Ruby Redfort Take Your Last Breath

From School Library Journal Gr 5-8-What do asteroids, sharks, and buried treasure have in common? They are all part of a day's work for a Spectrum agent-in-training. As a 13-year-old secret agent, Ruby Redfort balances school, the swim team, and solving crimes and mysteries. When dolphins start showing up in the harbor, strange sounds are heard in the ocean, and cargo shipments go missing, Spectrum has Ruby all over the case. With the help of her sidekick/butler, Hitch, and her best friend, Clancy, she soon discovers that someone is after the legendary treasure out at sea. Ruby is a smart, feisty, and definitely fun character who easily pulls readers into this fast-paced mystery. There are a variety of secret codes throughout the book that readers can have a go at in the concluding section. While this is the second title in the series, it can definitely stand alone, although readers will surely want to read more about this spunky character's adventures.-Kerry Roeder, Professional Children's School, New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. From Booklist The sequel to Ruby Redfort: Look into My Eyes (2012) won’t disappoint readers who enjoyed the wit, irony, and creativity of Clarice Bean’s favorite girl detective. As the book opens, Spectrum agent Ruby is at dive school in Hawaii, confronting one of her few fears (claustrophobia) and ignoring the sharks around her. Back home in Twinford, you can be sure both these elements will resurface—along with pirates who are trying to kill her parents, messages sent over Muzak radio stations, a peculiarly potent sea monster, family legends featuring brave little girls and large gemstones, and the return of evil Count von Viscount. Our favorite characters are all here: the smooth butler Hitch, irascible but devoted housekeeper Mrs. Digby, and Ruby’s best friend Clancy Crew. Graphics include musical scores, maps that organize ideas and events, and Morse code. It’s as if James Bond met Nancy Drew met Harriet the Spy, and it works most effectively, complete with appendixes that discuss code breaking in music, text, and graphics. Three cheers for a determinedly wholesome mystery series that doesn’t talk down to its tween audience. Grades 5-8. --Debbie Carton It’s as if James Bond met Nancy Drew met Harriet the Spy, and it works most effectively, complete with appendixes that discuss code breaking in music, text, and graphics. Three cheers for a determinedly wholesome mystery series that doesn’t talk down to its tween audience.—Booklist OnlineRuby is a smart, feisty, and definitely fun character who easily pulls readers into this fast-paced mystery. There are a variety of secret codes throughout the book that readers can have a go at in the concluding section. While this is the second title in the series, it can definitely stand alone, although readers will surely want to read more about this spunky character’s adventures.—School Library JournalThe codes (musical and binary) that Ruby deciphers are great fun... [A] middle-grade mystery for budding sleuths.—Kirkus ReviewsRuby will appeal to young readers who like their action with a dash of danger, and their heroines witty and independent.—VOYA Lauren Child has published many best-selling and award-winning books, including the hugely popular Charlie and Lola and Clarice Bean series. She has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal. Lauren Child lives in London. Read more