School is back in session, and the stage is set! Reconnect with your friends in High School Story: Class Act, Book 2, launching next week! What role will you play this time around? Let's get the inside scoop from the writers:

Book 1 was all about finding your place at Berry High and in theater. Tell us a little bit about what's next for readers in Book 2!

Brianna: In Book 2, election season is hitting Berry High! When some unexpected classmates throw their hats into the ring, you and your friends are forced to decide who to support. The last book was all about forging new relationships with your classmates. This book is really about taking those bonds to the next level, and putting them to the test when tensions run high. You choose your destiny, so you’ll really have to follow your heart and discover what you believe in!

Sounds like a lot is happening at Berry High! What about Book 2 are you most psyched for readers to encounter?

Brianna: I think the ups and downs of the race will be a ton of fun for readers to play through, especially since they’ll have a say in them! Things don’t always go according to plan, and it’ll be a wild ride from start to finish.

Jaylee: We have so many fun dates planned! Arcades, robot battles, hanging out inside an igloo...

Emily: I’m excited for players to navigate a very relatable issue — family vs. friends — and seeing how that affects their main character.

Will we be making any new friends? Or (gasp) enemies? And will we be seeing any familiar faces from the first High School Story series?

Brianna: You’ll be meeting a few new faces! Some will be friends, and others will be foes. And some beloved characters from the original High School Story trilogy will also be playing a role in this year’s presidential race, so stay tuned!

Rachel Z.: The focus this time is on deepening the friendships and relationships you established in book one. But you might run into conflict with a couple people you didn't expect!

What was your favorite part of working on this book? What's been the most challenging?

Brianna: I have a soft spot for writing the sibling dynamic between you and your twin -- their bond is so adorable and funny! As for the most challenging part, this book’s tense standoffs and drama have been hard on me since I love these characters. I just want them to be happy!

Rachel Z.: I also love writing the twins! While your twin spent the last book making some arguably poor choices, you get to see them step up to the self-growth plate in this volume. It's been interesting exploring this.

Jaylee: Your relationship is so new, and it's the first time your character and the love interests have ever experienced big romantic feelings like this, so every time you come together, it's so magical. They're all still in that "Omg, this person likes me back?? They let me kiss them??? What??" stage, and it's so fun to write.

Emily: My favorite part has been finding ways to incorporate some fan favorite characters in with our new gang. The most challenging part was figuring out what the heck a Student Body President actually does!

If you were running for class president, what would your campaign slogan be?

Brianna: Bri for better bathrooms! For some reason my high school’s restrooms were unbelievably disgusting.

Emily: The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword: Vote for Emily, the Writing Irish!

Jaylee: "Everyone who votes for me will get cookies!" But there are no cookies. It's a lie. My inauguration would be a brutal wake-up call to the harsh realities of politics.

Rachel Z.: I was always the weird and highly extra kid (which hasn't changed in adulthood), so my slogan would have been something like, "Vote for Rachel for vampire-themed dances!"

That's something I'd vote for... If you're reading this, high five! You're awesome and one of a kind. Be sure to follow along on our social media pages for more sneak peeks of Open Heart, our upcoming Choices book!

What else is next in Choices? Well, you'll encounter the supernatural, travel the world, and much, much more! Whether it's Bloodbound: Book 2, the interstellar return of Across the Void, or something entirely new, we're so excited to share what's in store for the future. Keep a lookout for sneak peeks and announcements!

-Shae