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Backyard Rangers #1
Trouble at Turtle Pond
When eleven-year-old Miles moves to Marsh Hollow, he’s desperate for a fresh start. At his last school, his ADHD-related challenges earned him a reputation as a troublemaker and cost him his friends, especially after he lost a beloved class pet. With just one chance to make a first impression, “Mayhem Miles” is determined to do something great in this town. Like solving a mystery. After witnessing people burying something in his neighbor’s backyard one night, he’s sure there’s trouble—and this time, it’s not his fault. When his other neighbor, Pia, invites him to join the Backyard Rangers to help protect endangered turtles at the pond behind his house, Miles knows this is his chance to investigate. He stumbles on clues that point to wildlife poaching. Sabotaged turtle traps, stolen eggs, and kidnapped hatchlings put the fragile turtle population at risk. Miles and Pia recruit two more Backyard Rangers to help track a string of suspects, including an obsessive gardener, an eccentric pet shop owner, and the town bully and his drifter uncle. Then the rangers start receiving threatening messages, and an unexpected twist turns suspicion back on Miles. Has his reputation for trouble followed him all the way to Marsh Hollow? It’s up to Miles to convince his new friends that he’s not who they think he is, and to stop the turtle crimes before more turtles—and people—get hurt. A friendship-centered eco-mystery, Trouble at Turtle Pond celebrates citizen science, activist kids, and the power of paying attention.
257 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2022
About the author
Diana Renn
12 books121 followersI write mysteries for readers of all ages, some featuring international intrigue and some set close to home. Most recently, I write eco-mysteries for middle grade readers. The first in the Backyard Rangers series, TROUBLE AT TURTLE POND (Fitzroy Books / Regal House), was named a 2023 Green Earth Book Award Honor Book and a Massachusetts Book Award "Must Read." The second book in the series, THE OWL PROWL MYSTERY, releases August 13, 2024. My three YA mysteries, TOKYO HEIST, LATITUDE ZERO, and BLUE VOYAGE (Viking/Penguin Random House) feature globetrotting teen sleuths. I'm also a co-author of FALSE IDOLS, an episodically-released international thriller for adults, available on Realm (formerly Serial Box) and in print from Adaptive Books.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 20, 2024
Honest review by my 9 year old daughter who just finished reading the book -
This book is full of adventure and mystery. I love how Miles and his detective friends, along with Doctor Holmes solve the intriguing adventure of poachers and turtles! It is one of my most favourite books. I spent the entire day reading it!!
This book is full of adventure and mystery. I love how Miles and his detective friends, along with Doctor Holmes solve the intriguing adventure of poachers and turtles! It is one of my most favourite books. I spent the entire day reading it!!
April 18, 2022
You will have no trouble falling in love with Miles and his detective friends in Diana Renn’s eco-mystery, TROUBLE AT TURTLE POND! What an earnest, undeterred protagonist, who will do anything to save local Blandings turtles from poachers. My favorite thing is the way Miles communicates with the turtles through mind messaging—it’s so endearing. The stakes stay high, with twists and threats and dangerous confrontations. Give this one to young naturalists, animal lovers, and mystery readers!
November 22, 2021
Trouble at Turtle Pond is a full-hearted story of making friends, saving endangered turtles, and the mystery of who is plotting against them all.
Young Miles (a rising 5th grader, I believe) has just moved to a new house in a different community, and is looking forward to meeting new friends and focused on making the best first impression possible. We learn that Miles feels socially awkward, and even going to “Social Butterfly” classes as a younger child did not help. The “last straw” was when well-intended Miles allowed a class rabbit to escape from its cage — and the family had to move.
In their new home, Miles and his family live close to a turtle refuge, and the kid who reaches out to him first is on a mission to help save an endangered turtle population that lives at the refuge. A local biologist encourages her involvement, and Miles finds himself a new passion project.
Sadly, many of the turtles that the biologist and her crew have tagged seem to be going missing, as nest sites they are trying to protect are plundered and turtle eggs continue to be stolen. One nest is in the yard of Miles’ crotchety old neighbor, and even though he says he is not against turtles, his actions land him on the list of possible subjects.
The story arc is nice, and the characters are generally believable. The two “problems” I had: the story reinforces that moving to this new house was really for Miles to get a fresh start without the freed rabbit incident hanging over his head. The move makes it harder for his mother to get to work (longer commute), and they have to make new friends in the new community as well. It just doesn’t seem truthful — does this really happen? Secondly, toward the very end of the book, the neighbor and Miles reconcile, and as said neighbor is explaining why he works so hard at gardening, he tells Miles that his yard just wants to revert to milkweed, wild grass and thistle. In a story where endangered species are a focus, why would this line be in there? These specific plants support many threatened and endangered species themselves, so I wish he could have added something like, “I think I will let some of my garden be what it wants to be,” or the line could have said throne and brambles — a more generic gardening frustration.
Young Miles (a rising 5th grader, I believe) has just moved to a new house in a different community, and is looking forward to meeting new friends and focused on making the best first impression possible. We learn that Miles feels socially awkward, and even going to “Social Butterfly” classes as a younger child did not help. The “last straw” was when well-intended Miles allowed a class rabbit to escape from its cage — and the family had to move.
In their new home, Miles and his family live close to a turtle refuge, and the kid who reaches out to him first is on a mission to help save an endangered turtle population that lives at the refuge. A local biologist encourages her involvement, and Miles finds himself a new passion project.
Sadly, many of the turtles that the biologist and her crew have tagged seem to be going missing, as nest sites they are trying to protect are plundered and turtle eggs continue to be stolen. One nest is in the yard of Miles’ crotchety old neighbor, and even though he says he is not against turtles, his actions land him on the list of possible subjects.
The story arc is nice, and the characters are generally believable. The two “problems” I had: the story reinforces that moving to this new house was really for Miles to get a fresh start without the freed rabbit incident hanging over his head. The move makes it harder for his mother to get to work (longer commute), and they have to make new friends in the new community as well. It just doesn’t seem truthful — does this really happen? Secondly, toward the very end of the book, the neighbor and Miles reconcile, and as said neighbor is explaining why he works so hard at gardening, he tells Miles that his yard just wants to revert to milkweed, wild grass and thistle. In a story where endangered species are a focus, why would this line be in there? These specific plants support many threatened and endangered species themselves, so I wish he could have added something like, “I think I will let some of my garden be what it wants to be,” or the line could have said throne and brambles — a more generic gardening frustration.
November 19, 2021
"A friendship-centered eco-mystery, Trouble at Turtle Pond celebrates citizen science, activist kids, and the power of paying attention."
Miles is looking for a fresh start and he gets it when his family moves to Marsh Hollow. Miles struggles with his ADHD and at his old school he had a bad reputation and an even worse nickname. Called "Mayhem Miles". he was branded as a troublemaker and did not keep many friends when he was found to be responsible for the death of the class pet. Miles hopes to make a good impression at his new school and he finds the perfect way to do that. Like solving the mystery of the strange people burying something in his neighbor’s backyard. Pia, his new neighbor, asks Miles to be a part of the Backyard Rangers. As they uncover clues of wildlife poaching, Miles and Pia are on a desperate mission to help protect the turtles. But as they get closer to the answers, a mysterious message pins the blame on Miles. Can he prove his innocence and save the turtles?
This was a great middle great adventure that all animal loving kids will love. Miles was a great character and I really felt for him as he struggles to be accepted by the kids around him and make friends. It is great that he has ADHA and kids who also have it will appreciate a main character they can connect with. Representation is so important in books, and even for kids who do not have ADHD, they can understand what it is like to make mistakes and be blamed for things they didn't do. Kids will dive into this tale and keep reading until they solve the mystery and save the turtles!
Miles is looking for a fresh start and he gets it when his family moves to Marsh Hollow. Miles struggles with his ADHD and at his old school he had a bad reputation and an even worse nickname. Called "Mayhem Miles". he was branded as a troublemaker and did not keep many friends when he was found to be responsible for the death of the class pet. Miles hopes to make a good impression at his new school and he finds the perfect way to do that. Like solving the mystery of the strange people burying something in his neighbor’s backyard. Pia, his new neighbor, asks Miles to be a part of the Backyard Rangers. As they uncover clues of wildlife poaching, Miles and Pia are on a desperate mission to help protect the turtles. But as they get closer to the answers, a mysterious message pins the blame on Miles. Can he prove his innocence and save the turtles?
This was a great middle great adventure that all animal loving kids will love. Miles was a great character and I really felt for him as he struggles to be accepted by the kids around him and make friends. It is great that he has ADHA and kids who also have it will appreciate a main character they can connect with. Representation is so important in books, and even for kids who do not have ADHD, they can understand what it is like to make mistakes and be blamed for things they didn't do. Kids will dive into this tale and keep reading until they solve the mystery and save the turtles!
December 7, 2021
Author Diana Renn’s first middle grade novel is sure to be a hit with animal lovers in the 4th-6th grades. Rising 5th grader, Mayhem Miles, needs a fresh start and small town Marsh Hollow seems the perfect place to meet new people, find some sort of activity that fits his caring, but impulsive, nature. Over the course of the summer, Miles finds a niche with a conservation group that allows kids to participate in a limited way as “Rangers” and discovers that although his ADHD does make some things more difficult, he can be a friend and make a difference in his new community. Renn incorporates models of friendship, facts about endangered turtles, and bits of mystery and danger into a novel that readers in the target age group are sure to enjoy. Descriptions of the turtles, their habitat and behaviors are smoothly added into the storyline without sounding like a science lesson and the personalities of main characters Miles, Pia, Delaney, Luke and Cooper are distinct and well-developed. Representation: working parents both at home and places of business, Pia’s family is Middle Eastern and several cultural references are sprinkled throughout the book. No profanity, sexual content, and violence is limited to threats against the Rangers and one fight that includes several punches and a damaged information stand.
Thanks to the author for sending a copy of this book, called a friendship-centered eco-mystery by the publisher, to arc-sharing group, #BookAllies.
Thanks to the author for sending a copy of this book, called a friendship-centered eco-mystery by the publisher, to arc-sharing group, #BookAllies.
February 9, 2022
Special thanks to Netgalley for providing this ARC. (4.5 stars rounded up to 5)
Ah! This book was so cute and fun! I loved Miles as a lead. I have ADHD and I was definitely a lot like Miles when I was a kid. I often didn't get the chance to read novels as a kid with a character who experienced internalizing the thoughts the same way I did, so I really appreciate that kids can get this kind of representation in books and see how ADHD can be a great strength for Miles. I think the main friend group (the "rangers") have great chemistry and I love that Pia's and Miles' friendship isn't all sunshine and roses. I think it can be extremely beneficial for young readers to see real life situations balanced in friendships and how the characters work out their conflicts and yet remain best friends. I also think the "eco-mystery" element is a really unique way to get kids interested in science and protecting their local ecosystems by making it fun and wrapping it up into a mystery plot.
Overall, this was a really great standalone book! I loved the setting and the main characters and I think the mystery works really well for a young audience. I would definitely recommend this to kids and I especially think this could be a great avenue to teach kids about turtle and environmental conservation!
Ah! This book was so cute and fun! I loved Miles as a lead. I have ADHD and I was definitely a lot like Miles when I was a kid. I often didn't get the chance to read novels as a kid with a character who experienced internalizing the thoughts the same way I did, so I really appreciate that kids can get this kind of representation in books and see how ADHD can be a great strength for Miles. I think the main friend group (the "rangers") have great chemistry and I love that Pia's and Miles' friendship isn't all sunshine and roses. I think it can be extremely beneficial for young readers to see real life situations balanced in friendships and how the characters work out their conflicts and yet remain best friends. I also think the "eco-mystery" element is a really unique way to get kids interested in science and protecting their local ecosystems by making it fun and wrapping it up into a mystery plot.
Overall, this was a really great standalone book! I loved the setting and the main characters and I think the mystery works really well for a young audience. I would definitely recommend this to kids and I especially think this could be a great avenue to teach kids about turtle and environmental conservation!
January 7, 2022
There is something so nostalgic about TROUBLE AT TURTLE POND―reading this cozy middle grade mystery made me yearn for the days when I was a kid, when the whole world was in my backyard.
Anxious but ever-so-charming eleven-year-old “Mayhem” Miles is hoping to leave his past behind for a new life in a new town called Marsh Hollow. But things really aren’t so different here than there―Miles’ internal struggles keep new friends at arms-length, he questions his every step. That is until he meets equally awkward neighbor, Pia, who introduces him to the world of Blanding’s turtles―an endangered species that live in the pond behind his backyard. Suddenly Miles’ world becomes larger than himself and his angst is replaced with passion to save turtle eggs gone missing. It isn’t long before Miles finds himself swept up in a mystery that leads the budding besties on the heels of dangerous turtle poachers.
The ‘whodunnit’ till the very end and the lovable cast of characters – the Backyard Rangers, the suspicious next door neighbor Mr. Panek, Dr. Holmes, bad boy Cooper - make Diana Renn’s TROUBLE AT TURTLE POND shine. I highly recommend this fun yet deeply philosophical novel of mystery, friendship, and love of nature.
Anxious but ever-so-charming eleven-year-old “Mayhem” Miles is hoping to leave his past behind for a new life in a new town called Marsh Hollow. But things really aren’t so different here than there―Miles’ internal struggles keep new friends at arms-length, he questions his every step. That is until he meets equally awkward neighbor, Pia, who introduces him to the world of Blanding’s turtles―an endangered species that live in the pond behind his backyard. Suddenly Miles’ world becomes larger than himself and his angst is replaced with passion to save turtle eggs gone missing. It isn’t long before Miles finds himself swept up in a mystery that leads the budding besties on the heels of dangerous turtle poachers.
The ‘whodunnit’ till the very end and the lovable cast of characters – the Backyard Rangers, the suspicious next door neighbor Mr. Panek, Dr. Holmes, bad boy Cooper - make Diana Renn’s TROUBLE AT TURTLE POND shine. I highly recommend this fun yet deeply philosophical novel of mystery, friendship, and love of nature.
July 12, 2021
I highly recommend Diana Renn's Middle Grade debut - Trouble at Turtle Pond! This engaging mystery will hook readers - young and old - from the very first page. When eleven-year-old Miles moves to Marsh Hollow, all he wants is to leave his past as a troublemaker behind him --along with his nickname, "Mayhem Miles" and reinvent himself at his new school. Deciding he'd rather have a friend and do something he believes in than try to be "cool", animal lover Miles accepts his neighbor Pia's offer to join the Backyard Rangers, and works to protect the endangered turtles at the pond behind his house. But the Rangers soon suspect that turtle eggs are being stolen, and they must all work together to solve the mystery. Featuring a fabulous cast of young sleuths, a compelling eco-mystery, and a heartwarming story of friendship, second chances, and being true to yourself, this is a middle grade story not to be missed!
August 14, 2022
In beautiful, direct prose, Renn tells the story of 11-year old Miles who has ADHD and is addicted to video games—that is, until his family moves and he finds a new mission to save the turtles of Turtle Pond in a book with heart and soul that will keep you turning the pages (and though it has an important message about the earth, it never comes across as didactic). When he starts looking closely at the world around him, he finds friendship and meaning and his own magnetic powers and takes risks to challenge himself and push the boundaries of comfort to overcome his fears—and save the turtles! I highly recommend this superb MG book for all ages (but especially 9-12 year olds) and as a family read.
December 17, 2021
I loved this book for many reasons!! It showcases new beginnings and how you can change your ways to be a better, more thoughtful person. Students as activists- you don’t need to be an adult to make changes! Even small ones can make a difference! Forgiveness is important! This story puts you inside the main characters head so you can see his thought process and how his feelings change when he has all the facts! Information on turtles & poachers and how important one small neighborhood pond can be to those that call it home! This would be a great addition to school and classroom libraries! So much heart!
