The Parker Inheritance, by Varian Johnson, for MMGM

Given all the travel I have between now and the school-year kicking off, this will be my last post of the summer. So I’m thrilled to go out with a bang and spotlight this brain-bending story by fellow Carolinian Varian JohnsonThe Parker Inheritance!

This is one of those books that defies the easy categories we usually go to. Is it historical? A contemporary ‘issue’ book? A mystery? Is it even entirely middle-grade? The answer is it’s all of them–and yes, it actually pulls off that tall order with admirable panache!

The contemporary mystery (and most MG) element of the book focuses on Candice and her new friend Brandon, as they explore a mysterious letter Candice found in her Grandma’s attic. The letter is very mysterious, hinting at a dark secret of racial wrong-doing, and promising a large inheritance while providing clues to anyone brave enough to search out the truth–and it’s linked to Candice’s grandma having left town in shame. Since Candice and her mom are staying in her Grandma’s old house (thanks to her parents divorce necessitating the sale of their home in Atlanta), she’s happy to pursue the clues as a way to pass time that summer while maybe clearing her grandma’s name and getting enough cash to save her house in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, the background behind the mystery she and Brandon explore is given in chapters from different povs, as the reader sees first hand what happened to the Washington family, and why the town is so reluctant to reveal the truth that the mayor ordered anyone in the city administration who received the letter to treat it like a hoax and throw it away. Candice’s grandma ignored that order and tried to solve the mystery, but took a misstep and ended up looking a bit of a fool instead, leading in turn to her being forced to ‘resign’ from her job and leave town. Thankfully, she raised Candice to love puzzles and riddles, and with Brandon’s inside scoop on the town and their shared book love, the two make a great team.

I don’t want to say too much about the clues and mystery because I’d feel awful if I spoiled it for you–but it’s definitely a satisfying set of clues with more brain-bending than is common in middle grade mysteries. The clues in the letter and the mind puzzles sprinkled throughout go way beyond ‘who dunnit’ and involve ciphers, as well as word and logic riddles. I really enjoy that kind of thing, so was grinning throughout and super impressed with the way the writing and puzzling dove-tailed to create an amazing package that also takes on issues of racism and LGBTQ dicrimination head on, drawing some insightful parellels.
I was also really impressed by the deft handling of the different timelines and povs. A book that attempts this much often winds up a hot mess, but that was not the case here. In fact, the story was so well balanced that I could never make up my mind if I preferred the chapters set back in time, or the contemporary mystery ones. Each has their strengths, as the historic chapters have highly compelling content, and I think those characters and their passions will stay with me longest, living in vivid detail in my brain. Balanced against that, the mystery Candice and Brandon are exploring was written in a clean, paired down style that felt authentic to these contemporary kids, and pulled me along no matter what my lights-out time, with high-stakes plotting and intriguing clues.

I highly recommend this story to every classroom and family of readers! My one caution is that I wonder if precocious younger readers will pick it up–thanks to the cartoon-style cover and slim descriptive hints on the back cover–and find themselves in over their heads. They’d probably still enjoy it, but I hope there’d be an adult reader somewhere nearby who could help them cope with some of the more painful historic content, and make sure they understand which words–like negro–should not become part of their common-use vocabulary.

It’s clear I loved it! Let’s see if I can get the cats to weigh in:

“This story was so twisty. First you think it’s going one way, then it goes the other. I liked hearing it, but now I can’t remember where my up and my down went.”

I did mention this book has lots of cool riddles, right? In fact, it’s also made me realize I should have read The Westing Game a long time ago, since some of the kids’ clues tie back to it. Mystery readers will love The Parker Inheritance, but so will kids who love riddles and puzzles–which is most kids. 😀

I can’t wait to hear what you’re all reading! I need to stock up on books before my trips, because we all know the most dreaded moment for a traveler is when you’re stuck somewhere…with nothing to read. 😉

For the full run-down of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday reviews, spotlights, interviews and giveaways, stop by Greg Pattridge’s blog, and happy reading!

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13 Comments

  1. Reply

    Do you use Edelweiss or Netgalley for E ARCs? When I travel, it’s easier to take my Nook with lots of titles on it, although it’s not keeping a charge the way I would like. It is the most horrible thing (well, reading wise!)to get stuck somewhere without something to read!

    • Reply

      I really–really, really–need to get set up on Netgalley and Edelweiss so I can get arcs! As is I use ebooks from the library a lot, but of course they don’t have some of the newest books and can’t get them till they release. Maybe this upcoming trip will give me the nudge I need!

  2. Reply

    This book sounds like an exciting read since it involves a mystery, riddles and clues, and a great cast of determined characters. I’ll have to check it out. Love the cover! Excellent review. And enjoy the remainder of your summer.

  3. Reply

    The themes present in this book are ripe for discussion. I read this last year as it was a finalist for CYBILS and ended up winning. I’d welcome a sequel.
    Have a great rest of the summer!

  4. Reply

    So great to make this your summer-close post. I LOVED this and agree, having refreshed memory of thee WESTING GAME is helpful. The plus is that it works without having read the book (or reading long ago, for adults) and it made me run right out and reread that book. A great way to send summer readers to the library for a deep dive. Side note, I truly enjoyed the characters in this one and the way in which age mattered, but did not adversely impact the roles and appeal of each.
    It’s no wonder this one has won multiple awards. Really well-deserved, and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer author!

    Have a great time in your travels and return safely and rested.

    Sandy

    • Reply

      Yes, it’s great when books can provide a send-off to the library for more books, eh? And Varian truly is a delight–like his characters. 😀

      Thanks, and happy summering to you, too!

  5. Reply

    This sounds like a great way for kids to learn about our history. Thanks for telling me about it. I love mysteries and puzzles, so I think I will like it.

    • Reply

      That was part of what I loved, too–that it will pull in kids who need to learn more history but might not pick up those books on their own. I think you’ll really enjoy it!

  6. Pingback: Tales from the Raven » The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin, for MMGM

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