The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

The book raises questions that will have the proverbial cogs turning long after the book ends.' - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books A secretive narrator keeps a sense of intrigue, heightening the tension.

'Haddix offers a scarily realistic alternate reality, with the seemingly infinite lengths the rich will go to ensure a perfect world for themselves at the expenses of others and the things parents will do to protect their children. VERDICT A solid purchase with appeal for older readers recommended for any library, but especially those where sci-fi and mysteries circulate well.' - School Library Journal The thought-provoking plot exposes the glaring disparities between the haves and the have-nots. 'An innovative story of friendship with touches of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, along with a heavy, dark dose of capitalism.

An intriguing novel that highlights social class disparities and the importance of friendship.' - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Meanwhile, the well-rounded characters will elicit empathy and inspire discussion of systemic socio-economic inequalities. The omniscient narrator and strong pacing will keep readers engaged and racing to the end. 'Josie and Max find out the truth behind the Whatnot Corporation, leading them to unravel a mystery that has them confronting the true meaning of friendship and reconciling the inequalities the company has prospered from and contributed to. Because when anyone could be a whatnot, what makes a person a real friend-or real at all? 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 Josie wasn't supposed to be real. But there are forces trying to keep Max and Josie from ever seeing each other again. Until the summer after fifth grade, when Josie disappears, leaving only a note, and whispering something about 'whatnot rules.'īut why would Max ever think that Josie wasn't real? And what are whatnots?Īs 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 why she wrote it-and what it means-remains a mystery.Įver since they met in kindergarten, Max and Josie have been inseparable. He knows that his best friend, Josie, wrote it. That's what the note says that Max finds under his keyboard. No matter what anyone tells you, I'm real. About the Book Follows fifth grader Max as he searches for his best friend who disappeared, leaving behind a strange note.įrom master of suspense author Margaret Peterson Haddix comes another page-turning stand-alone adventure perfect for fans of Cog and Bad Magic.

The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix