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Young readers book reviews for ages 8 to 12 years old




*Nathan Quist and the Curious Affair of the Crescent Earrings* by Adam Stuck, edited by Marvin G. Baker and illustrated by Beth Dellinger- young readers book review
Nathan Quist and the Curious Affair of the Crescent Earrings
by Adam Stuck, edited by Marvin G. Baker and illustrated by Beth Dellinger
Ages 9-12 90 pages Baker Trittin Press December 2008 Paperback    

There’s nothing remarkable about Daniel Reimer: he’s an average sixth-grade student with typical hobbies and the slightest bit of a crush on Laura Peters. Daniel tries to get through the boring days at school without too much fuss, and without suffering more than necessary at the hands of the local bully.

So far, the most interesting part of the school year is trying to decipher the new kid’s speech. Nathan Quist is visiting from England and introduces himself to Daniel’s class as someone who enjoys reading, writing, and playing the cello. He also uses a lot of big words like ‘philology,’ and he can figure out all sorts of things just from observing what he sees around him. Even though Nathan is about as strange as they get, Daniel befriends him – and not a moment too soon.

School has barely begun when Daniel learns that Laura Peters, the object of his affection, has been found locked in a closet at the school. She’s in a coma, and no one knows whether she will ever be okay again. There’s no reason that anyone would want to hurt Laura, but it doesn’t take the mind of Sherlock Holmes to figure out that she certainly didn’t lock herself into that closet.

When Daniel and Nathan take on the Case of the Crescent Earrings in order to find out what happened to Laura and who is responsible, they don’t realize at first that they are putting themselves in danger as well. Still, these two young heroes are determined to find out who hurt Laura and make sure there are no other victims.

Change-up was an entry in the 2007 Tweener Times International Chapter Book Competition. Written by 17-year-old Adam Stuck and illustrated by 17-year-old Beth Dellinger, it’s an excellent example of the talent to be found in schools all over the world. Too often we think that writers must be adults with MFAs from prestigious universities. Adam Stuck certainly corrects that misconception with this charming and entertaining debut novel.

Pacing, story structure, characters, plot – every element is finely balanced here, making Change-up an exceptionally good mystery for young readers. Brave and clever protagonists Nathan and Daniel are a delight to follow, and readers will take special pleasure in the way these two boys handle bullies and condescending adults. Adam Stuck’s nod to classic mysteries is a nice touch, but his own version of Conan Doyle’s style is unique and admirable. Could Nathan Quist be the 21st-century answer to the Hardy Boys?
 
Young readers book reviews for ages 8 to 12 years old

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