by Kereen Getten
Designed & Illustrated by Leah Jacobs-Gordon Published by Pushkin Press Pushkin Children's Books
A Sarah Odedina Book
It's always exciting to hear there's a new MG book from Pushkin Press.
*The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder* is from one of our favourite brilliant & award-winning authors, Kereen Getten.
With an opening line like this, we just know we're all set for a very exciting read:
*Fayson Mayor, the twelve-year-old FBI agent, has been recruited yet again to save the world*
A surprise phone call from her twin cousins interrupts Fayson's solo, imagination-fuelled daily games, telling her she should come to their island holiday house. It could be perfect for a spooky October half-term.
Lizzy, Fayson's best friend, had moved away to Kingston & things were different now.
Her mum was a bit worried Fayson's only friends were in her beloved books.
She hadn't seen her cousins for over a year & was reluctant & sceptical about going somewhere new by herself. Fayson treasured every single moment she could share with her mum who was always so busy at work, 6 days a week.
Uncle Edmond & Auntie Desiree arrive to collect Fayson in their posh black SUV & this is one of the first big reminders of their differences. Fayson's small flat facing a busy road, (opposite her favourite thing, a library) is a world away from the cousins' huge home AND private island holiday house.
Her strong personality will help Fayson find her feet & the confidence to deal with new friends she meets. Their mystery-solving gang is a perfect scenario for her.
It comes with challenges but leads to fantastic & surprising adventures.
With such fresh, unique characters, individuality is explored & celebrated.
The use of Patwah is a great addition & highlights that some people might consider it 'not proper English', but it's part of Fayson's identity.
This would be an excellent classroom read & offers endless opportunities for study, project & discussion topics.
If you haven't read Kereen Getten's other Pushkin Children's books *When Life Gives You Mangoes* & *If You Read This* you really must.
You'll love them! What a great choice for the Waterstones *Book of the Month* June 2023!
Thank you to Pushkin Press for having me on the tour. It's a joy to let everyone know about these books.
It's great to know there will be more titles in this series coming later this year and into 2024!
I look forward to reading, sharing & reviewing them.
Be transported to Jamaica by Kereen Getten's superb writing & help yourself to some home-made Tamarind Balls!
Beware: they're delicious but TANGY!!!
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