Riley Mack and the Other Known Troublemakers

Gr 5-7–Part mystery, part comedy, part crime caper, this first book in a new series offers some escapist fun. Like his father, an active-duty soldier stationed in Afghanistan, seventh-grader Riley Mack defends “those who cannot defend themselves.” With a group of other “known troublemakers,” he orchestrates, and carries out, elaborate capers to thwart bullies and seek justice. When a lost dog leads the crew to a cruel puppy mill run by the town’s crooked police chief, Riley and his pals must pull off their most difficult and dangerous rescue mission yet. The mood is madcap, with cartoon characters taking part in far-fetched situations. Over-the-top, cheeky dialogue comes fast and furious, to the likely delight of many readers. This sort of goofiness will play well to a read-aloud audience. A briskly plotted tale with a light touch, Riley Mack will please dog lovers and those with a hankering for action mixed with laughs.–Travis Jonker, Wayland Union Schools, MI