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The School for Whatnots
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?
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?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2022
193 people are currently reading
5114 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Peterson Haddix
129 books6,337 followersMargaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
February 22, 2022
What if parents could protect their child through the elementary years? No bullying or conflict. Surrounded by exemplary behavior. Equal opportunity. Allowed to become the best they can be. Right? Not so fast. In the world Margaret Peterson Haddix has created, rich parents pay for their children to begin those formative years of school with Whatnots (androids) as classmates. These Whatnots are so realistic that when some disadvantaged kids are sprinkled in no one can tell. As you can guess, there is much that can go wrong and it does. Telling us the story is an unidentified (at first) narrator. Although the narrative does not always go forward sequentially, the chapters are clearly marked with the relevant variables to keep us anchored. Speaking of being anchored, just as a tree grows stronger roots when buffeted by breezes; human beings also grow through challenges and a healthy amount of adversity. Parents are there to guide and not to smother. If you liked Peter Brown's The Wild Robot and its sequel, I think you will also enjoy this book. Some excellent food for thought.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2022
I really enjoyed the voice of this book and the playful use of a narrator interspersed throughout but oof does this end up glossing over a lot of social issues. While a compelling page-turner thanks to mysterious veiled characters and a surprise twist, it's hard to walk away from the story feeling like the exploitation of low-income families can be framed as a heartwarming tale.
I don't know- I feel like I wouldn't recommend this to any young reader who is food or housing insecure because some content is triggering and a lot of takeaway seems to be that friendship and money fix everything. Which is probably true for anyone who has both. It's an interesting concept that ultimately misses the mark in dealing with the causes of and potential solutions for systemic poverty.
I don't know- I feel like I wouldn't recommend this to any young reader who is food or housing insecure because some content is triggering and a lot of takeaway seems to be that friendship and money fix everything. Which is probably true for anyone who has both. It's an interesting concept that ultimately misses the mark in dealing with the causes of and potential solutions for systemic poverty.
September 28, 2021
I wanted to read this book because I really liked The Missing series by this author. The concept of a school filled with life like androids sounded intriguing. The book started off fairly well and was interesting at first, but soon went downhill when I found out Josie was not really an Android but was forced to live at the school and pretend to be one since her family was poor. It bottomed out completely when it was revealed that all the kids were in the same situation except for the Max, the one rich privileged kid. The final nail in the coffin was the owner of the whatnot corporation saying she did it because she never had a friend, paying off the families who had to suffer, and everyone lived happily ever after. Any possible lessons points about friendship and privilege were completely lost on me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2021
This is charmingly written, engaging, very cute capitalist apologia. The messages of the book are really mixed up. Truly horrible, indefensible, egregious things happen to the poor children in this book, their families, and their communities—but in the end it's all fine because . No structural change to make sure horrible things aren't happening to every other poor community in the country/world is mentioned, and it seems like everyone thinks it's totally fine for billionaires to exist while poor mothers die in underfunded hospitals nearby (explicitly, this is the dichotomy). This probably started out from interesting thoughts about income stratification and automation, but its solutions were nowhere near what was necessary for the world it created. It suffers from a problem in trying to make everyone "nice" in a world where rich families stand blithely by while poor families suffer and are destroyed for their benefit—something that is not nice at all.
November 5, 2022
Can you weave an intriguing story while helping children understand systemic socioeconomic inequalities? Yes, if you're Margaret Peterson Haddix. On the last day of fifth grade, Max finds a note under his laptop that reads, "No matter what anyone tells you, I'm real." He knows that it's from his BFF Josie, but he has no idea what it could mean. The reader knows more than Max, thanks to the narrator (who is in for some surprises, as well). Max is the son of super-wealthy parents who pay to have him attend a school populated by life-like androids and only one real child, Max -- or so the parents are led to believe.
No, this book does not provide solutions for all the socioeconomic inequalities, and, yes, the book does seem to imply that money and kindness can fix everything, as it ends quite happily. (You want it to end well for the characters; unfortunately, that's not always how it works in our nonfiction world.) But it's an intriguing story that has kept me thinking (the implications of what transpires in the book are much larger than can be explored in a short, stand-alone book, but I sense that the author knows this and wants us to keep thinking), and this could be a good starting point for conversations about poverty, power (or lack thereof), and wealth.
- Reviewed by Amy H.
No, this book does not provide solutions for all the socioeconomic inequalities, and, yes, the book does seem to imply that money and kindness can fix everything, as it ends quite happily. (You want it to end well for the characters; unfortunately, that's not always how it works in our nonfiction world.) But it's an intriguing story that has kept me thinking (the implications of what transpires in the book are much larger than can be explored in a short, stand-alone book, but I sense that the author knows this and wants us to keep thinking), and this could be a good starting point for conversations about poverty, power (or lack thereof), and wealth.
- Reviewed by Amy H.
