Pat Schmatz Books

“An ode to the significance of reading in the lives of young people. . . . Unique and original, believable and poignant, this is a book with power of its own.” — The Horn Book (starred review) Thirteen-year-old Travis has a secret: he can’t read. But a shrewd teacher and a sassy girl are about to change everything in this witty and deeply moving novel. Mr. McQueen is a rare teacher whose savvy persistence has Travis slowly unlocking a book on the natural world, while Velveeta’s wry banter and colorful scarves belie some hard secrets of her own. With sympathy, humor, and disarming honesty, Pat Schmatz captures the moments of trust and connection that make all the difference.

The story centers on eleven-year-old Tash, who views her elderly neighbor, Cap'n Jackie, as family. When Jackie goes missing, Tash discovers she possesses a crucial secret that could lead to her return. This heartfelt narrative explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the courage to uncover hidden truths.

Fifteen-year-old bender Kivali has had a rough time in a gender-rigid culture. Abandoned as a baby and raised by Sheila, an ardent nonconformist, Kivali has always been surrounded by uncertainty. Where did she come from? Is it true what Sheila says, that she was deposited on Earth by the mysterious saurians? Now she's in CropCamp, with all of its schedules and regs, and the first real friends she's ever had. Strange occurrences and complicated relationships raise questions Kivali has never before had to consider. But she has a gift, the power to enter a trancelike state to harness the knowings inside her. She has Lizard Radio. Will it be enough to save her?