Keep 'Em Flying

Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries #1

by Nell Carter Branum

Sixth grader Riley Abercrombie is determined to win—even if she has to gulp down her nerves and speak in public. The Historical Society is having a contest with a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to where her great-grandma once lived. But a winning essay about her brave relative, a Rosie the Riveter in World War II, may launch Riley on an adventure far bigger than she’d imagined. She soon finds herself in a real-life mystery. A famous tool, an antique rivet gun, is missing, and Riley is sure she can uncover the culprit. Chasing clues and suspects with her new friend Marcus through a museum’s vintage artifacts and aircraft, Riley just might discover she needs more than good detective skills. Will she learn to trust God when the wrong person has been accused? Can she be brave in the face of danger like her beloved great-grandma? When the kids’ sleuthing puts them in peril, they’re going to need faith, friendship, and even forgiveness to get them through.

Genres: Christian, Middle Grade, Childrens, Christian Fiction, Mystery, Historical Fiction

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

NELL BRANUM is a former editor and elementary school librarian who is the daughter of both a World War II paratrooper and a Rosie the Riveter and believes God still uses lessons from history. She was married for 43 amazing years to her minister husband, and now she writes from a small town near Birmingham, Alabama, where she keeps chickens in the backyard, likes to go on adventures with her grown kids and their families (including nine grandkids), and enjoys watching sunsets on her front porch while drinking blueberry-flavored coffee.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Middle-Grade

About this book:

“Sixth grader Riley Abercrombie is determined to win—even if she has to gulp down her nerves and speak in public. The Historical Society is having a contest with a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to where her great-grandma once lived. But a winning essay about her brave relative, a Rosie the Riveter in World War II, may launch Riley on an adventure far bigger than she’d imagined. She soon finds herself in a real-life mystery. A famous tool, an antique rivet gun, is missing, and Riley is sure she can uncover the culprit. Chasing clues and suspects with her new friend Marcus through a museum’s vintage artifacts and aircraft, Riley just might discover she needs more than good detective skills. Will she learn to trust God when the wrong person has been accused? Can she be brave in the face of danger like her beloved great-grandma? When the kids’ sleuthing puts them in peril, they’re going to need faith, friendship, and even forgiveness to get them through.”


Series: Book #1 in the “Heroes on the Homefront Mysteries” series.


Spiritual Content- A Scripture is quoted, mentioned, & remembered throughout the book; Prayers; A couple discussions of God & also on forgiving others; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Riley hopes that God is listening to her prayers about keeping her father safe even if “He does have a lot of soldiers to keep up with” (adding that she wishes the Army would just send her dad home and then God would have one less solider to keep up with); Mentions of God & Jesus; Mentions of Bible reading; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of church, church going, sermons, a pastor, & church events; A mention of being sure that a loved one is having a great time in Heaven;
*Note: Religious phrases like ‘for Pete’s sake’ and ‘honest to Pete’ are both said once; Riley recalls a friend in her gymnastics class laughing at her for wearing a T-shirt that had an American flag on it which made Riley tried to tell her stories that her great-grandma told her, but the girl said “what were they trying to prove by having a war, anyway? War is evil. They should have just walked away.” and while Riley agrees that war is evil, she doesn’t agree with her about the walk-away part (Riley told her grandmother this and she also agrees that war is evil, but adds that when “an enemy starts up an attack, you’ve got to either defend your country or lose it”); A mention of aliens (teasing).


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’ and a ‘for crying out loud’; A bit of eye rolling & sarcasm (good natured); A handful of scenes of eavesdropping on adults; Being locked in a closet; Riley’s father is in the Army and has deployed months prior to places her and her family don’t know and she misses him greatly (she also wonders how the Rosies and others during WWII handed their loved ones being gone and missing them, up to semi-detailed); Prior to her father being deployed, Riley’s dog passed away and she misses him as well (barely-above-not-detailed); All about many mentions of World War II, events and groups during the war (including Pearl Harbor bombing and the Battle of Iwo Jima), Rosie the Riveter and soldiers, factories for airplanes/bombers, & air raids; Many mentions of thieves/burglars, a theft/robbery, stealing, stolen items, the crime scene, & the culprit possibly going to jail; Mentions of soldiers being killed, wounded, or captured during events in World War II; Mentions of deaths & grief (including for mothers and a great-grandmother); A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of the Doolittle’s Raid mission in 1942 being called a “one-way mission” and not all of the soldiers making it back; A mention of bank robbers;
*Note: Discussions about & mentions of women being able to do jobs now that wasn’t a choice or commonplace back in the 1940s and it being an option now thanks to the impact of Rosie the Riveter noting that “The Rosies not only helped win the war, but also made it possible for women to keep working in all kinds of jobs after the war—jobs that had always been just for men” and later that back then, there wasn’t many women who worked outside of the house, but if they did “there weren’t as many kinds of jobs open to them as there are today” (such as work in a factory then or even be a plumber or a surgeon now which a couple of women thank Rosies for their influence on that being possible; One Rosie says that Riley is able to wear pants all the time now because of Rosies having to change the dress-skirt fashion for safety in the factories; In bonus content at the end of the book, the author shares that “after the war, many women decided they wanted to continue working.” And that while many women were happy to return home, “many other women decided they liked the challenge of work and the paycheck, and so continued to look for jobs that suited them. So, Rosies opened the way for women of the future to work in many kinds of jobs that previously had been only for men.”); Riley’s grandmother warns her to let the police handle the burglary, but Riley plans to keep her eye out for ways to help them solve it (at the end, her grandma tells her that her sleuthing days are over and she doesn’t want Riley following bad guys or assumed bad guys all over the place; Riley then apologizes to someone she thought was the thief); A few mentions of political figures during World War II; A few mentions of historical songs (‘The Rosie the Riveter song’ and ‘The Boogie Woogie Bungle Boy of Company B’); A few mentions of Sherlock Holmes; A mention of Halloween.


Sexual Content- N/A.

-Riley Abercrombie, sixth grade
1st person P.O.V. of Riley
193 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Five Stars
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)

This book made me want to stand up and sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ or even ‘America The Beautiful’. It was truly delightful and charming with a strong patriotic story. I was so pleasantly surprised by how many different elements of “Keep ‘Em Flying” I enjoyed!

Throughout the book there are “Riley’s Riveting Research Notes” added in with historical details and facts about World War II which makes this great for readers wanting to learn more about this time and/or homeschooler families doing a study on it.

I really enjoyed Riley and her personality. She was determined to solve the mystery and help her new friend, but she didn’t overstep besides a bit of eavesdropping (which the speakers were often speaking loudly anyway) and there were no scary or intense moments, which I greatly appreciated!

Whenever I see books about World War II and the impact Rosie the Riveter had, it usually leans to a slightly feminist perspective (even in some Christian Fiction books) and I was very impressed (and glad) that this book didn’t have that angle. I listed some of the comments about how the world changed for working women—and just women working outside of the home in general—in my review above because I want to highlight that this book showed that yes, things definitely changed after the war, but it wasn’t in a “girlboss” or “girl power” kind of way.

As far as the writing style, I thought it was very apt for a girl Riley’s age because while she says “like” in between a sentence, “BTW”, or even saying “IDK”, it never felt over-the-top or overused. I did think Riley saying “IDK” and “BTW” was a little strange as I don’t know anyone who actually says it in a talking conversation, but perhaps some do. As a note for parents, Riley and her brother (who is a grade younger) both have their own phones.

I thought this was a great story and I can’t wait to read and review the next book in the series soon! As an additional comment, for Tenderhearts or Explorers in American Heritage Girls, I’m nearly positive this book could work for a part of some patriotic-themed badge!


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[RebekahAshleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep ‘Em Flying is a fun middle grade mystery.
I liked that Riley had a good relationship with her family and that she was respectful. Unfortunately it can sometimes be hard to find respectful characters in middle grade books, so I definitely appreciated that.
Even though this book is contemporary there was still lots to learn about WWII as Riley did research and learned from those older than her.

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5ish Rounded Up?)

Scripture Connection
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Eph. 6:10

Riley’s brother quotes this verse to her before her presentation. This verse is also an excellent summative verse for the book.

Spiritual Themes
The book contains some sweet spiritual content, including a reframing of the “We can do it” slogan. Riley takes this concept beyond the notion of “girl power” to a recognition that, with God, “We can do it!” This is one of my favorite parts of the book, because it’s an acknowledgement of the True Source of power and strength. It’s a shift from self-reliance to reliance on God.

In addition to the phrase, this theme is also explored narratively. In the midst of her challenges, Riley recognizes that God is not only in control, but with her. This is especially evident in the book’s closing, and it’s a truly beautiful way to end the story.

Educational Merit
Although it was a fairly slow read for me, I could see this title being used as a supplemental educational resource. Whereas Rosie the Riveter is often limited to just a few sentences in a World War II history unit, Keep ‘Em Flying focuses on these brave, historical women, with specific details about their sacrifices and accomplishments. Author Nell Brannum, like the Evelyn character, is the daughter of a real Rosie the Riveter. In fact, Nell’s mom was also the founder of the American Rosie the Riveter Association.

The plot conveys a generous amount of historical facts, as main character Riley Abercrombie attends a Heritage Festival at an aircraft museum. Riley has been invited to present at this event because of her prize-winning Rosie the Riveter project, and she also encounters others with connections to Rosie the Riveter. Through conversations with other enthusiasts, Riley learns more facts about these women, and she also recalls the details that she learned from her great-grandmother, who drilled rivets at the site of the exhibition. Additional facts are conveyed through “Riley’s Riveting Research Notes,” which offer context to facts conveyed through the narrative. For instance, after Riley meets several costumed dancers, there’s a research note about the 1943 “Rosie the Riveter” song about a female factory worker. (For another Moody series with embedded fun facts, check out Tree Street Kids, by Amanda Cleary Eastep. Eastep is also Brannum’s editor!)

Family and Friends
Riley has solid relationships with her immediate and extended family. She’s well-acquainted with her great-grandma’s life story, which isn’t necessarily the norm in today’s day and age. She’s also close with her grandma, who lives nearby and visits frequently. When Riley’s mom is unable to take Riley on her prize trip, Grandma Suzie immediately offers to accompany her granddaughter.

During the trip, Riley makes several new friends, including an older woman named Fran (who was also a riveter) and a boy her own age (plus his grandma and his dad). It’s worth noting that this boy, Marcus, is truly depicted as a friend and only a friend. Riley is in sixth grade, but Keep ‘Em Flying is easily suitable for a younger audience, due to the lack of boy-girl content. There are some allusions to romance, but it’s related to older characters: the Rosies who worked while their sweethearts went away. Even so, the emphasis is more on the history than on the romance.

Respectful Discussion
I struggled with the pacing of the story, as the beginning felt rushed. The story starts with Grandma Suzie mentioning the contest while visiting Riley and her siblings. The actual contest entry is glazed over quickly, so that we can arrive at the moment of Riley winning the contest and attending the prize trip. Personally, I really enjoy reading about contests, and I was disappointed with the quick jump. I can appreciate that emphasis on the contest may have detracted from the story’s plot. With that said, I think I would have preferred to jump into the story at the start of the trip, or even packing for the trip, with a few sentences summarizing the contest. I was thrown off by the present-tense start, followed by fast-forwarding to get to the trip.

This was also a slower read for me, and it took me longer to read than I would have expected, given the length. I found myself skimming over certain portions, which probably affected my ability to keep track of the characters. Therefore, while the lack of clarity may have been my own fault, I think I would have connected with the story more deeply if I had found it more engaging.

Content Notes
As mentioned above, romantic content is included for historical context, and Riley’s friendship with Marcus is truly a friendship.

Riley and Marcus explore some areas that are technically off-limits, with the excuse of visiting Marcus’s dad’s office. When asked, they acknowledge that Marcus’s dad wasn’t actually in his office.

Minor Spoiler
Riley feels that investigators can flush out the thief by implying that additional surveillance footage will uncover the culprit. Riley’s grandma assists by spreading this message to other convention attendees. This is one of those instances that I consider a bit tricky. Is this shrewdness or deception? I know that such tactics can be beneficial in real investigations.

Recommendation Status
Although Keep ‘Em Flying is not my first pick for a recreational read, I do think it would be a valuable addition to an elementary school unit on World War II. I haven’t seen a lot of content dedicated to this specific topic, and the book certainly expanded my knowledge of Rosie the Riveter. I also really appreciated the sweet spiritual tie-in about depending on Jesus.

Recommended as an educational supplement for home/Christian school use.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

In this mystery novel for kids, the main character wins a contest and gets to travel to a World War II museum for a special event. The museum is celebrating the real-life women behind the symbol of Rosie the Riveter, and Riley is very invested in this, due to her family history and personal interest in World War II. While she and her grandmother are at the museum, Riley becomes friends with Marcus, a boy whose father works there. Then, when a special artifact goes missing, Riley and Marcus investigate together to find the culprit.

This book involves lots of historical details, along with some technical information about planes. Some of these elements appear as part of the plot and the characters' conversations, and the book also includes sidebars with "Riley's Riveting Fun Facts." At the end of the book, author Nell Branum also included a note to explain what she based on history, and which parts of the story involved imaginative license.

This book will primarily appeal to kids who are already have an interest in World War II, but the mystery plot will entice other readers. The mystery is believable, especially when it comes to the children's investigation. Both kids and parents will appreciate how realistic this mystery is, in comparison to some wish fulfillment ones where kids do increasingly unbelievable things. Also, even though Riley and Marcus break a few rules during their investigation, they own up to these minor infractions later.

This story is Christian fiction, and it includes some spiritual messages throughout the book. Riley occasionally recalls Bible verses that encourage her, and she learns more about relying on God to deal with the challenges she faces, both during her adventure at the museum and in the background of her personal life. Christian parents will appreciate that this book actively includes faith-based messages, instead of just being clean and safe.

This is the first book in the Heroes on the Home Front Series, and it gets the series off to a good start. The mystery involves realistic investigation, interesting twists and turns, and enough suspense to keep readers turning pages. I found the pacing a little bit slow throughout the book as a whole, especially because of how much historical research the author wove into the characters' conversations, but the story is entertaining overall, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Zorina Shepard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Keep ’Em Flying by Nell Branum

In this book, children learn about the Rosie the Riveters of World War II. The main character, Riley, wins a contest with the Historical Society for an all-expense-paid trip, and readers are taken along on an adventure as she finds herself in the middle of a museum mystery.

I enjoyed the historical aspect of this story and could see the mystery being fun for young readers. However, when it comes to the faith element, I felt it was lacking. The gospel wasn’t really presented, and God was portrayed more like a friendly helper or “buddy” who empowers us. There wasn’t much about God throughout the book. It felt like an add-on rather than a central theme.

Prayer was mentioned, and forgiveness was touched on at the end, but it came across as rushed and lighthearted for such a serious topic. The message focused more on how unforgiveness hurts us personally, rather than on the forgiveness we receive through Christ. For example, one character says:
“It only hurts me. So I have to ask the good Lord to help me forgive and move on, or else I’d be a mess of hate and down on the world. He straightened his shoulders, ‘and I’m too cool for that!’”

While it’s true that unforgiveness harms us, the message missed the heart of the gospel and the work of Christ that makes true forgiveness possible. I wish the author had taken more time to develop that truth.

Another quote that shows how God is portrayed reads:

“I imagined Jesus standing beside me as we stared together at my huge pile of hard things. And then I asked Him to help me, and it was like He said, ‘Sure, come on. We’ll handle these together. We can use My power and might.’”

If you’re looking for a clean, wholesome mystery with a bit of history, this book fits that well. It’s a fun and engaging read for girls and doesn’t contradict a biblical worldview, though it’s on the lighter side spiritually and not one I’d recommend for teaching deeper truths of the faith.

*I received a copy of this book for my honest thoughts.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Keep ‘Em Flying by Nell Branum (Hero’s on the Home Front Mysteries, Book 1)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Recommended for ages 8–12)
Keep ‘Em Flying is a delightful and engaging historical mystery that hits all the right notes for middle-grade readers. Set on the home front during WWII, this first installment in the Hero’s on the Home Front Mysteries series blends suspense, character, and historical insight in a way that’s both entertaining and educational.
Nell Branum does a wonderful job of crafting a mystery that is age-appropriate yet suspenseful enough to keep young readers eagerly turning the pages. The historical setting feels authentic and immersive, with just the right amount of period detail to spark curiosity without overwhelming.
One of the standout features of the book is the thoughtful inclusion of a “Fact vs. Fiction” section at the end. This addition is both valuable and refreshing, helping readers distinguish between the story’s imaginative elements and its real historical context. It encourages learning and reinforces the educational value of the novel in a subtle, enjoyable way.
As always, Moody Publishers books integrate faith themes seamlessly and naturally. The moral lessons and spiritual truths are present, but never forced, making them a comfortable fit for both Christian and general audiences alike.
In short, Keep ‘Em Flying is a fantastic start to what promises to be a strong and meaningful mystery series. It’s perfect for young readers who love history, enjoy solving puzzles, and appreciate characters with courage, faith, and heart.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep ‘Em Flying, by Nell Branum, is the first book in the middle grade Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries series, and I really enjoyed it! WWII history is super interesting to me, and I loved that this book is set in modern times, but focuses on history from that time. The historical focus of this one is the Rosie the Riveters, and I learned a thing or two myself from the fact boxes spread throughout the book (which is a great feature!). I enjoyed the main character Riley, and felt she was relatable. I liked how easily she made friends, and that she and Marcus worked together well to help solve the mystery. The culprit wasn’t who I was expecting, either! By featuring the Rosies who are still living in the modern setting of the story, the author also shows that we should respect our elders and that we can learn a lot from them. And I enjoyed those older ladies- some of them had me cackling! The beginning was a bit slow, but it picked up quickly. I loved the faith thread throughout the book; Riley dealt with some heavy things, and the author portrayed her growing trust in Jesus accurately and in a way middle grade readers will understand and relate to. This is a fantastic book, and I’m so thankful to Moody Publishers for sharing it with me! I can’t wait to share this with my 5th graders this year, especially when we start studying WWII!
Thank you to the, publisher for my review copy; I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts above are my own.
Here’s a quote I loved:
“I imagined Jesus standing beside me as we stared together at my huge pile of hard things. And then I asked Him to help me, and it was like He said, “Sure, come on. We’ll handle these together. We can use My power and might.”

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“History meets mystery when a museum artifact goes missing.”

About the Book:
Sixth grader Riley Abercrombie embarks on an adventure after submitting an essay about her great-grandmother, who served as a Rosie the Riveter during World War II.
She finds herself in the middle of a mystery when an antique river gun disappears and decides to investigate with the help of her new friend, Marcus.

What I Loved:
This charming chapter book offers a blend of adventure and rich historical context. The book is brimming with interesting details about the courageous women who made up the Rosie the Riveter workforce, providing an intriguing look at their contributions to the war effort. This could serve as an excellent read for homeschooling families exploring World War II, particularly the remarkable stories of those brave women who stepped into roles traditionally held by men.

I especially loved how each challenge the main character, Riley, encounters in her investigation deepens her trust in God, weaving strong themes of faith throughout the story. This book has fun elements of mystery and adventure, yet there are no frightening or intense moments making it perfectly suited for a younger audience.


Thank you Moody Publishers for providing me with a gifted copy of this book! I truly appreciate it.

[Heirloom Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s absolutely brilliant in its unique combination of historical fiction and a modern whodunit. Sixth graders Riley and Marcus team up to find a missing World War II artifact, stolen from a Rosie the Riveter celebration. Surrounding the mystery is a well-developed cast of WWII veterans inspired by real people, namely the many American women who helped win the war by rolling up their sleeves and putting in the elbow grease at the homefront, building planes and other essentials needed for troops overseas. The “Rosies” in the story are appropriately wise as they are spirited. These aged, yet lively characters are a testament to author Nell Branum’s efforts to not only honor the women who paved a way in the workforce for future generations, but also to bridge a much-needed gap between current youth and senior citizens. Branum succeeds in this mission with a warm display of cooperation and understanding between two very different generations, setting an example for young readers to fully embrace a joyful relationship with elders in their own families and communities.

