A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall

Sixth grader Rami Ahmed is having a terrible time. His best friends dropped him for no apparent reason, and now someone has stolen a painting from the Penelope L. Brooks Museum, where his mother works. It's bad enough that security is suspicious of him, but his mother, who leads the cleaning staff, is considered a suspect, too. Since his father left before he was two, his mother is all Rami has. To make matters worse, he's now hearing and seeing a girl floating in the museum--and she looks like the girl in the missing painting. She soon approaches Rami: she doesn't know who she is and wants his help to figure it out. With assistance from his crime-podcast-obsessed new friend Veda and an artistically inclined turtle called Agatha, Rami determines to find the painting thief and clear his and his mother's names. Though the resolution feels thin, the meticulously fleshed-out museum backdrop evokes impeccable ambiance for a mystery in this cozy tale. Grayscale illustrations by Rockefeller, who collaborated with Warga on A Rover's Story, depict the museum and cast through vivid portraiture. Rami's parents are from Lebanon and Veda's are from India. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Brenda Bowen, Book Group. (Sept.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

A slowly unfurling delight.

"Jasmine Warga has written a modern classic. Smart, charming, and wholly unique—this book about stolen art will steal your heart." — Tae Keller, Winner of the Newbery Medal for When You Trap a Tiger

"Intrigue! Ghosts! A turtle named Agatha! This book has everything you could want in a mystery. Jasmine Warga is a wonder!" — Karina Yan Glaser, New York Times bestselling author of The Vanderbeekers Series

"Jasmine Warga has crafted a clever mystery that unfolds in unexpected ways and answers the question not only of "Whodunnit?" but more importantly the greater mystery of "Who am I?" It is powered by good friends, true fears, and the importance of taking time to notice things that are easily overlooked. Like one of its characters says of art, A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall is filled with surprise gifts and secrets for you to discover. It is a winner in every way!" — James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of City Spies

"The mystery drives this exquisitely paced story that readers will quickly consume. The characters are the beating heart of this tender, quiet tale —each drawn with texture, depth, and warmth. A slowly unfurling delight." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"The meticulously fleshed-out museum backdrop evokes impeccable ambiance for a mystery in this cozy tale. Grayscale illustrations by Rockefeller depict the museum and cast through vivid portraiture." — Publishers Weekly

Praise for A ROVER'S STORY: "It's a gripping read. The novel does a terrific job of communicating scientific information to young readers, and it's also emotionally satisfying." — New York Times Book Review

"Warga follows her cybernetic narrator from first awareness to final resting place—and stony indeed will be any readers who remain unmoved by the journey. The intelligences here may be (mostly) artificial, but the feelings are genuine and deep." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A touching, fact-filled novel [that] centers the maturation of gutsy Mars rover Resilience." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An endlessly inventive story, replete with gentle humor and playful pondering, offering a unique perspective on everything from music and electronics to loyalty and love. Res is written in a distinct, precise voice and sweetly countered by interspersed letters to the rover from a young girl intimately connected to his being, and both thoughtfully evolve as the years pass. A profound and poignant exploration of the universe both outside and within us all." — Booklist (starred review)

"Will thrill fans of both adventure and robot stories and also provide intellectual sustenance for the deep thinkers...Through the character of a robot Warga probes issues of identity, attachment, and the purpose of life, offering readers an unusual but heartfelt example of the importance of staying true to yourself, quirks and all." — Horn Book Magazine

"A fictional Mars Rover narrates its own journey from the robotics lab to the Red Planet. The format of brief journal entries and letters is engagingly readable for even reluctant readers, and the humorous interactions between -robots and machines keep the science-heavy story moving at a reasonable pace. A fresh format and timely topic engage readers in this uplifting and deeply human sci-fi story." — School Library Journal

"This is far from just a cerebral exploration of what humanity means, however, and there's plenty of adventure and tension as Res confronts dust storms, howling winds, gear-grinding gravel, and dangerous craters. Sure to correctly garner comparisons to Brown's The Wild Robot, this shares that title's appeal and accessibility." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"As a mechanical engineer and STEM-lover, this beautiful book filled my heart right to the top. Res may be a rover, but he taught me what it means to be fully alive." — Christina Soontornvat, two-time Newbery Honor recipient