Do you ever struggle to find books for the reader who is 'in-between'? Perhaps an advanced reader ready for longer stories, but not yet ready for heavy themes? Or a new reader who wants the adventure of a mystery without the intensity?
I remember this struggle with my oldest. Once he graduated from early readers, finding books for him was a challenge. He loved mysteries and facts but wasn't ready for the 'snark' or darkness often found in modern middle grade.
That is why I was excited to discover Becca Wierwille’s new Barnaby and Scout series. It is a beautiful bridge—a mystery series with heart. I loved that our protagonist, Scout, is homeschooled and lives at a summer camp year-round. It felt like a dream childhood, because what kid doesn't wish they could camp all year round?
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| The book is even better than the PBS show! |
And then there is Barnaby! He reminded me so much of Martha Speaks, a favorite from my teaching days. He brings a splash of mischief and a lot of fun!
1. What was the first little spark that grew into the world of The Scout and Barnaby series? Did it start with a character, a setting, or perhaps a feeling you wanted to capture?
The first spark for the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries came directly from readers and their grown-ups! At homeschool conventions, school visits, and other events, I often ask kids about their favorite types of books—and many of them love mysteries. Some of my readers specifically asked me if I’d ever write a mystery.
At the same time, I had parents and educators who loved my Road Trip Rescue series of faith-filled contemporary adventures for kids 8-12. They were actively searching for more fun stories for their kids with values they could trust. However, their young readers weren’t quite ready for a full-length middle grade novel.
I knew I wanted my next project to be a mystery that helped fill the “gap” I saw between chapter books and middle grade. I wanted the stories to be shorter (about 15,000 words each instead of about 40,000 words) with larger font, more white space, and some illustrations. And I wanted them to be fun whodunit mysteries for kids to enjoy (and try to solve along with the detectives in the stories)!
From there, several elements came together. I love writing books about a girl and her dog, and I’d always wanted to write a book that takes place at a Christian wilderness camp like the one I attended as a camper and worked at as a counselor.
That’s how the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries came to be—funny, heartwarming Christian chapter books for kids 6-10 about a girl and her unusually perceptive dog who team up to solve mysteries at a Christian wilderness camp using her love of big words and his super sniffer!
2. I love how the story grew from listening to your audience's wants and needs.
Max is always on the lookout for kindred spirits with paws! Since dogs are a constant companion in your work, I’d love to know: if your pup, Georgia, were to give a 'bone-rated' review to a story, what kind of tales would she select for a cozy evening by the fire or after a walk in the park?
3. Ooh, those sound like heartwarming reads. Max and I will definitely be adding those to our TBR list! When you were tucked away writing Barnaby and Scout, did you imagine a specific reader sitting down with this story? What kind of anchor do you hope your readers find within these pages?
Yes! I imagined the kids I’d talked with at homeschool conventions and school visits who loved mysteries and stories that made them laugh. But I also hope the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries are more than funny whodunit adventures—and that they also remind kids they are wonderfully created by God on purpose and for a purpose. We can be brave and curious because of God’s love!
4. How interesting that you were inspired at homeschool conventions! In fact, it was so refreshing to see a heroine whose homeschool life was simply the air she breathed, rather than a problem to be solved. How do you feel stories like yours help bring the wide, wonderful world into a child’s own living room, and why is it vital for our 'home-educated' friends to see their own quiet courage reflected in books?
Scout, the ten-year-old heroine, lives at a wilderness camp called Blueberry Creek with her family. Her parents started working at this camp two years ago, and at that point, they decided to homeschool Scout and her brothers.
So far, the stories have taken place over the summer, so school hasn’t been “in session.” And yet, we still get to see Scout learning and growing each day. Her education is not limited to a building or a school year. Instead, she learns hands-on as she helps her family run the camp, explores her love of reading and big words, and solves mysteries. One of my favorite examples of this hands-on learning is coming in book 4, which hasn’t yet released, but explores the idea of being an “entrepreneur” as Scout gets the opportunity to help at the camp’s snack shop. This is a unique experience that not every traditional student would get at Scout’s age!
I love how Scout’s lifestyle encourages kids to get outside, to explore, and to be curious in their everyday lives. I also love how it gives home-educated readers the chance to see themselves reflected in a story—rather than just reading about public or private school students all the time!
I can't wait to read it. I'm currently helping my youngest start an online clay business.
Becca's Bio:
Becca Wierwille is the award-winning author of the Road Trip Rescue series, the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, and other stories that show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. She also cohosts a book podcast for kids, Ice Cream with Authors: Christian Books for Kids 7-13.
Born with only half of her right arm, Becca aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family.
Sign up for her email newsletter to try the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries for free! When you join, you’ll also receive a free family devotional, recommendations for young readers, and other exclusive content.
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Finally, some proper dog representation! Reading Barnaby’s point of view felt like meeting a true kindred spirit on the page. This is my favorite book of the year—five-bones!
The Front Porch Chat
Do you have a 'bridge' reader in your life? What stories have helped them cross the path from chapter books into the wider world of middle grade? I'd love to hear your favorites in the comments.
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Photo credits: Photo of Becca Wierwille and Georgia courtesy of the author; front porch from Canva, photo of Max by Jenni Enzor; book covers from Amazon.
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