The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher

“I thought I’d mastered the art of escape.” 

     This first line in The Wig in the Window, by Kristen Kittscher sets the reader up for a mystery filled with spying, suspense, intrigue, danger, and super-sleuths that just happen to be seventh graders.  Sophie and Grace, Agents Young and Yang, pride themselves as being the FBI's secret weapon, ready to crack open the most unsolvable cases.

     It’s on one of their midnight spy missions that they observe a neighbor, Dr. Agford conducting highly questionable activities.  Unfortunately she is also Sophie’s middle school counselor. Who’s going to believe the accusations of two twelve year olds against a highly respected school guidance counselor?  Not parents.  Not the police.  Maybe the FBI?  Or is the person who contacted them really the FBI?  Despite warnings to stay away from Agford, “she’s dangerous”, the girls can’t shake the feeling that there’s a dark side to her. They just have to find evidence for the proof.

     This book is a mystery that will have you guessing at each turn and twist of the plot.  Don’t get comfortable – just when you think you have it all figured out something completely unexpected happens and the story takes off in another direction!

      Reading this book also has the added benefit of learning more about another culture.  Sophie has immersed herself in the Chinese culture since meeting her best friend Grace who is of Asian descent.  Sophie makes frequent references to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and the importance of maintaining her chi as she works to solve the mystery of Dr. Agford.