What do You think about Sammy Keyes And The Dead Giveaway (2006)?
I love all the books in this series, but this one is my favorite. Why? Because it's a 13 year-old girl kicking butt and taking names! This does have some romance, but the main story is the mystery. Sammy Keyes doesn't ask for trouble, but it seems to follow her, and she doesn't mind getting her hands dirty to solve a good mystery! Wendelin Van Draanen does an amazing job of tying together a 13 year-old girl's life, complete with 13 year-old girl problems and a suspenseful, intense mystery. I suggest for guys and girls, and I think you'll love it!
—Gwen
Sammy Keyes is awesome. Only read this book if you're a fan of strong, smart, independent teen girls. If not, well. That's something to work on.Here, Sammy faces the end of seventh grade, finishing up the school year with more conflict from resident mean girl Heather Acosta. That (and a stressful school dance) comes while Sammy is solving the mystery surrounding Hooper Street, a neighborhood about to be seized through eminent domain and razed into a new rec center. This offers a lesson in good moral centers, offers some unexpected twists, and has the endearing, snarky voice that is Sammy Keyes. Rock on.
—Cat
The tone was better on this one, but the mystery, clues, and case-cracking were the least coherent of the series so far. It was like the 2 separate parts to solve of the main mystery detracted from each other so that neither was well-explained or extremely compelling. Some lies from one of the red herring characters were never explained. A different protagonist/narrator than Sammy would have scored 2 stars for this mystery. However, Sammy's experience with guilt and confession was well-written and enjoyable. The date and slight preachiness about kids changing the world at the end were less good.
—Patrick
