“Gideon Green in Black and White” by Katie Henry is a humorous YA mystery where the title character, Gideon Green, navigates high school while helping his former best friend investigate a mystery that she has discovered while working for the school newspaper. A former boy detective (similar to Encyclopedia Brown), Gideon seems to be coded as neurodivergent, but it is never explicitly stated in the book. He is very literal; often misunderstands people; prefers his routine of going home and hanging out in his room and watching old noir films to socializing; experiences emotion, but displays them differently than most of the other people in his life; and doesn’t like change.

We follow Gideon as he helps his former friend, Lily, attempt to solve a series of crimes in their town, while trying to understand why their friendship ended, and how to let his father know that he is also suffering after the death of his mother (even if he doesn’t show it in neurotypical ways). The themes of friendship and family are shown throughout the book, amidst funny send-ups of noir and mystery tropes. Teens and adults who enjoy mysteries and like comedy will find this book full of laughs and heart.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.