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Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

Wendelin Van Draanen

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

163

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Santa Martina • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

In Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen, a young person named Sammy Keyes witnesses a crime from a distance while using binoculars. As she navigates the complexities of solving the mystery, she encounters a series of challenges and learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and integrity.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Suspenseful

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen is celebrated for its gripping plot, witty protagonist, and engaging narrative, appealing to young readers. While its fast pace excites, some find character development lacking. Overall, it's a charming mystery with humor and suspense that captivates its audience despite minor criticisms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief?

Readers who enjoy Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen will likely appreciate middle-grade mysteries with a strong, witty female protagonist, much like Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh or Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene. These readers relish clever plots and tenacious heroines.

Character List

Samantha Josephine “Sammy” Keyes

The 13-year-old protagonist and narrator is a curious and impulsive amateur sleuth who investigates a string of robberies while navigating life in seventh grade.

Sammy’s nurturing and supportive grandmother, with whom she secretly resides at the Senior Highrise, constantly worries about maintaining their living situation.

Initially known to Sammy as Oscar, a friendly ice cream vendor, his true identity as Larry Daniels connects to the robbery subplot.

Sammy’s loyal and somewhat nervous best friend, who supports her in personal and investigative endeavors.

The grumpy police officer assigned to the robbery cases, who often doubts Sammy’s abilities.

Sammy’s junior high school bully with fiery hair and a penchant for manipulative and attention-seeking behavior.

Book Details
Pages

163

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Santa Martina • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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