March 30, 2015
Sixth-grader Ruth, who teachers describe as “a bit in her own world,” lives in the small seaside town of Promise, Maine, with her Mom and Mum; her former best friend Charlotte—adopted from China by her fathers—is now aligned with the popular girls. During a relentlessly snowy winter, Ruth is focused on a “secret clue” she found in a library book (Could it be the start of a “saga-worthy” quest like her favorite fantasy novel heroine is always embarking upon?) and on the upcoming spelling-bee championships. But her heart is on her lost friendship with Charlotte and her uncertainty about investing in new friends. Blakemore (The Spycatchers of Maple Hill) has created a cast of distinctive and believable sixth-graders; the new relationships develop more satisfactorily than the plot, which lacks momentum. Once Ruth invites her friends to help with the clues, the search does take on the nature of a quest, which wraps up cleverly, if a little too neatly. This sprawling novel’s chief strength is its portrayals of middle school dynamics, seen through the eyes of unconventional Ruth, and of contemporary family life. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger.
March 1, 2015
In a small Maine town, struggling with how-or whether-to have friends, a girl follows a trail of cryptic paper clues. Ruth used to have a best friend, but now that they're in sixth grade, Charlotte's joined the popular crowd instead. No matter: Ruth prefers being a lone wolf. When an old envelope containing a riddle falls out of a library book, she imagines undertaking a quest similar to those in her favorite fantasy novels. One clue leads to another, but they're confusing; Ruth needs help. Everything feels awkward. Whether to join the spelling bee, whether to tell her doctor Mom to stop forcing playdates and her business-traveling Mum how much she misses her, and whether to offer Charlotte illicit help on a quiz after Charlotte's home burns down, leaving her and her dads homeless-all options feel mournful and fraught. Blakemore peppers her navigating-social-awkwardness arc with myriad topics-puberty, geography, literature, science (whales produce ear wax; snow quiets the air)-all more compelling than the quest riddles and frequent, intrusive insertions about Ruth's current fantasy read. Ruth never grasps her own role in Charlotte's departure from their friendship, while a new friend who owes apologies never gives them; still, Ruth ends her quest with satisfying new connections. Not so much for puzzlers as for patient observers of social growth who enjoy varied intellectual and philosophical tidbits. (Fiction. 9-12)
April 1, 2015
Gr 4-8-Ruth Mudd-O'Flaherty has two mothers and Charlotte has two dads. This similarity brought their families together and Ruth and Charlotte have been best friends ever since. But middle school has created some challenges in their relationship. Charlotte is now more interested in being friends with cool Melinda, the mean girl, than Ruth. Feeling alone, Ruth finds comfort in her local library where she volunteers. She discovers hidden notes with intriguing riddles and begins her quest to find the answer to these mysterious clues. She soon realizes that she can't do this alone and will need the help of others. She must consider opening her mind and heart to some of the clever characters who surround her. The novel spotlights numerous middle school worries including bras, boy-girl parties, and getting your period for the first time. Ruth is a smart, spunky character whose quest for friendship feels authentic. VERDICT A must-have selection for middle school mystery lovers.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
May 1, 2015
A snow day in the library of a small Maine town turns exciting for almost-twelve-year-old Ruth when she finds the first in a series of notes with mysterious clues. Though she's eager to embark on a quest, her former best friend Charlotte thinks she should just grow up. Signing up for a spelling bee helps Ruth find new, like-minded friends, who in turn help her solve the puzzle. The riddle of Ruth's relationships with her peers plays at least as big a role in the story as the riddle set by the notes, though the latter pays off in a way only a book-geek like Ruth could fully appreciate. Blakemore addresses the thornier aspects of middle school honestly, from bra shopping to bullying to It's Perfectly Normal (rev. 3/95) -- and it's perfectly normal that Ruth has two moms and Charlotte, two dads, though the novel acknowledges that some might not see it that way. (Charlotte's new, judgmental friend Melinda: That's so weirdNot weird like bad, of course. Just weird. ) Hand this to almost-middle-schoolers who aren't yet too old for treasure-hunt stories. shoshana flax
(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
December 1, 2015
Gr 4-8-As young girls, Ruth and Charlotte develop a strong bond when Ruth's mothers move to Maine and form what they call a "support group" with Charlotte's fathers. However, when they start sixth grade and middle school, Charlotte is welcomed into the popular group and Ruth becomes a loner, withdrawing into her books. Then, while helping out at the library, Ruth discovers the first of a number of intriguing origami-enfolded clues, which sets her off on an initially solitary quest to solve a mystery and ultimately opens the door to friendships. The supporting cast of true-to-life characters includes mean girl Melinda, who goes out of her way to pick on Ruth; the smart, quirky boy group; and eccentric but likable Lina. Listeners will enjoy following the story's riddles and mystery, but the real attraction is the unfolding of Ruth's discoveries, confidence, and unique friendships. Educators might use portions of this book as discussion starters for a variety of topics including what makes a family a family, the challenges of adopted children (Charlotte was adopted from China), bullying, and peer pressure. Capably narrated by Sandy Rustin. VERDICT A solid contribution that will be a welcome addition to middle school audiobook collections. ["A must-have selection for middle school mystery lovers": "SLJ" 4/15 review of the Bloomsbury book.]-"Rebecca James, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, OH"
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.