48 pages • 1 hour read
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163
Novel • Fiction
Santa Martina • 1990s
1998
Middle grade
10-14 years
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
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.
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.
Rita “Grams” Keyes
Sammy’s nurturing and supportive grandmother, with whom she secretly resides at the Senior Highrise, constantly worries about maintaining their living situation.
Oscar/Larry Daniels
Initially known to Sammy as Oscar, a friendly ice cream vendor, his true identity as Larry Daniels connects to the robbery subplot.
Marissa McKenze
Sammy’s loyal and somewhat nervous best friend, who supports her in personal and investigative endeavors.
Officer Borsch
The grumpy police officer assigned to the robbery cases, who often doubts Sammy’s abilities.
Heather Acosta
Sammy’s junior high school bully with fiery hair and a penchant for manipulative and attention-seeking behavior.
163
Novel • Fiction
Santa Martina • 1990s
1998
Middle grade
10-14 years
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