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Keys to the City
From the author of MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS and SEALED WITH A SECRET comes a magical trip through New York City! Lindy can't believe she has homework this summer -- to find her "true passion." Does curling up with a good book count? Probably not. Luckily, Lindy has the help of a new friend, a happy dog, and a special journal, as she hits the streets of New York City to unlock her secret talents!
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2017
20 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Schroeder
39 books2,098 followersLisa Schroeder is the author of more than twenty books for kids and teens. Her latest novel is A NIGHT TO DIE FOR, a YA murder mystery. She lives in Oregon where she works full-time and writes when she can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 29, 2018
After really enjoying MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS, I was looking forward to reading this book. While I think I liked MSGTP a little bit more, I really enjoyed KEYS TO THE CITY. I liked the characters and how they were exploring New York City.
I enjoyed the B&B aspect and that they were trying to think of a way to get more reservations. I do wish the book would have ended with a bit more closure regarding some things, but overall I think it was a good read. I liked how clean it was and I recommend it.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. AS always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I enjoyed the B&B aspect and that they were trying to think of a way to get more reservations. I do wish the book would have ended with a bit more closure regarding some things, but overall I think it was a good read. I liked how clean it was and I recommend it.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. AS always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
May 6, 2018
This was a cute story, but not as good as it could've been. I liked that Lindy tried many new things, but at the same time she would quit or refuse to try if she wasn't good at it immediately. I was glad she found something at the end, I had a feeling that's what it was going to be considering all the hints, but I could see why she didn't know it at the time. Sometimes we never realize we're good at something, more than others, because we're our own worst critic.
January 11, 2021
This is one of those quick, clean and inspiring reads for preteens on the verge of discovering what they want to do with their lives. I just wanted to read it because it had a positive premise, gave a glimpse into life in New York and featured a floofer of a Golden Retriever on the cover.
October 10, 2019
Really nice book. It's about a girl who lives in New York. She had a project she had to do over the summer about using your heart to find your abilities and talents. She really wasn't sure what to do since she didn't have any special talents. So then once in the library, she found a woman who said her grandson is coming over for the summer. She said that she could take her many different places around so she could find what she likes. So then the adventure began. She went to a lot of places around the city with Tyler and the woman. At last, she found her true talent. Read the book to see what it is!!
July 14, 2017
Our school district has copies of 4 different Schroeder titles and as they are all at the junior high and/or high school, I assumed that Keys to the City would not be appropriate for my 4th or 5th graders. I was wrong. Lindy and her friends may be going into the 8th grade, but their summer project to try new activities in an effort to find one that makes their heart happy fits right where most of my library patrons are--just trying to find their niche. Lindy is not only being forced to try new things, she is absolutely positive that she isn't good at anything, and that's a feeling that my kids battle, too. Another connection point for my students is Lindy adjusting to a new home and a new business venture for her family. And between each of the chapters, , Lindy includes poetry and short stories faithfully recorded in the notebook that travels everywhere with her. The only critique I have about "Keys to the City" is that Lindy does tend to wallow in her self-doubt a little too much. Fortunately, right about the time that I don't think I can take another pity-party, Schroeder gives our main character a little hope, sometimes in her family, in her friendships, or in her search for where she fits. This is a good choice for many of my 4th/5th grade girls.
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April 30, 2017This is a companion to MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS, featuring Nora's best friend, Lindy, who lives in New York City and has a fun adventure around the city as she tries to unlock her special talents and abilities. Kids who love to read and write will especially like this one, I think. I hope!
A couple of reviews are in and here's what they have to say:
"Lindy's journey comforts those in search of themselves. Sweet and familiar Lindy makes this story hard to resist." ~Kirkus
"The writing is accessible, Lindy's concerns feel real, and readers may be inspired by the protagonist's poems and stories."
Available May 30, 2017!
