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Alex and the Squid

by Meghan Wilson Duff

A book-fair choice with lasting consequences

Regular price $16.47 USD
Regular price $27.45 USD Sale price $16.47 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Praise from Kirkus

    Kirkus calls the book a sensitive, empathetic take on childhood moral quandaries.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A book-fair choice with lasting consequences

Alex loves books and cephalopods, but he has no money to spend at the school book fair. When a book about squids and octopuses tempts him, he takes it without paying—and afterward, a giant squid from its pages visits his dreams as he considers how to make things right. The story links a child’s mistake to questions of fairness, privilege, honesty, and responsibility. Endnotes add information about cephalopods, an author’s note, and a social-emotional exercise about making mistakes.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Ages 4–8, especially children who enjoy stories about books and sea animals.
  • Families and educators looking for a picture book that opens discussion about honesty, fairness, and mistakes.
  • Young readers curious about squids, octopuses, and other cephalopods.

Themes

Honesty and responsibilityFairness and privilegeBooks and curiosityCephalopods

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"A thoughtful picture book that explores guilt, curiosity, and honesty through imaginative dream sequences and expressive artwork" - Booklist

"A sensitive, empathetic take on the moral quandaries of childhood" - Kirkus

When Alex doesn't have money for the school book fair, he makes a decision with giant consequences

Alex made a decision.

In a quick motion, he tucked the book under his arm and walked back to the classroom.

And yet, drifting under the current of excitement, something poked and tugged at him.

Every year when the school book fair comes around, Alex just can't bear it. He loves books, but he never has any money to spend. But when there's a new book about squids and octopuses - the animals he's most fond of- at this year's fair, Alex decides to steal it. He sneaks it into his backpack and takes it home.

But then the golden giant squid from the book begins to visit him in his dreams, and Alex has to decide how to make things right.

  • Features a relatable main character who loves books and cephalopods
  • Deals with the topic of privilege and fairness in an approachable, kid-friendly way
  • Endnotes provide more information about cephalopods, an author's note, and a social-emotional exercise about making mistakes
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