The two main 5th grade characters in this investigative story will be appealing to readers. Pictured on the cover is Andromeda (Andy) Diaz. She’s grown up under the guidance of her mom and dad who are both public defenders. Just by listening to their conversations over the years she has learned how her parents fight injustice.
Andy never expected she’d be helping a classmate, Benji Jones, who has been accused of stealing a gold watch from the school P.E. teacher.. Andy knows Benji is a good person and believes it seems unlikely he’d do such a thing.
Helping Andromeda is her best friend, Danny.. They try and piece together the events leading up to the theft by interviewing witnesses and finding proof that Benji had nothing to do with the theft despite it being found in his desk. Doing so is not easy especially when the principal, vice principal, and security officer firmly believe they have the guilty person in Benji.
The 17 chapters are an engaging read. Readers will learn all about undeniable truth and how we all have rights in the judicial system that must be followed if a person is to be found innocent. The truth is evident that Andromeda is a fantastic female lead and together with Danny, they provide the perfect youthful pairing.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 8, 2026 PAGES: 192
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT ANDROMEDA DIAZ AND THE REASONABLE DOUBT by Emily Galvin Almanza
- Teachers will appreciate the discussion guide for the story to use with students on the author’s website. It’s a well-done accompaniment with questions and activities.
- Readers will be piecing together the facts as the story progresses, making their own judgement as to who is guilty of the theft or if it really was Benji. A great way to keep one focused on what happens in the plot.
- Chapter headings and usually a small image hint at what lies ahead. This made it easy to read just one more chapter before taking a break from the book.
- Andromeda’s parents demonstrate that even though they are both lawyers, they conduct themselves differently when working on a case. Good to know lawyers aren’t all the same in how they proceed in their work.
- As hinted on the closing page there is a possible new case for Andromeda which means a sequel, one that would be highly anticipated if you’ve read this one.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Galvin Almanza is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Partners for Justice, a nonprofit creating a new collaborative model designed to empower public defenders nationwide. Prior to co-founding PFJ, Emily fought for clients inside the LA County Public Defender, Santa Clara County Public Defender, Bronx Defenders, and the Stanford Three Strikes Project. She believes that everyone is entitled not just to equal justice, but to equal mercy.
Emily is a graduate of Harvard University and Stanford Law School, where she earned the Deborah Rhode Prize for her work in the public interest. After her first year as a public defender, she clerked for the Honorable Thelton Henderson of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. In 2017, Emily was honored as one of the American Bar Association’s Top 40 Young Lawyers. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Teen Vogue, and TIME. Her book The Price of Mercy was published by Crown in February 2026. (Author Website)
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Be sure to stop by again this Friday where I will be sharing two books that would make great gifts. There will be a GIVEAWAY opportunity where you could win both. Stay tuned!


















