Uncovering Sadie's Secrets

March 1, 2003
Gr 8-11-Bianca is a high school sophomore whose ear for gossip turns her into an information-hungry private investigator, or at least a PI-in-training. She befriends Sadie, only to learn that this strange new classmate from California is concerned about a "friend" who is being accused of murder. Bianca will risk everything to find out who Sadie really is. Sternberg's writing mimics the social speech of a typical 15-year-old girl; it's chock-full of hyperbole and self-confidence-boosting assertions. The author exposes her protagonist's hopes, fears, and insecurities with a fresh voice and she keeps Sadie's real secrets a mystery until the end. Sadie's relationships with friends and family are point-blank in their raw emotions and typify the rebellious nature of the teenager who also vies to be a hero to those she cares about. The epilogue reads as a PI's verbal summary of a case with suggestions for next time and overviews of what happened to the characters in the case. A great start to what looks like a continuing series.-Delia Fritz, Mercersburg Academy, PA

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2003
Gr. 6-9. Sternberg's first novel is a lightweight, entertaining teen mystery-romance narrated by 15-year-old high-school sophomore Bianca Balducci. The lively story follows Bianca as she tries "to hook up with a guy" who is her major crush, keep up with homework, and be a good daughter. At the same time, she's busy investigating why her new friend Sadie is apparently being stalked by a twosome dubbed "the Lemming Lady and the Ice Man," and trying to stay ahead of her 20-something sister, Connie, who is a real-life PI. The plot thickens as Bianca uncovers secrets in Sadie's past. The subtitle suggests that this is the first in a new series: Nancy Drew fans and other young mystery aficionados will be pleased.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)