Though the child is returned immediately, the brothers (ages 11 and 10) get to keep the fireworks. Ages 8 12.This memorable novel about three African-American boys in small-town Indiana opens with a trade: Bobby Gene and his little brother, Caleb, swap their baby sister for a sack of fireworks. Astutely conceived riddles and Chester's lively first-person narration deliver an action-packed mystery that highlights trusting in the bonds of friends and family, and encourages having patience with loved ones. Skye's chaotic puzzle-solving skills complement Chester's meticulousness, and their joy in code-cracking is palpable. But as they encounter nefarious locals, the duo fear that their once lighthearted hunt has higher stakes than they initially thought. Joined by Japanese American and white classmate Skye, who inexplicably has the missing puzzle pieces, the two search across town for the remaining clues.

After a mysterious envelope containing an unfinished riddle, seemingly from his dad, appears on his doorstep, Chester becomes embroiled in a puzzle-laden scavenger hunt with an important prize at the end. Nevertheless, Chester credits his dad whom he believes to be a covert agent, and who mails him spy books and offers advice, such as how to navigate bullies, through email exchanges for his own inclination toward spy work. Eleven-year-old biracial (Black and white) Chester lives alone with his mother, having never met his father. Magoon (The Season of Styx Malone) skillfully blends family, friendship, and forgiveness in this endearing adventure starring spy-in-training Chester Keene. Skye proves to be a useful partner and good company, even if her free-wheeling ways are disruptive to Chester’s carefully built schedule.Īs Chester and Skye get closer to their final clue, they discover the key to their spy assignment: they have to stop a heist! But cracking this code may mean finding out things are not always what they seem. They’ve been tasked with a complex puzzle-solving mission. Then one day, Chester’s classmate, Skye, approaches him with a clue. Afterschool Monday to Thursday is bowling, and Friday, the best of days, is laser tag! But Chester has one other very special thing-he gets secret spy messages from his dad, who must be on covert government assignments, which is why Chester has never met him. “Delivers a truly fresh mystery - along with a heist, some heartbreak, some unforgettable characters and plenty of laser tag.” - The New York Times Book ReviewĬhester Keene takes great comfort in his routines. Cracking the code isn't all it's cracked up to be in this scavenger hunt adventure from a Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author.

37 Things I Love by Kekla Magoon