The School for Whatnots by Haddix, Margaret Peterson

From master of suspense author Margaret Peterson Haddix comes another page-turning stand-alone adventure perfect for fans of Cog and Bad Magic.

No matter what anyone tells you, I'm real.

That's what the note says that Max finds under his keyboard.

He knows that his best friend, Josie, wrote it. He'd know her handwriting anywhere. But why she wrote it--and what it means--remains a mystery.

Ever since they met in kindergarten, Max and Josie have been inseparable. Until the summer after fifth grade, when Josie disappears, leaving only a note, and whispering something about "whatnot rules."

But why would Max ever think that Josie wasn't real? And what are whatnots?

As Max sets to uncover what happened to Josie--and what she is or isn't--little does he know that she's fighting to find him again, too. But there are forces trying to keep Max and Josie from ever seeing each other again. Because Josie wasn't supposed to be real.

This middle grade thriller from Margaret Peterson Haddix delves into the power of privilege, the importance of true friendship, and the question of humanity and identity. Because when anyone could be a whatnot, what makes a person a real friend--or real at all?

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Published: 03/01/2022
Pages: 304
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780062838490
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.3
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 515245 / School for Whatnots


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2022
Publishers Weekly 01/31/2022
School Library Journal 02/01/2022 pg. 75
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2022
Booklist 04/15/2022 pg. 56
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2022 pg. 145
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2022 - Superior,Well Above Average