Quid Pro Quo

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

Cyril’s mom was 15 and living on the street when he was born, but
since then she has made her way through law school and passed the bar
exam. Cyril learned a lot about law at his mom’s night classes when
she couldn’t afford a sitter. Things are going pretty well now that
his mom has a position articling for a lawyer who does mostly
immigration work. That is, until a seemingly shady character from her
past shows up and moves in with them. Before Cyril can find out what is
behind this, both his mom and her old friend Byron disappear. Cyril
knows the authorities would take him away if they knew he had been left
alone, so he tries to solve the mystery himself. He uses his knowledge
of the law along with a few clues his mother left behind to discover the
truth, track down the culprit, and rescue his mother.

Cyril is aware that his mom is extremely unconventional. She smokes,
curses, eats junk food, and is continually losing her keys and her
temper. He calls her “insane” but also admires her social conscience
and feisty attitude. Cyril is a joker who can laugh at himself and his
situation even in the most dire circumstances. The strong yet quirky
characters, humorous situations, and suspenseful plot combine to make
this an entertaining novel for young teens. Recommended.