Earlier this month, the Lower School was buzzing with excitement for one of the year's most eagerly anticipated morning meetings: the big reveal of the 2026 One School, One Book selection. After weeks of hints in the hallways and clues drawn from a “mystery” bag at lunch, the theater erupted in cheers as this year’s title was announced: Cog by Greg Van Eekhout.

The One School, One Book program is more than just a reading assignment; it’s a beloved annual tradition that brings the Lower School community together. From students and teachers to families at home, everyone in the Lower School dives into the same story simultaneously, sharing reflections on its themes as they take a collective literary journey. The story follows Cog, a robot built to look like a twelve-year-old boy. Short for "cognitive development," Cog’s primary mission is simply to learn. However, his world is turned upside down after an accident leaves him waking up in a strange lab, separated from the scientist who created him. What follows is a high-stakes adventure as Cog teams up with four other robots to rescue his creator from the clutches of uniMIND, a powerful corporation determined to control them all. Cog was a nominee for the prestigious Andre Norton Award, part of the Nebula Awards, which honors the very best in middle grade science fiction and fantasy.

There is a unique magic in a shared story. From now through early March, the halls of the Lower School will be filled with the adventures of Cog. The journey happens everywhere: families will read aloud together each night, while students dive deeper into the story’s themes during class and over lunchroom discussions. To bring the book to life, students are invited to take on ten exciting Cog challenges. As they complete tasks, like making meaningful text-to-self connections or joining a "Mystery Reader" Zoom, they’ll earn badges to celebrate their progress. It will be a memorable month of shared stories and big ideas as they learn alongside Cog.