BOOK BRIEF

Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man

Wendelin Van Draanen
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Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1824

Book Brief

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Wendelin Van Draanen

Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1824
Book Details
Pages

212

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Santa Martina • 1990s

Publication Year

1824

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

820L

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Super Short Summary

In Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man, a person named Sammy Keyes, a curious young detective, investigates a mysterious crime involving a robbery and a peculiar character known as the Skeleton Man. This adventure is set in a small town filled with intriguing characters and unexpected challenges, testing Sammy's wit and determination to uncover the truth.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Humorous

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

2,865 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man by Wendelin Van Draanen captivates with its intriguing mystery and lively protagonist. Readers praise the clever plot and engaging narrative but note that the pacing can waver. The book appeals to young readers with its mix of humor and suspense, though some may find character development limited. Overall, a delightful and adventurous read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man?

A reader who enjoys Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man appreciates quirky, strong-willed teen detectives. Fans of Harriet the Spy and Encyclopedia Brown will find this mystery engaging, relishing clever wit and unpredictable adventures with a relatable, intrepid protagonist in a small-town setting.

4.4

2,865 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man is the second book in the Sammy Keyes series by Wendelin Van Draanen, which features a spunky teenage sleuth known for her adventures and detective skills.

The series by Wendelin Van Draanen received the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Children's Mystery for Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief, the first book in the series.

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Wendelin Van Draanen, the author of the Sammy Keyes series, once stated that her inspiration for Sammy Keyes came from her own experiences and observations of middle school students while she was a teacher.

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Book Details
Pages

212

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Santa Martina • 1990s

Publication Year

1824

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

820L

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