Searching for Yesterday.

Deborah Dowson is a Canaadian children’s librarian in North Wales,
Pennsylvania.

Shelby decides to try to get to know her reclusive classmate Annie Berkley. Annie tells Shelby that she was abandoned by her mother then lived with her grandmother until she was placed in foster homes. Annie would like to find her mother and also find out who her father is. Shelby is immediately caught up in the prospect of a mystery to investigate, and soon Annie agrees to begin to search for her mother. As Shelby and Annie start to follow the few clues that they have, Annie is forced to think deeply about her past and begins to question some of her assumptions about her mother. The story of what happened to Annie’s mother is echoed in the story of Shelby’s friend Betts, who, despite Shelby’s concern, continues in a risky relationship that ultimately brings her harm.

Teen girls looking for a good mystery that isn’t too scary will enjoy this title very much. The story is focused on relationships and characters as much as it is on the mystery unravelling. The themes of friendship and responsibility and what constitutes family are strong and thought-provoking. Shelby is a role model who tries to make responsible, moral choices in her life, but when she also takes risks to uncover the mystery it makes for an exciting climax. The bittersweet ending holds a moral lesson that fits well with the story. This would also be a good selection for reluctant teen readers. Recommended.