Move over, Davey and Derek? Or maybe not… The duo is back, and the girls and boys are taking the world by the horns with another thrilling adventure! The haunted house! The mysterious ghost! The undying friendship! Good life lessons! And no more bullying!

Abby and Holly are cousins. The girls were first introduced in Book 5 of the Davey and Derek Junior Detectives series.

Janice Spina has beautifully blended two separate series in her new book, which is meant to entertain and educate middle grade readers. This time she sent two girls to solve a mystery that was quite intriguing. While trying to be just normal students, team members are dealing with serious issues so common for sixth graders: jealousy, intolerance, and bullying. The story is fun and adventurous, but the author smartly implants very important seeds that touch on problems so familiar for a middle school audience.

In this new book, Abby and Holly team up with their friends Davey and Derek, two shy but very experienced young detectives. The team needs to find out who is sabotaging one of their classmates, Justine, who plans her sixth grade school dance. Fearing that the girl is being bullied, the team members work closely with each other and their friends.

The story is sweet. It flows smoothly, just like other books from this wonderful author, which manages to surprise the young readers with perfectly developed characters and a wise plot. Even if the readers haven’t had the chance to get familiar with the Davey and Derek series, they won’t feel lost or have a hard time connecting the new story to Davey and Derek. And just like me, I hope the girls and boys will jump into the new adventures with a touch of fantasy, mystery, and some stronger feelings like love, forgiveness, and being kind to each other.

“Abby and Holly: School Dance” is one of those books that will make children feel good about themselves. The lessons of friendship and kindness are nicely incorporated into a fun story, which will put a smile on children’s faces. Trouble. Solution. Sweet first love. Friendship. And kindness. All of these qualities are in one book for young readers to enjoy. Yes, Justine is bullied, but she has a strong group of friends behind her, which helps her to overcome the fear of bullies. And with the help of her friends, the bullies may change their attitude too.

I am delighted that this book carries strong messages about the importance of being compassionate, kind, loving and accepting. It teaches teens to remember how they would feel if their places were reversed. Another entertaining and teaching series for middle schoolers by Janice Spina!

* I received this book as a gift from the author and chose to review it without compensation.

Reviewed by children’s author Mrs. D