Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio "Benny" Flores, and Libby Abrams attend Eastside Middle School (which they like to point out is actually in Northside). When they learn the school board has additional funding to spend, they know they have their next feature story, exploring: How do public schools spend their money? Who makes these decisions? Where does the money come from? As the kids interview people at school and learn about their different priorities for the money--an athletic field, a performance hall, improved science equipment, and more--they realize the most important question of all: How can they be part of the decision? Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends--and known to be relentlessly curious. They're always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries.
Maya Chhabra is the author of a middle grade historical novel, Stranger on the Home Front, and a YA verse novel, Chiara in the Dark. Her short stories, poetry, and translations have been published in a variety of venues. Follow her writing updates on Twitter at @MChhabraAuthor. Maya lives in Brooklyn with her wife.
Nathalie Ortega illustrates children's books from all around the world. Her works are published in countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, Spain, and many others. Companies such as Pearson Education, Longman, Oxford University Press, and Harper Collins have her art in picture books, English Language Teaching materials, school books, and more. Nathalie loves working at her home studio with her family and three funny kitties.
