by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Max and Josie have been best friends since kindergarten. The last day of fifth grade leaves Josie with a lot of worries. As she leaves, she mentions something about ‘whatnots’ and Max finds a note under his computer urging him to not believe what anyone might tell him about her. Now Max has questions. But how can a couple of 11-year-olds find the truth. Let’s find out!
Read if you like: middle grade, mysteries, science fiction, robots, the power of friendship, discussion of classism, discussion of bullying.
I can’t say much more about this book without tons of spoilers. The School for Whatnots was not what I expected at all. But I think it ended up being better. The narrator was funny and brought more personality to the story and our duo were likable and appropriately 11. While friendship is the overall theme, the book takes place in a futuristic society and tries to talk a little about classism and some about bullying and how NOT to handle these issues.
That being said, it provides no real-world solutions, but might aid the beginning of discussion for these topics. It could be triggering for kids who have or currently experience food and housing insecurity.
Honestly, I feel like I’m giving a similar critique as received by The Feminine Mystique… it’s helpful for the well-off folks who need to be mindful… but what about the people who are struggling to survive? On the flip side, for those who want to begin discussion of these topics I think this is a ‘low risk’ cultural engagement and you could easily compare and contrast how the book ends with ways to actually make a difference in the community.
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