Key takeaways
- Simon & Schuster has published The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class, the middle grade debut novel by Kai Cheng Thom.
- The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class is available now in hardcover, eBook and audiobook.
- The novel follows Maia, a shapeshifter born among the Nor Numinem, who is starting middle school and is not excused from gym class.
- Kirkus Reviews calls The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class "a hopeful tale of growing up and embracing oneself within community."
- Simon & Schuster has published a reading group guide for The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class.
Kai Cheng Thom's middle grade debut, The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class, is available now from Simon & Schuster in hardcover, eBook and audiobook. The novel follows Maia, one of the rare shapeshifters born among the Nor Numinem, who discovers that being one of the "special few" does not get you out of gym class.
What is The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class about?
The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class follows Maia, a shapeshifter starting middle school. In every generation, a special few of the Nor Numinem are born shapeshifters, and Maia is one of them, which turns out to be no help at all when gym class rolls around.
Simon & Schuster describes the book as a heartfelt and hilarious middle grade debut about learning to listen to that quiet, bold voice in your heart, and pitches it to readers of Judy Blume and Lee Knox Ostertag.
The publisher lists the novel's themes as self-discovery, belonging, embracing differences and finding your voice.
Where can I get the book and in what formats?
The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class is available now in three formats: hardcover, eBook and audiobook, according to Simon & Schuster.
Simon & Schuster has also published a reading group guide for the novel, which makes it a straightforward pick for classroom groups and younger book clubs of the kind we run at The Bookclub Boutique.
What have reviewers said about it?
Kirkus Reviews calls The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class "a hopeful tale of growing up and embracing oneself within community."
Tamora Pierce, bestselling author of the Song of the Lioness series, writes that Kai Cheng Thom "has written a book of vivid imagery coupled with exciting—and entertaining!—characters," adding that Thom "encourages her characters and her readers to look within and remain true to oneself. Brava, Kai!"
Kelley Armstrong, #1 New York Times bestselling author, describes the novel as "a powerful story told in a genuinely delightful way. Full of warmth and heart and humor."
The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class: the details
| Title |
The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class |
| Author |
Kai Cheng Thom |
| Publisher |
Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date |
Available now |
| Format |
Hardcover, eBook, audiobook |
| ISBN |
9781668210871 |
Frequently asked questions
Is The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class out yet?
Yes. Simon & Schuster says The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class is available now. The novel by Kai Cheng Thom can be had in hardcover, eBook and audiobook, so readers who prefer listening are covered alongside those who want the printed edition.
Who is The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class written for?
The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class is a middle grade novel. Simon & Schuster recommends it to fans of Judy Blume and Lee Knox Ostertag, and lists its themes as self-discovery, belonging, embracing differences and finding your voice.
Is this Kai Cheng Thom's first middle grade book?
Yes. Simon & Schuster describes The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class as Kai Cheng Thom's middle grade debut, calling it a heartfelt and hilarious story about learning to listen to that quiet, bold voice in your heart.
Is there a reading group guide for the book?
Yes. Simon & Schuster has published a reading group guide for The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class, linked from the publisher's announcement alongside further reviews of the novel.
Source
Based on material from Simon & Schuster Canada, received September 15, 2026. Written up for The Bookclub Boutique.
