Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Maryn Belling

Whether you love American history, anthropology, the 19th century (late 1800s) or young ladies who defy expectations eruditely, this book series is a win. If you grew up reading the American Girl books, this series builds on reading styles you already enjoy. If you’re an adult choosing books for a younger reader, this series is similar to 100 Years of Solitude in its narrative construction, character development, and world-building – except of course you’ll already have learned 140 years of history about the places.

Whether you read book 1 (Emma) or not, this book will set you on the right path for some midwestern excitement in the late 19th century. Far from the rural Wisconsin and Kansas surroundings of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s youth, urban Chicago of the same era is a different undertaking all-together.

In addition to learning about Emma’s day-to-day work as an investigator and the growing knowledge of crime-solving, Ms. Mullins provides readers with delightful recipes with well-written instructions (and modern measurements thankfully!)

Emma is a character whose gumption and grit, persistence and integrity set her apart. She’s at once a heroine and an ingenue. It helps to keep a dictionary nearby while reading.

Tags: Notebook Mysteries, Decisions and Possibilities, Kimberly Mullins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Historical

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