The Queen of Ocean Parkway (The Queen of Ocean Parkway, #1) by Sarvenaz Tash
Series: Queen of Ocean Parkway #1
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 3, 2024
ISBN: 0593809785
Genres: Mystery
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Roya knows just about everything that goes on in her Brooklyn apartment building.  At eleven years old, the building Superintendent’s daughter helps her mother keep the place running, all while mining for content for her amateur podcast.  Her ears perk up when she overhears Katya and her wife Stefanie arguing in the laundry room the day before Katya goes missing.  Roya and her new friend Amin investigate Katya’s disappearance, stumbling on a curse that affects Katya’s family for generations. Roya and Amin piece together clues to this mystery, which lead them on a time traveling adventure to Coney Island. As they try to save Katya by preventing her family from time travelling in the first place, Roya also tries to save her future father from the cancer he is now battling.

This novel would be a nice addition for any library that serves elementary school students.  It’s a fun mystery with fantasy elements grounded by the realistic relationships Roya has with Amin and her parents.  The characters are diverse, representing many cultures and family compositions, and the woman who is missing is gay. It’s perfect for readers who like suspenseful books that are not scary.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library