Connect the Dots by Keith Calabrese*

I read this newest book by Mr. Calabrese to my ten-year-old son.  Most nights he would beg me to keep reading even though it was late, and he was tired!

In the prologue, the reader witnesses the adult characters twenty-five earlier.  Many of the seemingly insignificant events offer the reader vital background to the main story.  

A missing genius.  An allergic reaction.  A dog walking job.  Mathematical formulas.  All somehow connect!

Oliver and Frankie, sixth graders, are adjusting to middle school and both are dealing with issues at home.  Oliver's dad left his mom for a younger woman while Frankie feels taken for granted as his parents are consumed with work and often ask him to watch his out-of-control twin brothers.  A new girl, Matilda, introduces them to a world of investigation and criminals.  She convinces Oliver that he is being followed and that the man who is dating his mom is dangerous.  

Little by little the three friends uncover secret identities and begin connecting events.   

The question to ponder-if one could control events in life with a mathematical formula, would one truly be happy?  

I especially like how the author does not insert agendas that are all too common in middle grade and young adult books.  He also has boys as the main characters with a fun girl, which makes it appealing to both genders.  So many books have strong female protagonists over admirable male protagonists.  

Mr. Calabrese writes a solid, exciting story with likable characters.  

*Highly recommend.

-We own this book.