That Always Happens Sometimes written by Kiley Frank, illustrated by K-Fai Steele - ADVISABLE

That Always Happens Sometimes written by Kiley Frank, illustrated by K-Fai Steele. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $19. 9781984852434

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Max is just a regular kid who is sometimes (or always) messy, distracted, or forgetful. This book follows Max as he goes about his day at school, a humorous celebration of neurodivergence and the awkwardness of childhood.

I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I didn’t love the illustrations, although it did accurately capture the messy chaotic nature of Max’s brain. I think it would be valuable to have in a classroom library because of the neurodivergent representation, and the social-emotional value of the story as Max makes connections with his peers and teacher. 

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes