The Backpack That Packs Back

Some kids get a magic backpack that grants wishes. Milo Parker is not that lucky.

Nine-year-old Milo is having the worst morning ever — until he grabs a weird purple backpack covered in yellow stars from the school lost-and-found. The tag says Take only if needed. And it's definitely magic… it's just terrible at it.

Ask it for candy? You get a toothbrush. Ask for the test answers? A pencil and a note that says You know more than you think. Ask to be invisible before a scary presentation? Congratulations — here's a glowing orange safety vest.

Milo is sure the backpack is broken. But it always seems to know exactly what he needs, even when it's the last thing he wants. It gets heavy when he lies and light when he's brave. And when a frosty shop owner named Nora Nettle decides she wants it for her collection of stolen magic, Milo and his best friends Talia and Benny are pulled into a mystery full of secret rooms, a locked-door escape, and one big, heart-tugging choice.

Funny, warm, and packed with heart, The Backpack That Packs Back is a laugh-out-loud illustrated adventure for readers 7–10 about honesty, courage, kindness, and learning that sometimes the thing you need is not the thing you wish for.

Perfect for fans of magical school adventures, reluctant readers, read-alouds, and any kid who loves a funny story with a big heart.