The Friendship Riddle

March 30, 2015
Sixth-grader Ruth, who teachers describe as “a bit in her own world,” lives in the small seaside town of Promise, Maine, with her Mom and Mum; her former best friend Charlotte—adopted from China by her fathers—is now aligned with the popular girls. During a relentlessly snowy winter, Ruth is focused on a “secret clue” she found in a library book (Could it be the start of a “saga-worthy” quest like her favorite fantasy novel heroine is always embarking upon?) and on the upcoming spelling-bee championships. But her heart is on her lost friendship with Charlotte and her uncertainty about investing in new friends. Blakemore (The Spycatchers of Maple Hill) has created a cast of distinctive and believable sixth-graders; the new relationships develop more satisfactorily than the plot, which lacks momentum. Once Ruth invites her friends to help with the clues, the search does take on the nature of a quest, which wraps up cleverly, if a little too neatly. This sprawling novel’s chief strength is its portrayals of middle school dynamics, seen through the eyes of unconventional Ruth, and of contemporary family life. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger.

December 1, 2015

Gr 4-8-As young girls, Ruth and Charlotte develop a strong bond when Ruth's mothers move to Maine and form what they call a "support group" with Charlotte's fathers. However, when they start sixth grade and middle school, Charlotte is welcomed into the popular group and Ruth becomes a loner, withdrawing into her books. Then, while helping out at the library, Ruth discovers the first of a number of intriguing origami-enfolded clues, which sets her off on an initially solitary quest to solve a mystery and ultimately opens the door to friendships. The supporting cast of true-to-life characters includes mean girl Melinda, who goes out of her way to pick on Ruth; the smart, quirky boy group; and eccentric but likable Lina. Listeners will enjoy following the story's riddles and mystery, but the real attraction is the unfolding of Ruth's discoveries, confidence, and unique friendships. Educators might use portions of this book as discussion starters for a variety of topics including what makes a family a family, the challenges of adopted children (Charlotte was adopted from China), bullying, and peer pressure. Capably narrated by Sandy Rustin. VERDICT A solid contribution that will be a welcome addition to middle school audiobook collections. ["A must-have selection for middle school mystery lovers": SLJ 4/15 review of the Bloomsbury book.]-Rebecca James, Hathaway Brown School, Shaker Heights, OH

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.