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Pepper's Rules for Secret Sleuthing

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About The Book

“Will delight middle grade readers craving suspense, mystery, and puzzles. A page-turner packed with wisdom and heart.” —Barbara Dee, author of Star-Crossed

Nancy Drew meets Harriet the Spy in this action-packed and heartfelt debut middle grade following an overzealous amateur sleuth as she investigates a shocking family secret—and unravels the mystery of her developing feelings for girls.

Rule One: Your loyalty is to the case.

Amateur detective Pepper Blouse has always held true to this rule, even if it meant pushing people away. But when the results of Pepper’s latest case cost her any hope of the girl she likes returning her feelings, she decides that maybe she should lay low for a while.

That is, until her Great Aunt Florence passes away under mysterious circumstances. And even though her dad insists there’s nothing to investigate, Pepper can’t just ignore rule fourteen: Trust your gut.

But there’s nothing in the rulebook that could’ve prepared her for the family secrets her investigation uncovers.

Maybe it’s time to stop playing by the rules.

About The Author

Briana McDonald writes diverse and adventurous books for young readers. She studied writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University and her short fiction has appeared in several literary journals. When she’s not writing, Briana lives and works in New York City with her wife and their dog, Rex. She is the author of Pepper’s Rules for Secret Sleuthing, The Secrets of Stone Creek, and Galaxy Jones and the Space Pirates. Find out more at BrianaRoseMcDonald.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 29, 2020)
  • Length: 240 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534453456
  • Grades: 3 - 7
  • Ages: 8 - 12
  • Lexile ® 760L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

"Exciting and fast-paced... A fun debut that is notable for its thematic depth and queer characters."

– Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2020

“Irrepressible and lovable, Pepper joins the ranks of the best kid sleuths—and shows that sometimes the heart is the toughest mystery.”

– Eliot Schrefer, author of National Book Award Finalist Endangered

“McDonald has crafted a debut chock full of heart. Pepper isn't just a queer Nancy Drew—she's a relatable and lovable character all her own.”

– Nicole Melleby, author of Hurricane Season

“A modern take on a classic genre. Pepper is a hero kids will root for.”

– Eric Bell, author of Alan Cole is Not a Coward

“This Nancy-Drew-style sleuthing tale with a modern sensibility will delight middle grade readers craving suspense, mystery and puzzles. A page-turner packed with wisdom and heart.”

– Barbara Dee, author of Star-Crossed

Awards and Honors

  • Kansas NEA Reading Circle List Junior Title

Resources and Downloads

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More books from this author: Briana McDonald