Cookie Monsters

Two seventh graders face off to become a scouting cookie queen in this tenderhearted novel by Kendrick (Squad Goals). Having lost last year’s World Scouts Alliance cookie-selling district title to a now-graduated high schooler, Black middle school student Brooklyn Ace is “in it to win it.” She hopes to take the grand prize and dedicate it to her mother, who died of cancer the year prior. But the arrival of a transfer student, wealthy white Instagram influencer Piper Parker, brings competition to the fore. As Piper edges in on Brooklyn’s established customers, and Brooklyn realizes how much of her success involved her compassionate mother’s way with people, Brooklyn becomes overwhelmed with anxiety and grief as well as uncertainty about her prospects for winning. With the aid of her faithful scout troop members, HoneyBee cheer squad, vivacious therapist, and fashionable grandmother, Betty Jean, Brooklyn works to overcome her obstacles. Concentrating on Brooklyn’s emotional growth, the positive first-person narrative sheds light on the importance of loyal friends, mental health support, and cherishing a loved one’s memory. Ages 8–12. Agent: Marcy Posner, Folio Literary. (Jan.)