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Sage Carrington, Eighth-Grade Science Sleuth
Every 12-year-old’s two favorite words: Summer vacation. No cold weather. No school. Just months of free time ahead.
Best friends Sage Carrington and Isabel Flores are making the most of their summer break when they discover an antique treasure map near the Washington Monument. But when faced with difficult clues and a bully in the form of Edwin Hooser, the tween girls must use every bit of imagination, drive, and intellect to outsmart Edwin and decipher the map.
Join Sage and Isabel on a journey through the nation’s capital as they try to solve the puzzle and recover a priceless bounty.
Best friends Sage Carrington and Isabel Flores are making the most of their summer break when they discover an antique treasure map near the Washington Monument. But when faced with difficult clues and a bully in the form of Edwin Hooser, the tween girls must use every bit of imagination, drive, and intellect to outsmart Edwin and decipher the map.
Join Sage and Isabel on a journey through the nation’s capital as they try to solve the puzzle and recover a priceless bounty.
- GenresMiddle Grade
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2012
1 person is currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Justin Scott Parr
19 books12 followersA few years ago, I embarked on a journey to fulfill a lifelong goal that most people only dream of. After quitting my job with a Fortune 500 company, I grabbed my passport and spent the next six months backpacking across eleven countries.
Upon returning home, I shared travel photos and tales with my curious 9-year-old cousin. Her fascination with the cultural, historical, and educational aspects of my trip--and her countless "what ifs"--ultimately led to the creation of the best-selling Sage Carrington book series.
Upon returning home, I shared travel photos and tales with my curious 9-year-old cousin. Her fascination with the cultural, historical, and educational aspects of my trip--and her countless "what ifs"--ultimately led to the creation of the best-selling Sage Carrington book series.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 5, 2015
I am thanking Justin Scott Parr for not only creating another one of the coolest black nerd girls in YA (a girl whom I see myself in), but for giving her braces, natural hair that she's proud of (and which is shown on the cover) and most importantly, highlighting the importance of strong friendships between girls. So many YA novels ignore these friendships in their desire to cater to some shallow idea of romance. Or worse, these books depict other girls as hateful "queen bees" or rivals for the attentions of the male lead.
Facebook is usually a time-waster, but thanks to the awesome Brenda Jackson (*hugs*), I got hooked to this book when she posted the cover on her Facebook wall. I now have two copies, the ebook version and the paperback (I love the cover just in case you didn't know). I literally devoured this awesome girl adventure mystery story in less than a day, went back and did it again. I am now on my third reading and just want everyone to know that Justin Scott Parr rules the world! The fact that he's a first-time author makes this book even more sweet because he wrote something so desperately needed in the YA market. Another reason to support independent authors and publishing houses.
It's pretty obvious that Parr respects his readership and respects young women in general. Yes, this book is probably for the tween reader, but all ages will enjoy this. Both Sage (real name Nefertari Sage Carrington) and her best friend Isobel are smart girls. They don't hide their intelligence. They fly their geek flags proudly. Both use science to solve problems rather than relying on their looks. Sage plays baseball just as well as the boys and both built a soapbox racer. It's summer vacation and in the midst of launching their model rocket, Egg-stra-Terrestrial, they come across an antique treasure map near the Washington Monument. It's up to Sage and Isobel, with a little help from their friend Benji-ceratops (you have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about) to decipher the clues difficult clues while dealing with a bully.
The dialogue is music to any science-geek's ears while still keeping to the ages of the characters. I love how quirky the two of them are, sharing shoes and multicolored tights. Sage and Isobel feel like real girls whom it would be cool to be friends with.
It is so nice to read about a real multicultural world filled with smart kids of all races, parents and other adult figures who care while emphasizing being true to who you are. The YA ghetto (yes, I did indeed call it that) is still overwhelmingly (and boringly) lily-white with few islands of color tossed here and there (that is if New York isn't busy whitewashing covers). This state of affairs is utterly inexcusable in 2013 considering the changing face of this country. I am seriously tired of reading contemporary/urban fantasy YA books with nothing but white people in them. I mean seriously, I swear some of these authors live in an alternate universe and frankly it's time for them to step out of the bubble and join the rest of the human race. These types of settings are totally unrealistic and say more about the sheer laziness of authors and publishers to more accurately reflect the changing world around them. If these authors can write about vampires and angels, there's no excuse they cannot craft well-written and multi-dimensional characters who do not share their ethnicity. It is telling that authors of color don't have this problem.
I just know there will be further adventures of Sage, Isobel and their friends and Mr. Parr knows that I will eagerly await the next one...so get to writing!
Facebook is usually a time-waster, but thanks to the awesome Brenda Jackson (*hugs*), I got hooked to this book when she posted the cover on her Facebook wall. I now have two copies, the ebook version and the paperback (I love the cover just in case you didn't know). I literally devoured this awesome girl adventure mystery story in less than a day, went back and did it again. I am now on my third reading and just want everyone to know that Justin Scott Parr rules the world! The fact that he's a first-time author makes this book even more sweet because he wrote something so desperately needed in the YA market. Another reason to support independent authors and publishing houses.
It's pretty obvious that Parr respects his readership and respects young women in general. Yes, this book is probably for the tween reader, but all ages will enjoy this. Both Sage (real name Nefertari Sage Carrington) and her best friend Isobel are smart girls. They don't hide their intelligence. They fly their geek flags proudly. Both use science to solve problems rather than relying on their looks. Sage plays baseball just as well as the boys and both built a soapbox racer. It's summer vacation and in the midst of launching their model rocket, Egg-stra-Terrestrial, they come across an antique treasure map near the Washington Monument. It's up to Sage and Isobel, with a little help from their friend Benji-ceratops (you have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about) to decipher the clues difficult clues while dealing with a bully.
