Under the Egg by Laura Max Fitzgerald

Check out this clever middle grade read. A mixture of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, to Chasing Vermeer and Masterpiece. This is one of the best books I have read this year! A possible Newbery Honor book, I don't know, but I couldn't put the book down.

Meet Theo Tenpenny. She is a young responsible girl who, un until now, was taken care of by her grandfather, Jack. She lives with her mentally ill mother but now that Jack is dead, all the responsibility lies on Theo. She is responsible for tending to the family's 200 year-old town house and caring for a flock of chickens that lay eggs. And Theo is only 13 years-old. But all Theo can think about are Jack's last words, "It's under the egg, look under the egg. A letter and a treasure." Now how is Theo to survive, pay the bills and take care of herself and her mother? Without Jack's job at the art museum, none of this seems possible. That is until she discovers a painting that looks like it could be worth a fortune. But how did her grandfather get such a painting? It seems odd being that he was a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Now Theo is worried that maybe her grandfather stole it and she is afraid of what the consequences for her family might be.

And so the adventure begins. Along the way, Theo meets a new friend, Bodhi, a wealthy young girl who has it all. Together the two solve the mystery of the masterpiece and learn a bit about art, history and friendship.

A great mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats while introducing them to the secret world of art. Recommended for grades 4-7.

Poached by Stuart Gibbs

I just recently received and Advanced Reader's Copy of Poached by Stuart Gibbs. This was my first time reading this author and I loved him! Read my review here for Poached which just recently hit the stores. This is not one to miss!

Poached by Stuart Gibbs is a fabulous action-packed middle grade read for those who love animals and adventures. A sequel that doesn’t disappoint and you don’t have to read the first one to really get to know the characters.

Meet Teddy Fitzroy, a 7^th grader who is the primary suspect when a Koala has gone missing from FunJungle, an exact definition of the name but in a zoo-like setting. Teddy’s parents both work at FunJungle and all of Teddy’s life he has spent with animals. Why would he take a newly acquired Koala on loan from Australia. He has been set up and he knows it but all the proof is directed at him. If Teddy doesn’t find the culprit he will be shipped off to juvie as a convicted koala-napper. To top off his bad luck, Teddy is also bullied by the meanest and toughest kid in the middle school, Vance. Teddy just can’t seem to catch a break, yet his perseverance prevails.

An extremely well-written story about mystery, animals, bullying, as well as a sweet coming of age story that will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing who took the Koala from the beginning to the end.

Recommended for ages 8-12.

Some great Series!

Here are a two fabulous series that are great for kids grades 5-8th. Check them out.

The Mysterious Benedict Society - a fabulous read for grades 5-9. Check out this starred review from School Library Journal. A similar read to Roald Dahl's book.  
After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society. After being trained by Mr. Benedict and his assistants, the four travel to an isolated school where children are being trained by a criminal mastermind to participate in his schemes to take over the world. The young investigators need to use their special talents and abilities in order to discover Mr. Curtain's secrets, and their only chance to defeat him is through working together. Readers will challenge their own abilities as they work with the Society members to solve clues and put together the pieces of Mr. Curtain's plan.

The Brixton Brothers by Mac Barnett. A modern day mystery series for boys and girls, grades 4-6. Book 1 and Book 2 are both out. This series reminds me of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew put together but for the 21st century kid.