(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Reid Kikuo Johnson. Peter and Myla, twelve-year-old neighbors in Dobbs Ferry, just north of NYC, work together to investigate the disappearance of Peter's older brother, Randall. Graffiti, parkour, diamond smuggling, gang knaves, and a family secret involving the boys' deceased diamond-cutter grandmother all factor into the mystery. An exciting, fast-paced, and diversely populated urban adventure told from the rotating viewpoints of Myla, Peter, and (later) Randall.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 Neela has a hard time reconciling her East Indian heritage with her life in America; playing the veena, a traditional Indian stringed instrument, is one way she does so. When the veena mysteriously disappears, Neela is desperate to find it, traveling as far as India to solve the mystery. The story engagingly addresses cultural differences and musical aspirations while providing a compelling mystery.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl