jennybeastie's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't quite work for me -- still like the diverse cast of kids and the reading level. Useful as a jumping off point to talk about prejudice. However, the final confrontation with the security guard just didn't read as realistic, and there were no real amends made for previous hurtful statements. Also, as much as the end of the book makes it seem likely that the accused boy was the culprit, he was never caught in the act, admitted anything or had any evidence linking him to the vandalism aside from proximity to damaged pieces. So in many ways, he was accused just like the other kids were, with no opportunity to answer the accusation. Troubling.
kpeninger's review against another edition
2.0
I tried so hard to love this series, but with this volume, I finally have to admit defeat. The mysteries are painfully simple, and the kids seem to suspect anyone they see, whether or not it makes any sense. There is no real depth to the characters. This volume, too, had characters who were openly Islamophobic, and yet not only were there no consequences for their cruelty to Amal, the narrative also seemed to absolve the characters. I was disappointed, ultimately.
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