The Questioneers

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2025

90%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Middle kid Billie Jean can't sing or drum like her sisters, but a basketball court mishap helps her discover her own unique combo of talents.

The Questioneers

book

2025

90%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Middle kid Billie Jean can't sing or drum like her sisters, but a basketball court mishap helps her discover her own unique combo of talents.

4.4

Jump to

Also rated on

4.4

View →

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is classic Beaty and Roberts—warm, funny, and sneakily meaningful without being preachy. Billie Jean's journey from feeling mediocre to discovering her own path is exactly the kind of story that sticks with kids when they're having a rough day.

The Questioneers series has earned its bestseller status by consistently delivering books that celebrate curiosity, persistence, and individuality. This one adds a fresh angle: you don't have to be great at what your family does. You can remix your interests into something nobody saw coming.

It's not groundbreaking literature, but it doesn't need to be. It's a picture book that does its job beautifully—entertaining kids while giving them permission to be themselves. The 4.4 Amazon rating suggests parents are finding it hits the mark, and given the series' track record, this is a solid addition to any home library.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-8, especially kids navigating sibling comparisons or struggling to find their niche. The picture book format and straightforward message make it accessible to preschoolers, but the emotional resonance will hit hardest for early elementary kids.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Story centers on a child finding her unique talents after struggling to fit in with her musically-gifted family. Models persistence, self-acceptance, and celebrating individuality without forcing a moral. The tone is warm and encouraging—Billie Jean's journey from feeling 'so-so' to discovering she can combine interests into something uniquely hers is emotionally healthy and age-appropriate.

Imaginative

Part of the Questioneers universe that celebrates STEM, creativity, and problem-solving across multiple characters. This book specifically shows how mixing interests (music, sports, other talents) can lead to unexpected innovation. The 'mistake on the basketball court' that becomes a revelation demonstrates creative thinking and encourages kids to see failure as experimentation. Beaty and Roberts consistently deliver visually rich, inventive stories.

Safe

Picture book with zero concerning content. No violence, mature themes, or anything that would surprise a parent. The Questioneers series is known for being consistently safe and appropriate across all titles. The story deals with mild frustration and self-doubt in the most gentle way possible—completely expected for the format and audience.

Enriching

Tackles growth mindset, identity formation, and the value of interdisciplinary thinking—Billie Jean learns she doesn't need to excel at one thing her family does, but can forge her own path. The 'find your niche' theme is developmentally valuable for kids navigating their own interests and comparing themselves to siblings or peers. Part of a broader series that normalizes curiosity, STEM, and creative problem-solving. Entertaining with a meaningful takeaway about self-discovery.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

From the powerhouse team behind Rosie Revere and Ada Twist—you know the quality and heart are there
Tackles the 'I'm not good at anything' feeling that hits hard in elementary years, especially for middle kids
Shows that you don't have to excel at what your family does—you can mix interests and create something totally your own
Part of a larger universe that celebrates curiosity, STEM, and creative problem-solving across diverse characters
David Roberts' illustrations are vibrant and full of visual storytelling that rewards multiple reads

⚠

What to Watch For

Kids who are already confident in their abilities might find the conflict mild—this is really for the kid who's in the thick of self-doubt
If your family is super competitive about sports or music, be ready to talk about how 'good enough' is actually great

Conversation Starters

"What's something you've tried that didn't work out the way you expected? Did anything good come from it?"
"Billie Jean felt like she wasn't good at anything her sisters were good at. Do you ever feel that way about your friends or siblings?"
"What are some things you like doing that you could combine in a new way, like Billie Jean did?"
"Do you think it's more important to be the best at one thing, or to be pretty good at a bunch of things you enjoy?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

The Questioneers – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise