Room One: A Mystery or Two

Though Andrew Clements' books--the two that I've read--stop short of being five-star classics for me, I can't quite pinpoint what they're missing. This one, especially, has an engrossing plot, and it addresses themes of homelessness and veterans' issues without toeing a political party line or beating readers over the head. I also found the setting--a tiny Midwestern town on the brink of dying out in the corporate mega-farm age--refreshingly unexpected. I liked the protagonist and related to his ethical wrestling, and I appreciated the novel's meta-commentary on the appeal of mystery. So I think the missing piece is the same as what it was in Frindle. I think I was noticing the absence of well-developed child characters other than the protagonist. The protagonist of this book does have one peer his own age, but other than that, he's surrounded by adults. Clements portrays adults sensitively and realistically, but given that this is a children's book, I expected to be reading about children!

My fourth grader needed to read a mystery book for her school book report. This seemed to fit the bill as it states there is a "mystery or two" inside this book. It was a great book, however I wouldn't consider this book a mystery at all. I liked the themes of the book - we enjoyed reading about what a one room school looked like as well as discussed why people would be moving away from their town. The issues facing the family in the book were quite serious but the book handles them in an age-appropriate manner. I'd give the book 5 stars if it were indeed a true mystery.

Love this book!

Centered on a very engaging sixth grader, this book seems aimed at about the third or fourth grade level. It isn't really a mystery, but is more about promises, duty and responsibility. The setting is realistic, dialogue is sound, motivations and actions make sense. The overall effect is low key and rather mild, but I would think it would be very satisfying for a younger reader.

One boys curiosity cracks the case as he dares to make a difference in a small town. I would recommend this to any mystery lover!

The story is interesting but the boy displays an inexcusable rude attitude towards his teacher who is apologetic when she shouldn't be.Attitudes like this, in children's books, should not be promoted unless the children displaying them have consequences for behaving the way they do, otherwise, it makes the behavior acceptable.

Review from a 9 year old boy:In this story we find Ted Hammond trying to figure out who could be in an abandoned farmhouse. Great book all-round. Enjoy.

Ii read this book out loud to my 8 year old daughter. I had a hard time putting it down! A wonderful, touching story and I highly recommend it! Even my 12 year old enjoyed listening, and usually she ignores us. We have been poring through books by Andrew Clements, and have enjoyed each one immensely!

Great story, reader has a perfect voice.

Good buy. Prompt services.