This nostalgic glimpse into two historical eras--World War I and The Great Depression--is a refreshing story full of hope and mystery. It reminds older readers of a time when playing outside and solving (and/or creating) old mysteries was all the entertainment we had, or needed. This is a great book to share with students who love history and a good mystery. Our narrator, Abilene, is a young girl sent to live in Manifest, Kansas, with "strangers" for the summer, while her dad works on the railroad. She makes friends on her first day (the last day of school), and she quickly enlists their help solving the mystery of who the WWI spy, "The Rattler," was, which mirrors her more private search for answers about her dad and his past in Manifest, Kansas. The town itself is full of interesting characters and intrigue, and the two parallel stories keep readers turning pages to find out how everything is all related. It is easy to see why this is a Newbery Award Winner!!!
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