  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 12/15/2019 Nellie Murrow, 11, has left the big city, moving with her mother to Bear Creek, Maine. Her father, a former reporter, has taken a job in Asia. Or has he? The bulk of the story is about Nellie's attempt to follow in her parent's footsteps. She stumbles across a mystery in the town park: someone seems to be committing vandalism, even attacking park goers, yet no one has seen the perpetrator. The local newspaper, which has had to lay off employees, doesn't have the staff to pursue the story, so Nellie decides to start a paper of her own. Nellie considers herself someone who doesn't easily make friends, but the lure of cracking the case and getting it out in print attracts a rather motley crew of kids who become not just fellow newshounds but also pals. Their support, along with that of others in Bear Creek, allows Nellie to finally face the truth about her dad. A solid mix of personal story and intriguing mystery, along with the fun of starting a new enterprise. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. School Library Journal - 03/01/2020 Gr 4–6—Nellie Murrow spent the first 11 years of her life surrounded by the bustling world of journalism and newsrooms. But when the newspaper both her parents worked for folds, Nellie finds herself in the last place she ever imagined—the tiny town of Bear Creek, where nothing interesting ever happens. To make matters worse, her mom has ensconced herself in the attic to write a romance novel and her dad has gone to Asia, leaving Nellie to her own devices. All she really wants to do is talk to her dad, but instead she is saddled with an assigned and quite babyish "best friend" who follows her everywhere. When strange reports of vandalism and mischief are linked to the only place Nellie can talk to her dad, it is up to the kids in town to cover the story. But will they be able to figure out what is going on? And will socially awkward Nellie be able to make friends with people her own age? This refreshingly poignant story deftly weaves topics such as grieving, making friends, and moving with highly relevant discussions about bias and opinion in journalism. It is inspiring and informative for young people who are interested in the craft of news reporting, without being overly technical. Readers will be as eager as Nellie to unearth the truth and will discover a deeper understanding of humanity along the way. VERDICT A captivating and touching story that addresses issues in news media and life effortlessly, while engaging readers with a fast-paced mystery.—Emily Beasley, Omaha Public Schools - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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