Ada Lace, on the case An Ada Lace adventure

Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Calandrelli, host of TV's Xploration Outer Space, brings a Rear Window vibe to this drily funny series opener, which introduces scientifically minded Ada Lace, who keeps tabs on her new neighborhood in a field guide while waiting for a broken leg to heal. When a dog goes missing, Ada investigates, aided by her exuberant new friend Nina. Kurilla's interspersed b&w cartoons help create tension as Ada tries to narrow down the suspects. Calandrelli smoothly incorporates numerous references to scientific principles (such as Occam's Razor) into the story, and the banter between Ada and Nina keeps things moving briskly. Ages 6-10. Author's agency: (for Calandrelli) Octagon. Illustrator's agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Review by Horn Book Review

With Tamson Weston. This endearing new series champions STEAM concepts as scientist, inventor, and literal-minded third grader Ada Lace investigates a missing dog (Case) and builds a robot (Red). Large font, abundant white space, and loose black-and-white illustrations aid young readers. Concluding "Behind the Science" sections support Ada's interests, while her artistic parents and friend lend balance, teaching Ada--and readers--the importance of design. [Review covers these Ada Lace Adventure titles: Ada Lace, On the Case and Ada Lace Sees Red.] (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Review by Kirkus Book Review

Using science and technology, third-grader Ada Lace kicks off her new series by solving a mystery even with her leg in a cast. Temporarily housebound after a badly executed bungee jump, Ada uses binoculars to document the ecosystem of her new neighborhood in San Francisco. She records her observations in a field journal, a project that intrigues new friend Nina, who lives nearby. When they see that Ms. Reed's dog, Marguerite, is missing, they leap to the conclusion that it has been stolen. Nina does the legwork and Ada provides the technology for their search for the dognapper. Story-crafting takes a back seat to scene-setting in this series kickoff that introduces the major players. As part of the series formula, science topics and gadgetry are integrated into the stories and further explained in a "Behind the Science" afterword. This installment incorporates drones, a wireless camera, gecko gloves, and the Turing test as well as the concept of an ecosystem. There are no ethnic indicators in the text, but the illustrations reveal that Ada, her family, and bratty neighbor Milton are white; Nina appears to be Southeast Asian; and Mr. Peebles, an inventor who lives nearby, is black. The story feels a bit contrived, but Ada will be a welcome addition to the small circle of science-loving girls in the chapter-book world. (Fiction. 7-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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Ada Lace, on the Case Chapter One GOOD-BYE WITH A SIDE OF BACON Ada was sick of sitting. She was sick of the cast on her leg. She was sick of watching the world go by without her. She should be outside, exploring the neighborhood and researching the local wildlife, but she was stuck inside. And it was her own fault. Their first week in San Francisco, Ada had attempted a bungee jump from a eucalyptus tree in the park. It was a jump she could have made with no bungee. The bungee was capable of stretching 50 percent of its length with her attached to it, but the branch was barely high enough to make the line taut. It was a careless mistake. While Ada was brooding, her mom came in. "Do you think you might come have breakfast with me before I go?" her mother asked. "I guess so. I was hoping we could skip the good-bye part," said Ada. "I'll only be gone for a few days," said Ada's mom. "These artists need a little bit of handholding. They aren't as tough as you are. I'll be back in time for your first day at school." Ada attempted a smile and, on her crutches, followed her mom down the stairs only to be nearly flattened by her brother, Elliott, outside the kitchen. He was wearing an eyepatch and a vest. A stuffed parrot hung lamely from his shoulder. Ada had been reading Treasure Island with Elliott. Now Elliott was determined to find buried treasure. Until then he was dressing the part. "Easy there, mate," said Ada's mom. "You almost capsized your sister." "Yarr!" said Elliott. "That's 'Captain' to you. Get that straight, lady, or you'll walk the plank!" "Tone it down, Elliott, or you'll spend the weekend in your room," said Ms. Lace. "Sorry, me lady," said Elliott. "Do I have to make you swab the poop deck, Elliott?" asked Mr. Lace. He placed a plate of French toast in front of Ada. It had crossed eyes. "Thanks, Pop," said Ada. It was hard to stay grumpy around her dad. "This blasted parrot won't sit!" said Elliott. "You need to secure his tail feathers." Ada wrapped the string around the parrot's tail and feet then tied it. "That requires a square knot. What you had was a granny." "Arrgh! There ye be, Ruffles. Good bird," said Elliott. "Ada, do you remember that lady we met at the farmer's market? Glenda?" asked Ada's mom. "Her daughter's about your age. They live over on Polymer Street. You should get together with her." "And do what, jump rope?" said Ada, looking down at her cast. "Very funny," said Ada's mom. "How about you have her over?" Ada shrugged. She wasn't in the mood to entertain. "It would give you a head start on being the new kid," said Ada's mom. She stood, stuffing one last piece of bacon in her mouth. "Just think about it. I'll leave the phone number." "Kay," said Ada. Her mom gave her a kiss on the cheek. Ms. Lace hugged her husband and her son and collected her bags. "Bon voyage!" yelled Elliott. "Bring me back some gold!" Ada's mom squatted beside Ada's chair. "Cheer up, sweet pea. You'll be the queen of Juniper Garden before you know it." Excerpted from ADA Lace, on the Case: An ADA Lace Adventure by Emily Calandrelli All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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