My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun and exciting children's chapter book that will entertain older readers, too!
Far Out! is the new children's historical mystery by author Anne Bustard that will also entertain and delight older readers. With the main character, Magnolia Jean Crook, and her best guy pal, Nick Lawless, on the case of the missing meteorite, everything is sure to work out fine.
The story's setting is in the small town of Totter, Texas, in November 1964. LBJ is President, and America is smack in the middle of the space race. I loved the idea of the town capitalizing on the country's fascination with all things space and alien with not only the festival but the decorations around town, simple and spectacular (the spaced-out dolls on the square were a hoot and probably one of my favorite images of all time!)MJ and Nick are sure to appeal to readers of all ages, and there are plenty of other named characters to get to know. I enjoyed the small-town vibe of everyone knowing everyone else. I was surprised by Mimi's official arrest even though I understood the reasoning behind it, trying to treat all suspects equally. A quibble, though, the Miranda Warning issued by the arresting deputy in the story was not in use until after 1966 and, frankly, not in wide or consistent practice at the local level well into the 70s.
I enjoyed the mystery the two new young sleuths pursue and how they worked their investigation into their daily activities. MJ's use of questions and comments she's heard used on TV detective shows was fun and made me laugh. The issue of dementia will resonate with many readers. Chapters are compact and of convenient lengths, perfectly sized for young readers.With its pair of relatable young sleuths, nostalgic mid-60s timeframe, small-town Texas ambiance, and the unique and appealing underlying subject matter of visitors from outer space, I recommend FAR OUT! to readers of all ages but especially upper elementary school-aged readers looking for an exciting yet approachable chapter book.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.