While there are some very important topics introduced – homelessness, big company pollution, fairness – this book felt underdeveloped. There are some positives. It is short, just 46 pages, and accessible to middle grade readers as far as readability. Harbor books are written at a 2nd- to 3rd-grade reading level with an interest level of ages 10 and up.

In this book, two friends share a love of exploring and stumble upon a mystery in a vacant lot, which leads them to discovering what’s really happening in their town.

The plot is extremely dialogue-driven (some might like this), but it left the characters static. In an attempt to keep the story short, the story misses context and background, which would help the reader understand motivation and character decisions. There are some serious logic problems, primarily in regard to the librarian, and this left the story very flat and too simple.

While the attempt is to appeal to “reluctant readers” the simplicity leaves little to discuss or examine for readers.