A couple of reviews are in and here's what they have to say:
"Lindy's journey comforts those in search of themselves. Sweet and familiar Lindy makes this story hard to resist." ~Kirkus
"The writing is accessible, Lindy's concerns feel real, and readers may be inspired by the protagonist's poems and stories."
Available May 30, 2017!
November 22, 2019
This book didn’t really grab my attention. There was a conflict but it didn’t make me want to keep reading. There wasn’t very much detail and not much action happened. It was like each chapter was repeating itself only with a little bit of change. There were a couple things that made me wonder what was going to happen but not enough to make me want to keep reading. I wouldn’t reread this book in my opinion.
April 18, 2020
❇Pen's Thoughts...
Keys to the City
Summertime
A poem by Lindy MacKay
Fresh lemonade.
Golden sun.
Swimming suits.
Family fun.
Purple popsicles.
Suntan lotion.
Library visits.
Baseball in motion.
(Here I thought the only hat I'd have to
worry about this summer was which one
to wear to a mets game.)
Quote from novel
Keys to the City follows the first book
My secret guide to Paris but you don't
really need to read MSCTP to enjoy KTTC
with ease and without flaw.
This is a sweet and light summertime
story that is kind of like lemonade.
Appreciate for younger readers yet still
Enjoyable for older one such as myself
I was sixteen when I first read it and find
myself longing to read it again now that
Summer is once again rolling around.
I want you to know that Lindy is adopted
and trying desperately to find what she's
good at and who she is still while her
Parents are having "Problems" about the
unsuccessful bed and breakfast they
recently started. I feel like there aren't
enough books for children that focus of
the protagonist being adopted, But one
I LOVE is Kate Milford's Green Glass
House and the Companioning series.
Being human she feel its her fault. Taking
refuge in her colorful hedgehog covered
notebook is where her free verse comes
to life. But do Understand that she is not
this moody broody character hurumphing
around the city, but she is definitely
discovering herself this summer (as we
probably all did at that age) in a supper
fun way all thanks to her neighbor Vivian
(She is the COOLEST she reminded me of
a friend of mind which made the book all
the more comforting) and her grandson
Tyler whom Lindy may or may not have a
crush on take her on a journey through the
City where they try to help her find her Passion.
Definitely recommend!
Oh! And the dog! Don't forget the dog!
The dog was supper adorable!
(And yes I know! Its a book and I can't
Actually see it but you've read books you
Know what I mean!)
Keys to the City
Summertime
A poem by Lindy MacKay
Fresh lemonade.
Golden sun.
Swimming suits.
Family fun.
Purple popsicles.
Suntan lotion.
Library visits.
Baseball in motion.
(Here I thought the only hat I'd have to
worry about this summer was which one
to wear to a mets game.)
Quote from novel
Keys to the City follows the first book
My secret guide to Paris but you don't
really need to read MSCTP to enjoy KTTC
with ease and without flaw.
This is a sweet and light summertime
story that is kind of like lemonade.
Appreciate for younger readers yet still
Enjoyable for older one such as myself
I was sixteen when I first read it and find
myself longing to read it again now that
Summer is once again rolling around.
I want you to know that Lindy is adopted
and trying desperately to find what she's
good at and who she is still while her
Parents are having "Problems" about the
unsuccessful bed and breakfast they
recently started. I feel like there aren't
enough books for children that focus of
the protagonist being adopted, But one
I LOVE is Kate Milford's Green Glass
House and the Companioning series.
Being human she feel its her fault. Taking
refuge in her colorful hedgehog covered
notebook is where her free verse comes
to life. But do Understand that she is not
this moody broody character hurumphing
around the city, but she is definitely
discovering herself this summer (as we
probably all did at that age) in a supper
fun way all thanks to her neighbor Vivian
(She is the COOLEST she reminded me of
a friend of mind which made the book all
the more comforting) and her grandson
Tyler whom Lindy may or may not have a
crush on take her on a journey through the
City where they try to help her find her Passion.
Definitely recommend!
