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

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer

Author and Illustrator: Gillian Goerz
Publisher:
Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, 2020

 

Come along on the suspenseful summer adventures of Jamila and Shirley as this author's attention grabbing writing style pulls you in. This atmospheric comic mystery is chock full of action and various story lines. Bold, cartoony and colorful illustrations take the reader along on the most exciting summer adventure with this culturally diverse character duo.

When Jamila Waheed meets Shirley Bones in her new neighborhood, they form a bond and immediately learn the other is also being sent to camp this summer. They don't agree with their parents' ideas to send them to camp and both work to convince their parents to allow them to stay home and spend their summer together. They are successful in escaping camp and begin to meet at a local basketball court. Shirley and Jamila soon begin doing detective work together. The new friendship they create is tested bringing them closer together as their cases become challenging time and time again. One case in particular about a missing gecko comes into their case load. Will they be able to solve this case and keep their friendship?

Gillian Goerz' writing and illustrations in this mystery comic are ideal for the 9-12 reading group. Younger advanced readers can also enjoy this colorful comic/graphic novel. Well-developed characters keep the reader attentive as they guess the next turn the plot will take.

Kirkus Reviews: Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer

Goodreads: Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer

Amazon: Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer