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| Sammy Keyes and the Curse of Moustache Mary cover art by Craig Phillips |
Wendelin Van Draanen’s Sammy Keyes and the Curse of Mustache Mary, a middle grade mystery first published in 2000 by Penguin Random House Children’s Books, combines bicycles, pigs and gold into an adventurous romp while solving a crime. Craig Phillips illustrated the 2017 paperback cover. This is the fifth book in the Sammy Keyes series and was nominated for an Edgar Award. Sammy and her friends ride their bicycles about farms and to a nearby development on December 31, New Year’s Eve. They encounter mysteries, vendettas and unique characters in both settings. While over 25 years old, Ms. Van Draanen’s story is fun, relevant and the absence of portable electronic devices may be explained by the lack of cell phone coverage in a rural area. Perhaps the most salient point is the arch criminal’s insidious behavior and lies and the ripple effects of those actions. At the end Sammy reflects on friendships, choices and future paths.
Source: Purchased, 2017 paperback version with 272 pages. The novel is appropriate for fifth grade and older.
Thanks as always to Greg Pattridge host of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.
Links:
Visit Wendelin Van Draanen
Visit cover artist: Craig Phillips
Previous review of Wendelin Van Draanen's: Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief
Visit your local book store: Boulder Bookstore
I did enjoy this series, but weeded it after it stopped circulating. This author's THE STEPS is a good new mystery that my students have loved. Ms. Yingling
ReplyDeleteHmmm. My age must be showing. I found the book entertaining and relevant. The insidious nature and far reaching effects of the drug dealer are concepts that sadly need to be taught and retaught. Thanks so much for your comment.
DeleteI heard of this series but never started it. This sounds like a story I'd enjoy. I'll have to check out The Steps, too, based on Karen's comment.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, Thanks for the comment. I too will read The Steps based on Karen's recommendation.
DeleteLike Natalie, I've heard of the series but have not started it. Sounds entertaining!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the series. Maybe it will become popular the way older Nancy Drew mysteries are popular. Thanks so much for visiting. Happy MMGM.
DeleteI'm the same as Natalie.I read a review of the series but never tracked down a copy. Hope to change that with a summer read. Thanks for featuring your review on this week's MMGM!
ReplyDeleteWith all the running and bike riding, it is a nice series to read in the summer. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteWendelin attended our last children's author festival in 2024 with her author husband, Mark Parsons, and she'll be back in 2026. I got to go along with her to one of the schools where she presented. She is a natural with the kids.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to observe "a natural with kids." Thanks for the tip and the comment.
DeleteI remember seeing this series when I worked at the library, but they never drew my attention enough to read them. This sounds better than I thought.
ReplyDeleteYou might enjoy them. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI've never heard of this series, but I like the idea of no cell phones. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteHi Rosi. Thanks for dropping by.
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