By Claire Hatcher-Smith
Whimsical and fast-paced, Claire Hatcher-Smith delivers a stunning sequel that has the power to create a more inclusive, empathetic world.
Rating:
Summary:
A mysterious figure on an old fishing boat, anonymous postcards, disappearing cousins — Mizzy is thrilled to have a new mystery to solve! The next installment of this charming series for middle-grade readers, starring a girl with Down syndrome.
Mizzy is spending half-term with cousins in St Jude’s-on-Sea: a seaside town struggling to accommodate an influx of refugees. When she sees a spooky shadow on a wrecked old fishing boat on the shore, she thinks she’s found her next mystery. But her cousins seem determined to keep her in the dark about their comings and goings to the wreck, and she’s left alone to help their old Greek-Cypriot grandfather Papou sort out his papers.
Then an anonymous postcard arrives for Papou, featuring a picture of the old wreck and the words WHAT REALLY HAPPENS? Mizzy must solve the mystery of the postcard sender and prove once again that she is the best detective in town.
Summary from Penguin Random House
Review:
The Shadow on the Wreck is a fantastic addition to The Mizzy Mysteries series, delivering an engaging whodunit, highlighting the everyday challenges faced by people with Down syndrome, and tackling real-world social themes in an accessible, kid-friendly way.
First, the book is simply pure fun. The mystery is clever, well-paced, and full of great atmosphere. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll love the twists and turns this seaside adventure brings to the table. Mizzy remains an instantly lovable protagonist, and readers will find themselves right beside her piecing together clues, deciphering anonymous postcards, and uncovering family secrets.
Furthermore, the representation throughout the story is both authentic and empowering. Mizzy continues to shatter stereotypes as a sharp, capable young detective whom readers can truly look up to. She advocates for herself, actively dispels misconceptions about Down syndrome, and stays unapologetically true to who she is despite the assumptions of those around her.
Finally, Hatcher-Smith uses the story’s setting to open the door to vital, thoughtful conversations. By weaving in the real-world experiences of refugees and immigrants in a coastal town, she gently shows young readers how fear and prejudice can impact real human lives. She tackles common misconceptions—such as the myth that refugees simply “take jobs”—encouraging readers to question their own preconceived biases. This kind of social awareness is rare in middle-grade fiction, making the book’s message as timely as it is groundbreaking.
Overall, Hatcher-Smith once again sets the bar for what thoughtful, inclusive middle-grade literature can achieve. Balancing an entertaining mystery with deep empathy, The Shadow on the Wreck is a standout sequel. If you have a middle-grade reader in your life, put this book in their hands!
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House and Tundra Book Group for sending me a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
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