The School for Whatnots

• Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s “Best Children’s Books of The Year 2023”
• Finalist, Ohioana Book Award
• Barnes and Noble Young Reader Monthly Pick, August 2023

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 every seeing each other again. Because Josie wasn’t supposed to be real.

Master of suspense and middle grade thrillers Margaret Peterson Haddix delivers another page-turning standalone adventure that delves into the power of privilege, the question of humanity, and the importance of true friendship.

“The incredibly intriguing premise is happily matched by compelling text, treating readers to some truly terrific twists and a touch of fairy tale…. A thought-provoking and thrilling exploration of what it means to be human.” —Booklist, starred review

“The omniscient narrator and strong pacing will keep readers engaged and racing to the end. Meanwhile, the well-rounded characters will elicit empathy and inspire discussions of systemic socio-economic inequalities.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Strong interpersonal relationships and twisty plotting will draw readers into this quick-moving buddy novel that focuses on connection and generations’ opportunities to unlearn their programming.”–Publishers Weekly

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