Minerva Clark Gets a Clue

Minerva Clark #1

by Karen Karbo

Minerva Clark is a typical thirteen-year-old she hates her hair, she hates her legs (which somehow manage to look both too fat and too skinny at the same time), and don't get her started on her gigantor bootie. On top of all this puberty , she's being raised by three older brothers, none of whom really get her. But when a fateful encounter with a lightning storm rewires her sense of self, Minerva Clark becomes anything but a typical teen. With a brazen new attitude and a nose for trouble, Minerva soon finds herself drawn inexplicably to the scene of a murder and determined to track down the killer. If only all the clues weren't pointing so close to someone she knows…

Genres: Mystery, Humor, Teen, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2005

About the author

Karen Karbo's first novel, Trespassers Welcome Here, was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and a Village Voice Top Ten Book of the Year. Her other two adult novels, The Diamond Lane and Motherhood Made a Man Out of Me, were also named New York Times Notable Books. The Stuff of Life, about the last year she spent with her father before his death, was an NYT Notable Book, a People Magazine Critics' Choice, a Books for a Better Life Award finalist, and a winner of the Oregon Book Award for Creative Non-fiction.

Karbo is most well known for her international best-selling Kick Ass Women series, which examines the lives of a quartet of iconic 20th century women. Julia Child Rules (2013), How Georgia Became O'Keeffe (2011), The Gospel According to Coco Chanel (2009), and How to Hepburn (2007)

Her short stories, essays, articles and reviews have appeared in Elle, Vogue, Esquire, Outside, O, More, The New Republic, The New York Times, salon.com and other magazines. She is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Fiction, was a winner of the General Electric Younger Writer Award, and was one of 24 writers chosen for the inaugural Amtrak Writers residency.

In addition, Karbo penned three books in the Minerva Clark mystery series for children: Minerva Clark Gets A Clue, Minerva Clark Goes to the Dogs, and Minerva Clark Gives Up the Ghost.

She is the co-author, with Gabrielle Reece, of Big Girl in the Middle, and the New York Times bestselling, My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less than Perfect Life.

Karbo also contributed to the anthologies, The Bitch is Back and What My Mother Gave Me: Thirty-one Women on the Gifts That Mattered Most.

Karen grew up in Los Angeles, California and lives in Portland, Oregon where she continues to kick ass.

Reviews

[Stephany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a 7th-grader named Minerva who finds impermeable self-confidence and courage after receiving an electric shock. Minerva goes on to solve a complicated murder mystery involving her own friends and family members.

I liked this book because I could relate to Minerva. She was very critical of herself, very shy, and had difficulty being herself and being honest with other people. I admired how brave and "real" she was after being shocked, and hope to eventually experience a similar change in my own life.

[Watermelon Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

FIRST IMPRESSION:
I first borrowed this sometime last year. I wanted to read a mystery, but then I put it down. I think it's because we were shifting houses, and I thought I may lose the library books if I didn't return them. But anyhow, I was about a third into the book and wasn't sure where it was going.

WRITING STYLE:
I quite like the writing style. It's efficient, doesn't waste time on descriptions. But then, I can also picture the characters very well. So it's a fairly good writing style, in my opinion.

PLOT:
It was a very predictable mystery, but that's probably because I'm the wrong audience. I suppose this would be for "Middle-School" children, and though I'm still considered to be in Middle School, I'm more mature for my age. So it's definitely a good read; I could find myself enjoying it and giving it five stars if I was ten or eight.

CHARACTERS:
I loved the Minerva. I think that's all that matters. At first, I didn't like her name, but then it grew on me. And Reggie is adorable. I'm absolutely certain he and Minerva ends up together. Although I really need to read the rest of the series to come to that conclusion. And even though this was a little predictable here and there, I still enjoyed the feeling it gave me. I love mysteries!

OVERALL:
A wonderfully written book. A little predictable at times, but definitely a likeable one. Minerva Clark's life is one which I wished I had, so it's the perfect book for the young and the old.

