The Friendship Riddle - Hardcover

Blakemore, Megan Frazer

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1619636301 ISBN 13: 9781619636309

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2015

Synopsis

With nods to classic fantasy expertly woven into this surprising and emotionally-charged journey through the ups and downs of middle school, Megan Frazer Blakemore proves that even the bravest heroes need true friends by their side.
Ruth Mudd-O'Flaherty has been a lone wolf at her new middle school ever since her best friend, Charlotte, ditched her for “cooler” friends. Who needs friends when you have fantasy novels? Roaming the stacks of her town's library is enough for Ruth. Until she finds a note in an old book...and in that note is a riddle, one that Ruth can't solve alone. With a tantalizing set of clues before her, Ruth must admit she needs help, the kind that usually comes from friends. Lena and Coco, two kids in her class could be an option, but allowing them in will require courage, and Ruth must decide: Is embarking on this quest worth opening herself up again?

About this title

About the Author

MEGAN FRAZER BLAKEMORE is the author of The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill and The Water Castle, which was listed as a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and as a New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing. She is also the author of the young adult novel Secrets of Truth And Beauty which received a starred review in Publishers Weekly and was on the ALA Rainbow list. A former middle-school librarian, Megan lives in Maine with her family. Visit her online at www.meganfrazerblakemore.com or follow her on Twitter @meganbfrazer.

Reviews

Gr 4–8—Ruth Mudd-O'Flaherty has two mothers and Charlotte has two dads. This similarity brought their families together and Ruth and Charlotte have been best friends ever since. But middle school has created some challenges in their relationship. Charlotte is now more interested in being friends with cool Melinda, the mean girl, than Ruth. Feeling alone, Ruth finds comfort in her local library where she volunteers. She discovers hidden notes with intriguing riddles and begins her quest to find the answer to these mysterious clues. She soon realizes that she can't do this alone and will need the help of others. She must consider opening her mind and heart to some of the clever characters who surround her. The novel spotlights numerous middle school worries including bras, boy-girl parties, and getting your period for the first time. Ruth is a smart, spunky character whose quest for friendship feels authentic. VERDICT A must-have selection for middle school mystery lovers.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1619636301
• ISBN 13: 9781619636309
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 368