Room One: a mystery or two

How does he do it? Andrew Clements violates just about every rule of story-writing, especially kid story writing, here. There is no villain, not even a minor-league bully, in sight. The adults are knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. There's no death-defying drama or histrionics. Just good people helping where they can, some ethical dilemmas, a little bit of mystery, a delightfully unpredictable but realistic ending -- and it's an absolutely enthralling, can't-put-it-down page-turner that will have readers smiling throughout, when they're not a bit choked up.

By carefully examining his characters and their motives, Clements makes these people absolutely believable, in a way that makes you think the people you know might just behave like this too in similar circumstances. Ted, in particular, disproves all the old saws about good characters being dull -- he is absolutely mesmerizing, perhaps because his goodness is so modest, uncertain, and carefully considered and decided upon. Ted isn't just nice -- he chooses to do right after reflection, his character and principles are the result of determination, not accident, and he recognizes his mistakes and flaws. Who knew that watching an ordinary kid try to act on his beliefs could be so enjoyable? Apparently Andrew Clements did.