THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN WORLD CUP TROPHY

Diez Espada loves solving mysteries as much as he loves fútbol.

A Miami sixth grader who was named after the jersey number of his dad’s favorite player, Lionel Messi, Diez finds comfort in noticing clues and solving puzzles. Diez lost his mother, a librarian who ran a mystery book club, to ovarian cancer, and sleuthing helps him feel close to her. A love for mysteries was something they shared, just as soccer is something he has in common with his father. When the FIFA World Cup trophy goes missing from the hotel where his dad works, Diez teams up with Rio Salvatierra, a wealthy, no-nonsense eighth grader (who also happens to be crushworthy) to track down a criminal mastermind and return the trophy to its rightful owner. The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace, with unpredictable twists, layered characters, and smart, engaging dialogue. Diez’s observations of the often ridiculous adults around him are by turns funny and poignant, especially as he continues to navigate his grief. The story features a cast of characters who are predominantly coded as Latine. Packed with fútbol references and references to real-life players, the novel nevertheless remains accessible to readers who may not follow the sport closely. Soccer fans and mystery lovers alike will relish this fast-paced, clever, and heartfelt story.

Scores big on family, detective work, and the love of the game.