide just too much? Waterpark Warriors combines humor, heart, and courage in a fast-moving chapter book that helps kids laugh through their fears—and cheer for Max every step of the way. • Builds confidence in young readers • Great for reluctant readers • A family favorite read-aloud
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
A Funny Chapter Book About Siblings and Screen Time Max E. James is furious. He’s just discovered that his older brother Cody has been secretly practicing their favorite video game. How is Max supposed to win if Cody keeps leveling up without him? But when Mom and Dad introduce an activity that’s even better than screen time, Max may finally have a chance to prove he’s number one—without a controller in sight. With relatable sibling rivalry, laugh-out-loud humor, and short, engaging chapters, Crash Course is a hit with reluctant readers and families alike. • Encourages screen-free fun • Easy-to-read chapters • Great family read-aloud
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
A Funny Winter Chapter Book for Kids Max and Cody wake up to a massive snowfall and can’t wait to get outside—until they realize they have a problem. No sleds. No hills. No plan. Just when it looks like they’ll be stuck inside all day, an unexpected phone call could change everything. But will it lead to an epic winter adventure—or a snowy disappointment? Winter Wipeout delivers big laughs, creative problem-solving, and relatable sibling fun in short chapters that keep kids turning pages. • Perfect for snow days and bedtime • Builds confidence for emerging readers • Humor kids love—and parents enjoy
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 2-5, 5-8
A Funny Outdoor Adventure Chapter Book Max and Cody can’t wait to go fishing with Dad—and this isn’t just any fishing trip. Armed with brand-new fishing poles and big ambitions, the boys head to the local fishing hole in search of a legendary creature known as Toothy Brutus. He’s huge. He’s fierce. And nobody has ever caught him. But Max and Cody are determined to try. Packed with outdoor adventure, sibling teamwork, and laugh-out-loud moments, Fishing Fever is perfect for kids who love big ideas, bigger fish stories, and books that don’t feel like homework. • Great for reluctant readers • Fun read-aloud for families • Short chapters for early chapter readers Will the boys hook the beast—or will Toothy Brutus live on as the greatest fish that got away?
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
A Funny Chapter Book for Reluctant Readers The birthday party is finally here—and Max E. James is ready to celebrate! All Max wants is to party with his friends, but his big brother Cody and Cody’s sneaky friend Seamus have other ideas. Soon, rival teams form, competition heats up, and Max’s dream birthday is in danger of spinning completely out of control. Will the chaos ruin the party? Or will Max’s birthday wish finally come true? With fast-paced chapters, playful competition, and humor that works for both kids and adults, Birthday Bash – Part II keeps reluctant readers laughing—and asking for just one more chapter. • A favorite family read-aloud • Short chapters that keep kids engaged • Perfect for fans of funny chapter book series This is the start of a chapter book series kids beg to keep reading—and parents love reading aloud.
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
A Funny Chapter Book for Reluctant Readers Is your child struggling to find a chapter book they actually want to read? Max E. James can barely sleep the night before his birthday. This year has to be different. But before the cake, presents, and fun can begin, Max needs his big brother Cody's help to make his birthday wish come true-and that's never easy. As excitement builds and emotions run high, Max and Cody must work together, smooth things over with Mom and Dad, and save the day before Max's birthday turns into another unforgettable disaster. Written especially for reluctant and emerging readers, Birthday Bash - Part I features short, engaging chapters, relatable sibling humor, and laugh-out-loud moments that kids love-and parents enjoy reading aloud. • Short chapters perfect for bedtime • Builds reading confidence without pressure • Ideal for ages 6-9 This is the start of a chapter book...
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
A Funny Chapter Book for Reluctant Readers Max and his big brother Cody can't wait for a day at the beach. Sun. Sand. Waves. What could possibly go wrong? Well... there was that one time when Max tried bodyboarding and got totally body-slammed by a wave-face first, sand in his teeth and all. Now he's not so sure he's ready to jump back into the ocean. But with Cody cheering him on and adventure calling, Max must decide if he's brave enough to give it another try. Beach Bound is a laugh-out-loud chapter book packed with sibling humor, relatable fears, and real-world adventures kids instantly recognize. With short, engaging chapters and humor that works for both kids and parents, it's perfect for reluctant and emerging readers-especially as a fun family read-aloud. • Short chapters ideal for bedtime reading • Builds confidence for kids who are hesitant to try new things...
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
A Funny Camping Adventure Chapter Book Max, Cody, and Dad are heading deep into the woods for a camping trip—and they’ve got everything they need: • a smelly tent • cheesy camping food • beef jerky • a wildly high rope swing But when the boys go searching for a mysterious snake named Mouthy Melvin, things quickly spiral into full-blown camping chaos. With outdoor adventure, silly surprises, and nonstop laughs, Camping Chaos keeps kids engaged and eager to read more. • Perfect for summer reading • Short chapters for reluctant readers • Humor parents and kids can enjoy together
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
One book. Three complete stories. This omnibus edition combines three previously published Max E. James paperbacks into a single full-length volume. Three hilarious adventures. One unforgettable brother duo. This action-packed chapter book omnibus follows Max E. James and his big brother Cody as they compete, explore, and laugh their way through everyday adventures that feel anything but ordinary. In Fishing Fever, the boys set out to catch a legendary monster fish. In Winter Wipeout, a massive snowfall sparks a snow-day dilemma with no sleds and no hills — until plans take an unexpected turn. In Crash Course, sibling rivalry explodes when video-game bragging rights are on the line… and Mom and Dad have a better idea. With fast-moving chapters, big laughs, and relatable family moments, this omnibus is perfect for: elementary-aged readers kids who prefer funny over fantasy parents looking for engaging bedtime reads A great fit for fans of...
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
One book. Three complete stories. This omnibus edition combines three previously published Max E. James paperbacks into a single full-length volume. Meet Max E. James and his big brother Cody in this laugh-out-loud three-story chapter book omnibus packed with summer fun, birthday chaos, and brotherly teamwork! In Beach Bound, Max faces his biggest fear yet — wiping out in the waves — while trying to prove he’s brave enough to ride the surf. In Birthday Bash Parts I & II, Max’s long-awaited birthday turns into a hilarious showdown of wishes, rival teams, and party surprises that don’t go quite as planned. With short chapters, relatable family moments, and humor kids love (and parents appreciate), this omnibus is perfect for: reluctant readers bedtime read-alouds kids who love funny, real-life adventures If your child enjoys books like Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, or Stink, they’ll feel right at home with Max...
Genres: Children's fiction
Formats: E-Book
Age Groups: 5-8, 8-11
Six laugh-out-loud adventures. One unforgettable pair of brothers. Join Max E. James and his big brother Cody in this six-story chapter book collection filled with everyday adventures that turn into unforgettable (and hilarious) moments. From summer waves and birthday chaos to fishing legends, snow-day mishaps, and sibling showdowns, this collection delivers nonstop fun kids can relate to. Included in this collection: Beach Bound – Can Max conquer his fear of wiping out in the waves? Birthday Bash Parts I & II – A birthday wish, rival teams, and a party that nearly goes off the rails. Fishing Fever – A legendary fish. A big plan. What could go wrong? Winter Wipeout – No sleds, no hills… and a snow day surprise. Crash Course – Video-game rivalry meets a real-world challenge. With short chapters, relatable family moments, and humor that kids love (and parents appreciate), this omnibus is perfect for: reluctant...