January 17, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
I have very mixed feelings about this book which read very much as an homage to Charlie and the Chocolate factory (trade Oompah Loompahs for androids, I guess). On the one hand, I have to remember that it is meant for fairly young readers and therefore the absurdity of the plot and characters should be forgivable. The read is very quick and easy and told in a chipper voice that should keep readers engaged. But the messages here are very muddled and lacking the bite and nuance of the Chocolate Factory books: what should have been a story about friendships instead somehow translated in the end as, "pity the rich, they have it rough - and being poor is ok as long as you make a rich friend who makes you rich at the end."Story: Max is the young son of wealthy parents who worry he will be bullied or liked only for his money. So they put him in a special school populated by androids who provide an environment of learning safely. Josie comes from a very poor family in a desperate situation. Desperate and penniless, Josie's father agreed for her to be sent to a special elementary school where she will pretend to be an android and be a friend to wealthy real-kid Max. But Josie has a hard time being a 'good girl' and she and Max get along like besties. When the elementary school years end, Max is told the truth and required to not see any other androids from the school again - but he refuses to believe Josie was not a real girl. After all, she sent him a note saying she was real! But can the two manage to see each other again when their parents signed strict contracts forbidding it?
The parallels to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are numerous. From the kids being in an isolated place without parents, the mysterious genius leader, trials for the kids to prove their worth, even the twist at the end concerning inheriting the company. The mysterious owner is, like Willie Wonka, childlike and lonely in their genius and looking for 'the one.' There is even a glass elevator.
But homages to Roald Dahl aside, the story feels thin on nuance and depth. The premise of the androids having to be changed out each year to look older, that a child wouldn't notice they were robots, or that this was the most effective use of such technology is pretty ridiculous (more so than a giant chocolate factory with a river made of chocolate). Where the chocolate factory in Dahl's book became a character in itself, here the world is hardly developed. Max isn't curious about his world and the school hardly feels fleshed out. The book really needed to build this setting better to give the book clarity and a better urban fantasy feel. We also needed more from Max than apathy, petulance, and just going with the flow. He was a milquetoast, unlike Charlie from Dahl's books.
The book is solely focused on the friendship of Josie and Max. The first part felt inert, mostly told in flashbacks of how they got along like most grade schoolers, with rich kid max learning to get mud on his clothes or go a bit wild thanks to Josie. Josie, meanwhile, spends a lot of the book missing her father and kind of resenting having to live at the school with only one good friend there. Later in the book, they will have to prove they have a good friendship and the moral of the book appears to be about how friends stick together, have good and bad times, and enjoy each other's company.
But because the focus is on a friendship between a poor girl and a rich boy (there are other older characters from previous incarnations at the school who are both rich and poor later in the story) as well as an android, the messages are somewhat mixed. All I seemed to get from the story is that it is ok for the wealthy to use and abuse the poor (take them from their parents, make them be robots and not live for themselves, live a lonely life) as long as the rich person is also lonely. There did not seem to be too much remorse about that at all and certainly Josie never acted out in anger over the situation (nor did the other characters forced into the same charade). As well, everything works out in the end by the poor people getting money - giving the message that being poor is a bad situation and the only happy ending comes from getting money.
The story is told in a quirky voice and has several 'twists' that are geared for a young audience. Admittedly, as an adult I found it to be sounding somewhat pandering but also appreciate that it adds interest to the book for young readers. The read is VERY simple and easy to follow - younger readers should have no problem with the book at all. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
September 17, 2023
I loved the concept of this book.
Children going to school with robots to teach them how to behave, but the kids don't know about the robots. Very cool.
There are of course other bits that turn the story on it's heels, but you will have to read it to know.
Max & Josie & Ivy are all fantastic characters that I really enjoyed getting to know.
The "narrator" chapters were unnecessary and annoying.
I wish they had been left out altogether.
Children going to school with robots to teach them how to behave, but the kids don't know about the robots. Very cool.
There are of course other bits that turn the story on it's heels, but you will have to read it to know.
Max & Josie & Ivy are all fantastic characters that I really enjoyed getting to know.
The "narrator" chapters were unnecessary and annoying.
I wish they had been left out altogether.
September 20, 2023
The more I think about this book, the more I love it and the harder it gets to review. <3
After finding The Lost Letters to be a disappointment, I was hesitant to pick up another new Haddix book but thanks to a bit of bravery and a Barnes and Noble sale, I found myself in possession of this one, and it blew me away.
Warning--it's one of those where you have to stop every few chapters and catch your breath. It's that suspenseful, meaningful, and clever, and I'm very glad I took the time to soak up the story. I can't say much about what I liked without giving everything away, but let's just say all is not as it seems and the huge reveals are wonderful. ;)
I also appreciated the steady balance between the sci-fi and social commentary.
I'll be thinking about this one for a while more...
After finding The Lost Letters to be a disappointment, I was hesitant to pick up another new Haddix book but thanks to a bit of bravery and a Barnes and Noble sale, I found myself in possession of this one, and it blew me away.
Warning--it's one of those where you have to stop every few chapters and catch your breath. It's that suspenseful, meaningful, and clever, and I'm very glad I took the time to soak up the story. I can't say much about what I liked without giving everything away, but let's just say all is not as it seems and the huge reveals are wonderful. ;)
I also appreciated the steady balance between the sci-fi and social commentary.
I'll be thinking about this one for a while more...
December 24, 2021
Margaret P. Haddix may be the Neal Shusterman for middle grades. Such terrific, futuristic and unimaginable story plots full of artificial intelligence, science, and technology along with very human emotions and relationships. Readers in grades 5-7 will be intrigued by the idea of a school with human and android children and, for most of the book, won’t be entirely sure who falls into each of those categories! Along the way, as Max and Josie do everything they can to stay friends, there will be lessons in empathy and being a friend. Outstanding choice for libraries serving the target age group with no worries about profanity, sexual content, or violence. Representation: Main characters are Caucasian and Black…and some are made of metal and assorted computer pieces!
Thanks for an early look at this February 2022 release, NetGalley.
Thanks for an early look at this February 2022 release, NetGalley.
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August 8, 2022DNF at 50%....
Ohhhh man I really wanted to love this. Especially because I have been wanting to get back into Middle Grades for quite some time now. However I think the premise of this sounded really good but it was just lacking in the execution. For being a mystery there was just too much information given to us as the reader way too quickly to keep my intrigued enough. Also I didn't love the narrating style overall. It was a very quick read and I could have easily finished it but I just didn't care enough about the plot or character to feel compelled enough to continue.
I am obviously not the target audience for this book but I do think that kids in this age group would most like enjoy this book. It just was not working for me and I didn't want to get to the end just to give it a mediocre rating and bring the goodreads rating down.
Ohhhh man I really wanted to love this. Especially because I have been wanting to get back into Middle Grades for quite some time now. However I think the premise of this sounded really good but it was just lacking in the execution. For being a mystery there was just too much information given to us as the reader way too quickly to keep my intrigued enough. Also I didn't love the narrating style overall. It was a very quick read and I could have easily finished it but I just didn't care enough about the plot or character to feel compelled enough to continue.
I am obviously not the target audience for this book but I do think that kids in this age group would most like enjoy this book. It just was not working for me and I didn't want to get to the end just to give it a mediocre rating and bring the goodreads rating down.
March 28, 2022
The School For WhatNots was a fun , futuristic, high tech and unimaginable stories made for middle school kids with serious life topics like social classes, economic status, friendships, betrayals and loyalty.
Josie’s mother died during childbirth and her laborer father wants the best for her. So, he signed an agreement to subject his daughter to play the role of an Android student/friend for the billionaire kid named Max in exchange of the good education and chance for a brighter future. Max’s parents wanted their child to learn more than just being the rich kid, so they seek the service of the WhatNot company that provides android kids that will play the role of a real life friends/schoolmates of any rich kid family up to a certain age.
The secret was out when Josie left a note for Max to find saying that regardless of what he’s been told to always remember she is real.
It was such thought provoking scenes about socio-economic status of the characters and their chance for education. A child has the right to education. This book may seem impossible specially with the Android character but sad to admit that there are actually places in the world that even in current date and time that socio-economic status still prevent a child from getting education. I love the moral lesson that this story brings. Real friendships can not be bought and when people unites for a common cause, all things are easier to achieve. School for WhatNots is aimed for middle school audience but I believe that readers of all ages will enjoy.
Special thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC of this book.
Josie’s mother died during childbirth and her laborer father wants the best for her. So, he signed an agreement to subject his daughter to play the role of an Android student/friend for the billionaire kid named Max in exchange of the good education and chance for a brighter future. Max’s parents wanted their child to learn more than just being the rich kid, so they seek the service of the WhatNot company that provides android kids that will play the role of a real life friends/schoolmates of any rich kid family up to a certain age.
The secret was out when Josie left a note for Max to find saying that regardless of what he’s been told to always remember she is real.
It was such thought provoking scenes about socio-economic status of the characters and their chance for education. A child has the right to education. This book may seem impossible specially with the Android character but sad to admit that there are actually places in the world that even in current date and time that socio-economic status still prevent a child from getting education. I love the moral lesson that this story brings. Real friendships can not be bought and when people unites for a common cause, all things are easier to achieve. School for WhatNots is aimed for middle school audience but I believe that readers of all ages will enjoy.
Special thank you to Netgalley for the e-ARC of this book.
February 6, 2022
The concept for The School for Whatnots was on point! One rich kid’s family pays to have their child surrounded by android children, so their personality doesn’t alter because of another “human” child, except for one little girl is pretending to be a “whatnot” so that she gets a better education. That is something I haven’t read before and it had me hooked.
