Reading Metrics
Description
Jessica searches for the source of the rumors about her. This series was created by Francine Pascal.
Quick Summary
For kids who enjoy a quick, school-based mystery with a hint of humor and a splash of suspense, "The Stolen Diary" is a solid choice. Jessica finds herself at the center of a gossip storm and decides to hunt down who's behind the rumors, leading her into a series of cleverly hidden clues, a few pranks, and plenty of relatable middle-school moments. The story moves at a steady pace, and the diary format gives it a personal feel that pulls readers in, while the 35-k-word length makes it a perfect fit for a weekend read or a book report. There's a little light scariness and some honest lessons about friendship and honesty, but nothing too intense, so parents can feel comfortable with the content. If your child liked the diary-style humor of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or the gossip-driven plots of "The Princess Diaries," they'll likely click with this one. It comes from Francine Pascal's series, so fans of Sweet Valley will recognize the upbeat, diary-style storytelling.