Author | R. A. Spratt |
---|---|
Cover artist | Lilly Piri |
Country | Australia |
Language | English |
Genre | Children's novel |
Published | 2014 ( Random House Australia) |
Media type | Print ( paperback) |
Pages | 248 |
ISBN | 9781742759623 |
OCLC | 969822948 |
Followed by | Friday Barnes, Under Suspicion |
Friday Barnes, Girl Detective is a 2014 Children's novel by R. A. Spratt. It is about an 11-year-old girl, Friday, who uses her detecting skills to solve mysteries at her boarding school.
A review in Kirkus Reviews of Friday Barnes wrote "Spratt begins this new series with a nifty, engaging protagonist who can keep readers laughing and help young geeks feel good about themselves.", and complimented Gosier's illustrations, [1] while Reading Time was somewhat critical of the apparent contradiction between its young reader format and older reader language. [2]
Common Sense Media and Booklist (that gave a star review) were both complimentary. [3] [4]
Friday Barnes has also been reviewed by Publishers Weekly (star review), [5] BookPage, [6] The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, [7] Australian Literacy Educators' Association, [8] School Library Journal, [9] Horn Book Guide Reviews, [10] and School Library Connection. [11]
Entertainment Weekly in its 2016 list of best middle-grade books gave Friday Barnes an honorable mention. [12]
the book poses something of a conundrum as the cover illustration, the large typeface and generous line spacing all suggest a novel for younger readers while much of the language suggests a book for older, more experienced readers.
a fun romp
A sheer delight.
Spratt's (the Nanny Piggins series) effortlessly funny narration will keep readers laughing from start to finish
Spratt's characters are entertaining, although she relies too heavily on boarding-school stereotypes of both students and teachers. .. Spratt's writing is nonetheless snappy and smart, and her clever plotting moves the action right along.
Spratt has her tongue firmly in her cheek with this middle-grade homage to genius detectives, .. Black and white illustrations have a cartoony vibe with the multicultural cast sporting wide eyes and sharp angles.
This book is bound to appeal to many middle and upper primary readers .. It is a gentle story with likable characters and a well-paced plot.
A good choice for voracious readers who enjoy a blend of humor and mystery.
Friday's creative sleuthing and amusingly odd classmates are brought to life by angular black-and-white cartoon illustrations that nicely complement her humor and heart.
This novel is very clever, extremely funny, and thoroughly enjoyable. Students will be looking forward to Friday Barnes' next adventure!
If any young detective were to follow in Sherlock Holmes' footsteps, it would be Splatt's titular character.