Blue Schwartz and Nefertiti's Necklace: A Mystery with Recipes
Grade 4–6—This fast-paced mystery, set in the heart of Chicago, has well-developed characters. Blue is a typical teen until she is accused of stealing a necklace from the house where she babysits. The priceless antique belonged to Nefertiti, and Blue is desperate to find the thief before her accuser calls the police. At the same time, she's trying to combine her love of cooking with a difficult school project for a mean-spirited teacher. In the end, this smart, creative girl is able to expose the real criminal and get the best of her teacher as well. Hechtman builds teenage frustration and helplessness into a story that readers will relate to from the start. Blue's favorite recipes are included.—Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.