Search for a Mysterious Mushroom: Pick Your Path

Gr 3-5–More nonfiction than not, the book has a mission that’s clear: locate Amparoina spinossissima. As expedition leaders, it’s up to readers to gather a team and gear to journey into tropical forests to find the elusive mushroom. Forrester and Musser present readers with a unique choose-your-own-adventure where they’ll travel the globe alongside experts in all things fungus, stuffing the ­narrative with science, excitement, and even a few mistakes along the way. This adventure is always accessible, with clear diagrams, phonetic spellings, and fun facts—not just about fungi, but for all wildlife encountered along the way—on every page. Celebrating the diversity of the scientific community, ­illustrations showcase an inclusive team spanning various identities and abilities. ­Exercising cultural humility, the book stresses the importance of recognizing the impact this research has on Indigenous lands, reminding explorers that the members of their research team are honored guests. Page turns throughout this spore-filled quest may frustrate some children, but for others, the frequent back-and-forth flips will add to the fun along the way.