A good mystery can make a boring afternoon disappear in an instant. The right one might even turn a reluctant reader into one who can’t wait until the next book in a series comes out! There’s a bit of everything—from historical to hysterical—in this list of titles.
BROACH, Elise. Missing on Superstition Mountain. illus. by Antonio Javier Caparo. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. May 2012. ISBN 9780805090475. ME: Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2-6)
Fans of the supernatural will dig into this first title in a series that pits the Barker brothers against the mystery and legends of Superstition Mountain. It all starts when their cat runs away, and in search of her, they discover three human skulls. Things just keep getting weirder, leading the boys to seek the wisdom of local expert, Delilah Dunworthy. Watch for Treasure on Superstition Mountain in October 2012.
GIBBS, Stuart. The Last Musketeer. HarperCollins. May 2012. ISBN: 9780062048387. JLG Level: ME: Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2-6)
Fast-paced and full of historical tidbits, screenwriter Gibbs has created a twist on the tale of The Three Musketeers that includes time travel, Hollywood stuntman action, and life in 17th century France. Hit by tough times, Greg’s family is in Paris to sell family heirlooms when suddenly his parents disappear—to 1615 and La Mort Triste prison, where they are sentenced to be executed. Greg recruits three teenaged boys eager for adventure, and that is what they—and the readers—get plenty of! Watch for a sequel.
HEALY, Christopher. The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. illus. by Todd Harris. HarperCollins/Walden Pond. May 2012. ISBN 9780062117434. JLG Level: ME: Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2-6)
This richly imagined and hysterically funny alternate history mystery shows readers what could happen if the Princes Charming got the boot from their princesses—Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, to be exact. The Princes—Frederic, Gustav, Duncan, and Liam—must unite to save their respective kingdoms from an unknown evil. From a debut author who knows which buttons to push for snorting laughter.
CHILD, Lauren. Ruby Redfort Look Into My Eyes. (Ruby Redfort, Bk. 1) Candlewick. 2012. ISBN 9780763651206. JLG Level: ME: Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2-6)
What kid doesn’t love reading about one of their own who is smarter than her parents, is an expert code-cracker, and outwits villains without breaking a sweat?! Ruby Redfort is a funny and cynical investigator who gets the job done. Readers familiar with Child’s Clarice Bean will recognize Ruby immediately, and jump into this brand new series.
Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.
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About Dodie Ownes
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