Capture the Flag
by Kate Messner
ISBN 978-0-545-41974
Summary:
Three tweens, who have never met, end up at the same party at the Smithsonian Museum of American History's celebration. The do not become friends until the next day when they are trapped in a snowed in airport and they learn that the flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner" has been stolen. Anna is convinced the flag is somewhere at the airport and she convinces Jose and Henry to join her in searching for it. They encounter some sinister characters, an over the top politician, and a super friendly dog named Hammurabi while searching for the flag.
My Impressions:
This is a fantastic middle level, contemporary mystery novel. The three main characters, Anna, Jose, and Henry, are all very realistic and relatable. I love that Jose carries around a backpack full of Harry Potter novels and that Henry would rather be playing video games. These kids are not perfect nor are they overly damaged; they are just regular kids. The plot is predictable (for grown-ups) and it's easy to guess who the bad guy is, but that didn't make me want to put the book down. The story takes place in two different, but fascinating settings: the Smithsonian Museum of American History and the airport, including a few trips behind the scenes of the baggage handling system. The story is also humorous such as this bit about Anna's dad: "The notes 'Hail to the Chief' rang out from his pocket, and he pulled out his phone. 'Hold on, this is Mom. . . . Hey, what's up?" (p. 98).
Professional Reviews:
Three preteens are in Washington, DC, to view the flag that inspired the "Star Spangled Banner," which had recently been restored. Anna Revere-Hobbs, a budding reporter and daughter of one of Vermont's senators, is looking for a scoop. She hopes to land an interview with presidential hopeful Senator Robert Snickerbottom, but he isn't interested. Henry Thorn doesn't want to be in DC at all, but he's stuck visiting his Aunt Lucinda while his newly married father honeymoons. José McGilligan's scientist mother has been away for three weeks working on the restoration project. He has missed her terribly and he's hoping his life will return to normal now. Unfortunately, the flag is stolen during the night, and his mother has been detained since she was one of the last to view it. The three meet at the airport as they jockey for available outlets to recharge their electrical devices. A fierce snowstorm is about to strand everyone. As news dribbles in, Anna begins to suspect that the flag is somewhere in the airport and convinces the two boys to help her sniff out some clues. As they do, they learn that each of them has historical pedigree and a parent who is a member of a secret organization called the Silver Jaguar Society.. Think of a "39 Clues" /National Treasure mash-up. There's plenty of action, suspense, and red herrings to keep eager mystery fans turning pages despite a rather buffoonish presidential candidate and huge holes in security at our nation's capital no less. As usual, Messner creates believable characters, nails the dialogue, and deftly weaves history and humor into the mix.
Kahn, B. (2012). Capture the Flag. School Library Journal, 58(10), 145-146.
Having Fun in the Library:
I would have the students individually write a newspaper story about the theft of the American flag. This would include a lead, the 5 W's and quotes from people involved with the story. They could type the stories on the computers and then I could print them and hand them either in the library or in the hallway.
Messner, K. (2012). Capture the flag. New York: Scholastic Inc.
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