Overview

"It's 2008, and ten-year-old Montgomery ""Monty"" Carver is out to find the origin of a golden key found in his Southside Chicago community--which may or may not host the next Olympic games, or supply the next President of the United States, or... have a potential ghost hanging around. In 2008 Chicago, in the Southside community of Washington Park, Montgomery""Monty"" Carver had hoped for the best summer ever! Unfortunately, things aren't going as planned. Monty is struggling to prove to his parents that he's old enough to be without adult supervision--especially after a very embarrassing incident with a metal detector. Man! So when Monty finds a golden key in Old Lady Jenkins's sunflowers, he decides he's going to unravel the key's mystery all by himself, thank you very much. No parents allowed. Besides, he's ten years old now, and he's mastered the perfectly round 'fro! (It takes a protractor, you see.) Soon Monty's hunt to determine the origin of the key leads him to discover the rich history--like famous Black jockeys!--of his Chicago community, which has been speculating its future since one of their residents, Barack Obama, is running for president and the Olympics might come to town in 2016. On top of all that speculating, there are rumors going around that a ghost is hanging out behind their apartment building, and that Monty's elementary school may have to close. So much to solve! Should the Olympics come to Washington Park? What happens if his school closes? Is there really a ghost? And where, oh where, did the key come from anyway? Monty is determined to find out."

Full Product Details

9781643795171

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Reviews

New Visions Award Winner, Tu Books

"""Crowder employs Monty's inquisitive and irrepressible first-person narration to rousing effect, making for a spirited novel that encourages curiosity while highlighting a protagonist alongside the neighborhood and history fueling his personal growth."" -- Publishers Weekly ""Tu Books' New Visions Award winner Crowder's debut depicts a vibrant community, showcasing the importance of civic responsibility and the power of grassroots organization. The narrative's first-person perspective captures Monty's infinite curiosity and endearing sense of wonder. An engaging novel drawing strength from its rich narrative voice and celebrating Black historical luminaries."" -- Kirkus Reviews Junior Library Guild Selection New Visions Award Winner, Tu Books"

"""Crowder employs Monty's inquisitive and irrepressible first-person narration to rousing effect, making for a spirited novel that encourages curiosity while highlighting a protagonist alongside the neighborhood and history fueling his personal growth."" -- Publishers Weekly ""Including heartfelt journal entries and vibrant illustrations from Sorra, this voice-y novel is an unforgettable adventure through a nostalgic decade, showcasing the times right before they were about to change. "" -- Booklist ""Tu Books' New Visions Award winner Crowder's debut depicts a vibrant community, showcasing the importance of civic responsibility and the power of grassroots organization. The narrative's first-person perspective captures Monty's infinite curiosity and endearing sense of wonder. An engaging novel drawing strength from its rich narrative voice and celebrating Black historical luminaries."" -- Kirkus Reviews Junior Library Guild Selection New Visions Award Winner, Tu Books"

"""Crowder's debut depicts a vibrant community, showcasing the importance of civic responsibility and the power of grassroots organization. The narrative's first-person perspective captures Monty's infinite curiosity and endearing sense of wonder. An engaging novel drawing strength from its rich narrative voice and celebrating Black historical luminaries."" -- Kirkus Reviews Junior Library Guild Selection New Visions Award Winner, Tu Books"

Author Information

Tracy Occomy Crowder is an avid mystery lover and community organizer. She has worked to address issues of racial equity across Illinois for the past thirty years, particularly in education, economic security, and housing. In this work, she supported parents to bring recess back to Chicago Public Schools. As an author, she enjoys creating work steeped in Black history, culture, and struggles-- blending unknown historical facts with humor and everyday experiences. This is Tracy's first middle grade novel. She can be found at blackteacupmysteries.com.

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