The Accidental Stowaway by Jo Rioux, Judith Eagle
Published by Walker Books on 7/2025
ISBN: 1536233625
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Patch follows a boy onto a ship because he has her roller skate and she wants it back.  She doesn’t count on the ship setting sail before she can complete her mission.  Ever eager for adventure, Patch befriends others on the ship, trying not to get caught by the captain who doesn’t abide stowaways on his ship.  While hiding in plain sight, Patch gets the feeling that some of her fellow passengers aren’t being truthful about who they say they are.  She realizes that Lilian, one of her friends on the ship, is in danger of being kidnapped, and does all she can to stop it.  This puts Patch in grave danger, especially when she realizes who the potential kidnappers really are.  

Elementary readers will enjoy this fun mystery/adventure.  Patch gets in and out of lots of trouble, relying on her resourcefulness and quick thinking.  There is plenty of action, especially at the end, to keep readers hooked.  Patch is a unique, fun character readers will enjoy and pull for.  The setting is also captivating and there is a map of the ship at the beginning of the book to provide context for readers and offers something to refer to as readers join Patch in learning about the steamship she is on.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library