Kudo Kids: The Mystery in Manhattan

Gr 3-7–For spring break this year, the Kudos are headed to New York City, and Mika and Andy each have their own sightseeing checklists. Mika, newly passionate about photography, wants to take as many pictures as she can for her spring break photo essay, and Andy can’t wait to do the Heist House escape room. Plus, both Kudo kids are hungry to soak up all the sights, sounds, and tastes of New York City. They are thrilled to hear the news that their Aunt Kei (a New Yorker) is about to launch her own fashion line. But when the signature dress in her collection mysteriously disappears, the sibling sleuths team up with their cousin Jenny to solve the case and save the day. Like authors Maia and Alex Shibutani, Mika and Andy are siblings and best friends, but the characters’ relationship is tested over this trip because of their competing interests. Readers may recognize this particular tension; the way Mika and Andy resolve things shows that growing up doesn’t have to mean growing apart. Mika and Andy are cued as Japanese American.