The Horn Book Guide

INTERMEDIATE FICTION

Griffin, N.

Smashie McPerter and the Mystery of Room 11

249 pp. | Candlewick | February, 2015 | Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-6145-8 $15.99

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Kate Hindley. Protagonist Smashie and best friend Dontel investigate the class-pet hamster's disappearance, along with a missing brooch and the Mystery of the Mad Gluer. Suspects emerge: a narcissistic substitute teacher, a prankster classmate, and even Smashie herself. Readers could maybe figure out the somewhat convoluted mysteries, but they'll more likely just have fun going with Smashie's flow. Black-and-white illustrations display Smashie's individuality and verve.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2015