Eddie Red Undercover

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

Written with a Noiresque accent Eddie Red Undercover brings to life a smart, artistic, sharp-thinking young (African-American) hero. Eddie can draw - and he has a photographic memory. Two excellent characteristics that give him an entry into the dark world of police undercover work and art heists. His problems: he can't tell anyone; he's working for a real tough-guy detective; he doesn't make the rules; and sometimes he forgets. Eddie's subplot involves his attendance at a high-powered, expensive school in NYC. His dad has lost his job and Eddie is determined to earn money to help pay his tuition. This would be a little far-fetched considering the cost of private schools. However, the reader leaps over the reality hurdle to enjoy the fun of what will be a series of Eddie Red stories. Let's hope they all maintain the freshness and don't become dependent upon the repetition of cliche phrases from book one. With a fast-moving, easy-to-read plot Eddie's story kept my sixth grader reviewer's interest. He read the book over a weekend.

Overall Book Score: very good