Capture the Flag

Gr 4-6–Three preteens are in Washington, DC, to view the flag that inspired the “Star Spangled Banner,” which had recently been restored. Anna Revere-Hobbs, a budding reporter and daughter of one of Vermont’s senators, is looking for a scoop. She hopes to land an interview with presidential hopeful Senator Robert Snickerbottom, but he isn’t interested. Henry Thorn doesn’t want to be in DC at all, but he’s stuck visiting his Aunt Lucinda while his newly married father honeymoons. José McGilligan’s scientist mother has been away for three weeks working on the restoration project. He has missed her terribly and he’s hoping his life will return to normal now. Unfortunately, the flag is stolen during the night, and his mother has been detained since she was one of the last to view it. The three meet at the airport as they jockey for available outlets to recharge their electrical devices. A fierce snowstorm is about to strand everyone. As news dribbles in, Anna begins to suspect that the flag is somewhere in the airport and convinces the two boys to help her sniff out some clues. As they do, they learn that each of them has historical pedigree and a parent who is a member of a secret organization called the Silver Jaguar Society. Think of a “39 Clues”/National Treasure mash-up. There’s plenty of action, suspense, and red herrings to keep eager mystery fans turning pages despite a rather buffoonish presidential candidate and huge holes in security at our nation’s capital no less. As usual, Messner creates believable characters, nails the dialogue, and deftly weaves history and humor into the mix.–Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