Starry, Starry Heist

Gr 4 Up–Max never thought he would have the chance to fix his greatest mistake of allowing his landlord into the apartment which seems to have caused all of Max’s problems: his mom’s health issues, money troubles, and what to do with all of their pets. But, when he meets a mysterious one-shoed man, DZ, at the observatory, he is faced with the temptation of doing just that. DZ reveals that time travel is real and Max is one of only three people capable of doing it. DZ puts on him the responsibility of saving Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night from being “existinguished”—made to have never existed at all. Max’s ensuing adventures through time lead him to make new friends and discover things about himself that all readers can empathize with. Skillfully weaving in themes of socioeconomic struggle, parental illness, being yourself even when it makes you stand out, and doing the right thing even when it feels impossible, Briner has created a masterpiece centered around the world’s favorite masterpiece. Max has brown skin, and a secondary character is trans.