Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence Rating: PG (chases, peril)
BUYING ADVISORY:, EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
When 12yo Olive is enrolled in "Reforming Arts School" a boarding school near San Francisco, she finds herself in a class of elite Misfits - a group of 5 preteens who secretly work for NOCK (No One Can Know), whose mission is "ensuring the safety of the community, guarding the possessions of the citizens, and preventing civil disorder." Each of the kids have exceptional talents, but Olive hasn't discovered hers yet.
Dan Santat's illustrations are great! I really liked the storyline, and although, sending children after dangerous jewel thieves seems like a really bad idea, this group of misfits is up to it. The beginning of a 3 part series, I felt The Royal Conundrum stood on it's own, and wasn't bogged down with character building. A perfect adventure spy novel for upper elementary, and although the characters are young (one of them is still 10) the cool cover illustration will appeal to middle school and once they start reading will be hooked. The kids are mixed races and cultures.
Lisa Librarian
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