My son & I read this book (separately) - it is on the 2012-2013 Texas Bluebonnet Award List (congratulations to the author Kim Kennedy) and we loved it. Although the main character is a girl - she's not too girly and has an adventure while solving a mystery. Too far fetched to be confused with any real town, however this book includes enough description and continuous action (not to mention writing that read well - flowed) to keep our interest and was an "easy" read (definitely a chapter book - 218 pages, 16 chapters) My son (5th grade) did not consider it a "girl" book. The story contained pirates, ghosts, an asylum, crazy townspeople, and a twist at the end. Will Misty be solving more mysteries in her town? I don't know what the author has planned; it seemed Misty's adventures could continue, but the story is also good as a stand alone book. According to Barnes & Noble's website this is the author's first novel, and has collaborated with her brother on several picture books (some about pirates). She's from Louisiana - so maybe she gets her pirate inspiration from her state's history? I recommend this book to any 5th grader - boy or girl and any parent who likes a bit of light reading. We will watch this author for any future novels.
Image from Barnes & Noble website.