Now where it went downhill is about halfway through. Max feels lonely without his best friend, Josie. Max is the rich kid, whose parents are now telling him that his best friend wasn’t real. Which, what a way to find out, but also, they are children. Josie started with Max in elementary school. Are you telling me that no one picked up on this little girl being very unrobotic in 6 years? They kept saying that she was a bad influence. Isn’t the whole reason to have the android kids so that his personality comes out without influence?
Then we find out that there are no whatnots at that school at all! They’re all elementary age kids pretending to be robots. So no child has an accident and pees on themselves? No child gets tired of pretending? That was unbelievable for me, but besides THAT, I loved the story.
OH!!!! And then the moral of the story is that the principle only really wanted a friend. So what I got from this is that you can trust no one to be who they say they are😂
Now where it went downhill is about halfway through. Max feels lonely without his best friend, Josie. Max is the rich kid, whose parents are now telling him that his best friend wasn’t real. Which, what a way to find out, but also, they are children. Josie started with Max in elementary school. Are you telling me that no one picked up on this little girl being very unrobotic in 6 years? They kept saying that she was a bad influence. Isn’t the whole reason to have the android kids so that his personality comes out without influence?
Then we find out that there are no whatnots at that school at all! They’re all elementary age kids pretending to be robots. So no child has an accident and pees on themselves? No child gets tired of pretending? That was unbelievable for me, but besides THAT, I loved the story.
OH!!!! And then the moral of the story is that the principle only really wanted a friend. So what I got from this is that you can trust no one to be who they say they are😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!!! It was very suspenseful and hard to put down!! Very good plot and good writing.
August 31, 2025
I love juvenile thriller. Murder is so boring, evil corporation forcing children to pretend to be robots for the benefit of rich people is so much classier
March 23, 2023
What an intriguing idea for a story! I loved this so much! ‘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—& what it means—remains a mystery. Ever since they met in kindergarten, Max & Josie have been inseparable. Until the summer after fifth grade, when Josie disappears, leaving only a note, & whispering something about “whatnot rules.” But why would Max ever think that Josie wasn’t real? & what are whatnots? As Max sets to uncover what happened to Josie—& 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 & Josie from ever seeing each other again. Because Josie wasn’t supposed to be real. This is such a suspenseful thrilling read. The whole idea of whatnots, & every detail about them is so intriguing. There's so much mystery surrounding so many things as well. When we get 1 answer, 4 more questions come up. Great adventure with great themes of true friendship, the power of privilege, & the question of identity & humanity. The twists at the end were also phenomenal. Highly recommend. BEAUTIFUL cover by Rebecca Mock too.💜
November 4, 2022
Two kids fight for their friendship against their parents and a dystopian society... but are they both real kids? Max's parents say Josie (and all of his classmates) are in fact whatnots, or androids. But Josie left Max a note saying that she's real. A twisty tale that keeps readers guessing till the very end!
I wasn't a big fan of the narrative structure. The short chapters and multiple perspectives will probably help engage reluctant readers, but they felt like constant interruptions to me, especially the "narrator's asides." It wasn't until the narrator was revealed as an actual character in the story that the shifts felt less jarring.
My big issue is with the ending. Frankly, it's creepy that a grown adult did all these things because... they just wanted to be friends? With kids? And once the kids complete her messed up challenge, they all live happily ever after. Ew.
Works as a friendship story, but fails to do justice to the underlying social issue of wealth inequality.
I wasn't a big fan of the narrative structure. The short chapters and multiple perspectives will probably help engage reluctant readers, but they felt like constant interruptions to me, especially the "narrator's asides." It wasn't until the narrator was revealed as an actual character in the story that the shifts felt less jarring.
My big issue is with the ending. Frankly, it's creepy that a grown adult did all these things because... they just wanted to be friends? With kids? And once the kids complete her messed up challenge, they all live happily ever after. Ew.
Works as a friendship story, but fails to do justice to the underlying social issue of wealth inequality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
3.75/5 Stars! I think I just have high standards, by this point XD
Better review to come! :)
Better review to come! :)
January 19, 2023
(3.5)
An agreeable book which aims much higher than Haddix's previous sci-fi, while unfortunately falling a bit short on execution. A lot of great concepts and a compelling plot make this still worthwhile for kids just looking for something fun to read, and I wouldn't warn anyone away.
After A LOT of thinking, I'm going with a 3.5 on this one. I read it because I'm a Haddix superfan, and, honestly, I don't think it's bad at all. The real reason I'm leaving it at 3.5 is because I don't think it necessarily says something new about science the way many of her other books did, and while it really does its best at class politics, the plot structure itself gets in the way of a great message.
To recap: the book is about a young rich boy named Max, whose parents send him to a newfangled school where every child is a robot. The idea is that these perfectly-behaved children will make kind friends to him, shielding him from childhood bullying, while providing role models to keep him from going astray. Max, of course, will have no idea that his playmates aren't "real"... and never doubts that until Josie, a real human girl in the same class, reveals the conceit to him. Her low-income family was offered money they desperately needed for her to play this role.
