Reach for this book when your middle schooler is looking for a fast paced mystery that treats their intelligence with respect. It is an ideal choice for the child who loves professional sports but is starting to ask deeper questions about how the world works behind the cameras. The story follows two teenage aspiring journalists, Stevie and Susan Carol, as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a star player during the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, the book explores the integrity required in journalism and the importance of standing up for what is right even when powerful adults are involved. It is perfectly suited for the 10 to 14 age range, offering a sophisticated look at professional ethics and friendship without dipping into overly mature content. Parents will appreciate how it encourages critical thinking about media and the pressure of elite competition.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonists must decide whether to follow the rules or break them to find the truth.
The book touches on international politics and the pressures of fame. The approach is direct and secular. While there is a sense of danger, the resolution is hopeful and realistic, emphasizing justice over corporate interests.
An 11 or 12-year-old who loves statistics and sports trivia but also enjoys a complex puzzle. It is perfect for the student who writes for the school paper or someone who feels like adults don't always take their observations seriously.
The book can be read cold. Parents might want to discuss the real-world geography of the U.S. Open or the history of sports journalism to add flavor, but the text provides enough context on its own. A parent might notice their child becoming skeptical of news headlines or expressing a desire for more autonomy in their interests and hobbies.
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the 'cool factor' of being a teen reporter and the mystery of the disappearance. Older readers (13-14) will better appreciate the nuances of the media industry and the ethical dilemmas the characters face.
Unlike many YA mysteries that rely on supernatural elements or school drama, this series uses the authentic, gritty world of professional sports reporting as its backdrop, thanks to Feinstein's real-life expertise.
Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Thomas, two 14-year-old sports reporters who met in a previous installment, are covering the U.S. Open in New York. When a top-seeded Russian player, Nadia Symanova, disappears before her match, the adults suspect a defection or a simple withdrawal. However, the teens notice inconsistencies and embark on an underground investigation through the tunnels of Flushing Meadows to find the truth.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.