Publishers Weekly
★ 04/15/2024
Contemporary Charleston, S.C., provides the backdrop for this cunning mystery by Tubb (Luna Howls at the Moon), in which a grieving tween’s often laugh-aloud misadventures in detective work bring her estranged family closer together. Chloe Alvarez is left reeling by her beloved uncle Will’s sudden death from a genetic disease. Inheriting his female African gray parrot, named Charlie, provides welcome distraction and joy, especially as Chloe has been harboring feelings of anger and betrayal toward Uncle Will, who shut her out of his life as his health was failing. But when Charlie begins spouting phrases such as “it was murder,” “homicide detective,” and “cyanide!” Chloe uses the skills she learned from her Grammy’s true crime podcasts to initiate a murder investigation. A growing suspect list soon includes her wealthy uncle Frank, Will’s knife-wielding barista ex-girlfriend, and whomever drives the mysterious yellow Prius that keeps following Chloe around town. Throughout, Chloe processes her grief by recording video journals about her memories of Uncle Will and expressing herself via painting. Typical genre tropes are subverted in delightful ways; rather than solve this harrowing mystery alone, Chloe leans on her family (and Charlie), who tirelessly support her sleuthing antics. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 8–12. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (July)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Decomposition of Jack: "A moving narrative with a distinct point of view. Laugh-out-loud moments balance the heavy with the humorous. Niche but surprisingly fascinating." — Kirkus Reviews
"An engaging coming-of-age tale for the environmentally minded tween." — School Library Journal
"A self-aware seventh grader with a roadkill researcher mother ruminates on life, maturation, and decomposition in this jam-packed observational novel from O’Donnell Tubb." — Publishers Weekly
"Roadkill is an unconventional basis for a novel, but it turns out to be the perfect jumping-off point for a poignant, playful exploration of deep family ties, the joy of kindred spirits, and the importance of conservation. [A]ll readers will be rewarded with a frank and funny examination of decay—and the new life it encourages." — Booklist Online
"The Decomposition of Jack is a delightful romp through rot, roadkill, and human healing.” — Heather L. Montgomery, author of Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill
"The Decomposition of Jack is full of heart and humor and big questions to ponder. I absolutely loved it!" — Lisa Greenwald, author of Dear Friends and the TBH series
"This book is disgusting—and I mean that as a compliment! It’s also hilarious, heartfelt and hopeful. The Decomposition of Jack guarantees that readers will never look at roadkill the same way again!" — Margaret Peterson Haddix, New York Times bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series
Praise for Zeus, Dog of Chaos: "Readers who have always wondered what their pets are really thinking will love this cleverly written story from the perspective of Zeus, a German Shepherd service dog. Young readers who love dogs, play an instrument in band, or have experience with invisible illness will relate to Madden and his desire to just be a regular middle-school kid." — School Library Journal
Praise for A Dog Like Daisy: “Daisy’s wry comments on human foibles and eccentricities...combine to paint a moving picture of suffering and, ultimately, redemption. Daisy is distinctive and memorable, and this depiction of PTSD is useful, making this a fine, compelling tale.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Avid canine lovers will surely appreciate the intimate look at Daisy’s yearning for purpose. The focus on . . . service dogs should enlighten readers about the ways our four-legged companions function as more than just pets. A poignant animal tale, and a strong addition to most collections.” — School Library Journal
“Daisy’s voice is strong, painting a world with canine synesthesia: happy days are yellow, untruths taste like turkey bacon. With joint appeal to children of soldiers and dog-lovers, this is likely to find a broad audience.” — Booklist Online
Kirkus Reviews
2024-04-20
“Grief can make your mind and your heart do weird things.”
Since the untimely death of Will Calhoun, her beloved maternal uncle, due to an unspecified genetic condition, Chloe Alvarez’s world has felt muted. In his will, Chloe’s uncle leaves her Charlie, his beloved African Grey parrot who possesses a robust vocabulary and is a skillful mimic. When Charlie starts blurting out words such as homicide and cyanide, Chloe becomes convinced that something—or someone—sinister is behind Uncle Will’s sudden demise. She channels her grief into uncovering the truth of her uncle’s colorful life with help from older brother Jacob, Grammy (who loves true-crime podcasts), and Charlie himself. As Uncle Will said, “Family is wondrous”—and these folks are birds of a feather. Chloe’s lively narrative voice infuses the plucky kid detective trope with emotional range and depth. Charlie’s avian antics provide welcome comic relief, supporting a lovable, laugh-filled harmony that unites a grieving family. The winking references to classic mysteries and Charlie’s eclectic musical tastes (which are satisfied through his Alexa requests) will delight kids and adults alike. The antics of Chloe and her ragtag band of sleuths as they progress through multilayered steps on the path to realization will keep readers enthusiastically engaged. Chloe and Jacob live in Charleston, South Carolina, with their mom, whose family is cued white.
A mystery unfolds within a compelling, joyful story of honoring a loved one by living in the moment. (author's note) (Mystery. 9-12)
