A Sea Monster Conundrum

Gr 3-7–Olive Cobin Zang, once weird and awkward at her old school, now fits in with her motley gang of misfits at RASCH, the acclaimed Reforming Arts School for the Artistically Adventurous. Olive and the other four misfits continue to serve as the youngest members of the super-secret crime-fighting group NOCK (which stands for “no one can know”). Each member has unique characteristics, which makes them a perfect team, such as James the encyclopedia and unflappable Phil the inventor of their lifesaving gadgets, including Stink Spray. Their personalities allow readers to differentiate the crew and make them more believable, relatable characters. After mysterious “ghost” sightings at the school and rumors of a sea monster in San Francisco Bay nicknamed Frannie spark mass hysteria, it’s up to the ragtag group to unravel fact from fiction. The misfits must determine whether Frannie is an elaborate hoax or a creature that needs protection from an evil billionaire seeking its capture. Lee’s third “The Misfits” book is full of humorous language and zany concepts (like an in-ear communicator that resembles ear wax) that savvy kids will love. The plot takes some unexpected turns that will keep readers guessing and eager to get to the surprising conclusion. The NOCK group is diverse, and protagonist Olive is of white and Chinese descent.