Today’s pick: Girl’s Best Friend by Leslie MargolisPublished by Bloomsbury, 2010.
Summary:
Twelve-year-old Maggie has a job walking dogs. (Ssh! Her parents don’t know about it). When Maggie's twin brother, Finn, gets stuck inviting Maggie's ex-best friend, Ivy, to their joint birthday party, Maggie catches Ivy stealing her dogsitting money. Then she finds out that Ivy's dog, Kermit, is being ransomed by a dognapper, and Maggie starts to investigate. Reluctantly, Ivy agrees to help (imagine working on a project with your ex-best friend). Things get even more complicated for Maggie when other dogs start disappearing and the boy she likes, Milo, seems to be involved.My Take:
I always have a hard time finding middle grade mysteries for girls, so I was happy to find this book. Although, I thought the solution to the mystery was a little obvious, the author did a great job of including clues and twists, so maybe middle grade readers wouldn’t find it quite as predictable. The character of Maggie and her concerns and interests were very firmly middle grade and I liked it that she was an ordinary girl and not over the top silly or girly. Reading this book showed me how to use specific details to help create a believable character. (Plus, it includes dogs!)Other Info:
This book is the first in the Maggie Brooklyn series. The second book, Vanishing Acts, comes out in December 2011.Other books by this author include:
Everybody Bugs Out (MG)Fix (YA)
Price of Admission (MG)
Boys Are Dogs (MG)
Girls Acting Catty (MG)
For more, go to the fun Maggie Brooklyn website.
While I know my sons won't appreciate this book/series, I'm sure my 7 yo daughter will. Thanks for reviewing it. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book. I'll have to check it out. I love the idea of a kid who is a dog sitter.
ReplyDeleteI want a job walking dogs! I walk my Golden Retriever almost every day and have always thought that adding another dog or two in with us (and getting paid!) would be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteSounds so fun. Just found another stocking stuffer for my god-daughter. She would love this book -- although her mother may have to hear about getting a puppy for awhile.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great "girl" read for middle graders. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteSounds like just the thing for a 9-year-old I know who's the brave owner of an eccentric French bulldog. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun book - firmly MG and just right for girls, especially those who love dogs! Thanks for sharing - I hadn't heard of it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very fun read!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, on this U.S. Thanksgiving Day, I'm grateful this year for finding your blog and getting to know you.