Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly's Classroom? by Chris Priestley and Mariachiara Di Giorgio - OPTIONAL

Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly's Classroom? by Chris Priestley and Mariachiara Di Giorgio. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2026. $19. 9781536245011.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (4-6) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Grace is a new student at a spooky new school. She volunteers to return a book to Mr. Grimly’s classroom, despite not knowing her way around the building. What can happen en route? More than you’d think…

I did not love this book as much as other reviewers I’ve seen online. It was fine. But I just didn’t get the spooky vibe and I wanted it to make more sense. If it’s a magic school, that should be more clear. If it’s not a magic school, then half of the stuff that happened to Grace shouldn’t be possible. I guess I just wasn’t a fan of the ambiguity and overall mood of the book. It is very similar to Chris Van Allsburg’s works, just not as well done in my opinion.  

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes