As a middle school teacher, I thought this was a great book for middle grades. It has all the ingredients for a wonderful tale: great characters, adventure, mystery and a bit of humor. I loved both Lewis and Pearl and how their relationship developed. This book was also well written for that age group, not dumbed down but not too difficult. I will definitely look for the next in the series. I received a free copy in exchange for a review. ( )

I received this through LibraryThing Early Readers.

Pittsburgh, 1935 — times are tough for everyone.

Lewis Carter considers himself a “Streeter” due to his living habits. He is trying to find his father, who left home for a meeting and has never come back. Lewis has chosen this life over being an orphan and being swept into that world. Lewis has created a place to sleep and be safe.

He also has a “trick” to help make it easier to pinch food. He has a recipe from his Dad that creates a blinding blue flash. It is a distraction and makes it hard for people to dee what’s going on around them. This gives him a cover to steal. Rumour is the flash is created by the Flash Gang when these thefts occur.

Lewis meets up with Pearl Alice Clavell one day. Pearl has styled herself after Lola Lavender, a radio show heroine. Pearl wears a pink tutu, pink ballet slippers and pink ribbons in her hair. She lives with her Aunt Gimlick, as her father is off exploring, but Pearl has no affection for her aunt and her aunt has no affection for Pearl and spends her time involved with the local Nazi movement.

Lewis is kidnapped by a bull man named Scruggs. Scruggs has been hired to find the red book that contains the recipes Lewis’ father has developed. Lewis’ father is a professor in Chemistry – explosives stuff.

Pearl steps up to rescue Lewis in her klutzy way. At first Lewis doesn’t want anything to do with Pearl, but in time finds Pearl to be dedicated to helping Lewis find his dad.

The story is full of action and adventure. Kidnapping, espionage, trust, support, independence and more are found woven into the book. There were times that were close calls — but all was good! ( )

Eleven-year-old Lewis Carter is an orphan, a 'streeter,' in 1935 Great-Depression Pittsburgh. His father, an industrial chemist, disappeared some months ago while working to find something beneficial out of slag waste from steel mills. Lewis uses bits of his father's research to produce bright, harmeless explosions -- 'flashes,' which help him pinch food and supplies to survive on the streets, though his asthma slows him down. Unfortunately for him, nefarious characters want to find the secret formula. Fortunately for him, he encounters Pearl Alice Clavell, clad in a bright pink ballerina outfit, as they plunge into a whirlwind adventure with reporters and mobsters and Nazis worthy of radio heiress and heroine Lola Lavender herself. I really enjoyed this novel, and it did read somewhat like an old-time radio serial broadcast, with cliffhangers and narrow escapes and constant peril. There were calmer and more reflective moments too. Highly looking forward to the next one. ( )

A cute story for kids, it is well written and doesn't talk down to them. ( )

This book is a great story written for kids and a lovely start to a series. Lewis Carter is a well drawn character and one to root for once you meet him. Pearl Alice Clavell’s energy jumps off the page as she makes her appearance. The fact that they’re living in 1935 Pittsburgh creates a look at the Depression for children. All in all, it’s a clever book with great writing.