Tarpley, Natasha. The Harlem Charade.
Scholastic Press 2017 297p $16.99 ISBN 978-0-545-78387-3 ms Mystery/Detective E-BN
Set in Harlem, this story concerns three young people who
solve a mystery and save their neighborhood from a shifty developer. Jin
(Chinese), Elvin and Alex (African American) discover lost paintings that have
been hidden for years. They follow clues while searching for information about
who had attacked Elvin’s grandfather. Along the way they learn about the
vibrant historic artistic life of Harlem and learn the valuable lesson of
preserving history to ensure a fulfilling future.
A politician wants to tear down historic neighborhood
buildings to build a glitzy amusement park that gives only lip service to the
past. The young people uncover his true motives and save the neighborhood.
The plot is complicated, with many twists and false
leads. Interwoven into this mystery are the personal relationships among the
main characters. Each one learns to grow into his/her true self. Filled with
real locations and references to a few real events, this story brings Harlem to
life. The history and fiction are skillfully interwoven. Because the novel is
beautifully written with fast-paced action, the reader cannot wait to reach the
conclusion. It is an excellent purchase for middle-school libraries, the best
this reviewer has read in a long time.
Summary: This is a story about young people coming
together to solve a mystery and save a neighborhood by discovering some of its
past. It encompasses the themes of friendship, loyalty, and community in an
action-packed adventure. Grades 5-10.
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