Chasing Secrets in Mock Newbery 2026

Jun 01, 2015 alisonwonderland (Alison) rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, audiobook, young-adult, middle-grade, 2015-publication-date, i-want-to-read-in-2016

San Francisco, 1900, was a time when little white girls couldn't be friends with Chinese boys and when they weren't supposed to want to grow up to be doctors. It was also a time when, despite evidence to the contrary, many were denying the existence of the bubonic plague.

Set in San Francisco, 1900, Chasing Secrets is an excellent middle grade novel with a delightful protagonist, a bit of adventure, and much to say about societal norms. ...more

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Sep 25, 2015 Susan Dunn rated it liked it

Shelves: audio-books, ya-fiction, historical-fiction

In 1900's San Francisco, there are rumors that the plague is in Chinatown, but many people are in denial. Lizzie's doctor father has allowed her more freedom than is traditional for the time, and she is more aware than most about the horror that plague can inflict. When Chinatown is quarantined due to plague rumors, Lizzie's family's cook, Jing, is trapped there. Lizzie is determined to rescue him, but encounters barriers at all turns. Then she discovers that the rumors may be true.... But can s ...more

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Oct 02, 2016 April Moody rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this middle grade historical fiction story with the setting in 1900 San Fransisco Thirteen-year-old Lizzie Kennedy atttends Miss Barstow's school for girl, but what she's really interested in is science. She often goes on calls with her Father who is a doctor. On those visits she gets a different perspective about the city filled with rats- politics- secrets and rumblings of the plague.
China town is under quarantine, Lizzy discovers a secret her Chinese servant Jing has been kee ...more

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Sep 15, 2015 Darla rated it liked it

Shelves: mysteries, middlegrade

Loses a star for some confusing wording and a lackluster ending, but overall a very good book that offers up some perspectives unique to children's literature. Readers are treated to an exciting and often frightening tale of medical mystery about the plague outbreak of 1900 (which I had never even heard of), along with an unapologetic presentation of the harsh prejudices faced by Chinese-Americans of the time. ...more

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Feb 05, 2016 Michele rated it liked it

Shelves: juvenile-8-12, historical-fiction

This story suffered a little by comparison as it is very similar to ... Set in San Francisco, this story touches on the Bubonic plague and the treatment of Chinese in the city.

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