Smoke Screen/Burned cover

Smoke Screen/Burned

Author: Holl, Kristi

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 4.3
Points 4.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 25240
Points per Word 0.000158
Page Count 123
Points per Page 0.03252

Description

When a mysterious explosion in the lab at the private Landmark School for Girls sends Jeri McKane's lab partner, Abby Wright, to the hospital, Jeri's sleuthing nose smells more than just smoke. Book #3

Quick Summary

Jeri McKane's third adventure plunges her into a smoky mystery when a lab explosion at her private all-girls school lands her lab partner in the hospital, and she's sure the incident isn't just a random accident. The story mixes a fast-moving detective plot with a relatable school setting, so readers who enjoy solving puzzles alongside a quick-witted teen will find themselves hooked despite the short length. There's a little bit of tension from the explosion and a brief hospital scene, but the overall tone stays light and fun, with Jeri's humor keeping the scares manageable for the MG crowd. If you've ever imagined yourself as the kid who figures out what really happened in the science lab, this book gives that thrill without heavy gore or dark themes. It's a great pick for fans of mysteries like Encyclopedia Brown or the school-based twists of The Mysterious Benedict Society, especially for reluctant readers who want a quick, satisfying read.