The Ambrose Deception

February 1, 2018

Gr 5-8-Melissa, Wilf, and Bondi-an enterprising money-maker, a slacker, and a smooth talker, respectively-are unlikely recipients of a mysterious scholarship offer, but that doesn't stop them from trying to win it anyway. They're given a driver, a cell phone, a debit card, a camera, and three clues, with the instruction that they are to tell no one what they're doing. The first kid to answer all three clues correctly wins a $10,000 scholarship. But as the chase progresses, the kids soon see that things aren't adding up. This realization forces them to work together, prove that they aren't slackers or criminals, and win a prize bigger than anything they've ever dreamed. This fast-paced story set in Chicago takes readers on a scavenger hunt to some of the city's most famous landmarks, with interesting trivia and history to accompany them. Ecton creates an eclectic and vivid cast of characters from varied backgrounds, lending authenticity to this Chicago-set tale. The addition of text messages, emails, and written notes provides a fun interlude between chapters. VERDICT An appealing adventure story likely to be in high demand. A must-buy for all libraries serving middle graders, especially those in the Chicago area.-Jessica Holland, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2017
A mysterious scholarship contest launches this middle-grade mystery.The action begins when three Chicago middle schoolers--Bondi Johnson, a black boy; Wilf Samson, a white boy; and Melissa Burris, a white girl--are selected to compete in the Kaplin/Baron scholarship contest. No one at the three students' schools has heard of this scholarship, and even stranger, none of these students is known for exemplary academics. In fact, they are better known for scheming, daydreaming, and schmoozing. The scholarship rules appear straightforward: untangle the clues, provide a photo of each, and win $10,000. With these guidelines, a provided cellphone, a personal driver, and a no-strings-attached debit card, each student is ready to tackle the task. Bondi attacks his clues with diligence; Melissa, though suspicious, enjoys the chase; Wilf would rather cross items off his bucket list than solve the riddles. When the hunt for clues draws to an end, Bondi, Melissa, and Wilf discover there is another mystery surrounding this scholarship and the money, leading them to band together to unravel the remaining clues and unearth the truth before the $10,000 slips out of their hands. In the tradition of The Westing Game or Chasing Vermeer, this is a plot-driven brainteaser centered on Chicago landmarks and Chicago history. The twists and turns are well-paced and believable, and transcripts of texts, emails, and letters within the chapters add dimension to the strong cast of secondary characters.A lighthearted mystery starring seriously smart kids. (Mystery. 8-12)

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December 15, 2017
Grades 5-8 In three middle schools across Chicago, three students fly under the radar. Melissa hides how poor her family is while doing other people's homework for a fee. Slacker Wilf knows exactly how to get out of things he doesn't want to do. And show-off Bondi has a personality any con man would envy. None of them stand out, so their various teachers are flummoxed when the three are chosen to compete for a $10,000 scholarship. They're each given a different set of clues, and the answers are to be found throughout Chicago. Initially competitors, the three start to realize that something bigger is happening here. Why does recently deceased multimillionaire Enoch Ambrose's name keep popping up everywhere? In a narrative that's by turns clever and hilarious, Ecton takes readers on a wild tour of Chicago through the eyes of three characters imbued with big personalities. A rollicking adventure, a Westing Game-style mystery, and a heartwarming reminder that anyone can be greater than the sum of their parts.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)