Bubblegum Shoes: The Case of the Contraband Closet

After the Incident occurred, Maya became an outcast at her school, and even though her sleuthing may have caused the trouble before, she can’t help herself from taking on another case. When she discovers the principal has confiscated items from the other girls in detention and stashed them in the Contraband Closet, Maya decides to break it open, especially if returning the contraband means she might get her best friend back. However, when the group finds the closet empty, they are blamed and must either quickly figure out who did it or face harsher consequences. With the assistance of the Happy Helpers Club, the girls sneak about trying to find out where the stuff went, but Maya takes her conclusions too far too fast again and risks losing her new friends and even her future.

This middle-grade debut by YA author Goldy Moldavsky is quirky, fun, and full of heart. The case wraps up so masterfully for so many colorful characters, with just a hint of romance and a dash of family matters. Truly great storytelling for fans of James Ponti and Stuart Gibbs, readers will eagerly await more of Maya’s mischief and mayhem.