August 18, 2021
Diana Renn has crafted a well-paced middle-grade mystery with heart and humor. Multi-faceted characters must accept each other's differences as they learn to work as a team to save the turtles. The novel was inspired by the author’s actual experiences protecting turtles with her young son making this fictional story feel real. Miles, Pia, and the Rangers are a force to be reckoned with, and they're sure to inspire readers to stand up for their own beliefs. Highly recommended, especially to teachers who will be drawn to its many curricular connections and overall story appeal.
March 22, 2023
A sweet story about a young boy (~10) who is trying to manage his impulsive behavior as he works at making friends in his new neighborhood. Miles’s new home is next to a pond that is home to Blanding’s turtle, an endangered species. As evidence builds that someone is poaching these turtles and their eggs for the pet trade, Miles bonds with his young neighbors as they dedicate themselves to protecting the turtles. This middle-grade eco-mystery is a well-written and engaging story of growth and friendship that also teaches some basic turtle and conservation biology.
October 7, 2021
Hats off to Diana Renn for created this inspiring and compelling novel about acceptance, teamwork, friendship and environmental conservation. I was rooting for Miles from the start and continued to cheer on this unforgettable, realistic character as he faced new starts, tough choices, and a suspenseful mystery. Trouble at Turtle Pond is full of heart, adventure and personality–not to mention turtles! Great for STEM tie-ins too.
November 25, 2021
Miles Kaplan is getting a chance most 11-year-olds would wish for - to start over. After a move he’d no longer be known as Mayhem Miles. What he does find is a best friend, the fascinating world of turtles and most importantly a new Miles.
Diana Renn gives us a mystery, a story imbued with important environmental lessons and a great read!
Diana Renn gives us a mystery, a story imbued with important environmental lessons and a great read!
April 5, 2022
I absolutely loved joining troublemaker Miles in solving this eco-mystery! Fans of Carl Hiaasen’s Hoot will get lost in the fun antics and genuine nature of ‘Mayhem Miles,’ and they’ll revel in the adventures of the Backyard Rangers.
Diana Renn brings a fresh new voice to middle-grade with Trouble at Turtle Pond, a story full of mystery, citizen science, and a whole lot of heart.
Diana Renn brings a fresh new voice to middle-grade with Trouble at Turtle Pond, a story full of mystery, citizen science, and a whole lot of heart.
July 30, 2022
Super cute mystery about missing blanding turtles. Miles has a hard time focusing in life. His parents hope the move and some new friends will help give him a second chance to be the great boy they know he is. The friendship building was fantastic in the story. I also liked how much you learned about turtles and ponds from the book.
January 14, 2022
Fresh starts don't always go smoothly. But given enough time, and with the persistence and desire to do great things, Miles is able to find friends and help the endangered turtles in his new town. I loved his spirit and the dedication of all the characters.
February 5, 2022
This is a perfect mystery for my animal 🐢 loving Ss. The length also makes it great for reluctant readers. Milo makes new friends and learns not to be quite so impulsive. Thanks for sharing @dianarenn @Fitzroy_Books
May 20, 2022
A great read sometimes you need to meet the right person to understand the true you. So many relationships in this book you will want to keep reading to see how it unfolds. Enjoy this book it will make you want to go out and do something positive for the Earth!!
July 12, 2021
I was fortunate to be an early reader. A lovely, eco-conscious, heart-warming mystery.
November 15, 2022
The main character is very well.
December 9, 2021
Diana Renn's middle grade debut, Trouble at Turtle Pond, had me hooked from page one, which isn't surprising for a story lead by a protagonist in "Mayhem Miles" who simply jumps off the page and right into your living room. When eleven-year-old Miles moves to Marsh Hollow, he wants nothing more than to leave his troubling reputation behind. He quickly befriends his neighbor Pia who helps him reignite his love of the animal kingdom and motivates him to become an eco warrior in an animated group of young, ecological activists known as the Backyard Rangers. When the endangered turtles in the pond behind his house start to decline, Miles and his new friends spring into action, working together to try to solve the mystery of the missing turtle eggs before it's too late. A heartwarming tale that highlights forgiveness, the bonds of friendship, our inextricable ties to nature, and a captivating mystery arc, Diana Renn's Trouble at Turtle Pond is a middle grade novel you'll definitely want on your bookshelf!
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