The Friendship Riddle

With nods to classic fantasy expertly woven into this surprising and emotionally-charged journey through the ups and downs of middle school, Megan Frazer Blakemore proves that even the bravest heroes need true friends by their side.

Ruth Mudd-O’Flaherty has been a lone wolf at her new middle school ever since her best friend, Charlotte, ditched her for “cooler” friends. Who needs friends when you have fantasy novels? Roaming the stacks of her town’s library is enough for Ruth. Until she finds a note in an old book . . . and in that note is a riddle, one that Ruth can’t solve alone. With a tantalizing set of clues before her, Ruth must admit she needs help, the kind that usually comes from friends. Lena and Coco, two kids in her class could be an option, but allowing them in will require courage, and Ruth must decide: Is embarking on this quest worth opening herself up again?

Review

Blakemore peppers her navigating-social-awkwardness arc with myriad topics. . . . for patient observers of social growth who enjoy varied intellectual and philosophical tidbits. (Kirkus Reviews)

A must-have selection for middle school mystery lovers. (School Library Journal)

Readers won’t be prepared for the twist at the end of the mystery, but it brings a satisfying end to the story. (Booklist Online Exclusive)

Science, history and literature references glow . . . With keen intelligence and bits of humor, the prose slips calmly between narrative perspectives, trusting readers to pick up a revelation that Ephraim and Mallory don’t see–and it’s a doozy. This one is special. (starred review Kirkus Reviews on THE WATER CASTLE)

What shines through . . . is Blakemore’s tender understanding of how these children–and all children–feel about their lives and the adults who control them. (New York Times on THE WATER CASTLE)

Thought provoking . . . a tribute to the great girl detectives of children’s literature. (New York Times Book Review on THE SPY CATCHERS OF MAPLE HILL)

It is no mystery that readers will come to love Hazel Kaplansky. (Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor-winning author of HATTIE BIG SKY, on THE SPY CATCHERS OF MAPLE HILL)

Book Description

In a charming mystery perfect for fans of Chasing Vermeer, acclaimed author Megan Frazer Blakemore has provided the clues . . . and readers won’t be able to resist following them!