STRANGEVILLE SCHOOL IS DEFINITELY NOT CURSED

Three friends explore the uncharted depths of their school to investigate peculiar happenings.

Fifth grader Harvey Hill is still not used to Strangeville School. Thankfully Stella Cho, his fearless best friend, is around to help Harvey push past his overly cautious nature and embrace the bizarre. The complementary duo embarks on another adventure when the school’s lost-and-found box mysteriously reappears after a decadeslong absence. Coach Johnson believes the box to be cursed, and Stella pulls Harvey and genius classmate Nevaeh into an investigation of the claims. True to its name, Strangeville School soon experiences a deluge of weird events like impromptu performances of sea chanteys, sharks in the hallways, and an attack by a kraken named Fluffy. The zany and madcap tone is consistent with the series opener. Also returning are the numerous believe-it-or-not type asides from the narrator. Harvey’s journey of self-acceptance continues as he forges a new path that is truly his own. The growing friendship among Harvey, Stella, and Nevaeh develops authentically and, along with details like characters with names from diverse ethnic backgrounds, offers readers something realistic and relatable. Harvey is cued as White, Stella as Korean American, and Nevaeh as Black. Final art not seen.

Playfully odd and outlandish; equally fun for returning fans and those new to the series.