Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt by Galvin Almanza, Emily

In this twisty, propulsive mystery for kids from former public defender Emily Galvin Almanza, author of The Price of Mercy, a fearless fifth grader vows to help a classmate in danger of getting lost in the system.

Andromeda Diaz knows a thing or two about fighting injustice--after all, she's the daughter of two public defenders. Andy just never anticipated putting her skills to the test in her fifth-grade class! But when she hears that popular classmate Benji Jones is suspended for stealing, something that just doesn't sound like him, Andromeda decides to investigate, especially when she hears that school officials have decided to take this matter to the District Attorney.

Together with her best friend Danny, Andromeda revisits the events leading up to the theft, interviewing witnesses, finding holes in the evidence, and coming up with alternative theories for why Benji was accused. Unfortunately, school officials are convinced Benji is the culprit and changing their minds is going to be a challenge. Finding undeniable proof might be more than two fifth graders can handle. But one innocent kid's future lies in the balance....

Emily Galvin Almanza has written an exciting, empowering novel that shows readers the importance of fighting for justice, no matter how young you are. Plus don't miss the scrumptious recipe for Andromeda's cuñapes (a beloved Bolivian snack bread)!

Author: Emily Galvin Almanza
Publisher: Ten Speed Young Readers
Published: 09/08/2026
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9798217273218
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 09/01/2026

About the Author
Emily Galvin Almanza is the co-founder and executive director of Partners for Justice, a nonprofit creating a new collaborative model of public defense designed to empower defenders nationwide. Prior to founding PFJ, Emily fought for clients inside the LA County Public Defender, Santa Clara County Public Defender, and Bronx Defenders, and with the Stanford Three Strikes Project. Galvin Almanza is the author of The Price of Mercy, and her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Teen Vogue, and Time, among others.