Whiz Kid (Miles Lewis #2)

Gr 2-5--From the author of the "Jada Jones" series comes a new chapter book series set in the same group of friends. Focusing on Jada's friend, Miles Lewis, these titles give readers a look at a confident fourth grade Black boy who lives with his parents and grandmother. Miles enjoys science and being the best at everything he tries. King of the Ice focuses on Miles's first time ice skating during a class field trip. What starts as a friendly competition between Miles and his best friend becomes a much more anxiety-inducing event for Miles. Whiz Kid centers around the common stressor of navigating group projects as the fourth graders head into the school science fair. The books include a sprinkle of Black history, courtesy of Miles's father, a Black history professor. Spencer's cartoon-style illustrations are detailed and warm and add to the plot, which is relatively text-heavy, though it features large print. VERDICT Ideal for growing independent readers, this is highly recommended for fans of "Jada Jones" or Kara West's "Mia Mayhem" series.--Monisha Blair