AMOUNT OF STARS:
3

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

School Library Journal:
Grade 5-8–Rebus-loving seventh grader Minerva Clark humorously describes the worst day of her life, which includes making a fool of herself in front of peers at an arcade, seeing her favorite cousin getting arrested, and suffering from electric shock. But events soon take a dangerously suspenseful twist when Minerva's personality changes as a result of the jolt of electricity. No longer suffering from self-conscious, self-deprecating adolescent woes, she becomes comfortable with herself and generally more confident. This confidence and ability to look beyond outside appearances enables her to help solve a mystery and deal with the popular girls, peer pressure, trendy clothes, and her kleptomaniacal pet ferret. References to pop culture abound, including allusions to instant messaging, cliques, camera cell phones, and movies like The Matrix. (A reference to choosing the Red Pill or the Blue Pill becomes symbolic of Minerva's adventures.) Despite these and a few words that some parents will frown upon, this tale is interesting and witty enough to recommend to reluctant readers. Interspersed with Minerva's amusing revelations is an entertaining mystery with engaging characters and a positive theme.–Jessi Platt

[Molly Patton · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this was a strange one. The concept -- "teenage girl gets zapped by electricity and loses her ability to feel self-conscious... and also attempts to solve a murder mystery" -- is interesting, and might make a good tween movie, but on these pages it falls flat.

After her jolt, Minerva gets bolder and sassier, which is fun, but she also suffers the consequences -- like when she sneaks out, and her older brothers punish her by giving her Dishes Duty. The reader is then subjected to multiple scenes of her doing dishes. UM HI... why are WE being punished?

The writing itself (tone, dialogue -- age-appropriateness aside) is fine, but I wish the editor had been more liberal with the snips. Every character and everyTHING gets a description, sometimes repeatedly; Minerva doesn't just put on her shoes, she laces up her "purple Chuck Taylors." Her mom teaches yoga, so that gets mentioned about a dozen times, even though mom's not even present. On the other hand, Minerva's best friend is an UNDERdeveloped blank slate with no discernable on-page personality, and you get the feeling he was only introduced here so he could be fleshed out in a sequel.

Again, I think the concept is solid, but maybe it would have worked better in a different medium... a movie, a graphic novel, or a faster-paced, much shorter book.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was cute for ME. For children, though, not as much. I know it will be argued that they come across inappropriate language and/or situations at an earlier and earlier age, but I think when we put it in black and white in their print and media, it’s putting a stamp of approval on it. None of the questionable content was crucial to the plot itself and therefore without it, the book would have been just as good. (In my opinion, better.)

[Harley Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery for middle-grade readers.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I enjoyed reading to ezra at night. It used to be in my
6th grade book club rotation.

[Sue Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good story
love the ferret
and how the character Minerva gets through her daily life with her brothers and how she expresses herself
highly recommend

[Pumpkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished the fourth of four books I needed to read to compete on my teacher-team of the Battle-of-the-Books at school.

Enjoyed: Set in Portland, OR, so I recognized many of the places and events. POV of main character as a strange event takes her out of the self-conscious mind of a 7th grader to look at other people and herself in some other way than from the "outside". The "broken" family of BIC (brothers in charge) was enjoyable, as was the humor. Rebus parts a bit hit.

Not so much: There were holes in the plot that made the story play out a bit like a film missing frames in important spots. It was hard to pick up after I'd put it down.

Final: Glad I read it. Might use with class to talk about direct and indirect characterization. Could have used another rewrite by the author. Would be fun for middle school aged kids to read.

[Rad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why I did not entirely enjoy this book:

1. Excessive use of brand names and product placement. EVERY PAGE. I AM SERIOUS. At least it was consistent.
2. Every single tiny character got a major description. EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. Again, I AM SERIOUS. If it wasn't the old woman at the counter of the book store who never shows up again, it was the detective who shows up three times for two seconds.
3. Despite the fact that her brothers got three VERY DIFFERENT descriptions, I had trouble telling them apart.

Reasons why I could have enjoyed this book:
1. Jupiter the ferret. And normally I hate ferrets.
2. It takes place in Portland, where I now live.
3. Because the author describes every single person, you really don't expect some of the twists.

Anyway, I did not enjoy it. But! I learned from it. So that's something.

[Tatyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, personally LOVE mysteries. I love the way how the authors can make a reader's brain thinking about a good, mysterious book. In Minerva Clark Gets a Clue, the main character, Minerva, experiences many strange happenings. She is a typical teenager...she has her flaws and her likes/dislikes. She has three brothers who are to take turns taking care of her. One day, at one of her brother's art show, she gets electrocuted. With just a single jolt, she is not only unself-conscious, but she is also bolder than anyone she knows. So when a local bookstore clerk is found murdered the day after Minerva's glamorous and spoiled cousin is arrested, she can not let it rest. She goes out of her way to know who the killer was. She even realizes that this is not a safe thing to do, but her brave new attitude isn't going to stop her.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like it more--kind of hard to follow the mystery--and very unsure about a 7th grader investigating an actual murder, having seen the dead body of someone she knew a little and thought was nice. Seemed like there were some intense issues that could have been addressed more deeply: a girl being raised by three older brothers, finding out people she loves are doing some pretty bad things, etc. Started off with the premise of her becoming more assertive, less self-conscious after an electric shock--interesting idea that just kind of happened and then was done with.

[Esme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!It really captures you and is really funny!Full of rebuses and many clues intwined all with giant mixed up mystery!!!!!I love how Karen Karbo wrirtes her books.Minerva really is like any other teenage girl but after the shock everything changes.I love the names of the characters!(morgan,mark clark,minerva,toc,quills,reggie,tiffani,jordan,dwight,clyde,zoe,pansy,hannah,julia,chelsea de guzman,chelsea evans and jupiter the ferret(only soem of the characters)

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a mystery writing assignment. I had to find a novel that fit a certain category and this one did. It is labeled for ages 9-12, but I think it is closer to 11-14. It was a fun mystery with an interesting main character. It touches subjects like self esteem, murder, and identity theft. It was a cute story and I liked it, but not enough to read more of the series.

[Dannielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also read this book for the children's literature class I'm taking, and it was SO much fun to read. The story is based out of Portland, which also made it that much more fun to read since I live here. Karen kept me guessing until the end - and didn't leave me disappointed! The culprits got what they deserved!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an intriguing mystery/fictional book. This book is about 11 year old Minerva Clark whose life just turned upside down. Ever sice the day she was shocked, things have been a bit different. To find out more about this fictional mystery read this book! You wont regret it! I promise. I know i dont regret reading this. If you are a mystery type of reader then you will love this book!

[Noah Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in awhile I get strange urges. This morning I wanted a funny YA book with a likable heroine. This was it. I mean, if she hadn't been shocked and that annoying teenage part wasn't wiped from her mind...I wouldn't have lasted. She became more my kind of people when we delved into the book. It was a good quick read.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always HATED Nancy Drew, so I won't compare this to it as others have done. Besides, often awkward, far from perfect Minerva and her motley crew of brothers and friends is about as different from Nancy as you can get.
I loved this, and I am looking forward to more Minerva adventures.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a BOB book for this year and I really enjoyed it. It makes current references, is funny, and has a strong, 7th grade, female protagonist who is confident in herself---something that is hard to find. Great book....

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute middle-grade myserty about a girl who accidently gets electrocuted and the shock to her system causes her to lose all her self doubts. She uses her newfound confidence to solve a murder that somehow involves her favorite cousin.

[Jennifer Wyld · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting twist of fate. A young woman is electrocuted in a freak accident involving performance art - and the effect is that she looses her paralyzing self confidence and decides to solve a local murder case. Well written. An OBOB book.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minerva is an endearing, entertaining, fresh character being raised by three quirky older brothers. Good mystery (although the explanation for one of the central clues never was revealed--I checked twice) that kept me hooked right up to the end.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the characters in these mysteries, particularly Minerva and her brothers.

[Kathy Erskine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book! Clever, quirky characters -- even a ferret. I particularly love the 3 BIC's (brothers in charge). A hoot.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was funny and the series has kept my mom laughing. At the same time though, there's s mystery in progress! Would definitely recommend.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quirky characters, with a mystery thrown in.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle school battle of the books

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some bad words in this book! Tisk, Tisk, Tisk! But other than that Minerva Clark was good.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one day!!! I think that explains it all...........

[Tivoli5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Umm it was ok i guess.