This, to me, was a great start to fixing the issue of the billion children's books about rich people. We get these dual POVs which allow for a poor character and her struggles to make up half the book, and the plot obviously deals with income inequality. I also appreciated the numerous Black characters-- spelled with a capital B!-- given that Haddix has previously had mostly white protagonists (and, in Running Out of Time, there is an in hindsight horrifying comment about slavery: ). Haddix shouts out some sensitivity readers in the back, which just thrilled me; I'm really glad to see giants in kids' fiction take these steps. There's a minute where, however nonsensically, characters are referred to as "female-presenting robots," and let me tell you I lost my mind. It's hilarious and ridiculous and it made me immensely happy to see.
The trouble, of course, is that you can't solve income inequality in the span of a book-- especially a kids' book. A lot of problems are essentially solved by giving poor people money, which is, you know, great, but the continuing exploitation of the poor by the rich is never addressed... because it can't be. That's why I'm giving this one 4/5 instead of 3/5 on GR, because I really do feel for Haddix in that you physically cannot write a satisfactory resolution to a conflict like this in this book. I don't know what I would ask her to have done differently. There are tons of reviews I agree with here about the major issues this book has with privilege, and I just can't come up with a way to fix this glaring fault.
I did read this all in one sitting, and I think it satisfies the way any Haddix book does. It's amazing to see her reaching for the stars with her plotlines, and as someone who grew up on her books I'm so glad on a personal level to see an author I like learning and improving (hard to find in these times! :D) While I don't think the leap here was quite enough to stand out in the field politically or in terms of overall standout quality, the book itself is still vibrant, exciting, and an absolute delight to read. I read it all in one setting, savoring all the twists and turns (there's even a hint to one on the cover! ) I loved the familial relationships-- my kingdom for present parents in fiction-- the robots-and-sentience debates, Haddix doing Haddix... I'm just glad she's still writing.
Man, just writing this review made me like the book more. I initially thought I wouldn't necessarily reread it, but just remembering all the twists makes me want to discover them again... augh!! I'll have to do that someday and re-review.
So: do I recommend this one? I totally think Haddix completionism is worth it overall. This isn't my first pick of hers, and it's certainly not my first pick off the entire metaphorical shelf of kids' fiction, but it has an utterly unique premise and a ton of twists and a plot that just tugs you along, so if you come upon it at the library, go ahead and take it home! I think it's a solid read.
An agreeable book which aims much higher than Haddix's previous sci-fi, while unfortunately falling a bit short on execution. A lot of great concepts and a compelling plot make this still worthwhile for kids just looking for something fun to read, and I wouldn't warn anyone away.
After A LOT of thinking, I'm going with a 3.5 on this one. I read it because I'm a Haddix superfan, and, honestly, I don't think it's bad at all. The real reason I'm leaving it at 3.5 is because I don't think it necessarily says something new about science the way many of her other books did, and while it really does its best at class politics, the plot structure itself gets in the way of a great message.
To recap: the book is about a young rich boy named Max, whose parents send him to a newfangled school where every child is a robot. The idea is that these perfectly-behaved children will make kind friends to him, shielding him from childhood bullying, while providing role models to keep him from going astray. Max, of course, will have no idea that his playmates aren't "real"... and never doubts that until Josie, a real human girl in the same class, reveals the conceit to him. Her low-income family was offered money they desperately needed for her to play this role.
This, to me, was a great start to fixing the issue of the billion children's books about rich people. We get these dual POVs which allow for a poor character and her struggles to make up half the book, and the plot obviously deals with income inequality. I also appreciated the numerous Black characters-- spelled with a capital B!-- given that Haddix has previously had mostly white protagonists (and, in Running Out of Time, there is an in hindsight horrifying comment about slavery: ). Haddix shouts out some sensitivity readers in the back, which just thrilled me; I'm really glad to see giants in kids' fiction take these steps. There's a minute where, however nonsensically, characters are referred to as "female-presenting robots," and let me tell you I lost my mind. It's hilarious and ridiculous and it made me immensely happy to see.
The trouble, of course, is that you can't solve income inequality in the span of a book-- especially a kids' book. A lot of problems are essentially solved by giving poor people money, which is, you know, great, but the continuing exploitation of the poor by the rich is never addressed... because it can't be. That's why I'm giving this one 4/5 instead of 3/5 on GR, because I really do feel for Haddix in that you physically cannot write a satisfactory resolution to a conflict like this in this book. I don't know what I would ask her to have done differently. There are tons of reviews I agree with here about the major issues this book has with privilege, and I just can't come up with a way to fix this glaring fault.
I did read this all in one sitting, and I think it satisfies the way any Haddix book does. It's amazing to see her reaching for the stars with her plotlines, and as someone who grew up on her books I'm so glad on a personal level to see an author I like learning and improving (hard to find in these times! :D) While I don't think the leap here was quite enough to stand out in the field politically or in terms of overall standout quality, the book itself is still vibrant, exciting, and an absolute delight to read. I read it all in one setting, savoring all the twists and turns (there's even a hint to one on the cover! ) I loved the familial relationships-- my kingdom for present parents in fiction-- the robots-and-sentience debates, Haddix doing Haddix... I'm just glad she's still writing.
Man, just writing this review made me like the book more. I initially thought I wouldn't necessarily reread it, but just remembering all the twists makes me want to discover them again... augh!! I'll have to do that someday and re-review.
So: do I recommend this one? I totally think Haddix completionism is worth it overall. This isn't my first pick of hers, and it's certainly not my first pick off the entire metaphorical shelf of kids' fiction, but it has an utterly unique premise and a ton of twists and a plot that just tugs you along, so if you come upon it at the library, go ahead and take it home! I think it's a solid read.
December 26, 2022
This was a fast, fun read, but I'm not exactly sure what to think of the premise itself. In my profession, I've worked in low income schools so I've seen firsthand how the environment is different from that of higher income schools. There are a multitude of reasons why this is, including (but not limited to) lack of parent involvement, toxic stress, unsafe environments, etc. So ... the idea that a school wants poor kids to blend in as androids to get a good education is somewhat problematic as it's kind of implying "if you act like rich kids, you'll be more deserving."
On the other hand, it is an interesting look at prejudice that exists within our own perceptions of good schools vs. bad schools. Parents *do* fake addresses and coach their kids to be on their best behavior to attend "good" schools. It absolutely happens. Therefore, it's an interesting concept to put all of these kids with similar backgrounds into the same situation without them knowing that everyone else is going through the same thing.
I don't know. I'm not sure what to think.
On the other hand, it is an interesting look at prejudice that exists within our own perceptions of good schools vs. bad schools. Parents *do* fake addresses and coach their kids to be on their best behavior to attend "good" schools. It absolutely happens. Therefore, it's an interesting concept to put all of these kids with similar backgrounds into the same situation without them knowing that everyone else is going through the same thing.
I don't know. I'm not sure what to think.
notes-on-unfinished-books
July 10, 2022The legend is back! Haddix creates a fast-moving, suspenseful dystopia. I love the premise and I love watching the characters grow and develop agency. I am previewing this year's new kids' lit by only reading 20 pages of each book, but this one was so interesting that I got tricked into reading more. I would love to make time for the rest of it after I work through the pile.
April 19, 2022
This was a really quick fun middle grade read! A really good story that was so creative and thoughtful.
April 2, 2022
I loved this book, it was very unique, and I loved the prospect of whatnots. The characters were amazing and lovable.
April 12, 2022
Adorable sci-fi middle grade read with real world implications. The pace in this was medium, but felt fast. I blew right through this book I was enjoying it so much. The concept is fantastic and integrates a good dystopian type narrative with messages about equality (or lack thereof) with regard to wealth, privilege, and opportunity.
The construction of the narrative is great. There is a mix of story with interjections by the "narrator". This was so cute and clever and I loved how it played into the plot.
There is bound to be controversy with regard to the analogy presented through the narrative, but I think it's important to view this through a middle grade lens. There are definitely imperfections in the construction (which I think is the case with most novels), but as a whole it provides a hopeful approach that things in society could someday get better. This is important for middle grade readers, though viewing it through an adult lens can make the social implications seem a bit too simplified.
In general, I feel like The School for Whatnots presents a great jumping off point for conversations regarding privilege. Middle grade readers are adept enough to begin understanding the way the world works and how life isn't always fair. Many of them likely have personal experience. Giving them a book to start understanding situations beyond their own lens or as a conversation piece for how to make the world better is important.
Margaret Peterson Haddix's inclusion of Josie as a character was crucial and I think she was handled well. Josie had insights that reveal some of the more important underlying emotional issues and the complexities of the decisions that the parents in the story are being forced to make.
A good, thought-provoking read that will be important to follow up with discussion for younger readers.
The construction of the narrative is great. There is a mix of story with interjections by the "narrator". This was so cute and clever and I loved how it played into the plot.
There is bound to be controversy with regard to the analogy presented through the narrative, but I think it's important to view this through a middle grade lens. There are definitely imperfections in the construction (which I think is the case with most novels), but as a whole it provides a hopeful approach that things in society could someday get better. This is important for middle grade readers, though viewing it through an adult lens can make the social implications seem a bit too simplified.
In general, I feel like The School for Whatnots presents a great jumping off point for conversations regarding privilege. Middle grade readers are adept enough to begin understanding the way the world works and how life isn't always fair. Many of them likely have personal experience. Giving them a book to start understanding situations beyond their own lens or as a conversation piece for how to make the world better is important.
Margaret Peterson Haddix's inclusion of Josie as a character was crucial and I think she was handled well. Josie had insights that reveal some of the more important underlying emotional issues and the complexities of the decisions that the parents in the story are being forced to make.
A good, thought-provoking read that will be important to follow up with discussion for younger readers.
November 13, 2021
What worked:
Josie is pretending to be an android in Maximillian’s classroom, but she doesn’t behave the way the whatnots were designed. Whatnots are supposed to be well-behaved and kind to the rich student in the room, but Josie is independent and gets Maximillian to do things he wouldn’t normally do. On the first day of kindergarten, she gets Maximillian to shorten his name to Max and encourages him to play in the mud at recess. There are cameras all over the school, so security is very aware of Josie’s behavior. However, instead of correcting Josie, a voice to security says “Maybe she’s the one”. This statement leaves a lingering question about her character that continues throughout the book until the climax.
The focus of different chapters changes between Josie, Max, and the narrator. Max and Josie come from very different backgrounds with very different experiences, but the narrator controls the overall story. She shares relevant sidenotes to help readers understand what’s going on, but she’s also confused at times when some discoveries are shared. This fact creates some confusion at times for readers, (How can she be confused when she’s the one telling the story?) but everything becomes understandable as the book gets deeper into the plot. The narrator is actually a character in the story, and her engaging voice presented directly to readers makes her chapters some of the most enjoyable.
The book is a lesson in how to treat others, as it passionately promotes a theme of loyalty and friendship. Max’s parents pay for classes full of whatnots in order to give him stable “friends” who display positive behaviors. They want to protect him from bullies, keep him from mistreating other kids, shielding him from people who want to get close to him because of his family’s money. Even though Josie doesn’t act like a typical android, she still treats Max with kindness and respect, and the two of them become inseparable. The second half of the book finds their friendship put to the test, and a difficult challenge highlights the foundation of their relationship. Loyalty and supporting each other are keys to success.
What didn’t work as well:
The conflict early in the book isn’t very suspenseful or compelling. It’s interesting, but it’s not easy to tell where the plot is headed. However, the story becomes more focused and an intriguing problem emerges when Max completes the fifth grade. All kinds of revelations are made about whatnots, androids, and several important characters. Max’s whole world is turned upside down, but Josie discovers many new truths too. The build-up to the climax is a roller coaster ride of emotions.
The final verdict:
A moving tale of friendship. The adorable kids will touch readers’ feelings, as they struggle to stay together. The author creates a thought-provoking and moving story that will make readers ponder the kind ways to treat others. Margaret Peterson Haddix has written another winner!
Josie is pretending to be an android in Maximillian’s classroom, but she doesn’t behave the way the whatnots were designed. Whatnots are supposed to be well-behaved and kind to the rich student in the room, but Josie is independent and gets Maximillian to do things he wouldn’t normally do. On the first day of kindergarten, she gets Maximillian to shorten his name to Max and encourages him to play in the mud at recess. There are cameras all over the school, so security is very aware of Josie’s behavior. However, instead of correcting Josie, a voice to security says “Maybe she’s the one”. This statement leaves a lingering question about her character that continues throughout the book until the climax.
The focus of different chapters changes between Josie, Max, and the narrator. Max and Josie come from very different backgrounds with very different experiences, but the narrator controls the overall story. She shares relevant sidenotes to help readers understand what’s going on, but she’s also confused at times when some discoveries are shared. This fact creates some confusion at times for readers, (How can she be confused when she’s the one telling the story?) but everything becomes understandable as the book gets deeper into the plot. The narrator is actually a character in the story, and her engaging voice presented directly to readers makes her chapters some of the most enjoyable.
The book is a lesson in how to treat others, as it passionately promotes a theme of loyalty and friendship. Max’s parents pay for classes full of whatnots in order to give him stable “friends” who display positive behaviors. They want to protect him from bullies, keep him from mistreating other kids, shielding him from people who want to get close to him because of his family’s money. Even though Josie doesn’t act like a typical android, she still treats Max with kindness and respect, and the two of them become inseparable. The second half of the book finds their friendship put to the test, and a difficult challenge highlights the foundation of their relationship. Loyalty and supporting each other are keys to success.
What didn’t work as well:
The conflict early in the book isn’t very suspenseful or compelling. It’s interesting, but it’s not easy to tell where the plot is headed. However, the story becomes more focused and an intriguing problem emerges when Max completes the fifth grade. All kinds of revelations are made about whatnots, androids, and several important characters. Max’s whole world is turned upside down, but Josie discovers many new truths too. The build-up to the climax is a roller coaster ride of emotions.
The final verdict:
A moving tale of friendship. The adorable kids will touch readers’ feelings, as they struggle to stay together. The author creates a thought-provoking and moving story that will make readers ponder the kind ways to treat others. Margaret Peterson Haddix has written another winner!
January 23, 2022
This is a superbly written mid-grade fiction. I want to say this book could be dystopian fiction, but that would imply a hint of improbability. This book could very well be a premonition of Simpson-esqe quality. There are more surprising and breathtaking twists than riding a rollercoaster blindfolded.
I would feel comfortable recommending this book to any child. It is perfectly G-rated. There isn’t even a smidge a bit of eye-brow raising language. You won’t feel terrible when you catch your kiddo up past their bedtime reading it. It would be a great book group study. I’d love to see it in graphic novel form and would pay to see this adapted to screen in some way.
This is definitely a read again book. Your 1st read through will be fast and skip details because you will not be able to wait to find out what happens next. The 2nd read through is where you’ll catch the details. The 3rd read through will be when you decide you may just put this story in your “always recommend” list.
I would feel comfortable recommending this book to any child. It is perfectly G-rated. There isn’t even a smidge a bit of eye-brow raising language. You won’t feel terrible when you catch your kiddo up past their bedtime reading it. It would be a great book group study. I’d love to see it in graphic novel form and would pay to see this adapted to screen in some way.
This is definitely a read again book. Your 1st read through will be fast and skip details because you will not be able to wait to find out what happens next. The 2nd read through is where you’ll catch the details. The 3rd read through will be when you decide you may just put this story in your “always recommend” list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2022
I was excited when I got this book. I love some of Haddix' books. But, this book was a big disappointment for me. No character growth for the rich kid and seemed to make the statement that money will solve all your problems. For you personally and for the world at large. These were not realistic situations or problems.
January 17, 2023
Max's affluent parents only wanted what was best for him when they sent him to school with whatnot classmates -- not that Max knew about the whatnots. He only knew that his best friend Josie needed him: after hinting that she might not be allowed to see him again, she stops responding to his texts. Max sets out to reunite with his friend, unraveling a mystery that will have both him and Josie questioning what has been real and what has only been an illusion.
This middle grade novel had me intrigued, and the short chapters and clever narration -- I particularly liked the narrator's asides -- had me hooked. I am not sure if all the loose ends were satisfactorily tied up; I felt like some issues were glossed over a little too quickly -- after reading through some Goodreads reviews, I can see how problematic some of these themes are. But I did enjoy this book, and I think that tweens who want a dystopian-type novel but aren't ready for The Giver or The Hunger Games would like this book a lot.
This middle grade novel had me intrigued, and the short chapters and clever narration -- I particularly liked the narrator's asides -- had me hooked. I am not sure if all the loose ends were satisfactorily tied up; I felt like some issues were glossed over a little too quickly -- after reading through some Goodreads reviews, I can see how problematic some of these themes are. But I did enjoy this book, and I think that tweens who want a dystopian-type novel but aren't ready for The Giver or The Hunger Games would like this book a lot.
September 2, 2021
I discovered Margaret Peterson Haddix after "The Missing" series already had six books. It is a great series, and Haddix has done it again. THE SCHOOL FOR WHATNOTS is a wonderful way for older elementary and middle school students to better grasp the meaning of privilege. The book is about the power of friendship and the perseverance to do the right thing for others. Some have classified this book as a thriller. It may well be a thriller for middle school-aged children, but not in the same vein as SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. This is a thriller as in the shocking discoveries made about people as the story progresses.
I listened to the voicegalley version of the book, not the final audio narration, therefore I am unable to comment on the quality of the narration.
I listened to the voicegalley version of the book, not the final audio narration, therefore I am unable to comment on the quality of the narration.
September 27, 2022
Max is a rich kid and his parents want him to be liked for himself and not for his money so they hire a whatnot to be his friend until 6th grade. What is a whatnot you ask? A robot who is just like a kid who will be Max best friend? Be when 5th grade is over Max best friend Josie has to leave him. Josie leaves Max a note telling him she is real so Max will do whatever it takes to find his best friend. Will they discover who and what the whatnots actually are????
I like the book but it sure did drag at the end. I love Middle Grade but this one felt even to young for me. I am not a fantasy reader and this book was more on the fantasy side. It was a clever idea but not really for me. I think it would be a great book for children under 8.
I like the book but it sure did drag at the end. I love Middle Grade but this one felt even to young for me. I am not a fantasy reader and this book was more on the fantasy side. It was a clever idea but not really for me. I think it would be a great book for children under 8.
October 2, 2021
I haven't really read any Margaret Peterson Haddix books until this one, to my dismay. Now, I want to read all of her books and understand why she is so beloved. THE SCHOOL FOR WHATNOTS shows amazing insight into elitism and privilege. I don't see how this book was labeled a thriller. It's a story of persevering friendship. The only thing I can think is one never knows who is a whatnot, and it was a bit thrilling to try and figure out what happened to Max's dear friend, Josie.
Thank you so much to @Netgalley and @margaretpetersonhaddix for the this advanced reader's copy for an honest review.
Thank you so much to @Netgalley and @margaretpetersonhaddix for the this advanced reader's copy for an honest review.
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