Just a few weeks after releasing her latest children’s book, Mary Casanova is back in the spotlight with her latest books, “McKenna” and “McKenna, Ready to Fly!” the 2012 Girl of the Year books as part of the American Girl series.

“I love writing for American Girl, and it’s an incredibly intense process,” said the award-winning Ranier author. “I have to manage the stress of doing research, writing two books, and working with screenwriters when there’s a movie ... all in less than a year’s time. But I always remind myself that panic will never help; I show up at my desk, do my work, and hope that the magic will again be there.”

“McKenna” and “McKenna, Ready to Fly!” will be the author’s sixth book and fourth character for the American Girl series. Her latest stories introduce readers to McKenna Brooks, a skilled gymnast whose confidence tumbles when she starts having difficulty with reading comprehension. With the help of her tutor, McKenna learns to bring the same focus and determination she uses in her gymnastics training to improve her reading skills and get her grades up. As McKenna’s self-assurance deepens, so does her desire to help her friends to face their own challenges.

Casanova said she was excited to write about a character who, like herself, hits a reading slump in fourth grade.

“That’s about the time I realized I was struggling to comprehend much of what I was trying to read,” she said.

Casanova added that she was also able to relate to McKenna as a character who is excelling at gymnastics and other areas of life, and is bewildered when she starts to struggle in school.

“She’s embarrassed when she has to start working with a tutor, but learns that it’s okay to need help sometimes,” Casanova said.

One element of the story that surprised Casanova was that she hadn’t expected McKenna’s tutor, Josie, to become such a pivotal character. “Not only does she demonstrate inner strength, but she also needs encouragement. In book No. 2, Josie admits that she’s apprehensive about riding a horse at the therapeutic riding center. It’s McKenna who encourages and supports Josie, and starts to volunteer at the center for kids with disabilities.”

To fully understand what she was writing, Casanova explored Seattle, where McKenna lives, and also worked with young gymnasts and their parents and coaches.

For the sequel, the author spent time at the Forget-Me-Not Foundation, a therapeutic riding center, in Nashwauk.

As Casanova gears up for the nationwide Jan. 1 launch of McKenna, she tells readers to look at the character as “a window and a mirror.”

“For some girls, she will be a direct reflection of the things girls like to do or may be experiencing themselves,” Casanova explained. “For others, her story may provide a glimpse into a world that may be very different from their own but still provides valuable lessons about growing up and imagining new possibilities.”

Next spring, a movie based on McKenna’s stories will premier on DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The film stars Nia Vardalos from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” Ian Ziering, and newcomer Jade Pettyjohn as McKenna. Casanova will be spending time on tour, speaking at schools and conferences, and signing at all the American Girl stores around the country, including Seattle, where the story is set.

She will make a stop at the International Falls Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24, to discuss her writing and research process. She noted, “American Girl is generously donating a McKenna doll to giveaway that evening at the library. I will also give away a few copies of my most recent picture books.”

The books are available wherever books are sold as well as through the American Girl catalog, at www.americangirl.com, and at American Girl retail stores. To place an order or request a free American Girl catalog, call 800-845-0005.