A review by tcbueti
The Harlem Charade, by Natasha Tarpley
4.0
Although this title suffers from a few plotting issues, it's an interesting mystery and an even more interesting look at an important neighborhood and time. This also speaks to the power and importance of art.
Jin has to do a school project on her neighborhood, and she's stumped. Several ideas appeal to her and then she comes across Alex, a mysterious girl who hands out free Metrocards and collects donations for a food pantry. Maybe they could do something about that? Adding Elvin (who's homeless since his grandfather was attacked in the park where a painting by a Harlem Renaissance artist was found) cements their goal: solving the mystery of the attack and the paintings becomes their project and mission. Along the way, they save the neighborhood form unscrupulous developers. And become friends.
The author has done a good job of introducing the Harlem Renaissance and its main characters, without bogging down the story, and the controversy about the "Harlem on My Mind" exhibit is thought-provoking. The idea of preserving a neighborhood, and that not all change is progress, is an important one for kids to consider. Jin's close adoptive family (protective grandparents) and their bodega are charming; Elvin and his sick mom and newly discovered grandfather, and Alex's desire to distance herself from her wealthy family all add interesting story wrinkles. Although the bad guys are bumbling, there's still real suspense as the kids search for information.
Jin has to do a school project on her neighborhood, and she's stumped. Several ideas appeal to her and then she comes across Alex, a mysterious girl who hands out free Metrocards and collects donations for a food pantry. Maybe they could do something about that? Adding Elvin (who's homeless since his grandfather was attacked in the park where a painting by a Harlem Renaissance artist was found) cements their goal: solving the mystery of the attack and the paintings becomes their project and mission. Along the way, they save the neighborhood form unscrupulous developers. And become friends.
The author has done a good job of introducing the Harlem Renaissance and its main characters, without bogging down the story, and the controversy about the "Harlem on My Mind" exhibit is thought-provoking. The idea of preserving a neighborhood, and that not all change is progress, is an important one for kids to consider. Jin's close adoptive family (protective grandparents) and their bodega are charming; Elvin and his sick mom and newly discovered grandfather, and Alex's desire to distance herself from her wealthy family all add interesting story wrinkles. Although the bad guys are bumbling, there's still real suspense as the kids search for information.