THE CASSETTE TAPE SECRET

Mysteries are always better with a friend.

Thirteen-year-old Alex’s world is suddenly turned on its head when new student Ida May requests to work with him on a school project for their Technology and Living class. Most students avoid or tease Alex because of his “OCD tendencies,” but Ida May sees something else in him—specifically, a person who can fix a cassette player. Ida May discovered an old cassette tape bearing a cryptic label reading, “Please Georgia?” at a local thrift store (a preface explains this technology to readers). Her conviction that the tape contains something important pulls both her and Alex into a decades-old story of fame, love, and death. As their friendship develops, Alex’s struggles to overcome his debilitating OCD impulses manifest with an honest sensitivity that many readers will appreciate. A subplot involving Ida May’s rocky family life also emerges, but it plays a less significant role. With its short chapters and a snappily paced plot, this work has broad appeal. The mystery is cozy enough that more sensitive fans of the genre—ones looking to avoid serious scares—will feel comfortable, but it contains enough twists and turns to ensure that others will remain engaged as they piece together the clues. Alex is cued white. Brown-eyed Ida May is racially ambiguous; the book contains frequent references to how voluminous her curly black hair is.

An engaging mystery blended with a strong story about forming a new friendship.