The Wig In The Window
One thing is for sure. The Wig In The Window will keep you guessing. It’s the first in a funny middle-grade mystery series that will appeal to fans of the humor and clever clues in the Sammy Keyes books. I have always been a huge fan of mysteries, prompting me to request an advance copy of this book (no other compensation was received). My 12 year old niece shares my love for a good book and I was eager to share with her this story of best friends and seventh graders Sophie Young and Grace Yang who suspect their local school counselor is a dangerous fugitive. I read the book on a recent flight to Florida, and although this is a children’s book geared for kids 8 – 12, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself slightly frustrated when I had to take a break from reading to hop on the next plane. It’s a page-turner that combines rollicking humor with daring adventure and fun plot twists. I read the book first, and now twelve year old Maddie has started reading it, and has give it two thumbs up so far.
witty, weird, and wonderful
Being around goofy (emphasis on the word goofy) tweens and teens a lot, I felt the author Kristen Kittscher perfectly nailed the playfulness, weirdness, and insecurities of twelve year old girls. Main characters Sophie and Grace reminded me of the relationship I had with my own childhood best friend. While the book is full of suspense and totally fun to read, it realistically explores the ups-and-downs of tween friendship. Including how Sophie and Grace handle new friends coming into the fold.
THE WIG IN THE WINDOW (June 18, Harper Children’s) is the first in a funny new mystery series for kids ages 8 – 12 that will appeal to precocious readers who enjoy humor, clever clues, and fun plot twists!
Best friends and seventh graders Sophie Young and Grace Yang have made a game out of spying on their neighbors. On one of their midnight stakeouts, they witness a terrifying, bloody scene at the home of their bizarre middle-school counselor Dr. Charlotte Agford (also known as Dr. Awkward).
At least, they think they do. The truth is that Dr. Agford was only making her famous pickled beets! But when Dr. Agford begins acting even weirder than usual, Sophie and Grace become convinced that she’s hiding something—and they’re determined to find out what it is.
Soon the girls are breaking secret codes, being followed by a strange blue car, and tailing strangers with unibrows and Texas accents. But as their investigation heats up, Sophie and Grace start to crack under the pressure. But even if they solve the case, will their unlikely friendship survive?
The book is easy enough for an 8 year old to read and dynamic enough to hold the attention of a 12 year old. Heck, it held the attention of this 42 year old. Each time I thought I had the mystery figured out, there was a new twist in the story.
If you don’t want to take my word for it, here’s what a few other people had to say…
“A witty, weird, and wonderful book, The Wig in the Window’s troublemaking detectives kept me laughing–while the suspense had me inching to the edge of my seat. A perfect middle grade mystery!” – Kirsten Miller, New York Times bestselling author of the Kiki Strike series
“Funny, realistic, and suspenseful — a pitch-perfect mystery for the tween set.” – Kate Messner, author of Capture the Flag
Author Kristen Kittscher was a child neighborhood spy but (allegedly) grew up to be an upstanding citizen and middle school English teacher. She is a graduate of Brown University and former 7th grade English teacher who wrote the book with her precocious, funny former students in mind.
If you’re looking for some fun summer reading for your middle grade student, I highly recommend The Wig In The Window by Kristen Kittscher. It’s now available for purchase.
Social Media
Be sure to like Kristen Kittscher on Facebook and follow along on Twitter for updates about The Wig In The Window and future books.
* I received a copy of this book to review. No compensation was provided.
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Sounds like a fun read – I enjoy the middle-grade/young adult books myself if they’re well-written!
Thanks so much for this critic of the book and series. I am a middle school teacher and always looking for books that will interest my kiddos.
My Emma (almost 13) would love this book. She just joined our local Summer Reading Program and is looking for interesting books to read for the program. Thanks for the suggestion.
what a fun summer read
I think it is great that a former English middle school teacher has written a book that would appeal to those students. She should know how to grab their attention with mysterious events and clues.
It sounds like a book my son would like.
I’m sure both of my girls would love this book!
I loved this book and now am reading it with my daughter who really is enjoying it too.
I was expecting something light-hearted and funny, a whimsical adventure about two young female sleuths who get in over their heads… what I got was all of that, plus so much more.