My Top Secret Dares & Don'ts

March 1, 2017

Gr 5-8-Kestrel travels north from Seattle to her grandmother's lodge in British Columbia. Following Kestrel's grandfather's death, the lodge is in danger of closing, and the girl and her family spend the summer trying to help. When Kestrel discovers that two bratty twins are sabotaging the family's efforts, she realizes things are even worse than she thought. But she's only 12, and no one will listen to her until her BFF shows up unexpectedly and they get a little assistance from a handsome seasonal worker. Kestrel is determined to save the family lodge, even if it means she will need to conquer her worst fear. She is an engaging character, and her tween-to-teen angst rings true. Her family members are also well-rounded and believable, while others (the obnoxious twins, the sidekick BFF) are stock characters who merely advance the narrative. The ages of some of the characters seem odd. Several seasonal workers are described as being Kestrel's age (12) but are employed full-time at the lodge. There are at least half a dozen strands to the plot, but Trueit manages to keep them strung together and moving along at a steady pace. VERDICT This is solid middle grade fare, especially for fans of family and school stories.-Katherine Koenig, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

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