Minerva Clark Gets a Clue - Hardcover

Grade 5-8–Rebus-loving seventh grader Minerva Clark humorously describes the worst day of her life, which includes making a fool of herself in front of peers at an arcade, seeing her favorite cousin getting arrested, and suffering from electric shock. But events soon take a dangerously suspenseful twist when Minerva's personality changes as a result of the jolt of electricity. No longer suffering from self-conscious, self-deprecating adolescent woes, she becomes comfortable with herself and generally more confident. This confidence and ability to look beyond outside appearances enables her to help solve a mystery and deal with the popular girls, peer pressure, trendy clothes, and her kleptomaniacal pet ferret. References to pop culture abound, including allusions to instant messaging, cliques, camera cell phones, and movies like The Matrix. (A reference to choosing the Red Pill or the Blue Pill becomes symbolic of Minerva's adventures.) Despite these and a few words that some parents will frown upon, this tale is interesting and witty enough to recommend to reluctant readers. Interspersed with Minerva's amusing revelations is an entertaining mystery with engaging characters and a positive theme.–Jessi Platt, Auburn Public Library, AL
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