Chasing Secrets

Reviewed by: Cathy Potter - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2015

Review

Despite being enrolled in Miss Barstow's School for Young Women, spunky Lizzie Kennedy would rather help her doctor father make house calls to families in San Francisco. The thirteen year-old main character doesn’t fit society's vision of a polished young woman in 1900. When the plague breaks out in the city, Lizzie boldly steps in to try to have Jing, her family’s servant, released from quarantine in Chinatown. Lizzie shares secrets with Jing's son and her new friends Gemma and Gus as they investigate the possible cover-up of the epidemic by the local newspaper and businessmen. Middle grade readers will find Choldenko's latest historical fiction novel an exciting read that weaves together history and medicine and shines light on racism, sexism and socio-economic issues from the turn of the century. Choldenko's thorough research is evident in the back matter including an author’s note, timeline, and source notes.

Overall Book Score: very good