A Book for Your Daughter (Keep 'Em Reading This Summer!)

By FREYA HOOPER (Star Patcher)

Today I have a fun book that is based on the first female detective at the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The heroines in this story are courageous, feisty and master’s of disguise, so be prepared for dangerous exploites and daring acts of heroism. How fun is that?

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com so that you won’t miss more wonderful suggestions for books your kids can’t put down.

Title: The Detective’s Assistant

Author: Kate Hannigan

Target: Grades 5-7

Series: No

What this book is about:
Eleven year old Nell is orphaned and the only relative the local reverend can find is a long lost aunt in Chicago. Nell’s aunt wants nothing to do with her, as she is one of the only female detectives at the Pinkerton Detective Agency! As Nell tries to become invaluable to her so she won’t be sent away, she finds she has a knack for helping her aunt solve a series of crimes. All this happens with the backdrop of Lincoln being elected President and Nell corresponding with her best friend, a free black girl who has run away to Canada to escape the nefarious slave catchers.

Why I love this book:
First off this is a lovely book about female empowerment! While the book is a work of fiction, Nell’s aunt was based on the first woman to become a detective with Pinkerton and the author’s notes in the back fill us in on the actual Kate Warne.

I also loved the relationship between Nell and her aunt. They are both strong headed women who grow to love and respect each other, but they never break character and get too mushy or sentimental.

Finally, the backdrop of the election of Lincoln and the underground railroad provide a lovely history lesson for kids without shifting the main focus of the story between the two women and their crime solving escapades.

Who this book is for:
This book will be enjoyed by kids who like historical fiction, feisty female heroines and solving mysteries. This book reminded me of the PK Pinkerton Mysteries.

Final thoughts:
This is a fun story with spunky characters and great crime solving based on real events.

• Also from Freya:
• Dear Parents: Your Hunt For A Great Kid’s Book Is Over
• A Can’t-Put-Down Read For Your Teens
• Sweet Book To Keep Your Kids Reading This Summer
• Get Your Youngsters To Love Their Vegetables

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!