Eddie Red Undercover

January 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-Eddie Red is in prison. In Mexico. With his best friend Jonah whose new nickname is "El frijol" because of his chronic jumpiness. How did these two almost seventh-graders end up here? Well, it's a long and crazy story. It starts with Eddie's mom taking her family along to a conference in Mexico and involves a stolen ancient mask, a gang called las plumas, an unsolved bank robbery, plastic key chain versions of Mayan deities dabbed with peanut butter for good luck and, of course, dangerous amateur detective work. The boys team up with a local girl named Julia who sets them straight about the Mexican stereotypes and helps them crack the case through her dad's connections. All three kids are realistic and likable, and although the plot twists may strain some reader's suspension of disbelief, they're fast paced enough to keep those who crave adventure turning pages. Refreshingly, this book features an African American protagonist. Purchase for libraries where the first book or other plot-driven mystery series are popular-and be prepared to add future installments.-Gesse Stark-Smith, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 5, 2014
A normal day turns into a life-changer for African-American New York City sixth-grader Eddie Red when he learns that his father's job loss means he can no longer attend private school. After Eddie witnesses a scuffle in an alley, the police, led by surly Detective Bovano, are impressed when Eddie uses his photographic memory to sketch the perpetrator perfectly. Promising wages and to fund Eddie's schooling, the police hires the 11-year-old to visit museums and identify disguised members of the Picasso Gang, art thieves wreaking havoc on Museum Mile. Since Detective Bovano won't release specific information on the long-open case or give him a weapon, Eddie taps the expertise of his highly intelligent, obsessive-compulsive best friend Jonah, who schemes alongside him. In Wells's lighthearted, voice-driven debut novel, first in a planned series, Eddie never truly seems in danger, but his audacity and persistence, a clever mystery that unfolds atmospherically, and Calo's sly pencil portraits result in a fun sleuthing story. Ages 9â12. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary.