Today I’m featuring one of my favorite middle grade authors in the mystery genre. Margaret Haddix writes contemporaries, dystopian, fantasy, and mysteries. She shines at writing books that make you want to turn the page and have emotional depth.
I first encountered her when I was on a fairy tale retelling kick and read Just Ella a few years ago. Last year, I discovered her first book, Running Out of Time, a must-read if you like middle grade suspense.
In addition to Running Out of Time, I’m also featuring my favorite stand alone by Haddix, The Remarkables. As a bonus, for those who enjoy YA, I’m adding a short bit about my favorite Haddix YA.
Running Out of Time (1995)
Jessie lives with her family in the frontier village of Clifton, Indiana, in 1840—or so she believes. When diphtheria strikes the village and the children of Clifton start dying, Jessie’s mother reveals a shocking secret —it’s actually 1996, and they are living in a reconstructed village that serves as a tourist site. In the world outside, medicine exists that can cure the dread disease, and Jessie’s mother is sending her on a dangerous mission to bring back help.
But beyond the walls of Clifton, Jessie discovers a world even more alien and threatening than she could have imagined, and soon she finds her own life in jeopardy. Can she get help before the children of Clifton, and Jessie herself, run out of time? (from the author's website)
My Take:
This book has everything I love: a Little House on the Prairie feel with the twist of it being a dystopian-type village that’s being watched. Jessie is a fabulous character with boldness and daring. Her understanding of the modern world is limited, which adds to the tension. It’s a short book, and I dare you to put it down. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but there are so many twists and turns that lead to its incredible ending.
The Remarkables (2019)
One minute they’re there: laughing and having fun at the house next door. The next minute, the teens are gone. Like magic. Marin can’t believe her eyes. Who are they? Can anyone else see them? What makes them so happy?
Marin is lonely in this new town of hers and eager to figure out more. Then she meets Charley, who reveals that he knows about these teenagers, too.
He calls them the “Remarkables.” Charley warns her to stay away from the Remarkables—and him. Charley and Marin both have painful secrets they’re holding on to, but could solving the mystery of the Remarkables help them both? (from the author's website)
My Take:
The synopsis doesn’t do this book justice. The mystery of who the Remarkables are was gripping, but what I loved about this book was how seamlessly the external mystery tied in with Marin and Charley’s friendship and character growth. Marin’s father, who loves football and is a doting father to her and her new baby brother, is one of my favorite fathers in kidlit. This book didn’t just grab me with its interesting time-bending twists but moved me with its theme of appreciating the what you have now.
Extra:
Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey (1996)
Everyone has to keep a journal in Mrs. Dunphrey’s English class, but the teacher has promised she won’t read any entry marked “Do not read this.” It’s the kind of assignment Tish Bonner, one of the girls with big hair who sit in the back row, usually wouldn’t take very seriously. But right now, Tish desperately needs someone to talk to, even if it’s only a notebook she doesn’t dare let anyone read.
As Tish’s life spins out of control, the entries in her journal become more and more private…and dangerous. Is she risking everything that matters to her by putting the truth on paper? And is she risking more by keeping silent? (from the author's website)
My Take:
This YA contemporary is not for the faint of heart, and I wouldn’t recommend it for younger kids or sensitive readers. But it’s a powerful novel, and leaves the reader with hope. A reminder that there are teachers out there who truly save kids’ lives.
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| Max, the Reading Dog* |
No dogs! Again. Just think of how I could sniff out the bad guys and protect those kid sleuths! Opportunity wasted.
🦴
Your Turn:
Do you like mysteries or suspense? Have you read any books by Haddix?
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