Max and Her Stacks

by Joyce McCullough

36 pages, Hardcover

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Max! It was like reading about myself as a little girl, and maybe now too. I do love to be surrounded by stacks and stacks of books! The perfect read for the little booklovers out there.

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and Her Stacks by Joyce McCullough is an absolute delight and a celebration of books and the way they shape our hearts and our lives.

Max has always been surrounded by stacks and stacks and stacks of books. As she grows, so does her collection — and her imagination. For this grown-up reader, Max and Her Stacks brought back sweet memories of kittens who lost their mittens, mice running up clocks, and little houses on prairies, along with countless story times with my own children curled close.

In a world of glowing screens, Max’s story is a refreshing reminder of the quiet magic found between the covers of a book and the power of stories to shape lives, nurture curiosity, and fill hearts with wonder.

[Laura Sassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAX AND HER STACKS, charmingly captures the cozy warmth of reading and the special connection kids make as they read books and share them with others. With creative references throughout to books I enjoyed as a child, along with books my children enjoyed, reading MAX AND HER STACKS brought back joyful memories, not only of my own childhood reading experiences,, but also that of my kids as they grew from babies and toddlers and preschoolers who loved being read, to children, teens, and now adults who still love a good book. Deb Johnson’s illustrations are a delightful pairing to Joyce’s text, giving this book all the feels. Thank you to the publisher for an advance digital peek at the book. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Eisenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyce McCullough’s charming new picture book, “Max and Her Stacks,” tells the inspirational story of a girl named Max who loves to read. Lucky Max learns about books through bedtime stories and acquires numerous volumes as she grows, exploring the works of well-known children’s authors, both classic and contemporary. Ms. McCullough’s prose is wonderfully clever and descriptive, and her book would be the perfect gift for any burgeoning reader age 6-12. Max herself is an endearing character whose love of books is infectious, and I enjoyed her progress as a reader from toddlerhood to middle schooler. What an inventive story!

[Karen Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max and her Stacks by Joyce McCullough is a fun story about a young girl who loves to be surrounded by books. From the time Max was born books were a big part of her life, and as she got older they only became more important, teaching her life lessons and filling her days with adventure and mystery. This cute and clever story will draw young readers (and adults) in, expanding their personal to-be-read list, as the author has brilliantly woven in the names and titles of best-loved literature for a variety of ages. This book would be a fantastic addition to any home and school library!

[Sarah Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming story celebrates the joy of reading through Max, a child who finds wisdom, adventure, and comfort in books. Her love for stories opens doors to new worlds, from farms and zoos to history and magical places, and her enthusiasm is wonderfully contagious. I especially loved how she encourages others to read, including her younger brother. With a positive message about curiosity, learning, and dreaming big, this book is a delightful choice for children who love books and those just beginning to discover the magic of reading.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and relatable book! My 9 year old and 6 year old enjoyed it and as a mom, I enjoyed it too! It pulled on my heartstrings as I reminisced on all the different stages of reading I had poured into my little ones. This is a great book for children who already love to read or those who may need more encouragement. At the end, it encourages life long learning, and as a homeschool mom, I appreciate all of that reinforcement I can get!

[Glenys Nellist · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a wonderfully creative celebration of literacy and the joy of reading, Joyce McCullough introduces us to Max, a girl who is never happier than when she's surrounded by stacks of books. Book lovers of all ages will enjoy the many references to familiar, well-loved stories, as well as meeting Max's cat and dog who are aptly named Barnes and Noble! Max and her Stacks deserves a place on every child's and every teacher's bookshelf.

[Debs Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story with lots of references to books your kids will likely recognize, making it even more fun.

[Diana Derringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for children or adults who love books and want to share that love with others.