Young Cam Jansen and the Lions' Lunch Mystery

Young Cam Jansen and the Lions' Lunch Mystery by David Adler (author) and Susanna Natti (illustrator)Viking, Penguin Young Readers Group, 2007.
This is book is for younger readers and could be described as an early chapter book. There are about 14 books in this “young Cam” series at present, aimed at readers in first – third grades. Author David Adler also has a series featuring the same character for slightly older readers with nearly 50 titles published. He has great resources for classrooms and book discussions online.
I was surprised by how well Adler developed the characters in less than 30 pages. The story's protagonist, Jennifer, is nicknamed Cam (short for Camera) because she has a photographic memory. Her ability allows her to solve the mystery of where class clown Danny left his lunch during a field trip to the zoo.

The Case of the Missing Marquess

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer, published by Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, 2006.

Told in first-person, this novel shares the story of Sherlock Holmes' younger sister, Enola Holmes. I was impressed with the clever use of corsets and bustles to conceal large sums of money. I was also intrigued by the complex emotions the protagonist has regarding her older brother, the famous detective. She yearns for his approval, but his dismissive attitude angers her. This historical piece will resonate with young feminist readers.

This is the first book in the Enola Holmes series, and the fifth in the series, The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline was just released last month. Perfect summer reading for a young sleuth.

The Night Tourist

The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh published by Scholastic Audiobooks, 2007.
The protagonist in this mystery is a classics prodigy and solving the mystery revolves around him using clues discovered through his translation of ancient Greek plays. The setting is the underground of New York City, which just happens to be where recently deads – including Jack's mother – resides. All that, combined with a potential romantic interest make this a great read. This book won the Edgar award in 2008.

Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo published by Scholastic, 2000.

I love this book. It flows so well. I'm impressed with how much DiCamillo is able to convey about the characters and their relationships with her easy to read prose. It is clear that every word was chosen with great care. It won the Newberry Honor Award in 2001. If you haven't read this, you should. It is destined to be a classic.
Here's an interview with DiCamillo from 2007. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

Lionboy

The Lionboy by Zizou Corder published by Highbridge Company (audio), 2003.
I loved the language and adventure in this book. But it may not be what you expect.

This is definitely a genre-bender. Its near future setting and scientific research plot points might make it science fiction, but the protagonist being able to communicate with felines (everything from housecats to lions) puts it into the fantasy category. However, the UK writing style combined with trains, the circus and handwritten letters give it a historic feel.

I have to admit, I picked it up because of my fascination with big cats that started with my Tiger Troubles article for Ozarks Magazine. (sadly, no longer in publication)

Lionboy was fascinating and I was angry that it was a trilogy because I have to know what happens next! Zizou Corder really hooked me and I definitely intend to listen to the next two.

The Seer of Shadows

The Seer of Shadows by Avi, published by HarperCollins, 2008.

This historical fiction starts off with a photographer trying to perpetrate a fraud by putting ghost images into portraits. But, in an ironic twist, real ghosts begin to show up in the photos taken by his apprentice, Horace, the novel's first person narrarator. I won't give it all away, but there's more to it than just the ghost wandering through while the picture is snapped.

I was attracted to the novel for the similarities to my current work in progress, a mystery with a ghost revealed in photographs.

Avi's story moves along at a good pace and the plot and characters are solid. Set in New York in 1872, the language is sometimes a little formal, but nothing insurmoutable.

Out of the Dust

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, published by Scholastic, 1997. Won the Newberry Award in 1998. It is a novel, composed of a series of poems in free verse.

I read this book primarily because it is set in the Oklahoma Panhandle in the 1930s and my next mystery is likely to take place in that location.

I just completed a four page essay dissecting the decision to focus more on an improbable, horrific accident than the natural disaster plaguing the area at the time.

I won't share that here, but I will say that this book is beautifully written. The white space on each page is reminiscent of the wide open spaces of the High Plains. Those who called that place home had a grit and tenacity that is hard to imagine in our world of creature comforts. It was a bleak time that challenged the toughest people. Severe drought, extreme temperatures, relentless dust storms and food shortages weakened bodies and drained spirits.

To this mix, Hesse added a tragic accident that centers around the main character's pregnant mother mistaking a pail of kerosene for a bucket of water. The mother dies a painful, agonizing death and the main character is badly burned. Her burns rob her, at least temporarily of the only thing that brings her joy - playing the piano.

I asked myself over and over why the author felt it necessary to heap tragedy upon hardship in a time when the simple act of breathing could be deadly.