Review by Booklist Review
You are such a good kid, a regular at one of Claudeline's favorite Brooklyn haunts tells her, though Claude doesn't agree. She's determined to live up to the reputation of her recently deceased gangster grandfather, even though things aren't exactly going her way. Her dad isn't doing such a bang-up job of running Grandpa Si's business, her mom is distant and secretive, and her best friend, Fingerless Brett (long story), has gotten a little too straitlaced. Then fliers from Alma Lingonberry, a purportedly hospitalized girl looking for friends, begin popping up all over town, and street-smart Claude knows a scam when she sees one. Or does she? The more she e-mails with Alma, the more she doubts her own instincts. The many plot threads and Claude's family history can be confusing at times, but multiracial Claude heads up a diverse cast of well-formed characters, and the exploration of friendship and family relations is worthwhile. For readers looking for a tough-talking, independent heroine with detective aspirations, this debut is a treat.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Claudeline has been raised in a family of gangsters. An 11-year-old girl of French and Chinese descent, growing up in Brooklyn, Claudeline believes she is destined to follow in the footsteps of her criminal grandpa and take over the family business. After all, stealing, lying, and getting in trouble are part of her daily routine. But life becomes complicated as Claudeline mourns the passing of her beloved grandpa Si and struggles to convince her clueless father that she is good for the gang. One day, she sees fliers asking for donations to help a sick girl. Claudeline is immediately suspicious. This is a story about choices and what it means to be good, with a straightforward plot that progresses slowly and builds to an intriguing climax. The humor, quirky characters, and contemporary New York setting, combined with the gangster lore, make this ideal for middle grade readers who enjoy slightly naughty characters with hearts of gold. VERDICT A unique offering with an atypical protagonist; recommended for kids who like mysteries and crime-solving.-Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