[Kristel Brewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just about perfect! This is exactly the kind of literature that I want my kids devouring!! Things I loved about it:
-characters, both young and old and really old that feel real and interesting and you naturally are rooting for them (or suspicious of them)
-we giggled often at the witty banter between the adults and kids
-without Any textbook vibes: we learned So Much about so many things (WWII history, early airplanes, museum curation, event planning, forgiveness, dealing with difficult circumstances, etc)
-full-traditional family relationships
-well-behaved children characters (communicating with the adults often, willing to listen and learn from their elders)
-characters living out their faith (but not churchy or preachy)
-my kids (ages 9, 14, & 15) loved it, kept up with all the various characters, and didn't want me to stop reading!
-we really did not know "whodunit" until the very end!

I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

[Roxanne Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful middle grade fiction with historical facts about WWII sprinkled throughout!

Riley tells the story of her Great-Grandma Addie's war effort working as a riveter on airplanes for an essay contest...and spoiler alert, she wins the contest and finds herself on a trip to a museum featuring Rosie the Riviters! There, mystery unfolds and Riley and her new friend are on the hunt for clues. Along the way, she learns some truths about not making snap judgements of others.

[Ashley Bigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me personally, this was more of a 3-3.5 star read. The history was interesting and kept my attention, but there were some things about the rest of the story, that just wasn't my cup of tea. However, I am giving it 4 stars because the target audience is middle grade readers and I think it would hit better with them. This is a story that I would be glad to put in the hands of my children, especially my history loving 11 year old who would often rather read non-fiction than fiction.

[Valerie Fentress · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure through a bit of history.

Keep 'Em Flying is a fun Nancy Drew-like mystery with a lot of WW2 facts to keep your middle-grade readers' attention.

From the cover, you might think it is set in WW2 America, but it is a modern-day adventure with great nostalgia and admiration for those who served in WW2 and those that still serve in the US Military.

[Linda Leigh Hargrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep 'Em Flying was a delightful read. The characters were well developed and the plot was engaging. The pacing is slow for an older reader but ideal for 10 to 12 year olds.

I recommend this for young readers who like learning about historical events and like solving mysteries.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers **

[Victoria B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8 y/o and I really liked it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent start to this children's series. Nice historical boxes throughout. Very simply written.

[Laran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, entertaining read! I am gifting it to my friend’s child and I got the second one in the series to read!

[Niyah Hawkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I liked this book, I can't say I really enjoyed it. It moved a little too fast for me; not enough heart-pumping action, but maybe I'm just biased towards that kind of book. I also didn't care too much for the way it was written. It was almost as though the writing was dumbed down, and even when people weren't talking, Riley (the main character; this book is in the first-person perspective) narrated in the way she talked, using abbreviations such as 'fam', to describe her family. This book just wasn't for me.

I did like the faith portrayed throughout the book. Several times, Riley recalled a Bible verse her sister had shared and prayed to the Lord for strength. God was prevalent throughout the book. And that's one thing I like about the books that Moody publishes: they are always safe. Even if the genre or style doesn't fit me, they are Christian and morally sound.

Content Consideration:
Riley and Marcus, though being a girl and a boy, are portrayed as being just friends.

Riley and Marcus do some sleuthing to uncover clues for the crime that happened, and it involves eavesdropping, and sneaking around without permission. All's well that ends well, and as far as I can tell, most of what they did is admitted to.

Thanks to Moody Publishing for my own free copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited to recommend this one to my students this year!

Mystery & history together- along with a fabulous story & loveable characters- this is a series to get hooked on.

I recommend it for grade 4-7.

Thank you to Moody Publishers! I LOVE the books they bring out for kids and middle-grade readers :)