Issuu

Unlikely friends. Unwise adventures. Unexpectedly awesome.

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illustrated by Sarah Nicole Kennedy

MACMILLAN CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING GROUP

The Greenies: No Drama!

written by Emma Mills; illustrated by Sarah Nicole Kennedy March 2027

The Greenies find themselves swept up in the chaos of the school play in this middle school graphic novel full of friendship and funny mishaps.

This time, their assignment is to help with the school play, a classic mystery in an old English manor. Violet’s stage fright prevents her from joining in—even for theater games—but luckily, the Greenies get roles behind the scenes. However, when the group’s efforts to make the production more environmentally friendly don’t exactly go as planned, a cascade of calamities begins.

With the drama club’s funding hinging on a flawless opening night, the Greenies must step in, onstage and off, to save the show.

Emma Mills (she/her) is the author of five YA contemporary romances, including First & Then and Foolish Hearts, and one YA fantasy, Something Close to Magic . When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep-diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog, Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. emmamillsbooks.com

Sarah Nicole Kennedy (she/her) is a freelance illustrator and designer based in Brooklyn, New York. She specializes in graphic novels and children’s book illustration. Sarah graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in illustration in 2022. Outside of work, Sarah reads every horror novel she can get her hands on, collects black and gray tattoos, and cares for her ever-growing collection of houseplants. sarahnicoleillustration.com

Henry Holt and Company

An Imprint of Macmillan 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 mackids.com

: $14.99 US / $20.99 CAN | On Sale Date: 03/02/2027

Novel Fiction | Format: Trade Paperback 232 / 5-½" x 8" | Age s: 8–12 978-1-250-81578-1 | Price: $22.99 US / $31.99 CAN

PLEASE NOTE: This is an uncorrected proof. Reviewers are requested to check all quotations against the published edition. Price and publication date are subject to change without notice.

This digital copy has been distributed for promotional and review purposes only. No other uses are allowed, including but not limited to consumer viewing. No sale or further distribution of this digital advance reader’s edition is permitted, except to others on your staff for review purposes only. Please do not post or share the link to this material. View and share it responsibly within your organization. We thank you for supporting the rights of our authors and artists in this endeavor.

For more information, contact childrens.publicity@macmillan.com.

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• Included in Social Media Promotions

ForReviewPurposesOnly

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

written by Emma Mills

illustrated by Sarah Nicole Kennedy

Henry Holt and Company

New York

Henry Holt and Company, Publishers since 1866 Henry Holt® is a registered trademark of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 • mackids.com

EU representative: Macmillan Publishers Ireland Ltd, 1st Floor, The Liffey Trust Centre, 117–126 Sheriff Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 YC43

Our books may be purchased in bulk for specialty retail/wholesale, literacy, corporate/premium, educational, and subscription box use. Please contact MacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com.

The publisher of this book does not authorize the use or reproduction of any part of this book in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems. The publisher of this book expressly reserves this book from the Text and Data Mining exception in accordance with Article 4(3) of the European Union Digital Single Market Directive 2019/790.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available. First edition, 2027

Book design by Steve Ponzo Printed in China by RR Donnelley Asia Printing Solutions Ltd., Dongguan City, Guangdong Province

ISBN 978-1-250-81579-8 (paperback) 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

ISBN 978-1-250-81578-1 (hardcover) 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

To Nora and Eloise, with love love LOVE from Titi

To Dad, my favorite thespian

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HANA–

EVELYN!

OWEN!

walt!

kris!

AiR QUALiTY FLAGS!

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Red is poor air quality, green is good, yellow is…somewhere in the middle. I don’t know what our scale will be yet, or our exact color rubric, but I’ll work on it!

Flags that indicate air quality!

We hang them up outside the school and change them every day, and then the community will have an easy way to stay informed about the air quality!

Don’t you think it would be the perfect addition to our spring projects? *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Hey, mine only has four exclamation points!

You said it was an emergency.

Mine has five exclamation points and a fire emoji.

Actually, you said, “EMERGENCY, SCiENCE RooM, COME immEDiATELY” with seven exclamation points.

Did you text us all separately? Why didn’t you just use the group chat?

Evelyn doesn’t like emojis. And I’ve found that Hana responds poorly to exclamation points.

That’s true. Mine doesn’t have any.

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Mine is just a tornado, twelve exclamation points, and a head explosion.

Come on, this could only mean one thing.

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quality flags.

How did you know what it meant?

She gets it.

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My mom says that people can get into a rhythm.

ooOH-AHHHHH, WHAT A PARTY

ooOH-AHHHHHH, WHAT A NiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiGHT

But what I think she means is that you can settle into a routine.

She’s not very musical though. Neither am I.

A good routine.

Maybe it’s not the song you were expecting, but maybe you’ve kind of figured out how to move to it anyway? *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I might have found my rhythm since mom and I moved to St. Louis. Since the whole... starts with “D” and ends with “iVORCE.”

I’m a member of the Greenies.

I even started playing this online game, Words Between Pals, with my dad. So even if we don’t always have a lot to say when we talk on the phone—

School’s okay...

Yup. Yeah.

is it possible to score negative points in this game?

Or at least, a little bit of a rhythm.

Classes are going okay.

—it’s nice to be doing something together.

Even if we’re both actually kind of terrible at Words Between Pals.

No big changes. No surprises.

And now that I’ve found this rhythm, I kind of just want it to keep steady.

No drama.

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I need everybody’s attention!

I need your threes.

I need you to Go Fish.

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I don’t need a new phone, but I want one.

I don’t want to be here, but I have to be.

Hey, I think Kris has something to say?

KRis HAS THE FLOOR, EVERYONE!

Thank you.

So, in case you didn’t know, the drama club’s spring play is “Mystery at Deathmore Manor.”

on the bus...

I’ve heard my cousin Kris explain the plot of “Mystery at Deathmore Manor” approximately twelve dozen times. it takes place at an old country estate… at dinner...

A strange cast of characters has been gathered by the owner, an eccentric old millionaire...

…named Dr. Winston Von Fremont-Battle. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

What’s he a doctor of?

Um…

Like, is he a medical doctor? Or does he have a Ph.D.?

Yeah, how did he make his millions?

Maybe he made some really important discovery. Or has a patent on something?

it’s not really part of the story! He just has a lot of money, okay?

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“So he gathers all these random people together at his estate…”

“He’s planning to leave his entire fortune to somebody there...but no one knows who.”

“Right when he’s about to announce his successor—the lights cut out.”

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Of natural causes?

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No. it was— Murder. Obviously.

Dr. Von FremontBattle is found dead.

Enter the play’s most pivotal and important character...

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There’s also one where he solves a mystery on a riverboat casino.

The best one is the one where he solves a mystery on a double-decker bus.

Oh, I know

inspector

Cluefinder did it.

inspector

Cluefinder has to find out who did it...before they strike again.

He did not—

Ten out of ten, it’s the inspector.

Evelyn, I’ve already read the play. And the book the play was based on. Spoilers!

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Sorry! But if we’re going to be involved with the production, you’re going to find out the ending anyway. involved in The production?

Yeah, that’s why I wanted to talk to everyone about it.

I’m the assistant director for “Mystery at Deathmore Manor.” the drama club sort of, ...needs help.

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What kind of help?

Well…to be honest, more people want to be in the show than actually work on the show. We need people to take charge of sets and costumes. So I thought maybe you guys might want to...get involved?

I love the idea of helping out another club. it’s just…we’re kind of packed with initiatives right now.

And from a personal standpoint, I’m already on the debate team, and the dance team, and the junior honor society—

I’ll do it! Why not?

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Owen, how about you?

I mean…I’m pretty busy preparing for the Academic Quiz Bowl, so…

...Probably not.

Violet?

When I say I’m bad at being in front of a crowd, I don’t just mean it lightly.

Something about everyone looking at me just makes me...freeze up.

There’s no way I can have anything to do with drama club.

I couldn’t even handle the fourth-grade spelling bee. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Your word is “laughter.”

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Laughter.

Laugh...ter...

I…don’t think drama’s really my thing.

So, remember we’re doing our fountain cleanup project after school today. Everyone brought the supplies we discussed, right?

Sorry.

I really

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it’s fine. I just thought everyone would want to—

Now that I look at it, some of our promotional stuff for the play probably didn’t help with the current situation.

I guess people think being inspector Cluefinder will be way more fun than making costumes or whatever.

Well, yeah. Have you seen his coat?

Anyway, who wouldn’t want to solve a mystery on a double-decker bus?

I have to skip the fountain cleaning thing today because of rehearsal.

So see you on the bus tomorrow!

See you!

Hey. You’ve got Ms. Welch for Bio, right?

Yeah, second period.

I’m in fourth. Those pop quizzes are the worst, right?

Do you want to study together?

Uh, yeah. Sure.

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They’re...a little tough.

I haven’t really figured Evelyn out yet. I wouldn’t exactly call us friends.

But she’s definitely the coolest person I know.

But somehow, she’s also the person who cares the least about being cool?

Maybe that’s the secret.

I tried so hard to look good in my picture!

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Like at picture day last week…

Evelyn, on the other hand…

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She doesn’t even try, but she ends up looking better than anyone!

Sometimes I wonder if I should try to be more like that.

Or…not try, as the case may be.

Sorry?

Study date.

What? Date? I mean—what? That’s not—we’re just going to study.

You and Walt, huh?

Oh yeah. Sure.

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My best friends from back home in Woods Valley know a lot about this kind of stuff.

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Amelia’s seen just about every Christmas romance movie in existence.

HANGinG OUT WitH SOMEONE TO STUDY DOESN’T MEAN it’s A DATE, RiGHT?

Reese has an older sister, Ava, who gives her all kinds of advice.

And Maya’s the only one of us who’s actually been on a date. She and Hayden Pritchard went to the fall festival together last year.

Hayden ate a bunch of cotton candy. They rode the Spider together three times in a row, and then he threw up on Maya’s shoes.

They did not go out again. But still!

it’s tough living far away from them. if they were here...

...We could talk about ADViCE NeeDED ASAP!!!

after school

Where’d the school even get this thing anyway?

We can thank the alumni from the class of 1986.

Thanks for nothing. I’d rather be at home.

Uh…I think we have a

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What is it?

Should we get started?

I don’t know, it just feels like we shouldn’t use it... for this. Are you kidding? Look at the Jaguar. it definitely needs a good scrub.

That’s dish soap. So?

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Let’s get to it!

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We might need more water to rinse it. Let me refill the bucket.

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See! I told you that we shouldn’t use the dish soap!

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think it looks great.

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Seriously? it was an accident?

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Sorry!

What’s going on here?

Um. Nothing?

You know, I don’t think that’s going to be enough water to rinse everything off. We might need to fill some more buckets.

I’ll go look.

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I don’t think that’s a good—

Um… somewhat bad news.

There was… an accident.

Somebody do something!

Like what? Create a device to speed up time, go to school to study plumbing, then build another device to travel back in time to this exact moment?

Why wouldn’t you just create one device to both speed up and go back in time?

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yeah, why bother making two devices?

Um, I think we have bigger issues to deal with at the moment!

Excuse me, what is going on—

I told you that it was a bad idea to—

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Don’t put dish soap in a fountain.

And then… turn that fountain on.

What have we all learned here today?

Ask for permission before starting a new cleanup project?

No horseplay. it’s super important to wear protective gear when bike riding. it’s a miracle you’re okay, sir!

You should write a letter to that helmet company. Like, proof of principle. Maybe they’ll send you a free helmet. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Clearly, we’ve learned a number of things.

And you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on these things… Please don’t say it, please don’t say it. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I shouldn’t have turned on the fountain.

We shouldn’t have been messing around like that. We’re all to blame.

Okay. So, this one is definitely my fault.

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I shouldn’t have left to fill up the bucket. I know how fast things can spiral out of control with you guys.

I shouldn’t have tried to grab the soap from you.

I’m really sorry.

None taken!

I shouldn’t have joined this club.

No offense.

Hello, all. and we’ve arranged an alternative way for you to serve your detentions…

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This cannot be happening.

You know, I think this is a great opportunity for us to…broaden our horizons.

Honestly, isabel. You can just say that this sucks.

We all agree with you.

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Well, I’m glad someone’s happy.

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Welcome, everyone. I’m happy to see some new faces here today!

Sounds like there are no hard feelings then, if Ms. Shelton agreed to have you in the club.

We will work together as a team and we will maintain a cooperative environment—

it’s not that. Ms. Shelton seems nice. I mean, maybe a little intimidating…

And we will have a great time!

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“But really, it just means everyone’s looking at you doing something embarrassing.”

What’s the problem then?

I thought we were just going to paint sets or whatever, but we had to participate in all these theater games!

Ms. Shelton says it “fosters the spirit of collaboration” or whatever.

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I bet the other kids don’t find it embarrassing.

Even Evelyn gave it a try.

I just… I don’t know. I can’t stop thinking about how silly I look.

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She’s right. They were all into it.

Remember the fourth-grade spelling bee?

How could I forget. The Laughter incident. You’ll never forget how to spell it though.

if you ask me, this sounds like a pretty great way to spend detention.

Which I’m still not thrilled about, by the way, though I do think your club had good intentions. Regardless of how… disastrously they were carried out.

I just…like how everything’s going right now. I don’t want anything to mess that up.

Who’s to say it’ll get messed up? Look how everything turned out when you joined the Greenies. Pretty great, right?

You guess so?! You have a whole… friend crew! That doesn’t just happen every day, you know!

And I think you should try to enjoy your time in drama club, no matter the reason you’re there. You never know–you might have fun.

I guess so.

I think it’s pretty special. Maybe.

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DAD has played a word in WORDS BETWeeN PALS.

Dad has played “PEAR.”

Hey, don’t we have a “no phones at dinner” policy?

Sorry. it’s Dad though. Ah. Have you two talked more about spring break?

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No…

it came in last week. Not through Words Between Pals, but a regular old text.

But I don’t know. I feel bad leaving Mom. And I just feel…

The truth is, I don’t know how I feel. it would be great to see my friends in person.

And to see Dad too.

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I guess I don’t know how I feel.

I’ll talk to him about it soon.

But…

Nice one! *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Ready to study?

I’m not saying I did bad on last week’s quiz, but I definitely had to add these faces to make myself feel better.

Oh, that reminds me— *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I know we’re not supposed to have drinks in here, but I’ve got an in with Mr. J.

Right, Mr. J?

So, how do you usually study? Uh…

What if forever Squared was totally wrong?

What if…it really is just about studying?

usually, I copy down all the vocab from the chapter and look up the definitions.

Cool. How about I do the first half and you do the second half, then we can swap?

Sounds good!

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it’s not that Walt isn’t great.

it’s just... no changes. No surprises. No drama.

They used to be

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And then it became

I mean, everything totally changed between Maya and Hayden after they had their date.

I don’t want things to be awkward with Walt.

Because he is great.

Follow your partner’s movements like you’re looking in a mirror!

it was a total accident.

So, um.

Sorry about the, uh, sponge thing. The other day.

it was a total accident that you guys filled a fountain up with soap and were running around spraying each other and throwing things?

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I definitely didn’t mean to hit you though. I’m sorry.

This play is really important. Not just to me, but to the whole club.

And I don’t want it to get messed up by a bunch of random people who don’t even care about drama.

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So just… try to stay out of the way, okay? Don’t have any more total accidents. …Okay.

Aw, don’t worry about it. That’s just Eloise. it’s part of her whole thing.

Her thing?

Auditions are tomorrow at lunch, right?

Her whole... serious artist... vaguely threatening... thing. She’s a really great actor though. She’ll totally get cast as inspector Cluefinder.

But you could come anyway. if you wanted.

Right. You guys don’t have to be there, since you’re on the crew.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

moral support than if I was just auditioning!

You know.

For moral support...

Well...

Okay...

Thank you so much, Winnie, but as we’ve discussed in the club meetings, “Murder at Deathmore Manor” is not a musical.

Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you had debate club today. it got canceled. Of course she did.

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No one’s as thoughtful as isabel.

And that is the reason I summoned you here to Deathmore Manor—

I know I was a little worried because I have a lot of other activities right now, but I actually think it’s going to be super cool to work on the production.

I kind of always wanted to try being in drama club.

Why haven’t you?

But really, I think this kind of stuff is important too. Why don’t you

I don’t know. Other stuff seemed more important.

Why not? *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

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didn’t know anybody could do it like that!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Okay. So. Production brainstorming session.

in brainstorming sessions, isabel is kind of like a general sending troops into battle.

We’re going to need to divide and conquer the tasks. Costumes, props, sets—

Or maybe like one of those sports coaches on TV.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Set team–Walt, Hana, and me!

Truthfully, she’s most like what my mom would call “a force of nature.”

We strongly urge you to seek cover or you will be caught up in this storm!

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This just in, Tropical Storm isabel has been upgraded to a hurricane—

The best part is, we can look for ways to make the production as green as possible!

Like using recycled materials! And all natural products! We could even—

But I guess not everyone has that level of enthusiasm.

So... what should we do for the costumes?

I’m good with whatever you guys want to do.

Evelyn?

How’s it going?

We’ve got our costume concept figured out.

Everyone wears their clothes from home. boom. costumes, done.

Awesome!

I don’t think— it would save a lot of money. And it’s definitely good for the environment! We’re reducing waste!

There’s no way it would work. There are tons of important items that we have to have! The whole play would fall apart without them!

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Seriously?

I’d wear that. it’s my jacket.

Coat. Hat. Scarf.

You want inspector Cluefinder to wear this?

Evelyn, do you have any idea how many times people mention inspector Cluefinder’s coat in the script? it’s practically its own character!

Thank you. it is, after all, imperative to my clue-finding.

Why, inspector Cluefinder, what a magnificent coat!

How can a coat be imperative to clue-finding?

Ms. Shelton says we have a little bit of money in the budget for costumes, so we should definitely use it!

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Pockets.

Tomorrow at lunch. You’ll see!

The what?

Russell Middle School is way bigger than my old school.

Woods Valley is a pretty small town, so the middle school is pretty small too.

The basement’s not as creepy as you’d think. it’s where we have Family and Consumer Science class.

But Russell is in a historic building, with three floors (or four, depending on who you know), plus a giant basement.

There’s also a dance studio.

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And the industrial tech shop. And also, apparently...

The theater shop!

So we can build the set pieces here and then get them upstairs.

Back there is the service elevator, which goes straight up to the area by the loading docks, right by backstage!

And here’s the costume closet!

There’s not a ton of stuff. Most of it’s been donated or... indirectly donated.

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But we can use whatever we want in here! And Ms. Shelton said it’s totally fine to cut up or make over any of the pieces we find.

So we can be really creative! She sounds like...

This just in–Tropical Storm Kris has breached the coast! of the drama club?

So...we’ve got the character descriptions, and the list of important costume pieces from Kris.

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Like...Lady Breckenridge. She’s an adventurer, recently back from a trip to the Amazon.

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So...she could wear...

Something like that?

Thanks.

it’s...not terrible.

it’s not great either.

I think it’s pretty good.

Good point.

She should have some boots though. For adventuring.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Maybe this won’t be so bad?

inspector Cluefinder can’t wear sequins!

Why not?

He would be way too conspicuous! How is he supposed to blend in when he’s walking around refracting light everywhere!

There are only two coats to choose from here, and this one obviously makes way more sense.

Hey, maybe we should—

Everyone knows who he is anyway. why can’t he look good?

That’s not even the right color! if it’s going to be wrong anyway, it might as well be wrong and awesome!

if it makes you feel better, things aren’t exactly perfect with the Set Team either.

isabel wants us to paint everything using “natural” materials.

Like, beets and egg whites and stuff.

Apparently it’ll be good for our budget and the environment. it’ll also make Deathmore Manor taste delicious.

With just a little syrup and some powdered sugar, it’ll basically be breakfast.

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Oh, yeah. it’s just my friend from home.

Everything okay?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I still say that. Like, pretty often.

They definitely don’t have ones like these at home!

No, you’re supposed to sit out one turn before you can move ahead!

That’s how we always played it back home!

Yeah, I mean, it would be really fun to come home.

When does one place stop being home? When another place starts?

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How do you know when it happens?

How did you do on the vocab? I totally lost it on the last couple of questions.

Seriously though, what is that?

it’s definitely not in the glossary. Where does she even find these words?

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Oh. Yeah. Same here. Like what was—

I bet it’s not even in the dictionary! it’s a made-up word!

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How’s the grand library coming?

it’s in progress!

You know, the great thing about “Mystery at Deathmore Manor” is that it only has one set.

But that means the set needs to be really, really, really good.

We’ve got to have everything exactly like it would be in Dr. Von Fremont-Battle’s library.

Uh...

Where are we supposed to find an old oak desk?

Cut down an old oak tree and build one!

I think as members of the school’s environmental club, we probably shouldn’t promote cutting down trees for— *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

That’s the spirit!

Who are they?

The AV Club.

Technically, they’re called the Tech Club now. But they still go by AV Club. For the aesthetic.

They run the lights and sound for drama club.

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Step aside.

Evelyn used to be in the AV Club, right?

Right.

Eloise is in the AV Club tOO?

She’s the president.

I heard you’re doing costumes.

Heyyy, Eloise!

You heard correctly. So did you.

I heard you’re inspector Cluefinder.

Ms. Shelton said you have a list of tech cues ready. I want to get the rest of the AV Club up to date.

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I should probably talk over some stuff with you guys. The thunder cues in Act one might be a little tricky to—

Don’t worry about it. We’ve got it covered.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I can’t believe we still have to collect recycling while we’re stuck in drama club.

I didn’t want to be in any clubs in the first place.

I wonder why Evelyn doesn’t like clubs. Or Eloise.

it’s definitely none of my business.

But...maybe it’s just in my nature? *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

One of my aunts used to collect cactuses. We visited once when I was little. I remember her telling me...

You can look, but don’t touch. Do not touch the cacti. They’ll hurt you.

No touching.

Do you understand?

Obviously, as soon as I was alone... ...I had to touch a cactus! I just had to!

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You were in AV Club before though, right?

yeah. and?

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Why did you leave the club?

Why do you care?

Just...making conversation.

Well, don’t.

I didn’t mean to— it’s none of your business.

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So...I might have an idea. About the costumes. Yeah? yeah.

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I know somewhere we could find some stuff. I’ll show you after school.

I can’t believe I’m actually here. Are you coming or what?

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What is all this?

it’s my mom’s. She’s an online reseller.

Everything here has been listed online. So if someone buys it, we’ll have to give it back.

Anything super rare or valuable or brand-new is out.

Sorry?

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I mean, she’s also an orthodontist. But in her free time, she likes to collect things.

And then sell them. For a profit.

But Mom said that if we promise not to damage anything, we can use what we want. Within reason.

Are you kidding?

This is like a thousand times better than the costume closet!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Sure. if it’s not oak, I’m not telling.

This could be the old oak desk, right?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

This is amazing! it’s totally perfect!

And the furniture pieces will be awesome! it’s really nice of your mom to let us use them, Evelyn.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

...what we’ve got so far.

it’s not that isabel’s set ideas are bad...

They’re just...

it’s made from 100 percent recycled materials!

No kidding.

Um... optimistic?

And homemade glue!

Studying with Walt is probably more fun than it should be. it doesn’t even really feel like studying sometimes.

My dad says it helps to break tough words down to their “component parts.”

Well, let’s see what we can do!

Did you see the next part though? After “Parmesan Peril”?

He probably means, like, their Latin origins or whatever.

The “Marinara Melee”?

Yesssss! it was crazy!!!

But you haven’t been to the Arch?!

We did! To see my mom’s family. I’ve seen it, I just haven’t been up it. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

You know, it’s too bad that we can’t just do “Murder at Deathmore Manor” in the library, seeing as it’s already, you know, A library.

I guess that would solve a lot of the set problems.

Hey, the public library downtown is really big and really fancy. Have you been there?

Kris would say it’s not fancy enough though.

That’s true. There’s not even one portrait of an eccentric old millionaire.

Seriously? it’s the best!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

We should totally go sometime to get some set inspiration.

Sounds great!

No...

it’s a DATE.

We’re just going to study.

A study date. Keyword: “DATE.”

Another one! Multiple dates!

You know what that means, right?

I really don’t think...

How can we be dating if neither of us even said so?

ForReviewPurposesOnly

You guys are dating!

Don’t worry. We’ll figure the whole thing out when you come home.

Yeah, I just...

Are you there?

I haven’t really... decided my plans yet.

About spring break...

I’m still... thinking about it.

What is there to think about? Of course you’re coming! I don’t know how to say it right.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

it’s like…I’ll be going home, but not.

All the places we went, and the stuff we did, me and Mom and Dad, together…

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Everything will be the same, but at the same time, it’s totally different.

Of course. But I…

Then just come. You and me and Reese and Maya, we’ll have so much

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Yeah, I don’t know. it’s tough.

Please, Vi.

How can it be tough? Don’t you want to see us?

How’s Amelia?

“Fake it ’til you make it” used to be my motto. But it only works until it doesn’t. express myself.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Sometimes it’s really hard.

But I can express something. Even if it’s not something said out loud.

Everything okay?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Mm-hmm.

Ten more seconds until the Brunoise Battle, chefs!

I know that I can do this. I just need to knuckle down and really focus.

Am I terrified? Yes. Am I going to succeed anyway?

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Do you think he can do it?

There’s no way! The clock’s running out!

Ms. Shelton says it’s good for team-building.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I thought that once you guys started doing rehearsals, we wouldn’t have to do these games anymore.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Hey, thanks for covering for me in that game.

But you jumped right in and did it.

No problem. I get it. This stuff isn’t really my thing either.

You needed me to. it’s easier that way.

We should get down to the shop. isabel has something special planned for today. I heard it’s going to be...

ForReviewPurposesOnly

...kind of weird.

Plus eggs to act as the binding agent.

I’ve got everything we need to make our all-natural paints!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

it wasn’t Lady Fortuna. it only lOOked like it was her because she paid the solicitor to get a copy of the will, but she only did that because her house

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Tell inspector Cluefinder...it was... Lady Fortuna...

Oh no! They got me!

You read the play?

Yeah, I read it. We have to make stupid costumes and sets for it. we should at least know what happens in it.

I haven’t read it yet.

But then again, I didn’t really

ForReviewPurposesOnly

—and after it’s revealed that her house was entailed to Dr. Von Fremont-Battle, Lady Fortuna reveals that the person who was actually threatening the doctor was—

Everyone got their paints ready?

isabel, are you sure this is going to work?

I read all about it online! it’ll totally work!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

We also need to paint the portrait of Dr. Von Fremont-Battle.

Owen and I will do it!

Should we make it look like Dr. Von Fremont-Battle would actually look, or should we make it look like the kid who’s playing Dr. Von Fremont-Battle?

Probably the kid who’s playing him.

The characters say all this stuff about how the painting looks

ForReviewPurposesOnly

What?

Maybe it’s one of those things that looks better from far away?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Like from a satellite above the earth’s surface?

And with the props and furniture and stuff, it’ll look more...authentic.

isabel said it’ll look better once it dries. Hmm.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

The play has to be good, Violet. Drama club is depending on it. Why?

I told you the club isn’t doing great, right?

Yeah...

No one wants to be on the crew, everyone wants to be in the show.

it’s not just that. Recruitment in general is at an all-time low. Our budget totally shrunk because ticket sales for the last production were down...

But.

Ms. Shelton said there’s a new grant this year from the city arts council. it’s going to be awarded to one drama program in the district based on merit.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

But what?

if we get the grant, drama club can continue next year!

What does that mean?

Does the rest of the club know about the grant?

No. Ms. Shelton said she didn’t want to put pressure on the production. She wants everyone to have fun with it like we always do.

We’re the only ones who know. So don’t mention it to anyone, okay?

We just have to make sure the show is good.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

I only found out because I overheard her talking about it before one of our meetings.

And...Eloise heard too.

No, not just good. it has to be the best show that Russell Middle School drama club has ever done.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Hey, I heard some cool kids want to go to the library!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

So...are you doing anything fun for spring break?

Uh...

You?

Nothing huge. I might help my dad out at work. He owns a gym.

Nice. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Oh, cool. Back in...?

There are only two stoplights.

And really just one main street with shops and stuff.

I, uh. Well, I might go visit my dad.

Seriously?

Does your house have a porch? And a porch swing?

Porch, yes, swing, no. But my dad did put up a swing on one of the big trees in our backyard. I always loved to—

Woods Valley. in illinois. it’s a pretty small town.

Yup.

One park.

One ice cream shop.

One diner.

I keep thinking about it. About going back.

And I want to. For sure. But...

What if I ride by my old house or something, and I see how it’s changed?

What if some other kid is swinging on my swing?

Or what if that kid’s family has some, like, anti-swing policy and they took it down?

I don’t even know which one is better. Or worse. if it’s still there but it’s not mine anymore, or if it’s just gone completely.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

One way or the other.

SchrÖdinger’s cat.

Sorry?

it’s this hypothetical experiment that this physics guy came up with. There’s a cat—a hypothetical cat—in a box, and until you open the box and find out for sure, the cat is both alive and dead at the same time.

As long as you don’t go back, your swing is both there and not there at the same time.

But...

Things have changed... and they haven’t.

You have to open the box eventually, right?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Hey, Violet?

Never mind.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Did you have a good time at the library?

Yeah, it was fun.

What was Walt going to say though?

Not that it matters. it was probably just something about the library. Or the play. Or Kitchen Gauntlet. Or...

ForReviewPurposesOnly

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

What’s with you?

I couldn’t sleep.

You know. Tech.

The point in the theatrical process where it finally all comes together?

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Too excited about tech rehearsals starting today? Me too!

What?

You know the best thing about tech rehearsals?

it means the show is almost over. And that means we won’t have to be in drama club anymore.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Hey.

What?

Oh, hey! Looking pretty good, right?

The portrait. Owen and I kind of split the difference between making it look like Jeffrey and making it look like an eccentric old millionaire.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Everything okay?

We’re calling it “Portrait of Jeffrey as an Eccentric Old Millionaire.”

Yeah, I just...

Of course.

We’re... we’re friends, right?

But it’s…just friends though.

Right?

I just…wanted to make sure. Just so we’re both—just in case you—like, I don’t want it to be weird if you—if I—

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Just friends. Of course. Right? Totally.

That’s supposed to go up front, right? I’ll take it.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Apparently, tech week is the time when all the different parts of the play get coordinated.

I can hear it even now...the relentless chiming of the bells!

I said...the relentless chiming of the bells!

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Apparently, it’s also a time when things can go a little bit wrong.

Sorry! Can we try it again?

Apparently, it’s also a time when things can go a lot wrong.

I guess we should’ve...

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

We have a problem.

We can fix this.

Apparently all the heat from the lights made the paint start to...run.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Great job, everyone.

it’s no big deal!

And...I’m really sorry about the paint.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

What matters most is that we caught it in time. We got our big disaster out of the way early!

Try saying it again.

That was just... coincidence, right?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Sorry! Just running through the sound cues one more time!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

What is it?

My mom made a big sale.

What?

What happened?

A local sale. The buyer wants the items today. My mom’s already out back with her truck.

What got sold? No!

That’s not all. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

They also bought a furniture piece.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

super important, and the desk is a huge part of the set! What do we do?

Not—

improvise.

—the old oak desk!

First, the desk. None of the teachers’ desks will work–they’re all too modernlooking.

But someone in the school has an old wooden desk.

You want to use my desk... as part of the set for drama club?

We don’t really have any other options! The show is tonight and it has to be perfect! The drama club needs to get the arts grant or else—

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Yes, yes. Ms. Shelton told me that the arts council adjudicators will be coming to tonight’s performance.

The drama club needs that grant to keep going. And we need a desk for Dr. Von Fremont-Battle’s library!

it’s where he keeps his will, and the will is central to, like, the entire show!

Thank you for helping us.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

I’m happy to be of assistance. I want the drama club to succeed too.

Why didn’t you say anything about the grant?

Kris told me not to. Only she and Eloise know.

Eloise would be pretty upset if drama club tanked.

So would Kris.

I’m on board! Did I say I wasn’t?

No... But. Just in case.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

if you’re not on board for your enemy, then be on board for your friend.

I haven’t been running around here like crazy because I’m not on board.

Honestly, have you ever seen me more on board?

What? it’s too cool. it shouldn’t go to waste.

All right, cast members, let’s head upstairs!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Yeah...

Kris? What is it?

But they got on the...

Where’s the cast?

No one’s up here.

Did you send them up?

Where is everyone?

Weren’t you in the elevator?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

No...

They already went up?

What?

Why didn’t anyone come get me?

ForReviewPurposesOnly

We can’t cancel!

The adjudicators are here!

The show has to go on!

The drama club needs to get some arts grant or they’re toast.

How do you know that?

What adjudicators? What’s an adjudicator?

Like a judge but fancier.

I know things.

it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the show has to happen! Tonight! Or we’re finished!

So what do we do? We need a plan.

Well, that much is obvious.

isabel?

Okay. Okay! *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

You have copies of the script, right?

Yeah... We still have our inspector Cluefinder. We just need to find people to fill in the rest of the roles.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

How are we supposed to do that?

All we have to do is get the show started. Maintenance will get the rest of the cast out of the elevator... hopefully really soon!

Kris, you know this play inside and out. After inspector Cluefinder, the next most important character is Lady Fortuna, so you play her. Evelyn, you’re lady breckenridge. Owen, you’re professor spruce.

walt, you’re sinclair the butler.

Hana, you’re mrs. peabody.

I’ll be miss everheart.

And Violet— No, no way.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I can’t even play theater games!

I can’t go on stage!

You can be the person with the least amount of lines.

There’s no way.

He only has a couple of speeches in the beginning, and then he’s gone for most of the play while everyone’s solving his murder!

You can do this. We’ll all be out there with you.

Walt’s right. We’re all in this

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Are you all serious right now? This is THE WORST idea EVER.

You seriously think this is going to save the club?

Don’t you want to save drama club?

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Everything about this is totally bananas! The set is wrong, this coat is wrong, the cast is wrong! if it’s going to be wrong anyway, it might as well be awesome.

What?

So...let’s

make it awesome.

Let’s do it! Everyone get your costume on!

That’s what Evelyn said. Back when we first started working on the show.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

“if

it’s going to be wrong anyway, it might as well be awesome.”

What are we gonna do for costumes?

we can do this.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Here. inspector Cluefinder’s coat.

Seriously?

Seriously. We both know inspector Cluefinder would never wear that boring trench coat.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

So take it. Be awesome.

Uh, we’re still missing something.

Okay! Are we all ready?

Dr. Von FremontBattle needs a blazer.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

if anything happens to it—

Thanks for helping us, sir!

—the club will be responsible for any damage!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I wish I felt more confident of that.

But there won’t be!

Any damage!

Definitely not!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

The guests have begun to arrive, Doctor.

Shall I escort them in?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

After I’ve had my tea, Sinclair.

No. I’ll—I’ll do it myself. Prepare the guests.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Shall I pour you a cup, sir?

Dr. Von Fremont-Battle pours himself a cup of tea.

Dr. Von Fremont-Battle sits and sips tea.

Um.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

The time has come for me to choose a successor. Someone must inherit my fortune, but who. Of all those I have summoned here tonight, who will be warty enough—

Worthy enough!

Doctor, Lady Breckenridge has arrived.

Dr. Von Fremont-Battle. We meet again. I’ve been ever so eager to meet with you.

And you will have to remain as such. I’m afraid I must go check on an urgent matter.

Wait, Doctor.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

I just wanted to get one more look at you. Your portrait is—

...so lifelike.

Yes, well.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

two of you live and breathe

I must be off.

I said, AH, LADY FORTUNA.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

There’s no time to rest! Start practicing your next lines!

This is worse than not doing the show at all!

it...it is. it’s terrible.

But you’re going to go out there and make it not terrible, okay?

You can do it.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

to go out there and fake

Dr. Von Fremont-Battle’s not really dead???

I just don’t understand why Dr. Von Fremont-Battle would call us all together like this. I’ll tell you why!

Because I need to inform my successor that they’re my successor!

ForReviewPurposesOnly

But first I need to—

Lights up to reveal Dr. Von Fremont-Battle, motionless on the ground!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

He’s been MUR—

I said, he’s been MUR—

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

That person is the most likely suspect!

There’s a copy of the will in that desk.

Who would do such a thing?

We need to find the doctor’s will, to find out who his successor is!

Are you... sure?

Yes, definitely.

What if it’s...not there?

Like, it was supposed to be there, but then the desk that it was in got taken somewhere else, and now it’s also... somewhere else.

I think I know...where to find it.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Let me go...check really quick...

Should someone...call a detective?

How about a game of charades?

Movies!

What audience?

Not for three more pages.

Or a song?

Song charades.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Feel free to call out a topic. I meant the audience.

I meant the, uh, the other people. Here. in this library.

Did someone call for a detective?

Not... yet.

I’m sure you intended to though! Three pages from now!

I’m inspector Cluefinder, and I’m here to investigate. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

it’s like the worse we are, the better she gets! She is inspector Cluefinder!

Eloise really is amazing.

Act one is almost over!

We’re actually pulling this off!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

What is going on here?

Everyone get out there! Now!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

And that leads me to my most significant deduction so far! Which is that—

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Oh no! My... CLONES! They’ve... escaped!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

The idea of moving forward without the cast of the show—

Under the circumstances, I—

How can anyone have considered this a viable solution— in the moment, it appeared to be—

I fully understand that it—

When the stakes are what they are, with the arts grant and the club working so hard—

Seriously, clones?! What are we supposed to do now that we’ve brought clones into it?

inspector Cluefinder will just mention... briefly...at the beginning of Act two that the clones were the Act one players, and the real characters are here now. And then we can continue with Act two

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I think we can fix it, Ms. Shelton.

Um, intermission is ending. What should we do?

Now. Where was I?

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I suppose... the show must go on.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Are you Ms. Shelton?

Yes, that’s me.

You— Really?

We just wanted to congratulate you and the cast on an amazing production.

To take a classic like “Murder at Deathmore Manor” and transform it into something totally unique by playing it as a farce in the first act and then contrasting it with a straight take in the second act, with double casting—

Unconventional, bold, one-of-a-kind—

We were blown away.

Thank you.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

To be honest, it was all the students’ idea.

You have quite an imaginative group here.

We’ll be looking forward to many more productions from this drama program in the future.

Does that mean— Maybe? Did you—

it seems I owe you all a big thank-you.

it was nothing.

All in a day’s work.

it turned out exactly like I thought it would.

We were happy to help.

You’re welcome.

I hope you’ll all be on board for our next production.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Put us down for a strong maybe!

You said you were working on the costumes! I had no idea you were going to be in the show!

Neither did I.

ForReviewPurposesOnly

What did you think of the show, Aunt Jennifer?

I can honestly say it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. You should be proud of yourselves!

I was scared, but I did it.

Violet!

it could’ve been a huge flop, or it could’ve been amazing. Either way, I wouldn’t have known unless I opened the box and found out. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Thanks for letting me borrow it.

Vice Principal Hickey!

I was wondering where Dr. Von Fremont-Battle got such a nice jacket.

Happy to be of assistance.

Yes, well. He borrowed it from a school administrator he knows. I’m Kenneth Hickey.

Vice Principal Hickey’s name is Kenneth?

Vice Principal Hickey! it’s nice to meet you. I’m Jen Smith, Violet’s mom. *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Psssst, Violet!

Hey, mom, is it okay if I go hang out with everybody for a few minutes? sure. Stay close by! And no fountain cleaning!

Honestly, Violet, how did you even think of clones?

I

have no idea. it just popped into my head. Genius.

I wish I had thought of it. Sounds good to me!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

I’m in!

if everyone else wants to...I’ll come. Or whatever.

Ah, I can’t.

I’m going to visit my dad for spring break.

We can do something together when you’re back, then!

Hey, after break, should we...keep studying together?

ForReviewPurposesOnly

Me neither. definitely need to keep studying.

I mean, I don’t know about you, but I’m not doing too much better on those quizzes. Awesome.

To no more drama!

Let’s do a toast.

To the best Russell Middle School drama production yet!

To maybe a little bit of drama!

To redoubling our efforts for our environmental agenda with

To the Greenies! *ForReviewPurposesOnly*

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Help the Greenies find the items below for the drama club’s next production!

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Detention? On the first day of school?

After her parents’ divorce, seventh grader Violet is forced to start all over. Now the new kid at a new school in a new town, she must navigate unfamiliar territory. Luckily, she quickly falls in with a group of quirky-yet-welcoming classmates. But when their antics land them all in detention, they’re assigned an unusual task: reviving the school’s floundering Enviro-Club. What starts out as an unwanted school assignment soon turns into an adventure filled with growing friendships.

The Breakfast Club in this fun and heartfelt story of making friends, making mistakes, and making it up as you go along.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Unlikely friends. Unwise adventures. Unexpectedly awesome.

Holt

written by Emma Mills

illustrated by Sarah Nicole Kennedy

Emma Mills (she/her/hers) is the author of five YA contemporary novels, including First & Then and Foolish Hearts, and one cozy YA fantasy, Something Close to Magic. She is thrilled to make her middle grade debut with the Greenies series. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific documents, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep-diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog, Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. You can find Emma on Instagram @elmify or at emmamillsbooks.com.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

Sarah Nicole Kennedy (she/her/hers) is a Brooklyn-based illustrator who graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2022. The Greenies series is her debut as an illustrator of graphic novels. Sarah’s work draws inspiration from mystery novels, ’90s cartoons, and her childhood growing up in Boulder, Colorado. Outside of work she can be found propagating her houseplants and making comics about life in Brooklyn with her partner, Cody, and their cat and dog, Quinn and Large Marge. You can find Sarah at sarahnicoleillustration.com.

*ForReviewPurposesOnly*

After a well-intentioned but disastrous attempt to clean the school fountain, the Greenies once again find themselves in detention.

With the drama club’s funding hinging on a flawless opening night, the Greenies must step in, onstage and off, to save the show.

Henry Holt and Company

York