Ted Hammond loves a good mystery, and in the spring of his fifth-grade year, he's working on a big one. How can his school in the little town of Plattsford stay open next year if there are going to be only five students? Out here on the Great Plains, in western Nebraska, everyone understands that if you lose the school, you lose the town. But the mystery that has Ted's full attention at the moment is about that face, the face he sees in the upper window of the Andersons' house as he rides past on his paper route. The Andersons moved away two years ago, and their old farmhouse is empty and boarded up tight. At least it's supposed to be. A shrinking school in a dying town. A face in the window of an empty house. At first these facts don't seem to be related. But Ted Hammond learns that in a very small town, there's no such thing as an isolated event. And the solution of one mystery is often the beginning of another.
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"This book was pretty good. It is about this kid named Ted Hammond, and he was on his paper route one day and he saw a girl in the up stairs window in an abandoned house. The next day he went to check it out. He set up a stake out in the barn behind the house. When he was going out of the barn, the girl was standing on the side of the barn and she said "are you going to tell on us." I would recomend this book because it is really good." — Matise (4 out of 5 stars)
"This book was pretty good. It is about this kid named Ted Hammond, and he was on his paper route one day and he saw a girl in the up stairs window in an abandoned house. The next day he went to check it out. He set up a stake out in the barn behind the house. When he was going out of the barn, the girl was standing on the side of the barn and she said "are you going to tell on us." I would recomend this book because it is really good."
“Authentic, topical…Like every good mystery, this one has an unexpected conclusion. Once again Clements captures real people and real issues, as he shapes another fine work of fiction.”
“Explores the potential conflict between promises and duty. There is a good balance of seriousness and humor with brisk, realistic dialogue and observations…Clements’ usual excellent sense of character is evident. Both adults and young people are multidimensional, with true-to-life emotions and concerns…The conclusion is unexpected but satisfying.”
“The convincing, contemporary rural setting is an inextricable element of the novel…refreshingly innocent.”
“Nicely up-to-date but set in a kinder, gentler and rapidly disappearing world…Once again, Clements offers readers an intelligent protagonist, trustworthy adults, an interesting school situation and a real-life problem in a story that moves swiftly.”
" Currently reading to 4th graders. "
" This book is very interesting. When a boy finds a small family in an abandoned house, things get stirred up. This book had my attention from the start! "
" I read as a a coach for the 5th grade battle of the books, enjoyed. "
" I loved it, the story was good, it wasn't Clements best but I did have tears in my eyes at a few points in the story. I love that the boy was caring enough to try and help those that are in need. An inspiring story. "
" Most of Andrew Clements books are rather similiar. I found this too political and contrived. His other ones are better. I like No Talking and Frindle best. "
" It was very childish and dull. "
" A little simple for me, but i still LOVED IT! (haha I'm realizing that I'm saying that for every book!) "
" Clements touches on morality and other difficulties that children face with sensitivity. "
" This book was one of my favorite mystery books that I ever read and it has mysteries in one. "
" i liked it when i read it but that was a while ago so it's a kiddy book "
" I really LOVED this book, I thought it was interesting How April and her family lived in the anbanded house!!! "
" Another classic from Clements. "
" This is a good kid friendly story that has some good themes about service and honesty that can be discussed while reading. "
" I just got this book today and it is good so far! "
" Pretty cool...a bit weird... "
" I seemed to jjjuuuusssstttt ddddrrrrraaaaaggggg oooooonnnnn "
" Mystery is not my favorite, but I really liked the story! :D "
" Listened during our car trip to WV. Very touching story. "
" This book made me sad. The mom is running away from a man because he wants to marry her. So she and kids are living in an old broken down abandoned farm. Ted helps them by bringing them food and water. "
" Worth reading, but I found the ending a little too pat. Children need hope and I do believe we can make a difference, but issues of homelessness, poverty and abuse require a bit more nuance. "
" Reading this with my 3rdgrade homeroom.. sloooooooww going, not loving this Clements book anywhere near as much as I love Frindle! "
" Clements is such a wonderful author! I really liked how the story developed and how it took turns that I never expected! Great writing! =) "
" I loved this book and read it again and again. It is very suspenseful and interesting. The only thing is it's a bit easy. "
" This was an awesome book. I LOVED the ending. "
" I read this to my sixth grade class. They really enjoyed it. Andrew Clements is a great author. "
" i spent HOURS reading this book.It's too good to be true! Andrew never does mystery books but this is just so awesome i cant explain it!It's more than awesome ,its superb! What an adventure! "
" About a boy who solves the mystery of a family staying in an abandoned house. "
" My son and I really enjoyed this one and will look for another by the author. Of course, he could have read it on his own, but sometimes it's nice to take the time to read together, even when they are older. "
" Meet a boy named Ted he lives in a deatheless town, on his paper route he sees a face in a window. Is it a ghost???????? Read this book to find out!!!!!!:) "
" This book is so clever!! It kept me on the edge of my seat!! I couldn't put it down! This mystery kept me wanting more!! "
" Andrew Clements understands elementary age children and is thus able to write engaging books that they enjoy. This was a good mystery. "
" i learned from the book is to help everyone who needs help. "
" This was the first book i read by Andrew Clements and so far my favorite!!!!!! It is the best book ever!!!!! I would probably read it again!!!!!! "
Andrew Clements is the author of the enormously successful children’s novel Frindle. He has won two Christopher Awards and an Edgar Award, and more than ten million of his books are in print. His popular works include About Average, Troublemaker, Extra Credit, and others. Clements is a graduate of Northwestern and National Louis universities, and he currently lives in central Massachusetts with his wife.
Keith Nobbs is a stage, television, and film actor who is best known for his portrayal of Joey Ice Cream in the television series The Black Donnellys. He has acted on Broadway with the Roundabout Theatre Company and appeared in such television shows as The Sopranos, Law & Order, and New York Undercover.
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