Framed!

Summary

7th grader Florian Bates notices small details other people overlook. When he adds them up, they reveal secrets, like where someone is from or whether the new neighborhood has kids Florian's age. He calls this technique TOAST, and at first, it's just a game he plays with his new friend Margaret.

But one day, Florian and Margaret's TOAST practice uncovers something suspicious, and their observations become clues to a massive crime. Suddenly, the FBI wants Florian to use his skills to help solve a mystery! But things get dangerous when the clues point to an international Mafia syndicate, a Romanian crime boss, and help from someone on museum staff.

Somehow, Florian has to do his homework, keep up with extra-curriculars, and help the FBI solve a mystery, all at the same time.

Why I love this book

As a mystery, Framed! is exciting, funny, and full of surprises. Florian's skill of observation is like that of Sherlock Holmes, but he narrates with a tone that makes readers his friends. Readers don't know what Florian has figured out until he announces it to Margaret or his parents, and it's only after declaring his conclusions that he explains how he got there. The suspense makes the book hard to put down!

While the premise of the novel is a tad unrealistic, some of what Florian experiences and learns along the way is highly relevant to young readers. Florian navigates new friendships and a new school, and he also learns the consequences of poor decisions. Few books in this genre manage to tell an exciting story while encouraging rule-following and basic safety practices. The book also explores themes of adoption in a gentle way.

Potential concerns

None.

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