Charlie and Frog (Charlie and Frog, 1) - Softcover

Kane, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1368006302 ISBN 13: 9781368006309

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2019

Synopsis

A smart and sensitive mystery full of heart and adventure. The short chapters of Charlie and Frog tell a big story of diversity and friendship that's perfect for readers discovering the power of middle-grade stories. " - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

 

An Amazon Best Book of the Month

 

All Charlie Tickler wants is for his parents to listen.

 

Charlie's parents have left him (again). This time they are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. And Charlie? He's been dumped with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message-in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers.

 

All Francine (aka Frog) Castle wants is to be the world's greatest detective.

 

Frog, who is Deaf, would rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Cafe. When Charlie Tickler walks into the cafe looking for help, Frog jumps at the chance to tackle a real-life case.

Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman's mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it's too late.

 

Discover the surprising ways people listen in debut author Karen Kane's page-turning mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and heartwarming friendships.

 

About this title

About the Author

Karen Kane is currently at Gallaudet University in Washington DC, the world's only university for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, and has worked as an interpreter for the Deaf community for over 25 years. She graduated from Vermont College of Fine Arts in January 2016 with a MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and worked on Charlie and Frog with A.S. King, Tom Birdseye and award-winning Canadian author Tim Wynne. Karen lives in Washington DC with her husband and youngest daughter.

Review

"An enjoyable read that artfully mixes adventure, heart, and cultural competence."―Kirkus Reviews

"The mystery here is entertaining, but what makes the book unique is its positive and thorough incorporation of deafness. Kane is a graduate of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and she seamlessly integrates American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf characters into the story, subtly reminding readers that these are capable, complete individuals. A worthy addition to mystery collections."―Booklist

"Kane's debut, a light and engaging mystery, takes on added depth through its focus on the Deaf community. Charlie longs for kinship with others; intriguingly, it's through learning sign language that he finds friendship and connection."―Publisher's Weekly

About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1368006302
• ISBN 13: 9781368006309
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272