CHAPTER BOOK: The Red Blazer Girls: The Secret Cellar by Michael D. Beil

Sophie's quest for a Christmas gift for her dad sets the Red Blazer Girls on a new mystery involving a possible World War II spy, a missing will, a crabby and secretive bookseller, an auction, and a cellar full of treasures and secrets. The girls are in top form, each one contributing her individual expertise to help solve the puzzles. The adults are a good support cast, bringing their own expertise and tackling some of the tasks kids can't do alone to make the story work. I was between books when I picked this up, looking for something tangible to take on our holiday travels along with my Nook. I was drawn into the story right away and couldn't wait to see how all the pieces fit together in the end. Great mystery and great ensemble of characters. Fourth in a series.

4 out of 5 stars
No AR rating yet

Recommended for: readers fourth grade and older, fans of the series, as well as mystery fans and puzzle/code fans.

TUESDAY: The Red Blazer Girls: The Mistaken Masterpiece by Michael Beil

Summary
Sophie and the rest of the Red Blazer Girls are at it again. This time they're hanging out with movie stars, chasing dogs and tracking down a mystery about a painting. Ongoing stories from previous books about the girls' band; Sophie's boyfriend, Raf; her rival, Livvy; and the adults who helped the girls on their earlier adventures.


Review
I loved this story - no swearing that I noticed which makes it easier to recommend to my Christian school students. I loved what the author does with Sophie and Livvy in this story, adding depth to Livvy's character and keeping natural and realistic ups and downs in the relationship. The mystery was good, with lots of layers to keep readers engaged.


4.5 out of 5 stars
AR level of 4.7


Recommended for: readers 10 and up, mystery fans, fans of the previous books in the series.


Cautions: none.

MONDAY: The Vanishing Violin (The Red Blazer Girls)

The Red Blazer Girls are back - Sophie, Margaret, Rebecca, and Leigh Ann are back to solve new puzzles and sort out new mysteries.

This time, the girls are trying to figure out who's breaking into their school (and fixing it up), who stole a valuable violin, and what's up with the mysterious secret codes that are supposed to lead them to another violin?

The book includes some of the great characters from book one, including Malcolm and Elizabeth, nuns, criminals, scooter rides, rock bands and violin lessons. Lots of action and fun chapter titles. I love Sophie who tells the story - she has a great voice. I would have devoured these books as a teen. Fun puzzles for the girls - and the reader - to solve. Some dating/secretive behavior - unsurprising in a book for teens/late tweens, but not inappropriate for the target audience. [I probably wouldn't give this to my 9 year old niece, but would likely recommend it to a 12-13 year old.]

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Waiting on WEDNESDAY

Just a few titles I am looking forward to this June!

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TUESDAY: The Red Blazer Girls

Four Catholic school girls in New York find themselves on a treasure hunt that will send them to a church and a museum as well has making them solve math puzzles on a Saturday night. And they fine allies for their tasks in unexpected places.

This was a fantastic story! There was some language (a little surprising for me in a book for kids between the ages of 9 and 12). The math problems are great for the age group. I thought the characters were terrific and I look forward to their next adventure, The Vanishing Violin, due out next spring. See more information here.