The Great Shelby Holmes (Great Shelby Holmes #1)

Gr 3-6—Shelby Holmes is a plucky sixth-grade detective known for solving problems in her Harlem neighborhood. John Watson is a self-proclaimed army brat dealing with his parents' divorce and a move to what he hopes will be his forever home. When Watson moves into Shelby's building, Shelby discovers that friendship might be the greatest mystery of all. This middle grade retelling of the classic Sherlock Holmes/Watson relationship will delight readers as they attempt to solve the mystery of a missing dog. Told from Watson's perspective, this title introduces readers to Shelby's curt behavior in a manner that allows them to empathize with the girl as she learns how to be a friend. Ample time is also given to Watson's journey from detective's assistant to a full-fledged partner. Secondary plots about Watson coping with his parents' divorce and the difficulties of making new friends when he frequently moves will appeal to a large group of readers. The overall message of accepting others is made without seeming overly preachy. Readers will look forward to the conclusion of the mystery and will anxiously anticipate additional books in the series. VERDICT Eulberg's middle grade debut is a first purchase for mystery lovers.—Ashley Leffel, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX

In this series opener, Eulberg (We Can Work It Out) creates a lively present-day update of Sherlock Holmes, one with plenty of winks to the source material. Eleven-year-old John Watson has grown up on multiple army bases, but now that his parents are splitting up, he and his mother move to 211 Baker Street--in Harlem--where he meets nine-year-old neighbor Shelby Holmes. Watson is intrigued by the brilliant and intense Shelby, who is known throughout the neighborhood for her crime-solving talent. Her prickly demeanor can be challenging, but Watson is amazed by Shelby's powers of observation and deduction, and soon the two are helping a classmate locate her missing show dog. Watson's struggles adjusting to New York City life, making friends, and missing his father are captured believably. Readers will delight in Shelby's ability to read clues in this well-plotted mystery and sympathize with Watson who, along with the rest of the supporting cast, is generally two steps behind Shelby. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Erin Malone, William Morris Endeavor. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Sept.)

"Young readers will admire the super sleuth and her equally likable sidekick. Perfect for mystery fans." - School Library Connection

"Eulberg obviously has a fine time with Holmesian references . . . middle- grade readers . . . may simply enjoy getting in on the ground floor of a new mystery series." - BCCB