"I think you'll be surprised by the insights you can gain during difficult times."

Ivy is bummed out when she breaks her leg, and her best friend Teddy has his own trouble to deal with when the veterinarian tells him his dog is severely ill. It looks like both kids are in for a terrible summer, but their vacation takes a turn at the rise of a mysterious crime wave and another puzzle they endeavor to solve in Mystery on Magnolia Circle by author Kate Klise, illustrated by Celia Krampien.

Well! I'd say this fun double-mystery with good helpings of heart is just right for middle grade readers graduating from chapter books.

Granted, even with Ivy's dry humor, I didn't warm up to her right away. What she calls being grumpy I call being sarcastic and rude to people who are trying to help her. But when she isn't having an attitude, she's actually a caring girl, and she learns some great stuff over the summer.

This story addresses serious issues like grief, mental illness, drugs, rehabilitation, and homelessness in a way that's real but not too complicated or heavy. The young friendships are touching, and the read has its most shining and surprising moments as events come to a head in the last phases.

Definitely an adventure worth checking out. ( )

This was a quick, pleasant read. It took some unexpected turns, but I think it pulled off the story it was trying to tell. I enjoyed the whimsical but deadpan tone and the lovely illustrations. ( )