Smart Cookie, Elly Swartz (Book Review)

Summary: Smart Cookie

Frankie Green is on the hunt for a mom. It’s been years since her mom died and her dad hasn’t even dated anyone yet (to her knowledge at least). So she sets up a dating website profile for him and begins to interview the women behind his back, hoping to find just the right fit. So far, she hasn’t had much success. Her best friend is keeping her busy with his investigations into the presence of ghosts in her family’s BnB and Frankie is forced to do a school project with a former friend. As if that isn’t enough, she can’t help feeling like her Gram and Dad are hiding secrets. Is Frankie enough of a smart cookie to figure things out?

The Good

Simply holding my attention from start to finish is enough to make this book worth reading. I also liked Frankie’s character and sympathized with her desire to have a “complete” family. This is another book set in a bed and breakfast (a setting I love) so I liked seeing the daily going and comings even though the business was financially challenged.

Frankie’s grief over her mother runs through this story, but because she lost her mom so young, it’s mostly pleasant memories relayed from her Gram and dad. The interviews with women interested in her dad were much-needed comic relief and it was funny to see Frankie’s elimination criteria. I loved several of the narrative arcs in this book, including Frankie’s friendship with Jess and Gram’s secret. I thought the ghost sub-plot was unnecessary and prolonged.

Overall: Smart Cookie

Smart Cookie is a warm, family-centered middle grade book about finding family, dealing with the loss of a parent, and cultivating friendships. Set in a cozy BnB, this one will appeal to fans of middle grade books set in motels. It tackles sweet, universal themes like dealing with family changes that make it appropriate for younger middle grade readers.