Framed! A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery

Framed! A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery
by James Ponti

Florian Bates has an after-school job: working for the FBI! His use of T.O.A.S.T. (Theory of All Small Things) has caught the attention of the FBI after he discovers clues about a museum burglary that others have overlooked. Now the twelve-year-old is on the case of the art thefts. Will he, with a little help from his new friend Margaret, help the FBI solve the mystery?

What a fun book! As I read this entertaining mystery,  I thought of other art-related mysteries, including Chasing Vermeer and Eddie Red Undercover. This book will be a hit with fans of mystery fiction. This was one of those books that, when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down until I was done. The conclusion of this action-filled mystery hints at future adventures for Florian and Margaret.

Author's website: https://www.jamesponti.com/

Go, Otto, Go!

Go, Otto, Go!
by David Milgrim

Otto the robot misses his family, so he decides to build a spaceship so that he can go visit him!  After working hard to make his new spaceship, he takes off!  Will his spaceship get him home to his family?

What a cute book!  This is part of "The Adventures of Otto" series, which follows Otto the robot and his various animal friends.  Go, Otto, Go! recently won a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor.   With large font, repetitive text, and entertaining illustrations, this humorous story is a great choice for beginning readers.



Author's website: http://www.davidmilgrim.com/index.html

Maxi's Secrets

Maxi's Secrets (or, what you can learn from a dog)
by Lynn Plourde

Being new isn't easy, but for Timminy it's extra hard: he's smaller than any other kid in his grade and his dad is the new assistant principal at his school. The one good thing about his family's move is Maxi, the Great Pyrenees puppy that his parents let him get. When Timminy realizes that Maxi is deaf, he decides to do whatever he can to help his active new puppy. Maxi, with her entertaining personality, also helps Timminy make new friends as well as breaks the ice between him and one of his bullies. Just as things seem to be getting better, however, Timminy and his family receive news about their beloved dog that will change everything.

This was such a wonderful book! I've always been a big fan of Lynn Plourde and was so excited to read her first chapter book!  This is definitely an emotional story and will likely bring tears to many readers.  I'll be honest, there are sad parts, but the most important part of this book is the bond betwen Timminy and Maxi and how this sweet dog helps Timminy learn to deal with the changes and struggles he encounters.   I highly recommend reading Maxi's Secrets!  

Author's website: http://www.lynnplourde.com/