The Case of the Contraband Closet (Bubblegum Shoes #1) by Goldy Moldavsky ISBN: 0593813766
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
While she might not be on the “good list”, Maya Mendoza always notices the details of those around her – classmates passing notes or reading comics behind a textbook, a teacher’s shoes being one size too small, and her best friend taking way too long on her trip to the “bathroom”. Maya also loves a mystery – and will stop at nothing until she solves it (even if that means putting her friendships or herself in trouble).
At Marlowe Middle School, Principal Spade runs a tight ship. He has no qualms about confiscating anything that is a distraction or disruption at school; and anything he confiscates goes straight into the contraband closet. His most recent mission is against Legends cards – which have been so sought after by students and teachers alike, they have become a sort of currency at school. The contraband closet is the stuff of legends – and its contents go back decades.
Maya hasn’t spoken to her (used-to-be) best friend Jordan since the “incident” last year. But she desperately wants her friend back. Jordan is eagerly trying to get accepted into show choir; to prove herself, she needs to recover the choir’s pitch pipe – which was put in the contraband closet. Together, along with Clementine and Ava, they break into the contraband closet. But when they get it open – it’s empty. Follow this unlikely crew as they make deals with the principal, sneak out of detention, uncover an underground gaming ring, keep up with their extracurriculars, and hopefully – catch the real thief to clear their own names.
While unrealistic at times, this middle school mystery was full of drama as the Bubblegum Shoes club chased their leads. It gently wove in themes of disinterested parents, separated families, strained friendships, and questioning systems/authority. Recommended for ages 8 to 12 (3rd to 6th Grade).
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell