Rogers, Andrea L. The Art Thieves. Chronicle Books, 2024. 978-1-646-14378-8. 400 p. $19.99. Grades 7-12.

In the year 2052, Stevie Henry, a Cherokee girl, works at a museum in Texas, saving money for college. The world is caught in a cycle of droughts, superstorms, ice, and fire, but people manage to get by. Looking forward to starting college with her friends in the fall, Stevie is enjoying her summer spending time with her family and adoring little brother.  However, things are about to take a drastic turn. When a mysterious boy arrives at Stevie’s museum claiming to be from the future and warning her of what’s to come, she dismisses his claims. But soon, she will have no choice but to face the truth. Forced to make deep personal sacrifices, she wonders, is it too late to change the future?

THOUGHTS: The issues author Andrea Rogers addresses in The Art Thieves are incredibly timely – forest fires, drought, genetically modified foods, pandemics – making the story feel more like realistic fiction than science fiction. Readers will root for the main character, Stevie, as she navigates her journey with intelligence, independence, and a caring heart.  Music fans will appreciate the playlist Rogers included to accompany each chapter.

Science Fiction
Dystopian