The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill

March 10, 2014
Blakemore (The Water Castle) sets her story in a seldom-explored era in middle-grade fiction: the autumn of 1953, the height of McCarthyism. Hazel Kaplansky is a smart, awkward, and fervent fifth-grader who grows obsessed with sniffing out Communism in her small Vermont town and proving that the taciturn gravedigger at her family’s cemetery, Paul Jones, is a Communist spy. Teaming up with Samuel, an unusual new boy in town (“Some people are more fragile than others,” Hazel’s mother warns her), she plunges into solving the mystery of Mr. Jones, dreaming of the day she will report him to Senator McCarthy. Blakemore’s choice of perspective is refreshing and well-executed; readers will sympathize with Hazel’s patriotic passion while anticipating her downfall. Rich in period details, strong on family/friendship dynamics, with a cast of well-drawn secondary characters (Samuel, in particular, is sensitively rendered), the book demonstrates how easy it is to get caught up in an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. A light-handed yet thoughtful presentation of a difficult time in U.S. history, Blakemore’s story inspires reflection and discussion. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger.

November 1, 2014

Gr 4-6-The year is 1953, and fifth grader Hazel Kaplansky is a girl in search of a mystery. When rumors begin flying that the Russians are operating a spy ring right in her small New England town, Hazel knows she is the girl for the case. She's the smartest, most relentless person she knows, and she's ready to put her surveillance skills to the test. Her number-one suspect is the mysterious Mr. Jones, the recently hired gravedigger in her parents' cemetery. With the help of the new boy at school, Samuel, Hazel sets out to expose the truth. Narrator Meredith Orlow perfectly captures the spirit of this Cold War-era story, portraying neighbors turning against neighbors and whispers becoming rumors and lies. Orlow uses distinct voices for everyone, allowing each character's unique personality to shine. The result is a twisting, turning period mystery featuring a dynamic heroine in search of answers during an unsettling time in American history.-Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.