Tales from Deckawoo Drive: Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo, illustrations by Chris Van Dusen. Candlewick Press, 9781536201819, 2021
Format: Hardcover, 104 pages
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Genre: Mystery
What did you like about the book? The sixth volume in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series can be read on its own as back-story, as supporting characters are explained. Fans of the Mercy Watson series will not be disappointed with Franklin Endicott. Franklin has nightmares, much to his dismay He worries about a plethora of things – armadillos, leprosy, black holes and much more. He tries numerous ways, including a worry notebook, to rid himself of these unwanted fears. Unexpectedly, he finds a key yet does not know what it unlocks; it’s a mystery that needs to be solved. Beloved characters such as the Lincoln sisters and Mercy herself make an appearance in this lighthearted tale. Once again, DiCamillo does a masterful job of assembling an eclectic group of eccentric characters that readers will love. The originality and humor of the tale is a bonus that will keep young readers enthralled. The storytelling style is engaging and will keep fans of her other tales turning pages to see what happens next.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Plot elements are predictable, sometimes a plus for beginning readers. Not a negative, some vocabulary used is well beyond the reading level of the intended audience.
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers in grades one to four who enjoy DiCamillo’s titles or humorous tales will enjoy this text.
Who should buy this book? This would be a good purchase for school or public libraries that cannot get enough Mercy Watson books.
Where would you shelve it? Fiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? I feel that this title would reside near the top of a “to read” pile.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Elena Schuck, Nathaniel H. Wixon School Library, Dennis, Massachusetts
Date of review: June 20, 2021
Youth Services Book Review 
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