Trespassers

Eighth grader Gabby Woods is ready for her family’s annual trip to their lake house in Wisconsin’s north woods, a multigenerational tradition. With the closing of the paper mill that her father manages, though, this summer could be their last at the lake. A nudge from new neighbor Paige draws her out of herself—and her tendency to spend the vacation reading mysteries—and into investigating and documenting a real-life mystery surrounding the abandoned house on a nearby bluff. Bard, making her solo debut, matches her story with friendly art that feels consistent with its lake house setting; the distinctively drawn cabins evoke a specific place and seasonal moment, lending themselves to sunny days and spooky elements. Gabby’s slow process of emerging from her shell and her uneasy friendship with the more rebellious and outgoing Paige illustrates the way in which childhood friendships are often formed by proximity and necessity, and her supportive family and extended community, including an avuncular neighbor, are comforting additions. Though the resolution of the mystery veers toward anticlimax, it ultimately lands on refreshingly realistic simplicity. A cozy tale of mystery and friendship that will appeal to readers looking for a summer read. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: Alex Slater, Trident Media Group. (May) [/em]