Oh! And the dog! Don't forget the dog!
The dog was supper adorable!
(And yes I know! Its a book and I can't
Actually see it but you've read books you
Know what I mean!)
June 19, 2021
This book is the companion novel of the series MY SECRET GUIDE TO PARIS and SEALED WITH A SECRET
The book talks about decisions and choices we all have to make. Lindy's school uses lots of acronyms. For the summer vacation, this year, their project is HAT aka Heart, Abilities, Talents. Which means follow your heart to find yout abilities and talents.
So, Lindy along with her friend Tyler and her neighbour Vivian go on an adventure aroumd the city to find out Lindy's special ability. Its also about furry dogs, amazing friends, running an B&B and other fun stuff.
It was a heart warming book which gives the message of accepting what you have, your gifts and your likes. Encouraging y'all to pick this book to read.
FAVOURITE LINES FROM THE BOOK
"Maybe what we’re going through is like the caterpillar turning into a butterfly,” I told him. “You can’t see what’s going on, right? But I think you have to believe that what will come out of all of this will be something good.”
But maybe right now I was like a caterpillar in a chrysalis. Maybe I had to drop pizza crusts and shake in my shoes on a Broadway stage and put the wrong flowers together in a vase because that’s what it took to grow wings someday. And I just had to trust that even with me, someone who couldn’t seem to figure out what she’s good at, Mother Nature knew what she was doing. That someday, one year or three years or five years or ten years from now, I’d get my wings. And I would fly.
The book talks about decisions and choices we all have to make. Lindy's school uses lots of acronyms. For the summer vacation, this year, their project is HAT aka Heart, Abilities, Talents. Which means follow your heart to find yout abilities and talents.
So, Lindy along with her friend Tyler and her neighbour Vivian go on an adventure aroumd the city to find out Lindy's special ability. Its also about furry dogs, amazing friends, running an B&B and other fun stuff.
It was a heart warming book which gives the message of accepting what you have, your gifts and your likes. Encouraging y'all to pick this book to read.
FAVOURITE LINES FROM THE BOOK
"Maybe what we’re going through is like the caterpillar turning into a butterfly,” I told him. “You can’t see what’s going on, right? But I think you have to believe that what will come out of all of this will be something good.”
But maybe right now I was like a caterpillar in a chrysalis. Maybe I had to drop pizza crusts and shake in my shoes on a Broadway stage and put the wrong flowers together in a vase because that’s what it took to grow wings someday. And I just had to trust that even with me, someone who couldn’t seem to figure out what she’s good at, Mother Nature knew what she was doing. That someday, one year or three years or five years or ten years from now, I’d get my wings. And I would fly.
June 22, 2018
In my view, Lisa Schroeder continues to improve with each book. I expected this to be pure fun and fluff, but it ended up being more than that. I loved the summer quest (assigned by a teacher) to find their passion. What a way to get kids to explore and even think about it. Some kids are lucky and seem to find a talent or passion easily, but many others don't.
Other notes: This has lots of little believable touches. One character is an adopted Asian girl and brings up topics like racial stereotypes as well as different kinds of families. The 7th-grade girl is bookish and feels untalented (and a little sorry for herself- 1st world problems of having to help with the family B&B chores, not having as much freedom as she'd like...) that are little in the scheme of things, but big to a typical sort of spoiled 7th-grade girl.
I appreciated the added snippets of the character's writing, and her poetry move the story and add interest.
It shows how writing and journaling can help solve problems.
It shows how self doubt and comparing yourself to others isn't productive "comparison is the thief of joy" on page 124).
And it shows the importance of trying new things and facing your fears in order to discover your true self.
As a teacher I appreciated the inclusion of different kinds of poetry (shape and limerick are just two examples), although the meter of the limericks was off just a bit and that bothered me a bit.
This will be a popular read for tweens.
Other notes: This has lots of little believable touches. One character is an adopted Asian girl and brings up topics like racial stereotypes as well as different kinds of families. The 7th-grade girl is bookish and feels untalented (and a little sorry for herself- 1st world problems of having to help with the family B&B chores, not having as much freedom as she'd like...) that are little in the scheme of things, but big to a typical sort of spoiled 7th-grade girl.
I appreciated the added snippets of the character's writing, and her poetry move the story and add interest.
It shows how writing and journaling can help solve problems.
It shows how self doubt and comparing yourself to others isn't productive "comparison is the thief of joy" on page 124).
And it shows the importance of trying new things and facing your fears in order to discover your true self.
As a teacher I appreciated the inclusion of different kinds of poetry (shape and limerick are just two examples), although the meter of the limericks was off just a bit and that bothered me a bit.
This will be a popular read for tweens.
December 29, 2023
Lindy can hardly wait for summer. Her family has moved from their old home to an old Brownstone so her parents can start a bed and breakfast. Lindy can't wait to meet new people, visit her friends in Brooklyn and spend time with a good book. But then she gets an assignment where she has to find her "true passion" right before school ends. When some new friends offer to help Lindy explore the city to find her passion, Lindy isn't sure it'll work but knows that New York is a big place. If the city can help her find her true passion, then maybe the key to the perfect summer is in Lindy's grasp.
I loved this book and watching how Lindy tried so hard to find her one true passion and her short stories and poems were clever. And learning all the different words at the beginning of each chapter helped me understand city talk a lot more. I definitely want to read more by Mrs. Schroeder soon.
I loved this book and watching how Lindy tried so hard to find her one true passion and her short stories and poems were clever. And learning all the different words at the beginning of each chapter helped me understand city talk a lot more. I definitely want to read more by Mrs. Schroeder soon.
June 1, 2017
Lindy is not enthused about her summer homework (she has to find something she's passionate about and good at). Her friends already have their things: music, dance, stuff like that. But Lindy loves books and emojis and that's not exactly a career in the making. She has the summer to find what she excels at...except she has no idea how to even start.
This book is adorable and amazing. I feel like we all know people who have their lives together and they're intimidating enough now, so I don't envy Lindy having to deal with this in middle school.
If you've ever felt lost when it comes to the future, this book is for you. (Either way, this book is for you. It's clever and incredibly sweet.) Lindy and her friends stole my heart.
Highly recommended.
This book is adorable and amazing. I feel like we all know people who have their lives together and they're intimidating enough now, so I don't envy Lindy having to deal with this in middle school.
If you've ever felt lost when it comes to the future, this book is for you. (Either way, this book is for you. It's clever and incredibly sweet.) Lindy and her friends stole my heart.
Highly recommended.
October 5, 2018
In this book, from Nora's best friend Libby's point of view, we see how she discovers her talent and life joy after feeling down and frustrated at the unknown she faced for her school project after the other students seemed to all know theirs.
With her parents moving to own a failing inn, arguing all the time, new friends Tyler and Vivian and a welcome but sometimes sad distraction as she realises they have something precious she'd love but can't ever have, her own dog.
We see Libby have to adapt to a lot of change and uncertainty but discovering friends she didn't have before helps her to forget her worries and relax and have fun as she sets about discovering her true talent. It was a fun and quick read for those who love animals especially!
With her parents moving to own a failing inn, arguing all the time, new friends Tyler and Vivian and a welcome but sometimes sad distraction as she realises they have something precious she'd love but can't ever have, her own dog.
We see Libby have to adapt to a lot of change and uncertainty but discovering friends she didn't have before helps her to forget her worries and relax and have fun as she sets about discovering her true talent. It was a fun and quick read for those who love animals especially!
May 21, 2017
Lindy is faced with a problem. At the end of the school year, her teacher instructs the class to explore possibilities and find their "true passion".
Having just moved with her family from Brooklyn to a brownstone in Manhattan. Part of the building has been made into a bed-and-breakfast.
The book deals with Lindy's adventures in trying to follow their teacher's directions, maintain relationships with her best friends in Brooklyn, and in feeling upset with her parents difficulties in starting a new business.
This is a great book for middle graders who are interesting in finding out where their interests lie.
Having just moved with her family from Brooklyn to a brownstone in Manhattan. Part of the building has been made into a bed-and-breakfast.
The book deals with Lindy's adventures in trying to follow their teacher's directions, maintain relationships with her best friends in Brooklyn, and in feeling upset with her parents difficulties in starting a new business.
This is a great book for middle graders who are interesting in finding out where their interests lie.
October 15, 2017
Who can possibly think that giving a middle school assignment over the summer holiday is a good idea? Lindy certainly does not. She is suppose to find her HAT - follow her HEART to discover her ABILITIES and TALENTS. So much for summer vacation. She would much rather be reading a book, or writing in her journal, or hanging out with her friends, but now she must plan her whole life in a few months time. Fortunately she lives in New York City, which offers many opportunities to try new things. Can she find the one that is her heart’s desire? With the help of family and friends, she may discover her talent is right in front of her. A fun read about some of the challenges of growing up.
March 17, 2023
New York has so many iconic places and things and it was fun to see how the setting was incorporated into all the activities that took place in this book. I like the hints of exploring Asian culture and the struggles of being an adopted child. I also like that this book brought up the topic that parents struggle too and it’s sometimes hard to hide the problems from their children even though it is effort well spent to try and shelter your kids from those adult issues. Children (at least mine) pick up emotional distress so well though so hiding things is difficult. I guess the lesson is that communication is essential.
February 4, 2018
I loved all the New York City stuff in this book. If you're looking to experience NYC in a story, this will do it.
I did love that the main character's insecurity remained unchecked and unresolved. I was waiting for her to realize that it's not about being the best at things. She seemed to quit every time she realized she wouldn't be the best at something, and she also wouldn't try some things because of that same thought. And she never grew past that. That was sad to me. I'm glad she found her thing, but I'm sad that she lived in so much fear of other things.
I did love that the main character's insecurity remained unchecked and unresolved. I was waiting for her to realize that it's not about being the best at things. She seemed to quit every time she realized she wouldn't be the best at something, and she also wouldn't try some things because of that same thought. And she never grew past that. That was sad to me. I'm glad she found her thing, but I'm sad that she lived in so much fear of other things.
February 11, 2019
Keys to the city is a really great book I highly recommmas it Nora claims she is only good at eating dounuts and finding the right emoji for the right text and that sounds like me but I don not know about you. Her family actually moves place to place a lot and always hard for her to find friends the first day but by the first week she has friends but sometimes wishes she was back where she used to live and misses her friends and questions why they had to move in the first place if you want to find out more or no what happens you will have to read the book Keys To The City.
November 1, 2018
It was a really cool book with lots of twists and turns. Lindy did not expect that she would get a Summer assignment to find her 'true passion'. She just wants to curl up with a good book! With her new friends in her new city she will discover her true talent-SHE HAD IT ALL ALONG!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
Keys to the City is a fun, cute, and lovable book. Ages 8 and up
December 3, 2017
amazing..
August 6, 2019
I liked the book but it is for a younger audience. I will say 10+.
September 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely try to read more of Lisa Schroeder's books.
February 18, 2021
I read this book a couple years ago and really loved it! It is a romance story, and it was very good.
October 17, 2021
This was my favorite book when I was around 8 years old. It's a great summer read for kids ages 7-10.
September 7, 2022
The book reminded me how important good friendships are even if you don't think you need good friends in your life.
May 25, 2020
It is the best book ever she goes on adventures all around New York.She finds some new friends too.
December 4, 2020
Cute middle grades book about discovering your talents and passions
September 4, 2023
It is a very good book about Lindy finding her talent and abilities.
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August 17, 2018It was a great and interesting book that I couldn't put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews