A worthy whodunit that will keep readers guessing.
In Xavier’s middle-grade novel, a seventh grader and a tiny sleuth gather clues to solve a mysterious missing person case.
It’s 1937, and 12-year-old Nelly’s mother, Davey Morgan, is an aviator; her father, George Melcham, is a ship’s captain for a New York shipping company. The girl stays with a “doddering great aunt” in Chicago while her parents are away. As she’s preparing to get on a plane to Puerto Rico for Christmas break, she meets Tim, a 6-inch private detective who travels in a suitcase; he must get to New Orleans and solve his new case, he says. Nelly convinces the pilot, Charlie, to fly her (and, secretly, Tim) to New Orleans. There, Nelly asks people questions on Tim’s behalf while carrying him in her pocket. The case involves Maj. James MacLaren’s wife, Millie, who’s gone missing; Madame Bellio, a self-proclaimed Voodoo priestess, may somehow be involved. Millie is part of the Hastings family, an old, established name in New Orleans; gold is rumored to be in her family’s mansion, and finding it becomes integral to the mystery. Deep, hidden tunnels and dark, stormy nights will engage readers as Xavier’s cleverly written mystery proceeds. The author slowly reveals various clues for readers to follow, such as the fact that Millie’s brother is also missing; a hidden note offers further hints, such as the phrase “Go to tunnels.” Nelly is shown to conquer fearful obstacles while helping Tim solve his case, for example, being imprisoned in a high tower, being threatened with a knife, and almost being poisoned by deadly smoke.
A worthy whodunit that will keep readers guessing.Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: 9798361863372
Page Count: 225
Publisher: Saguaro Books, LLC
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Provocative issues that never overwhelm storytelling make this a winner.
Vanguard Middle School’s no place for breaking rules; computerized Vice Principal Barbara sees to that.
Sixth-grader Maxine “Max” Zelaster and her friends struggle to pass the Federal School Board’s nonstop tests in the newly instituted Constant UpGrade program. The kids think they are doing well, but their grades don’t reflect their work. Their cumulative scores are dragged even lower by discipline tags and citizenship infractions, all noted by Barbara’s all-seeing electronic eyes. Enter Fuzzy, the government’s attempt to create a robot that will program itself. Scientists in the Robot Integration Program ask Max to show Fuzzy around because of her interest in robots, but this leads to further trouble for Max at school and at home; Barbara just seems to have it in for her. Fuzzy uncovers irregularities with test scoring and begins to suspect something’s wrong with the vice principal, but can he save his new friend Max while evading corporate spies and his creators’ plans for his future? Origami Yoda creator Angleberger teams up with science-fiction writer Dellinger for this funny, thrilling, and thought-provoking page-turner. Riffing on some of the same issues as Origami Yoda’s second trilogy—individuality and the dangers of standardized testing—the duo have crafted a day-after-tomorrow cautionary tale of friendship with a fuzzy, robotic heart.
Provocative issues that never overwhelm storytelling make this a winner. (Science fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Aug. 16, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4197-2122-9
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Amulet/Abrams
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016
A high-seas adventure that will entice even the most confirmed of landlubbers. (Adventure. 8-12)
The disappearance of their parents inspires four children to take over the family business: treasure hunting.
Raised on board a ship and schooled in sailing, navigation, scuba and karate, Tommy, Storm, Bick and Beck are no strangers to adventure. When their father, professor Tom Kidd, is washed overboard in a storm, it is up to the four young fortune hunters to follow the clues and try to rescue their missing mother. But it is hard to know whom to trust when your allies are shady black-market dealers and spies and your enemies are ruthless pirates and dangerous surfer dudes. Luckily, the Kidd kids’ assets include Storm’s photographic memory, Tommy’s calm disposition, Beck’s hard-nosed negotiation skills and narrator Bick’s optimism. But even the most sea-hearty adventurers might flounder when facing the Pirate King. Wacky hijinks, a can’t-miss setting and quirky characters keep this breezy story afloat. A fast-moving plot, copious illustrations and short chapters will encourage even reluctant readers to test the waters. This new series promises it all: ruthless pirates, CIA spies, terrorists, stolen works of art and priceless treasure. More important, it delivers.
A high-seas adventure that will entice even the most confirmed of landlubbers. (Adventure. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-316-20756-0
Page Count: 480
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: July 16, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2013
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