This book is about 3 students from different schools who get an invitation to a scavenger hunt, but not is all as it seems. There were some things that I really liked about this book. I enjoyed all the different ways of writing - lists of clues, texts between drivers, chalkboard etc. I find that really adds interest to a book. I really enjoyed the drivers and their relationships with the kids.
I didn't like that the clues seemed very obscure and I didn't find it realistic that these kids would be able to solve these. Also I don't know a lot about Chicago and they were very specific to the city. I didn't really connect with all of the characters and I think they could have been developed a bit more, but overall I think middle school readers will enjoy this book. ( )

A feel-good, Chicago-centric MG novel about 3 clever but trouble-prone kids who foil thier adult wannabe-exploiter. ( )

Recommended Ages: Gr. 4-7

Plot Summary: Three students receive a letter at their school about a scholarship. Although it baffles all three schools because these students aren't typically the recipients of these types of opportunities, all three students go to the meeting. There they sign a contract saying they won't discuss the scholarship with ANYONE. They each receive a debit card, a personal driver, and a flip phone, even though smart phones are already out. They each want to win the scholarship for their own reasons, but they go about it very different ways. Each kid receives three clues and is told if they are the first person to solve the clues, take a picture of the location in Chicago, and report back to Mr. Smith, they could win $10,000.

Melissa seems to want it the most. She doesn't have internet at her house and has to use her elderly neighbors computer when she wants to search something. That's hard when the clues don't make any sense. She doesn't believe it's even a real scholarship anymore, but just for fun, she starts to ask everyone she meets about one of the things written in the clue. When someone knows what she's talking about, she finally tries harder, but she sure resists using that chauffeur, especially since she's not allowed to have anyone with her and she's always watching her little brother after school. What should she do?

Wilf doesn't seem interested in solving the clues at all, especially when he discovers there a debit card and personal chauffeur. He makes a list of all the things he wants to do in Chicago, including the aquarium, zoo, ferris wheel at Navy Pier, and a hot dog taste test. His chauffeur gives him the nudge to solve the clues, but will he put in any effort to win?

Bondi is on the fast track to solving the clues. He knows the first one right away and is swiftly and confidently making progress. Is he the first to solve the clues? Will he win?

Setting: Chicago

Characters:
Melissa - chauffeur Dimitri Omar
Wilf - chaufferu Frank Jennings
Bondi - chauffeur Inez Castillo
Mr. Butler & Mr. Smith - leading the scholarship

Recurring Themes: competition, struggle, scholarship, scavenger hunt, solve clues, teamwork, independence, work ethic, credibility

Controversial Issues:
pg 132 - hell

Personal Thoughts: For a book with very little character development, I really, really enjoyed this one. Maybe because I've been to quite a few places named in the book but probably because it was well written. I was able to suspend my disbelief that all three kids could be so independent without the knowledge of their parents, who weren't characters at all.

Genre: mystery

Pacing: fast
Characters: very little character development
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity: ( )

When Melissa, Wilf, and Bondi are chosen as the three students to compete in a scholarship competition for 10,000, it catches the people who know them and themselves by surprise. When meeting Mr. Smith and Butler they are given rules, a set of unique clues, a driver, and a cell phone & credit card. The clues are tricky, requiring them to do some research and explore Chicago for the answers. When they start to question the competition, they risk breaking the rules to contact each other and figure out what is really going on.
A fun, mystery with engaging characters and a good dose of Chicago history thrown in. ( )

Set in Chicago (and those who know the city will enjoy this more), three not-so-stellar middle school students are chosen to participate in a scholarship contest. There are puzzles to solve but all is not as it seems. The three end up joining forces and solving an unexpected mystery.
The puzzle solving aspect of the story is not as all-consuming as other books of this type. For me, that is a plus. The three students are a hoot, and in the end this is a great friendship story. ( )