The dialogue is music to any science-geek's ears while still keeping to the ages of the characters. I love how quirky the two of them are, sharing shoes and multicolored tights. Sage and Isobel feel like real girls whom it would be cool to be friends with.
It is so nice to read about a real multicultural world filled with smart kids of all races, parents and other adult figures who care while emphasizing being true to who you are. The YA ghetto (yes, I did indeed call it that) is still overwhelmingly (and boringly) lily-white with few islands of color tossed here and there (that is if New York isn't busy whitewashing covers). This state of affairs is utterly inexcusable in 2013 considering the changing face of this country. I am seriously tired of reading contemporary/urban fantasy YA books with nothing but white people in them. I mean seriously, I swear some of these authors live in an alternate universe and frankly it's time for them to step out of the bubble and join the rest of the human race. These types of settings are totally unrealistic and say more about the sheer laziness of authors and publishers to more accurately reflect the changing world around them. If these authors can write about vampires and angels, there's no excuse they cannot craft well-written and multi-dimensional characters who do not share their ethnicity. It is telling that authors of color don't have this problem.
I just know there will be further adventures of Sage, Isobel and their friends and Mr. Parr knows that I will eagerly await the next one...so get to writing!
September 21, 2014
This is a fabulous read for girls everywhere! This quick read follows Sage Carrington, as she explores Washington D.C. with her best friend Isabel Flores during summer break. The action starts immediately as the girls find a treasure map, make a rocket shoot into the air, and get bullied-all within the first three chapters.
There are so many amazing qualities this book presents. The main character, Sage, is an African-American and has braces. While this describes plenty of readers, very few main characters are represented this way. Sage's best friend is a Latina who teaches her Spanish throughout the book. They have a real relationship where there is a lot of love, but also some jealousy and fights. There is also a local bully, who I think is represented in a realistic way. My favorite thing about this book is that Sage loves science and she's not afraid of being a "nerd". Plus, about 100+ more things.
This book is a great way for younger readers to build vocabulary, including Spanish, while still reading an amazing story. While Sage is an almost 8th grader, I think girls as young as fourth grade would enjoy this book. It is a clean read content-wise, so this would be a great pick for those younger readers who are reading at a high grade level.
With this book, I also received the "Sage Carrington Book of Love Journal #1". This is a great supplement to the book. It has wonderful illustrations and writing prompts throughout. I would buy this set for my younger cousins in a heart beat. Everything about this book and journal just puts out good vibes. I'd recommend this book to any girl in the 9-13 age range. Also, any library that is looking to add some good girl-power books!
Sage Carrington: Eight-Grade Science Sleuth is available now!
Review copy provided by the publisher.
There are so many amazing qualities this book presents. The main character, Sage, is an African-American and has braces. While this describes plenty of readers, very few main characters are represented this way. Sage's best friend is a Latina who teaches her Spanish throughout the book. They have a real relationship where there is a lot of love, but also some jealousy and fights. There is also a local bully, who I think is represented in a realistic way. My favorite thing about this book is that Sage loves science and she's not afraid of being a "nerd". Plus, about 100+ more things.
This book is a great way for younger readers to build vocabulary, including Spanish, while still reading an amazing story. While Sage is an almost 8th grader, I think girls as young as fourth grade would enjoy this book. It is a clean read content-wise, so this would be a great pick for those younger readers who are reading at a high grade level.
With this book, I also received the "Sage Carrington Book of Love Journal #1". This is a great supplement to the book. It has wonderful illustrations and writing prompts throughout. I would buy this set for my younger cousins in a heart beat. Everything about this book and journal just puts out good vibes. I'd recommend this book to any girl in the 9-13 age range. Also, any library that is looking to add some good girl-power books!
Sage Carrington: Eight-Grade Science Sleuth is available now!
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Want to read
November 14, 2012My daughter would love this book! Hope I win! :)
Want to read
October 26, 2012Oh, I would love to read this. :)
November 21, 2016
Full review goes live Nov 23rd right here: https://escapingrealitybookreviews.wo...
3.5 stars
The characters were well developed, and fun to read. I especially appreciated the real and hard issues that these characters deal with — bullying, divorce, failure, and cancer, to name a few. However, these issues are dealt with in such a way that they aren’t too intense for a middle grade audience.
I think as an adult, this book is best read with a young child, rather than just alone. Reading it to a child helps you to enjoy and appreciate it for what it is — a fun story of adventure, friendship, and determination aimed at young children.
I'm 19, and I recommend this book to readers aged 5-10.
3.5 stars
The characters were well developed, and fun to read. I especially appreciated the real and hard issues that these characters deal with — bullying, divorce, failure, and cancer, to name a few. However, these issues are dealt with in such a way that they aren’t too intense for a middle grade audience.
I think as an adult, this book is best read with a young child, rather than just alone. Reading it to a child helps you to enjoy and appreciate it for what it is — a fun story of adventure, friendship, and determination aimed at young children.
I'm 19, and I recommend this book to readers aged 5-10.
December 22, 2012
I really loved this book! I am always looking for a good book for my nine year old daughter who loves to read, and this is definitely one that she would love. The characters in the book, Sage and her best friend Isabel stumble upon an old map which appears to be a treasure map of some sort. They are determined to figure out the clues to find this treasure even if they might seem too difficult at first. Of course, there is someone else who would prefer to find it first!
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the GoodReads first-reads program.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from the GoodReads first-reads program.
December 29, 2012
I won a copy of Sage Carrington, Eighth-Grade Science Sleuth (Paperback)
by Justin Scott Parr in a giveaway for free on Goodreads First/Reads.
by Justin Scott Parr in a giveaway for free on Goodreads First/Reads.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews