Reading Group Guide

The Sherlock Society #3: Art Attack

By James Ponti

About the Book

The Sherlock Society’s latest case is tracking down stealth graffiti artist Funky Munky—well-known for artistic statements calling out local politicians—on behalf of a developer who wants the artist to create a mural for an apartment building. The investigation leads Alex, Zoe, Lina, and Yadi deep into the colorful South Florida art scene.

But finding someone who doesn’t want to be found is challenging, and it doesn’t help that Miami Art Week is coming up, bringing lots of attention—and lots of new artists—to the area. The Sherlock Society’s best bet is an elaborate sting operation, which involves picking up spray cans themselves. Can they trap their quarry without exposing themselves?

Discussion Questions

1. As Art Attack opens, Alex is brought in for questioning by the police, and readers learn that young people are afforded specific treatment and rights. What did you learn from this exchange? Do you feel like he handled the situation appropriately? Why or why not?

2. As Alex is questioned by the police, and the officer mentions that he has been found with orange spray paint as a piece of evidence against him, Alex corrects him and states, “‘I’m not trying to be smart . . . I’m just pointing out that there’s a difference between orange and tangerine. In fact, that difference is a key to solving this case.’” (Chapter one) Based on what you know about Art Attack, why does this color distinction matter?

3. As Officer Higuera transports Alex, she tells him, “‘You strike me as an intelligent kid, but none of what you just did was smart. You realize that, don’t you?’” (Chapter one) Why is she displeased with Alex? Based on what you already know about him, do you believe she has a right to be?

4. After Alex asks about the smell in the squad car, he is told, “‘That’s the foul stench of bad decisions . . . I recommend you breathe it in deeply to help you remember to avoid it the future.’” (Chapter one) Given the investigative work Alex and the rest of the Sherlock Society conduct, do you believe making bad decisions is simply part of their work, or could they approach their work more carefully? Explain your position.

5. Jenna asks Alex and Yadi for assistance during lunch at school, and Zoe tells her, “‘Stop bothering them.’” (Chaper two) How does Zoe know that Jenna is taking advantage of Alex’s and Yadi’s likely crushes on her? Given her past relationship with Jenna, what can be inferred about Zoe’s reaction?

6. While thinking about their vulnerabilities, Zoe also tells Alex and Yadi, “‘You’re just going to have to realize that you have a higher profile now. People might pretend to be your friend for ulterior motives.’” (Chapter two) Do you believe Zoe is correct? Explain why or why not.

7. While considering whether they should take the Funky Munky case offered to them by Bennett Turner, Zoe argues that “‘the Sherlock Society would get a huge reputational boost . . . No one’s been able to figure out who Munky is.’” (Chapter three) Besides more press, can you think of any other advantages for the crew to take the case? Given those benefits to the Sherlock Society, are you surprised that Lina is against taking the case? Given her explanation, do you believe she’s right? Why or why not?

8. While being featured on a podcast, TJ Johnson shares, “‘She’s trying to make Miami a better place armed with nothing more than a can of tangerine spray paint.’” (Chapter twelve) In what ways are these words significant to the mystery at hand for the Sherlock Society? Can you think of an example from your own town where art makes a place better?

9. Consider the significance of the Crown and Monkey symbols throughout the novel. How do these elements connect the artist’s message regarding Miami’s social issues to their personal history with the Royal Crown (RC) Cola plant?

10. How is TOAST (Theory of All Small Things) used to help Alex identify Mia? In what ways is adding up many small, obscure details to get a sense of a person effective? Have you personally used openly shared small details to get a better sense of who someone is or what sorts of things matter to them?

11. Grandpa tells the team, “‘You realize the key to life isn’t being good at things; it’s finding joy in them.’” (Chapter sixteen) What is something you enjoy doing at which you may not be excellent? What makes it so joyful to you?

12. Why does Bennett Turner’s betrayal feel monumental to the Sherlock Society? Do you believe this event will impact how they do their work moving forward? Why or why not?

13. Lina reminds the team that “‘“There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”’” (Chapter twenty-one) How does using the words of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous Sherlock Holmes help her make an important point regarding the “orange” paint used by Funky Munky? In your opinion, why is it critical not to simply accept surface-level appearances or take things at face value?

14. What does the team’s use of a firewall to try to protect Funky Munky’s identity indicate about the Sherlock Society? Though their protection plan seems solid, what do they ultimately learn from this experience?

15. Why is it problematic for the arson investigation task force to be trying to identify Funky Munky?

16. From a legal perspective, a spray-painted wall may be categorized as criminal mischief because it might be seen as an act of property damage. Others believe graffiti artists are both activists and artists, creating cultural pieces though their work. From your perspective, which do you believe is true, and why?

17. Based on what you learn through reading Art Attack, do you believe there is one Sherlock Society member who contributes the most to solving this case? If so, which member, and why?

18. For the graffiti artists, why is HAT (Honor Among Thieves) so important? How does having a code of silence protect them?

19. Compare the investigative methods used by the Sherlock Society (drones, social media analysis, digital timelines) with the traditional skills of Grandpa Pete and the A1A Irregulars. How does the combination of these investigative approaches lead them to the answers that help solve the case?

20. Considering the conclusion of the novel, what do you predict will happen in the next installment of The Sherlock Society?

Extension Activities

— In Art Attack, readers are introduced to graffiti and street art and presented with a great deal of information about it throughout the novel. Using library resources and the Museum of Graffiti archive (https://museumofgraffiti.com), learn more about what makes this type of art unique. Be sure to focus on the history of this method of art, the styles and symbols, and why it’s become so important to Miami.

After synthesizing that information, have readers dig deeper and work together to also discover the standout graffiti artists and their work in the Miami area. After selecting one artist to research, put together a slide deck that showcases information about their style. For an additional extension and an international perspective, also examine the history of graffiti and street art by visiting Amsterdam’s dedicated museum website (https://www.straatmuseum.com/en/about-straat), and compare how this art medium is received and celebrated across the globe.

— In Art Attack, the Sherlock Society momentarily considers the focus for their next investigation to be dedicated to the Miami Circle, an archaeological site. Using resources from the Florida Department of State (https://dos.fl.gov/historical/archaeology/projects/miami-circle/) and Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage (https://www.trailoffloridasindianheritage.org/miami-circle/), have students research the following:

- What is the Miami Circle?

- Where is it located?

- Who built it and why?

- How was it discovered?

- What did excavations led by archaeologists unearth?

After completing their investigation, ask readers to share the most interesting facts they uncovered with others.

— As a way to explore the interior of a structurally unsafe building without having to physically enter, Yadi utilizes a drone equipped with FPV (First-Person View) goggles to allow him to see a 3D environment in real time as a way for the team to work on their case. Explore what FPV drones can do by learning the following:

- How does FPV work?

- What kind of gear is required?

- What is the typical experience?

- What type of equipment is necessary?

- What is the average cost?

- What safety measures should be prioritized when utilizing an FPV drone?

To learn more about these types of drones, explore uploaded footage to see the variety of ways these types of drones are used.

— In Art Attack, the Sherlock Society is hired and works together to uncover the identity of Funky Munky, Miami’s popular and celebrated anonymous graffiti artist. While Funky Munky is a fictional character, select and learn more about one of the following renowned graffiti and street art artists: Shepard Fairey, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lady Pink, MadC, or Banksy.

- What is this artist’s background?

- What makes their style unique?

- What do/did they hope to accomplish or highlight with their art?

- Why makes their particular style appealing?

- What other interesting facts did you learn about this artist?

After they complete this research, have readers share what they learned with one another.

— As Art Attack opens, readers witness Alex using what he has learned from his mother in legal interactions as he is questioned and detained by the police. Use databases and online resources to research and discover more about concepts such as criminal mischief and illegal search, as well as learn more about the specific legal regulations governing the treatment of minors and what specific rights are afforded to them. Armed with this new knowledge, share what you learned with other readers.

This guide was created by Dr. Rose Brock. Rose is an associate professor in the Library Science Department in the College of Education at Sam Houston State University and holds a Ph.D. in Library Science, specializing in children’s and young adult literature.

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