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The Brainstormerz: Money Talks
For readers of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft comes a fresh, funny new young middle grade graphic novel series about three problem-solving besties and their humorous money-making schemes. Electric James, or Lex, as his friends call him, is finally turning ten, and that means one he's getting a phone! And with the hottest phone on the market—the Apollo XL— he’s sure to become the coolest kid at Roberto Clemente Elementary School. But when his parents break the news that the Apollo XL is way out of their price range, Lex is crushed.
Luckily, he has his best friends DJ and Cass. Together, they’re the Brainstormerz — and they’ve never met a problem they couldn’t solve! All they need to do now is figure out how to raise the money for the phone themselves. How hard could it be?
From the talented trio of New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander, Cassidy Dyce, and Eisner winning cartoonist Rashad Doucet, comes a hilarious and electrifying story about friendship, creativity, and the power of teamwork.
Luckily, he has his best friends DJ and Cass. Together, they’re the Brainstormerz — and they’ve never met a problem they couldn’t solve! All they need to do now is figure out how to raise the money for the phone themselves. How hard could it be?
From the talented trio of New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander, Cassidy Dyce, and Eisner winning cartoonist Rashad Doucet, comes a hilarious and electrifying story about friendship, creativity, and the power of teamwork.
248 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Kwame Alexander
102 books3,215 followersKwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include Surf's Up, a picture book; Booked, a middle grade novel; and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 16, 2025
Hey 🥹 this is my first book as a co-author with KA…. To those who get to read I hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed creating this story ❤️
May 14, 2026
I’m honestly in awe at how brilliantly amazing I found The Brainstormerz to be. It’s precisely the sort of book that I, as a book lover, would be thrilled beyond belief to purchase for just about every child I know. On top of that, I think it makes for one of the best stories to read with your kiddos. There’s so much heart to the experiences of the main characters, especially young Lex—Electric—as he sets out on an endeavor to make enough money to purchase the specific expensive phone that he really wants now that he’s about to turn ten. Even more than that, the story weaves in complexities of life that many children face when their families might be struggling economically which I think was a brilliant juxtaposition to Lex and his friends’ main goal in all of their business ventures.
Every experience they have with their business ventures might not be wholly realistic, of course, but you truly do feel for these kids through each step in their journey.
And admittedly, one of the things I loved most about this story was the way the authors incorporated the opportunity to introduce new and more complex vocabulary to their young readers. It was a brilliant decision to have Lex’s family own a bookstore, his dad insisting he explore the dictionary to learn new and complex words that his friends, who don’t regularly read the dictionary, naturally would have never heard before. This allows for a beautifully organic way to define these words for readers. And honestly, if any young kiddo who picks up this book ends up starting a word of the day jar with their families, I cannot even begin to express how thrilled I would be.
Love, love, love this book and I cannot wait to see what the authors come up with next for the sequel!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every experience they have with their business ventures might not be wholly realistic, of course, but you truly do feel for these kids through each step in their journey.
And admittedly, one of the things I loved most about this story was the way the authors incorporated the opportunity to introduce new and more complex vocabulary to their young readers. It was a brilliant decision to have Lex’s family own a bookstore, his dad insisting he explore the dictionary to learn new and complex words that his friends, who don’t regularly read the dictionary, naturally would have never heard before. This allows for a beautifully organic way to define these words for readers. And honestly, if any young kiddo who picks up this book ends up starting a word of the day jar with their families, I cannot even begin to express how thrilled I would be.
Love, love, love this book and I cannot wait to see what the authors come up with next for the sequel!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2026
What a delightful story about friends working together. It has heart, humor, and beautiful art. I even learned a new word or two reading this!
Read
August 1, 2026This book was such an enjoyable read. The story follows something that many of us have been through in middle school, wanting a certain gadget for your birthday to feel cool and having to earn it. The writing of this book was strong and highly entertaining, weaving together themes of community, resilience and creativity all while introducing advanced vocabulary. I can now incorporate “pulchritudinous” into my vocabulary with confidence!
I especially loved the support that the characters all show each other, Electric’s friends’ eagerness to help him accomplish his goal and Electric’s immediate willingness to abandon his wants to help his family. It’s a warm story that can teach readers how to show up for the people in their lives.
Also, the art was absolutely beautiful and tied with the writing so well. An easy 5 stars from me!
I especially loved the support that the characters all show each other, Electric’s friends’ eagerness to help him accomplish his goal and Electric’s immediate willingness to abandon his wants to help his family. It’s a warm story that can teach readers how to show up for the people in their lives.
Also, the art was absolutely beautiful and tied with the writing so well. An easy 5 stars from me!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC Provided by Netgalley
Electric "Lex" lives with his parents, who run a bookstore called Lazy Bacon in Reston, Virginia. He often hangs out with friends DJ and Cass, so when he realizes he in not getting an Apollo phone for his tenth birthday, he makes plans with them to raise the money. DJ is rather unreliable, and prone to not paying attention, so it isn't a huge surprise when the kids' successful hot chocolate sales go bust because DJ used his grandmother's chocolate laxatives in the peanut butter hot chocolate! The kids have to return all of the money they made. They also plan a Doggy Day Care, and get lots of dogs to walk and groom, but when the dogs run after a hot dog truck, they once again fail to make money. Lex is concerned that his parents are fighting, but is invested in the idea of paying for a fancy phone. He buys a magic kit at a garage sale and plan a show at school, where they will charge $1 per person. This angers the school's Magic Club, and they make a deal with Lex that if he can get out of a locker ala Harry Houdini, they will let him keep the proceeds. He doesn't, of course, and the principal has to call firefighters to get him out of the locker. The trio thinks about snowblowing, but land on the idea of selling greeting cards at a local artists' fair. They do well, and earn $937. When Lex finds out that the Lazy Bacon book store might have to close, he offers the money to his parents, but they tell him not to worry about it. They get an extension loan, and eight months later are doing okay. At the end of the book, DJ arrives to tell Lex that Cassandra has a Ginormous problem, and we will get to read about that in the upcoming Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow.
Elementary schools might want to look into this, but Lex and his friends seem a bit young for middle school readers. It seemed unrealistic that the principal wouldn't have a key to the locker to get Lex out; there are at least five of us at my school who could get a child out of a locker, and this has never once been an issue. The parents' business struggles are realistic, but solved much too easily. I'm all for children opening businesses and trying to make money, but $937 seems like a lot to earn selling handmade greeting cards. Readers who enjoyed Miller, Canino, and Luu's Besties: Work it Out or Doucet's Art Club will want to take a look at this new series.
Electric "Lex" lives with his parents, who run a bookstore called Lazy Bacon in Reston, Virginia. He often hangs out with friends DJ and Cass, so when he realizes he in not getting an Apollo phone for his tenth birthday, he makes plans with them to raise the money. DJ is rather unreliable, and prone to not paying attention, so it isn't a huge surprise when the kids' successful hot chocolate sales go bust because DJ used his grandmother's chocolate laxatives in the peanut butter hot chocolate! The kids have to return all of the money they made. They also plan a Doggy Day Care, and get lots of dogs to walk and groom, but when the dogs run after a hot dog truck, they once again fail to make money. Lex is concerned that his parents are fighting, but is invested in the idea of paying for a fancy phone. He buys a magic kit at a garage sale and plan a show at school, where they will charge $1 per person. This angers the school's Magic Club, and they make a deal with Lex that if he can get out of a locker ala Harry Houdini, they will let him keep the proceeds. He doesn't, of course, and the principal has to call firefighters to get him out of the locker. The trio thinks about snowblowing, but land on the idea of selling greeting cards at a local artists' fair. They do well, and earn $937. When Lex finds out that the Lazy Bacon book store might have to close, he offers the money to his parents, but they tell him not to worry about it. They get an extension loan, and eight months later are doing okay. At the end of the book, DJ arrives to tell Lex that Cassandra has a Ginormous problem, and we will get to read about that in the upcoming Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow.
Elementary schools might want to look into this, but Lex and his friends seem a bit young for middle school readers. It seemed unrealistic that the principal wouldn't have a key to the locker to get Lex out; there are at least five of us at my school who could get a child out of a locker, and this has never once been an issue. The parents' business struggles are realistic, but solved much too easily. I'm all for children opening businesses and trying to make money, but $937 seems like a lot to earn selling handmade greeting cards. Readers who enjoyed Miller, Canino, and Luu's Besties: Work it Out or Doucet's Art Club will want to take a look at this new series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay I have to be upfront; co-author Cassidy Dyce is my sister. But I promise that has nothing to do with why this book is genuinely so good!
The Brainstormerz: Money Talks had me grinning the whole way through. Lex, DJ, and Cass are such a lovable trio and watching them brainstorm, fail spectacularly, dust themselves off, and try something completely different to help their friend? It just gets you. The whole book has this wonderful energy of kids being kids; messy; creative, and determined.
What hit me most was how naturally it weaves in the message of perseverance. It’s not preachy. Nobody sits down and gives a speech about not giving up. These kids just… keep going. They wake up the next day and try again. And somehow that lands harder than any lesson ever could.
The vocabulary scattered throughout is such a smart touch too; you almost don’t notice it happening, which is exactly how good learning works.
Cassidy co-authored this with NYT best selling author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Rashad Doucet, and together the three of them made something really special. But I’ll say this about my sister specifically: her voice is distinguishably warm, her storytelling instincts are sharp, and this is only the beginning for her.
Buy this for the kids in your life. Read it yourself. Then wait impatiently for book two like I will be
The Brainstormerz: Money Talks had me grinning the whole way through. Lex, DJ, and Cass are such a lovable trio and watching them brainstorm, fail spectacularly, dust themselves off, and try something completely different to help their friend? It just gets you. The whole book has this wonderful energy of kids being kids; messy; creative, and determined.
What hit me most was how naturally it weaves in the message of perseverance. It’s not preachy. Nobody sits down and gives a speech about not giving up. These kids just… keep going. They wake up the next day and try again. And somehow that lands harder than any lesson ever could.
The vocabulary scattered throughout is such a smart touch too; you almost don’t notice it happening, which is exactly how good learning works.
Cassidy co-authored this with NYT best selling author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Rashad Doucet, and together the three of them made something really special. But I’ll say this about my sister specifically: her voice is distinguishably warm, her storytelling instincts are sharp, and this is only the beginning for her.
Buy this for the kids in your life. Read it yourself. Then wait impatiently for book two like I will be
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers through NetGalley.
A middle grade novel but geared more toward upper elementary level.
Lex is turning ten soon and all he wants is the latest and greatest cell phone. His parents told him no so his friends DJ and Cass come up with a plan to earn money to buy it. In fact, they come up with several plans, but, sadly, disaster strikes every time. I love how the authors hinted at larger issues in the background and then followed through from the perspective of nine and ten year olds. By the end, the the bigger issues are on their way to being resolved and the three friends have found a solid way to make money. The ending pops straight into the next book with a different friend needing her buddies. The artwork is stunning as expected and brings readers into the action.
I received an electronic ARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers through NetGalley.
A middle grade novel but geared more toward upper elementary level.
Lex is turning ten soon and all he wants is the latest and greatest cell phone. His parents told him no so his friends DJ and Cass come up with a plan to earn money to buy it. In fact, they come up with several plans, but, sadly, disaster strikes every time. I love how the authors hinted at larger issues in the background and then followed through from the perspective of nine and ten year olds. By the end, the the bigger issues are on their way to being resolved and the three friends have found a solid way to make money. The ending pops straight into the next book with a different friend needing her buddies. The artwork is stunning as expected and brings readers into the action.
June 27, 2026
This was a cute enough graphic novel about 3 friends who are working together to come up with an idea to make money quick. Our main character, Lex, is about to have his 10th birthday and his parents said he can have a phone. However, they're going to get a very basic model thing and he wants the big fancy one so he has to earn $600. Things keep going wrong with all the jobs they try, but eventually they figure it out and he realizes the fancy phone may not have been worth it. His parents are fighting and having marital problems because of financial problems in their co owned bookstore so he would rather help them and restore peace in the home. It's such a heavy burden for the kid, but it didn't make the book feel too heavy. Overall, a good (very quick) read.
May 23, 2026
(Actual rating: 4.25 stars)
Kwame Alexander never misses. In this book, he teams up with a co-author and a stellar illustrator to create a heartwarming story about three kids, who brainstorm-hence the name of the series-away for one of the kids to earn enough money for a new phone. That kids parents own a bookstore and have been struggling to make ends meet. The story soon turns to this character and his friends trying to come up with enough money to save the store after that character discovers either an eviction or an overdue bill having to do with the bookstore. I look forward to the other books to come in this series.
Kwame Alexander never misses. In this book, he teams up with a co-author and a stellar illustrator to create a heartwarming story about three kids, who brainstorm-hence the name of the series-away for one of the kids to earn enough money for a new phone. That kids parents own a bookstore and have been struggling to make ends meet. The story soon turns to this character and his friends trying to come up with enough money to save the store after that character discovers either an eviction or an overdue bill having to do with the bookstore. I look forward to the other books to come in this series.
June 16, 2026
This was such an awesome book on so many levels. Electric is turning 10, which means they get a phone finally! However the new XL is too much so the friends decide to raise the money themselves, and they have total confidence that they can do it too. This book is full of family, friendship, and tons of words to learn along the way.
The art in this book really takes it to the next level. It’s absolutely adorable! I sure wish this book was around when I was younger, but I will be passing it on to my niece who is going to love it!
The art in this book really takes it to the next level. It’s absolutely adorable! I sure wish this book was around when I was younger, but I will be passing it on to my niece who is going to love it!
Read
July 15, 2026Not going to rate this one, since its just 100% not my cup of tea, and will probably be appealing to the intended audience.
Mostly, it felt like they took a fairly common story (entrepreneurial kids), removed the narrative and depth in favor of splash art pages, and peppered the whole thing with vocabulary words. I see where this will genuinely be appealing to a lot of kids, but it feels like a missed opportunity. If you're looking for examples of how this can be done better: Doucet's Art Club, Cleo Edison Oliver, JD and the Great Barber Battle -- the list goes on.
Mostly, it felt like they took a fairly common story (entrepreneurial kids), removed the narrative and depth in favor of splash art pages, and peppered the whole thing with vocabulary words. I see where this will genuinely be appealing to a lot of kids, but it feels like a missed opportunity. If you're looking for examples of how this can be done better: Doucet's Art Club, Cleo Edison Oliver, JD and the Great Barber Battle -- the list goes on.
August 4, 2026
Love love loved this book! I’ve been looking for books for my nieces that help them navigate larger topics like money in a way that is approachable and meaningful. Many of us have been in Lex’s shoes, wanting that new gadget that will impress all of your friends and the kids at school, but come from a family that can’t afford it. Books like this teach both kids from those circumstances, and those who come from families with more resources, to treat each other with kindness and to lean on your community when times are tough. This was a great read and I can’t wait for my nieces to read this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brainstormerz is a fun and fast read, and a well done graphic novel. The three friends solving a problem dynamic is not new, but always welcome when it's done this way. Lex, DJ and Cass are well drawn characters, both literally and figuratively, and the authors make sure that they all have reasonable talents and flaws. The illustrations are bright and well used to convey ideas and jokes not overt in the text. I hope we get to see more of this trio.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you goodreads for the book giveaway.
This middle grade book is super cute! It reminded me of my teen who wanted an iPhone because everyone has one.
You will have to read this book to find out if Lex gets the phone he wants. With that being said Lex has a great group of friends.
This book had me laughing at the bathroom scene. 😂
This middle grade book is super cute! It reminded me of my teen who wanted an iPhone because everyone has one.
You will have to read this book to find out if Lex gets the phone he wants. With that being said Lex has a great group of friends.
This book had me laughing at the bathroom scene. 😂
June 30, 2026
I had a blast reading Brainstormerz! It’s fun to see how the main characters display hard work, perseverance, creativity, and getting out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals. These topics are shown in ways that are fun and engaging. The lessons and story in this book will be great for young readers, and they were also great for this adult reader. Cannot wait for the sequel!
August 1, 2026
Lex can’t wait for his 10th birthday when his parents have promised to get him a phone. When they tell him they can’t afford the latest model phone that he wants, he and his friends set out to earn money by selling hot chocolate, walking dogs, and creating art. Things often go hilariously wrong. A realistic graphic novel about the anxiety tweens feel when their parents are stressed.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I am so happy that a brand new group of readers will be exposed to the gift of storytelling by Kwame Alexander! This is the start of a fantastic series about a trio of friends, and in this first book they try to earn money, which results in some humorous mishaps.
I am so happy that a brand new group of readers will be exposed to the gift of storytelling by Kwame Alexander! This is the start of a fantastic series about a trio of friends, and in this first book they try to earn money, which results in some humorous mishaps.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is a fun friendship story with an elevated vocabulary since Lex’s dad makes him read the dictionary.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was a cute story with a good message for kids. I agree with another reviewer who said this is more of an elementary reader book than a middle grade story.
June 8, 2026
Cute graphic novel that I can see being popular with my fans of Babysitter's Club or any realistic graphic novel reader!
July 13, 2026
3.5 Easy to follow plot with colorful dynamic art
July 21, 2026
Adorable start to a new GN series.. fun and well-drawn despite a Deus ex machina
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to LYBR/LB Ink for this hilarious MG graphic novel. I loved the entrepreneurial spirit of the kids and tenacity to keep coming up with new ways to earn money, and their kindness when a new cause popped up for the money they earned. The vocabulary spoofs were highly entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews