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Both a mystery in the vein of The Westing Game (which is cited in the book) and a look at race relations past and present, this is an excellent and vital book. I don't really want to spoil any piece of the puzzle, so just let me say that there is a reason why this book has gotten such good reviews, and so many stars. Varian is a wonderful writer, but this is really a tour-de-force.
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(Gr. 4-7) Candice Miller's grandmother was a hero to a lot of people--until she got fired for digging up a city park looking for hidden treasure. When Candice finds a mysterious letter, she becomes determined to succeed where her grandmother failed. As if $40 million weren't enough of a prize, she could prove that her grandma wasn't crazy! With the help of the boy across the street, Candice sets out to solve a mystery that is wound up with a story of segregation, family, unsung heroes, and ident
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This book is clearly an homage to The Westing Game. There are two stories, Candace and Brandon's present day quest to solve a mystery, alternating with the backstory of the mystery which takes place mostly in the 1950's. The setting is a small city in Virginia, and its troubled history of race relations, in the past, and continuing in the present. The mystery is smart, the characters are compelling, and the story is well told. I didn't want the book to end.
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What an outstanding book! It hits all the right notes of a story that would be interesting and exciting for kids to read, with many layers and references to unravel, study, and discuss in a classroom setting.
A great puzzle-mystery set in the present day, with historical flashbacks filling in more details. Lots of layers of past and present racial tensions and injustice that are integral to the story and solving the mystery. Definitely recommended.
Genre: Mysteries
Themes: Facing racism; Solve the puzzle
Character: Believable; Well-developed
Storyline: Own voices
Pace: Fast-paced
Tone: Suspenseful
Writing Style: Attention-grabbing
Themes: Facing racism; Solve the puzzle
Character: Believable; Well-developed
Storyline: Own voices
Pace: Fast-paced
Tone: Suspenseful
Writing Style: Attention-grabbing
So much deeper than I thought it was going to be! Loved it.
Jun 28, 2017
Hannah
marked it as to-read
Mar 05, 2018
Krista the Krazy Kataloguer
marked it as to-read
Shelves:
to-read-jervis,
to-read-mysteries-thrillers
Dec 03, 2020
Tara
marked it as to-read
Feb 25, 2021
Sarah
marked it as to-read
