The Amelia Six

 

 

Author: Kristin L. Gray

Publisher: New York: Simon & Schuster, 2020
Not a series


Set in Kansas this fast-paced story with short chapters follows a gang of intelligent girls on a mysterious adventure. Readers learn about Amelia Earhart, as well as Deaf pilot Nellie Zabel Willhite and black and Native pilot Bessie Coleman. The story is character-driven and full of action.

 
During a sleepover at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, Amelia "Millie" Ashford and five other bright girls enter into an adventure they could never have imagined. They find Amelia Earhart's real goggles she used to use when she flew. When they go missing the girls band together creating strong friendships as they investigate the mystery. Characters are complex and Millie's story reveals that she has an absent mother who was also a pilot. 

Gray's writing style is attention-grabbing and detailed. These young female characters are robust and investigative, revealing interesting facts about female pilots along the way.


Amazon: The Amelia Six
Goodreads: The Amelia Six
Kirkus Reviews: The Amelia Six

The Secret Keepers

 

 

Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Illustrator: Diana Sudyka
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2016
Not a series


This illustrated fantasy fiction story is a welcome addition to children's mysteries.
Published in 2016, Trenton Lee Stewart's book caters to the 9-12 age range with quirky characters and a plot-driven, suspenseful narrative. Black and White illustrations full the book with moody, bold and high contrast imagery. The illustrations are black and white spot illustrations in ink and wash.

Rueben is 11 and living with his mother, a widow. When Rueben finds and object that allows him to become invisible he begins experimenting. When he finds the object that allows his invisibility is being hunted by a controlling character called "The Smoke" and his gang. Soon Rueben learns from a girl in town that there are two objects that allow invisibility and if the owner has both, they are then immortal.
Rueben uses his intelligence to follow the clues to stand up to "The Smoke" as be believes the other object is in his hands. Surprises abound on the journey as well as traps and hidden tunnels too! Rueben also must learn to question his morality along the way. 

Trenton Lee Stewart is a scholar in English and grew up in Arkansas, USA. He lives there now with his wife and two sons.
Diana Sudyka is a Chicago based illustrator. She has illustrated several of Trenton Lee Stewarts books as well as books by other authors. She uses inspiration from folk art traditions in her artwork.

Readers can continue with The Mysterious Benedict Society Series. It is also written and Illustrated by Trenton Lee Steward and Diana Sudyka.

Kirkus Reviews: The Secret Keepers
Amazon: The Secret Keepers
Goodreads: The Secret Keepers
Publishers page (Chicken House Books) about the author