Middle Grade Review: Treasure of Ocean Parkway

* Book 2 in the series *

Thea discovers a clue hidden in a closet in her apartment. She knows exactly who should help her solve it - the podcasters from her apartment building. She finds Roya and Amin and pitches them the idea, a new mystery for their next podcast.

The clue is a treasure hunt from her grandfather. Her dad won't talk about him; they don't have a good relationship. Currently her grandfather lives in a home for people with dementia. The clues are supposed to lead to a treasure within the apartment building. 

Can they solve the clues and find the treasure or is it lost forever?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this sequel. I felt bad for Thea as she was lonely without her sister for company and she barely saw her parents.  I love that she gave from a long time of artists. I love how she became friends with Roya and Amin over the course of figuring out the puzzles. I love how the puzzles here related to the building and also art. Amin's train contest was a fun side story. I love how they set this up for another book in the series. I hope there are several more in the works. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read This One: I loved the first book - and the combination of mysteries and podcasts

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your middle grade collections.

Review: With or Without You

 

Jordan and Cindy hate each other - and so do their families. They work on rival food trucks and they're always getting into arguments.

BUT

the arguments are fake, the families are friends, and Jordan and Cindy are secretly dating. They can't be seen in public and ruin the vibe. They have one summer at home before Jordan escapes town with his new food truck. Cindy's going to travel with him as they see the sights. One more summer seems perfectly doable.

UNTIL

a reality TV show opportunity comes their way. Both families think it's too good of a deal to pass up. Old wounds reopen and soon this fake feud might not be so fake. Will the two families survive the summer?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. Food trucks. Secretly dating. Feuds. Reality TV. What's not to like here? This book has ALL the drama and I couldn't read it fast enough. I loved the food, the families, the friendships, and the behind the scenes look at reality TV. I love that it took place after high school. This was such a fun read; I was sad when I finished it. 

Source: My Library

Cover Thoughts: Amazing

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your library's collection. 

BookTok: How to Find a Missing Girl

 

This one had me guessing all the way through the book.

@yabooknerdlibrarian Great YA thriller about missing girls, a podcast, amateur detectives, and friendships! #yabooks #yabooktok #podcast #booktok #thriller ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

P.S. If you like books about podcasting, try these too!