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Friday
March 19, 2010 Since 1922 |
Amateur sleuths find themselves in a mess
By JoAn Martin
Baytown Sun Published May 9, 2004 Sternberg, Libby. “Uncovering Sadie’s Secrets.” Baltimore, MD. Bancroft Press. 2003. Hardback. 183 pages. $16.95. ISBN 1-890862-23-1. Recommended for ages 11-14. Available at Sterling Municipal Library.
Bianca, a high school sophomore, has a major crush on Doug, who seems to be involved with Sadie, a new girl at school. Sadie’s life is a mystery that Bianca is determined to solve. Bianca’s older sister, Connie, is a private detective, so Bianca faces a moral dilemma: Does she solve the mystery or does she help Sadie?
Kerrie is Bianca’s best friend. She is a planner who makes lists of the lists to get things done. When the girls are accused of trying to be Nancy Drew, they respond with “Nancy Who? Who’s that?”
They go out of their way to include Sadie, but can find out nothing about where she came from, who she is or where she lives. Sadie is being stalked by two shady characters whom Bianca names Ice Man and Lemming Lady. Bianca and Kerrie begin to suspect Sadie of all kinds of crimes from stolen identity to murder.
Dealing with teenage issues of hair style, phone rationing, clothes, homework and Halloween parties, Bianca comes across to the reader as a typical teenager, but with more personality.
When Sadie is seen driving a car and seems to have unlimited funds, the amateur sleuths know she is involved in serious activities. When Bianca finally uncovers Sadie’s secrets, she gets herself tangled in more messes than she bargained for.
“Uncovering Sadie’s Secrets” has been billed by Harriett’s Book Reviews as “a fine present for the female Harry Potter crowd.” As a start in the series of Bianca Balducci Mysteries, the story is witty, yet authentic, with unique characters.
Author Libby Sternberg’s commentary is often heard on Vermont Public Radio. Her articles have appeared in the Baltimore and Indianapolis papers. The next installment of her Bianca Balducci mystery series is “Hector’s Hidden Talents.”
JoAn Martin reviews children’s books for The Baytown Sun. She is a retired teacher. She may be reached at josbook(at)mindspring.com.
Baytown Sun Published May 9, 2004 Sternberg, Libby. “Uncovering Sadie’s Secrets.” Baltimore, MD. Bancroft Press. 2003. Hardback. 183 pages. $16.95. ISBN 1-890862-23-1. Recommended for ages 11-14. Available at Sterling Municipal Library.
Bianca, a high school sophomore, has a major crush on Doug, who seems to be involved with Sadie, a new girl at school. Sadie’s life is a mystery that Bianca is determined to solve. Bianca’s older sister, Connie, is a private detective, so Bianca faces a moral dilemma: Does she solve the mystery or does she help Sadie?
Kerrie is Bianca’s best friend. She is a planner who makes lists of the lists to get things done. When the girls are accused of trying to be Nancy Drew, they respond with “Nancy Who? Who’s that?”
They go out of their way to include Sadie, but can find out nothing about where she came from, who she is or where she lives. Sadie is being stalked by two shady characters whom Bianca names Ice Man and Lemming Lady. Bianca and Kerrie begin to suspect Sadie of all kinds of crimes from stolen identity to murder.
Dealing with teenage issues of hair style, phone rationing, clothes, homework and Halloween parties, Bianca comes across to the reader as a typical teenager, but with more personality.
When Sadie is seen driving a car and seems to have unlimited funds, the amateur sleuths know she is involved in serious activities. When Bianca finally uncovers Sadie’s secrets, she gets herself tangled in more messes than she bargained for.
“Uncovering Sadie’s Secrets” has been billed by Harriett’s Book Reviews as “a fine present for the female Harry Potter crowd.” As a start in the series of Bianca Balducci Mysteries, the story is witty, yet authentic, with unique characters.
Author Libby Sternberg’s commentary is often heard on Vermont Public Radio. Her articles have appeared in the Baltimore and Indianapolis papers. The next installment of her Bianca Balducci mystery series is “Hector’s Hidden Talents.”
JoAn Martin reviews children’s books for The Baytown Sun. She is a retired teacher. She may be reached at josbook(at)mindspring.com.